Basix
18 to 35s
Essential Southern Balkans
4.9
Excellent
53 reviews
9 days
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Corfu, Greece
Trip Code
ZMYA
Min Age
18
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transport
Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)
From £862(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Visit the seldom-visited Gjirokaster in Albania and get your caffeine fix with a taste of the local Turkish coffee made ‘on the stone’ with a local guide.
Head to the Albanian Riviera and float in the sparkling waters of Himare’s hidden coves. Go on a speed boat tour to Pirate’s Cave and take refreshing swims in the coastal waters. Then, kick back in Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands.
Discover the walled cities of Kotor and the coastal town of Ulcinj, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to wander on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!
Descend into one of the world’s most peculiar contemporary art museums in Tirana – housed in an underground bunker built for the Albanian political elite.
Walk the walls of the Old City of medieval Dubrovnik and spot the film locations that have been used in worldwide blockbusters (if you loved Game of Thrones, this place might look a little familiar).
Is this trip right for you?
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential 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 for that season. Please note that only some of your hotels will have air conditioning, and it’s virtually non-existent on public transport.
Hotels in this region often don't have double beds. Rooms can be rather small and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential 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 for that season. Please note that only some of your hotels will have air conditioning, and it’s virtually non-existent on public transport.
Hotels in this region often don't have double beds. Rooms can be rather small and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
Itinerary
Medieval history, paradisical beaches and bucket list spots to kick back n’ relax
On this nine-day journey, say hello to the Southern Balkans. Steeped in medieval history, overflowing with colourful towns and blessed with a glistening coastline, this area has so much to see and do. From Dubrovnik, you’ll head to bucket list location Corfu – a Greek island where battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars are all rolled together. Discover Ulcinj and its medieval delights, explore the political history of Albania’s capital Tirana, lay beachside on the Albanian Riviera and try the local coffee in Gjirokaster with your new mates. Is this a whirlwind adventure or a slice of paradise?
Inclusions
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transport
Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)
Included activities
Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit
Himare - Local Boat Tour
Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House
Gjirokaster - Local Guide
Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'
Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress
Optional activities
Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
Dubrovnik - Sunset Sailing Trip - EUR64
Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR30
St Tryphon's Cathedral - Free
Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
Gjirokaster - Ismail Kadare's House - ALL200
Gjirokaster - Ethnographic Museum - ALL200
Corfu - Palaiopoli Archaeological Site - EUR4
Corfu - Mon Repos Summer Palace - EUR4
Corfu - Archaeological Museum - EUR6
Corfu - Corfu Fortifications - EUR5
Dates and availability
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Ending
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
2. Please provide your date of birth, nationality, passport number, and full name as per passport at the time of booking. This is mandatory to secure ferry tickets to Corfu. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure.
Reviews (51)
5 stars
47
4 stars
4
Natasha
Aug 07, 2025
A well organised trip with the perfect balance of travel, organised activities and free time. The time spent in Himare was a particular highlight. Nataljia was a perfect leader who genuinely cared for our welfare and dealt with any issues quickly and professionally
Leela
Jul 22, 2025
I cannot recommend this Intrepid Southern Balkans tour enough! Our tour guide, Natalija, was warm, approachable and knowledgeable and everyone in our group was friendly and fantastic. After wanting to visit Albania for years, I felt this tour gave me a perfect introduction to Albania and the greater Balkans region as a whole. Make sure to leave ample time for yourself to see Dubrovnik and Corfu in greater extent, as these are breath-taking destinations as well. Cannot wait to book my next Intrepid tour!
Drake
Jul 18, 2025
A fantastic and well organised trip for exploring the different sides of the Balkans, Natalija was a great leader - Hvala / Faleminderit
Ryan
Jul 17, 2025
Essential Southern Balkans was a great blend of everything you want out of a short trip to Europe. We spent time in the city, some time on the beach, and some time in smaller towns. There was plenty of time to experience history and culture, and also plenty of time to just relax. Most importantly, our guide Natalija was amazing and made the entire trip fun, engaging, organized, and thought provoking! Thank you Natalija!!
Jarrad
Jul 13, 2025
The tour was excellent providing a enjoyable introduction to the Balkans! Our tour leader Ante was excellent with his knowledge and help on the tour.
Jaime
Jul 05, 2025
This tour was incredible and so worth it. I love that we spent so much time in Albania, as it is such an underrated country. We did so many fun things, ate delicious food, saw incredible sights, and made great friends. Our tour guide Robert was the best!
Isabelle
Jun 27, 2025
An experience of a lifetime! Very well planned itinerary, going to unique spots with awesome activities scattered throughout! Cannot recommend this more.
Aimee
Jun 24, 2025
Best thing I’ve done! If you’re worried about being a solo traveller please don’t. You’ll make loads of lifelong friends. Natalija was a great guide and every place we went to was interesting. I liked that there was heaps of time to go off and do your own thing if that’s what you like. I’d recommend at least a couple of nights either side of the trip to really see Dubrovnik and Corfu
Jaida
Jun 12, 2025
Really excellent trip to give you a taste of the Balkans! The travel days aren’t too long and there’s plenty of swim days and beautiful scenery. Start of June was the perfect time to come to avoid crowds but still enjoy the weather!
Leah
Jun 11, 2025
This trip was the perfect glimpse at the beautiful balkans! We had perfect weather and the best people in our small group of 8. Marija was truely the best guide I could’ve asked for😁🍦
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