Original
Explorer
Dubrovnik to Athens
4.8
Excellent
circle89 reviews
location_on 15 days
location_on
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
location_on
Finish
Athens, Greece
tour
Trip Code
ZMSM
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
restaurant_menu
Meals
14 breakfasts
airport_shuttle
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi, Boat, Train
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel with ensuite facilities (1 night)
From £2,712(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik and Montenegro’s Kotor, climbing along their ancient city walls.
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Loose yourself in Tirana, Albania's colourful capital, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.
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Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction; nobody would want to let it go!
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Hike the slopes of Mt Olympus, the ancient seat of the 12 Greek gods. According to mythology Zeus unleashed his thunderbolts from one of Olympus' peaks.
Is this trip right for you?
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The Balkan peninsula is very hilly and mountainous, so many steps are a feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines, so packing light is recommended. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find the Balkan's topography very demanding.
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Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable, especially as many of the transport options and accommodations we use will not have air-conditioning. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
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Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than en-suite, and many accommodations in this part of the world do not have air-conditioning.
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On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
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If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Dubrovnik to Santorini’ (trip code ZMSEC). This trip continues on to explore the beautiful Cycladic Islands, ending on stunning Santorini. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
verified
The Balkan peninsula is very hilly and mountainous, so many steps are a feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines, so packing light is recommended. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find the Balkan's topography very demanding.
verified
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable, especially as many of the transport options and accommodations we use will not have air-conditioning. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
verified
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than en-suite, and many accommodations in this part of the world do not have air-conditioning.
verified
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
verified
If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Dubrovnik to Santorini’ (trip code ZMSEC). This trip continues on to explore the beautiful Cycladic Islands, ending on stunning Santorini. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
Itinerary
Experience the seaside charm and Balkan countryside, from Dubrovnik to Athens.
This European adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania – creating the perfect balance between old and new. Hang out in Dubrovnik's Old Town, cruise around Lake Ohrid, hike the foot hills of Mt Olympus and in Pelister National Park, and sample some regional specialties in Greece's capital. You’ll experience the Adriatic coastline and the Balkans interior on a 15-day regional wrap from Dubrovnik to Athens. With a curated selection of inclusions and plenty of free time, this slice of Europe is all yours to explore.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Dubrovnik
- DAY 2Day 2 • Kotor
- DAY 3Day 3 • Tirana
- DAY 4Day 4 • Kruja / Tirana
- DAY 5Day 5 • Berat
- DAY 6Day 6 • Lake Ohrid
- DAY 7Day 7 • Lake Ohrid
- DAY 8Day 8 • Skopje
- DAY 9Day 9 • Matka Canyon / Skopje
- DAY 10Day 10 • Pelister National Park / Bitola
- DAY 11Day 11 • Kastoria
- DAY 12Day 12 • Litochoro
- DAY 13Day 13 • Mt Olympus National Park / Litochoro
- DAY 14Day 14 • Athens
- DAY 15Day 15 • Athens
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
14 breakfasts
airport_shuttle Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi, Boat, Train
bed Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel with ensuite facilities (1 night)
festival Included activities
circleShkoder - Rozafa Castle
circleKruja - Day Trip
circleKruja - Skanderbeg Museum
circleKruja - Fortress Visit
circleBerat - Walking tour with a local guide
circleBerat - Castle Visit
circleOhrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
circleSkopje - Matka Canyon visit and Boat Ride
circleDihovo - Beekeeper farm visit and lunch
circleMt Olympus National Park - Orlias Waterfall Hike
museum Optional activities
circleDubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
circleDubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
circleDubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
circleDubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
circleDubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
circleDubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
circleDubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
circleDubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
circleDubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR30
circleKotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
circleKotor - Fortress - EUR3
circleKotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
circleKotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
circleTirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
circleTirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
circleTirana - National History Museum - ALL700
circleTirana - Bunk'Art Gallery - ALL500
circleTirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car - ALL1000
circleOhrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
circleOhrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
circleOhrid: Old bazaar street - Free
circleSkopje - Museum of the City of Skopje - Free
circleSkopje - Kale Fortress - Free
circleSkopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD120
circleSkopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
circleBitola Museum - MKD100
circleKastoria - Open Museum - EUR5
circleLitochoro - Agios Dionysios Monastery - Free
circleLitochoro - Plaka Beach - Free
circleAthens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
circleAthens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR15
circleAthens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
circleAthens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
circleAthens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
circleAthens - Taste of Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
circleAthens - Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
circleAthens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Saturday Sep 20, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left
£3,031
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Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Saturday Sep 27, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,926
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Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Saturday Sep 20, 2025
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£3,388
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Saturday Sep 27, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£2,926
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Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Saturday Oct 18, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£3,014
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Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Saturday Oct 25, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£2,822
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Saturday Apr 18, 2026
Saturday May 02, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,849
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Saturday Apr 25, 2026
Saturday May 09, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,849
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Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,080
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Saturday May 02, 2026
Saturday May 16, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,965
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Saturday May 09, 2026
Saturday May 23, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,965
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Saturday May 16, 2026
Saturday May 30, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£2,965
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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2. There is not much time in Dubrovnik on this trip, so you may want to consider arriving a few days earlier to make sure you are not missing out on everything that this beautiful city has to offer.
Reviews (87)
5 stars
77
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
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Martin
Jul 21, 2025
Dubrovnic to Athens. This trip was everything I expected and more. The pace is brisk and the traveler here must be flexible. Many of these countries are still developing. Be patient. Amazingness is all around you. Take it in.
Our guide Robert was amazing; sharp, articulate, funny, self-aware, efficient. a real pro. It would not have been half the trip without him.
A note to the those considering this trip: bring stout shoes. I cannot stress this enough. The terrain is as rugged - and as beautiful - as the locals. Steep steps of uneven cobblestone at every turn. But do go. Give your love to the Balkan people.
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GREG
Jul 20, 2025
The travel through the Balkans, from Dubrovnik to Athens, was an eye opener. The subtleties between the countries and people can only be experienced, not read about. Every one very welcoming and the food incredible. Can’t wait to travel again.
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Kirstine
Jul 16, 2025
The Balkans trip we did was mindblowing. So much history and complexity, which George (group leader) enlightened us about. The food was fantastic, the people friendly, the small group gave flexibility to change the itinerary if we wanted to. My husband and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Thanks George - you did an outstanding job and helped make memories of a lifetime.
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Gary
Jul 04, 2025
Such a great trip. Always the the wonderful unknown who is on your trip. The important factor is that your fellow travellers think the same. Enjoy.
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Vicki
Jun 24, 2025
Intrepid tour Dubrovnik to Athens, small group tour, good inclusions enough time to explore on your own, accommodation great, our tour leader Ivica ensured we had an enjoyable and cultural experience.
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Linda
Jun 24, 2025
An excellent trip for anyone wanting to travel beyond the usual tourist routes. Couldn’t fault our guide, who was a fountain of knowledge- even pointing out which ATMs NOT to use!
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Peter
Jun 22, 2025
My first Intrepid tour and yes, wow, I'll be booking many more. Well organised and an interesting and varied itinerary through the Balkans. Outstanding tour leader and a great group of like-minded people.
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Tanya
Jun 10, 2025
Would highly recommend travelling with Intrepid. They are well organised very informative and great tours
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Bede
Jun 04, 2025
The trip was so well organized, fun, loads of activities and the perfect tour guide. Just do it and you too will create lasting memories.
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Bernie
May 20, 2025
The Dubrovnik to Athens trip was a fantastic experience
Bashkim our leader was fully knowledgeable of the history and culture of all the countries we visited
His Albanian background complimented his friendliness, inclusivity and caring at all times. This trip is a must do.