Balkans Coast Explorer - From £1,642

Albania Europe
OVERVIEW
Discover the treasures of the Balkan Riviera on this unforgettable journey through Albania, Montenegro and Croatia. From Tirana to Dubrovnik, explore ancient towns, dramatic coastlines and cultural gems. Wander through Ottoman-era fortresses, cruise the Bay of Kotor and see the historic walls of Dubrovnik, soaking in the region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
EXPERIENCES
Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Specialist during a sightseeing walk. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls.

Fishtë: Enjoy a traditional lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, a family-run farm and restaurant in the village of Fishtë. Dishes are made using organic vegetables, house-made cheese and free-range meat, with wine and raki produced on site. Everything not grown on the farm is sourced from nearby families, supporting the wider community and celebrating Albania’s slow food traditions.

Kotor: Take in the stunning surroundings of the Bay of Kotor.

Perast: Take a boat ride across the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, where you'll step inside its legendary church with your Local Specialist.

Porto Palermo Bay: Albanian Riviera, views of Southern Adriatic & Ionian Seas, visit to Porto Palermo & Himare.

Porto Palermo Bay: Porto Palermo and step inside the 19th-century castle, built by an Ottoman Albanian ruler as a symbol of love for his wife, whilst taking in amazing views of the Ionian Sea.

Tirana: Head underground at Bunk’Art, a former communist bunker turned museum.

Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they share insights into life in the Albanian capital.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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02/04/2027 10/04/2027 £1,695   Book
16/04/2027 24/04/2027 £1,775   Book
30/04/2027 08/05/2027 £1,775   Book
14/05/2027 22/05/2027 £1,875   Book
28/05/2027 05/06/2027 £1,875   Book
11/06/2027 19/06/2027 £1,995   Book
25/06/2027 03/07/2027 £1,995   Book
09/07/2027 17/07/2027 £2,075   Book
23/07/2027 31/07/2027 £2,075   Book
06/08/2027 14/08/2027 £2,075   Book
20/08/2027 28/08/2027 £2,025   Book
03/09/2027 11/09/2027 £1,995   Book
17/09/2027 25/09/2027 £1,995   Book
01/10/2027 09/10/2027 £1,825   Book
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ITINERARY

A city of contrasts, Tirana welcomes you with bold colours, Ottoman relics and creative spirit. Get your bearings uncovering its hidden corners before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner in Albania’s lively capital.

Tirana’s layered history comes to life as you explore with your Local Specialist. See Skanderbeg Square, where Albania’s national hero takes centre stage, along with the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower. Then, head underground at Bunk’Art, a former communist bunker turned museum. This afternoon, explore at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to Kruja, the historic hometown of Skanderbeg, who led Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire.

Travel through the hills of central Albania, passing vineyards and farmland on the way to Berat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is known for its Ottoman-era houses stacked into the hillside, earning it the name ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. Visit the hilltop citadel before meeting Gladiola Çipi, where you’ll sample rose juice, rakija and Turkish Delight as she shares the customs and stories that have shaped her family’s life for generations. Continue to the coastal town of Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at Kantina & Ferma Dukat, a family-run farm where you’ll share a home-cooked Albanian meal made with ingredients from the land, including olives, cheese, byrek and wine from their own vineyard.

Set out from Vlorë for a day exploring the Albanian Riviera with your Local Specialist. Soak up the charm of Himarë and maybe take a dip at Spile Beach, shop for souvenirs or enjoy fresh local seafood. Then visit Porto Palermo and step inside the 19th-century castle, built by an Ottoman Albanian ruler as a symbol of love for his wife, whilst taking in amazing views of the Ionian Sea. After a day by the coast, it’s back to Vlorë for the evening.

Travel north from the Albanian Riviera into Montenegro, where rugged mountains frame the coast. Stop en route for a traditional lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, a family-run farm in Fishtë where organic produce, homemade cheese and wine from the vineyard come together to celebrate Albania’s slow food traditions. Continue to Budva, a coastal town known for its fortified Old Town and history as one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic. After checking in, there’s time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace — visit the Old Town, walk along the seafront or take in the local atmosphere.

Start your morning with a scenic boat ride across the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Join your Local Specialist to step inside its famed church and hear the legend behind this unique pilgrimage site. Explore the medieval town of Kotor, winding through its cobbled streets and ancient city walls. Back in Budva, the afternoon is yours. You could stroll through the charming old town and unwind on the beach.

This morning travel through coastal landscapes as you cross the border into Croatia and continue into the Dalmatian region. Join a guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik with a Local Specialist. Explore its centuries-old streets, admire views of the city walls and hear stories of the republic that once ruled these shores. You’ll have time to walk the ramparts or find some familiar scenes from Game of Thrones. This evening, you may choose to join an Optional Experience sunset cruise along the Dalmatian coastline, complete with dinner on board and views of the coast bathed in golden light.

Enjoy Dubrovnik your way. Head to the beach, hit the shops, or you might choose to join an Optional Experience to the nearby coastal town of Cavtat, with a chance to sample local wines. Tonight come together with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner to celebrate the highlights and memories of your trip.

With unforgettable memories of the Balkan Riviera, it’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik as you depart for your journey home.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Vlora International - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Vlora International - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Eurostars Queen of Montenegro - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Eurostars Queen of Montenegro - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: City - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: City - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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