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Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
Overview
Short Description
Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Split!
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA
Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
Day 2: TIRANA
Art Covers Rock TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE The architecture of this city has aspects of all periods of time. From the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the style of construction during the dictatorship tell a vibrant story of this city. Visit the site of Bunk’Art. Once serving as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, this sprawling stone bunker is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery.
Day 3: TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA
A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (Breakfast,Dinner) 137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Skadar lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. When it formed millions of years ago it was just a bay off the Adriatic. However, with erosion and changes to the landscape, the former bay transformed into a lake which offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.
Day 4: BUDVA EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR
Former Capitals & Coastal Towns CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant (Breakfast, Dinner) 106mi / 170 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
Day 5: BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on an man-made tiny Island on the way to Kotor city for a guided walking tour that includes all the famous sights of this little town. Free time for lunch. (Breakfast) 71 mi / 115km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGEND & FAITH The legend has it that on a summery evening in July 1452, two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the sea- cliff. They brought it home with them but the following morning it was gone and appeared back on the same sea- cliff. The same thing happened over and over so they understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever so they build a church. A small island was then made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff.
Day 6: DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK
A King’s Landing DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner) 37 mi / 60 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector’s Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.
Day 7: DUBROVNIK (EMBARKATION)
Above the Gates DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who wants to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect — its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon.
Day 8: CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO
Safe Harbor Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls, then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop.SLANO Explore the town’s long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time before returning to the vessel. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach,with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries.
Day 9: CRUISING: SLANO–MIJET
Myths & Marvels MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him
Day 10: CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA
Marco Polo Found KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days.
Day 11: CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS
On the Waterfront VIS: Free time to explore the island. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTFREE TIME TIP In the 4th-century B.C., The island of Vis was one of the main Greek coloniesand ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base–until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island. Spend some time tasting some exquisite local wines or visiting the remains of the Roman thermal baths, City Museum, or by simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae along the waterfront
Day 12: CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR
Island Beauties BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting)HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands.
Day 13: CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–SPLIT
Blue Heaven BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni RatSPLIT Guided tour of the city (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Zlatni rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool.
Day 14: SPLIT (DISEMBARKATION)
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
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Details
Deck & Cabin Plans
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
This trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Tirana
Albania
146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta
Hotel Budva
Hotel Budva is a 4-star hotel located in the center of Budva, Montenegro, right on the seaside promenade and just steps away from the sandy Slovenska Beach and Marina. It features an on-site restaurant, bar and a wellness center. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel has 157 rooms, all of which are equipped with air conditioning, TV, minibar and private bathroom. The hotel restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, while the bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails. There is also a wellness center with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and massage treatments.
Budva
Montenegro
Slovenska Obala
Lapad
This former Grand Hotel is set in a historic building surrounded by a large outdoor pool and palm trees, overlooking the famous Dubrovnik's Gruz Harbour. Clear lines are combined with luxurious fabrics in the modern guestrooms, all of which are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrooms with shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi internet connection is available throughout the entire hotel.
Dubrovnik
Croatia
Lapadska obala 37
Trip ID#:
globus-RIE
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