Grand Balkan Tour with beach escape

Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, known for its colorful combination of architectural styles, pastel buildings that surround the city's focal point, Skanderbeg Square, which is named for its equestrian statue of a national hero. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel or exploring on foot! Overnight stay in Tirana.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a journey to Ulcinj (Montenegro), pausing in Lezhë along the way to immerse yourself in the rich history of the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg.

Arrive in Ulcinj, a beloved destination on Montenegro's southern coast, and uncover its Castle and charming medieval streets. Later, venture to Bar, a neighboring city, to spend the night. Overnight stay in Bar.

Please note: You will travel approximately 100 miles today.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a journey to Kotor, where you’ll explore its charming old town on a walking tour through its picturesque streets. Next, we head to Perast, often called the "Venice" of the Adriatic, to visit the Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) church on its islet, along with the beautiful Island of Saint George. Then, enjoy some free time to savor the local cuisine and continue discovering the city at your own pace.

To end the day, we make our way to the coast and the medieval town of Budva, where you can stroll through its ancient streets and pay tribute at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Overnight stay in Budva.

Please note: You will travel approximately 60 miles today.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, prepare to set off for Dubrovnik (Croatia), a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in its captivating old town, discovering gems like the Cathedral, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. Later in the day, journey to Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) for the night. Overnight stay in Medjugorje.

Please note: You will travel approximately 130 miles today.

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your adventure to Pocitelj and Blagaj, where you'll enjoy leisure time by the tranquil Buna River. Next, head to Mostar, check in to your hotel, and delve into the history of the place as you embark on a city tour.

Explore landmarks like the Mehmet Koski Pasha Mosque, the Karadjoz Bey Mosque, and the revered Old Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Overnight stay in Mostar.

Please note: You will travel approximately 55 miles today.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to explore Tito's Cold War-era bunker near Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Next, venture to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital. Discover the source of the Bosna River (Vrelo Bosne) and delve into history at the Tunnel Museum. Stroll through the enchanting old town of Bascarsija, visit the iconic Latin Bridge, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the covered market Brusa Bezistan and the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Please note: You will travel approximately 90 miles today. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your adventure leads you to Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. Traverse the Tara River Canyon, boasting Europe's deepest gorges, and marvel at dense pine forests mingling with crystal-clear lakes, teeming with endemic flora.

Explore the grandeur of the Black Lake, the park's largest, and behold the majestic Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the untouched wilderness. Overnight stay in Zabljak.

Please note: You will travel approximately 100 miles today.

Breakfast at the hotel. Next on your itinerary is Biogradska Gora National Park, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake. In the afternoon, continue your journey onward to Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, for a captivating guided tour of its charming old town.

Marvel at the beauty of the Doganjska Mosque and Skaline ("the staircase"), among the city's most historic and picturesque sites. Explore other notable attractions like Republic Square, St. George I Church, the Millennium Bridge, and the 17th-century Clock Tower (Sahat Kula). Overnight stay in Podgorica.

Please note: You will travel approximately 90 miles today. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your journey continues to Shkodra, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Alps in the north. Upon arrival, embark on a tour of its historic old town, where you'll explore the storied walls of Rozafa Castle and its captivating museum. From this vantage point, soak in the magnificent vistas of the surrounding mountains and shimmering lake below. Return and overnight stay in Tirana.

Please note: You will travel approximately 100 miles today.

Breakfast at the hotel. Your adventure continues! At the indicated time, transfer to the coastal area of Golem/ Durres and arrival at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere, or enjoy a first stroll along the seafront while admiring the sunset over the Adriatic Sea. Take the opportunity to unwind on the beach, discover the cafés along the promenade, or simply embrace the laid-back rhythm of the Albanian coast. Overnight stay in Golem/ Durres.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at leisure to relax along the beautiful Adriatic coast. Unwind on sandy beaches or explore Durres, one of Albania’s oldest cities. Stroll along its lively promenade, visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant overlooking the sea. For those seeking a bit more activity, optional water sports and beach clubs are available along the coast. Overnight stay in Golem/ Durres.

Breakfast at the hotel. Another day at leisure to continue enjoying the Albanian Riviera at your own pace. Soak up the sun on the beach, take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic, or relax at the hotel facilities. If you feel like exploring, consider discovering quieter nearby coves or enjoying a scenic seaside lunch. As the day winds down, take in a beautiful sunset over the Adriatic. Overnight stay in Golem/ Durres. 

Breakfast at the hotel*. Enjoy your final moments by the Adriatic, perhaps with a last stroll along the shore or a quiet coffee with sea views. At the indicated time, transfer to Tirana Airport for your departure flight, taking with you the relaxed rhythm and coastal charm of Albania. Arrival in your city of origin and the end of this extraordinary journey.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel's breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.