Basix
18 to 35s
Essential Southern Balkans
9 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
39 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 £995(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.
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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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 (35)
5 stars
32
4 stars
3
Beth
Oct 08, 2024
The best trip ever! Great combination of relaxing and sightseeing
Alice
Sep 30, 2024
I highly recommend this trip! The Balkans are such a wonderful area with incredible people. The itinerary is a good mixture of learning about the history and culture of the area and exploring the beautiful destinations. You won’t regret visiting Albania!
Rebecca
Sep 30, 2024
Amazing sights, history and great food. Would recommend to anyone. And Lucija was a great guide.
Jack
Sep 30, 2024
Lucija was the perfect leader and showed us all the beauty the region had to offer! Montenegro and Dhermi Beach were highlights. Highly recommend!
Hafsah
Sep 07, 2024
This trip was a great way to visit multiple destinations and hidden gems situated in the Balkans. Our guide, Dora, was amazing. We had a great time. I would highly recommend!
Hazel
Aug 07, 2024
I had an amazing time on this tour and made some great friends. The destinations are really interesting and it’s a great mix of beaches and cities/towns. I also learnt a lot about the history of the region. Lucija was a great guide. Highly recommend this trip!
Rachael
Aug 06, 2024
Really enjoyed this trip, very fast paced but still saw a lot in a short time. A good combo of city and beach with plenty of time to chill and explore
Elsie
Aug 06, 2024
This trip was the perfect way to experience the variety of what Albania has to offer. We swam in the sea, visited castles and made lots of friends along the way. Lucija was a fantastic leader as she was knowledgable and approachable and made sure we all had a fantastic trip!
Ben
Aug 06, 2024
I would highly recommend the Essential southern Balkans trip. I meet an amazing group of people and explored countries that I never would have never visited on my own. Albania is a beautiful country and is worth the trip.
Georgia
Jul 22, 2024
I would highly recommend this trip to any travellers (solo or group) who are considering it. I travelled solo, made incredible friends and had many memorable experiences. It provides a great taste of Albania in particular. It was hot to travel in July, but not unbearable.
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