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Essential Southern Balkans

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Essential Southern Balkans

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Description

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 of the world 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. Is this a whirlwind adventure or a slice of paradise?

Trip Name
Essential Southern Balkans
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • 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).

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Dubrovnik
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik. Your adventure begins in sun-kissed Croatia with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, maybe head to the walled Old City through the Pile Gate drawbridge – the best way to explore Dubrovnik is on foot, so walk the walls and take your time. There’s a bar on the wall to grab a drink and admire the view too. In town, there are plenty of cool eateries to grab a quick lunch of fresh seafood or take a leisurely afternoon to people-watch. If a swim is on the cards, maybe head outside the walls to a cove and dive into the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea that surround you – Suluci or Banje Beach are great for a dip.
Day 2 - Dubrovnik / Kotor / Ulcinj
This morning, hit the road to Kotor in Montenegro. Spend some free time exploring this terracotta-lined medieval town, maybe walking up Kampana Tower to see the surrounding turquoise waters and limestone cliffs or finding one of the many churches dotted around this relatively small town. Continue to Ulcinj – sitting on the Adriatic Coast, this town is home to scenic beaches, medieval city walls and thriving nightlife. When you arrive, maybe wander through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets and see Ulcinj Castle. Later, maybe watch the sunset on the beach.
Day 3 - Tirana
This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive across the border into Albania to your next stop in Tirana. When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk around the city to get your bearings. Visit Bunk’Art – a history and contemporary art museum. Head through a long, dark tunnel in the hillside that leads you to the entrance, on the side of an active Albanian military base. From here, you’ll descend into 3000 square metres of underground space, originally meant as a bunker in the 1970s for Albania’s political elite. Now, it houses different exhibitions of Albanian modern history and contemporary art pieces. This afternoon, you’ll have time to explore this eclectic city at your own pace – maybe head out to the Block for drinks and swap stories with your fellow travellers.
Day 4 - Tirana
Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got a free day. Maybe make like the locals at the colourful street markets, explore the city’s traditional cuisine or jump on public transport to Kruja – this ancient Albanian city is just 32 km out of Tirana. Tonight, you might like to gather your newfound travel buds and head to the Blloku neighbourhood – a hotspot for pre-dinner drinks. Then, why not treat yourself to dinner at Tirana Castle – a Byzantine time castle transformed into a trendy outdoor shopping area with plenty of restaurant options to take your fancy.
Day 5 - Himare
After breakfast today, set your sights on the Riviera and make your way to Himare. Sitting between the Ionian Sea and Ceraunian Mountains, this town is a less-touristed part of Albania and is home to a great local food scene! When you arrive, you have a free day to soak up the scenic town – maybe explore the Old Town on the rocky hill for views of the sea and see the ruins of Himare Castle, over 3500 years old. After, head to a local cafe for coffee and cake or make your way to one of the secluded beach coves, perfect for having a dip in the sea and getting stuck into a good book.
Day 6 - Himare
Head out on a speed boat tour this morning, taking in the coastal sights from a different perspective. Take to the water and visit Pigeon’s Cave, Crystal Bay, Gjipe Beach and Pirate's Cave – one of the most spectacular caves in the country and only accessible by boat. Along the way, you’ll stop for swims in the caves and on the beaches near the Gjipe Canyon, giving you the ultimate chance to refresh under the sun. Later, enjoy a free afternoon to find a local restaurant with sea and sunset views – your leader will know some great spots!
Day 7 - Gjirokaster
Leave the sparkling Adriatic shores behind and head to Gjirokaster – a well-preserved Ottoman town in Albania’s south. When you arrive, visit one of the traditional tower houses with a local guide who has all the insights and taste the traditional coffee 'on the stone', roasted on the fire right in front of you! If you’re lucky, you might even get your fortune read. You’ll spend the night here, so maybe find some speca me glize (stuffed peppers) for dinner.
Day 8 - Corfu
Today you’ll head south to Saranda – a coastal resort town near the Albania and Greece border. From here, take a hydrofoil ferry to Corfu – an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Corfu is known for its mountainous landscapes that extend to the shores and its cultural heritage, spent under rule from Venetian, French and British influences. Your group leader will take you on an orientation walk near where you’re staying, so you can find all the best spots and get your bearings for later. Tonight is all yours – maybe round up your group and head out for sunset drinks at one of the local restaurants.
Day 9 - Corfu
With no planned activities today, you’re free to leave anytime. If shorelines and souvlakis are still on the cards, you don’t have to leave just yet! If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 1,776-
31-05-202508-06-2025AUD $ 1,776-
07-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 1,957-
14-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 1,919-
21-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 1,919-
28-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 1,919-
05-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 1,848-
12-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 1,848-
26-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 1,776-
09-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 1,776-
16-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 1,776-
23-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 1,848-
30-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 1,848-
06-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 1,919-
13-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 1,919-
20-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 1,919-
04-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 1,848-
16-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 2,075-
06-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 2,160-
20-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 2,240-
04-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 2,240-
11-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 2,160-
25-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 2,075-
08-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 2,075-
15-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 2,160-
29-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 2,240-
05-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 2,240-
12-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 2,160-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights),Hostel (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Ferry,Bus

Map

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