Duration: 14 Days
Time travel on this escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Split!
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday —from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Cruise ship from Dubrovnik to Split
- Services of the Tour Director end on day 7
Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Art Covers Rock
TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk'Art (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The architecture of this city has aspects of all periods of time. From the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the style of construction during the dictatorship tell a vibrant story of this city. Visit the site of Bunk'Art. Once serving as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, this sprawling stone bunker is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery.
A Shore Thing
VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Skadar lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. When it formed millions of years ago it was just a bay off the Adriatic. However, with erosion and changes to the landscape, the former bay transformed into a lake which offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.
Former Capitals & Coastal Towns
CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.
KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.
BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant (B,D) 106mi / 170 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
Jewel of the Mediterranean
PERAST Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a man-made tiny Island on the way to Kotor city for a guided walking tour that includes all the famous sights of this little town. Free time for lunch. (B) 71 mi / 115km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGEND & FAITH The legend has it that on a summery evening in July 1452, two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the sea- cliff. They brought it home with them but the following morning it was gone and appeared back on the same sea- cliff. The same thing happened over and over so they understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever so they build a church. A small island was then made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff.
A King's Landing
DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.
KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 37 mi / 60 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE It isn't hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector's Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.
Above the Gates
DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. Return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who wants to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect - its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon.
Safe Harbour
Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls, then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop.
SLANO Explore the town's long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time before returning to the vessel. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach, with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries.
Myths & Marvels
MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mijet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him.
Marco Polo Found
KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days.
On the Waterfront
VIS Free time to explore the island. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FREE TIME TIP In the 4th-century B.C., The island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base-until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island. Spend some time tasting some exquisite local wines or visiting the remains of the Roman thermal baths, City Museum, or by simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae along the waterfront.
Island Beauties
BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting)
HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theatre in Europe (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands.
Blue Heaven
BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni Rat
SPLIT Guided tour of the city (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Zlatni rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool.
Safe travels until we meet again! Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
