Balkan Dreams end Albania
Duration
6 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Zagreb
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Zagreb; Banja Luka; Jajce; Sarajevo; Mostar; Dubrovnik; Kotor; Budva; Tirana
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Zagreb! Transfer to your hotel.
If you begin your trip in Zagreb, our guide will arrive in the city on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. You will have free time until the guide arrives.
3:00 p.m. - To join the city tour, please come to the hotel reception.
4:00 p.m. - City tour of Zagreb with a local guide. We will explore the highlights of the Croatian capital, including its two hills, the old quarter, the upper city, and the newer neighborhoods. The tour will last about two hours. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust the timings based on the situation or season to enhance the quality of the tour.
If you begin your trip in Zagreb, our guide will arrive in the city on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. You will have free time until the guide arrives.
3:00 p.m. - To join the city tour, please come to the hotel reception.
4:00 p.m. - City tour of Zagreb with a local guide. We will explore the highlights of the Croatian capital, including its two hills, the old quarter, the upper city, and the newer neighborhoods. The tour will last about two hours. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. Dinner is included.
Note: The schedules in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust the timings based on the situation or season to enhance the quality of the tour.
Total distance covered: 415 km.
Scenery: Mountains, ancient castles.
Note: Please bring your passport as we will cross into Bosnia. Occasionally, this journey may experience delays due to traffic or border procedures.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zagreb. We’ll travel through hilly and forested areas in central Croatia on our way to Bosnia.
09:30 a.m. - Border crossing procedures entering Bosnia (delays are possible). We’ll journey through regions marked by the remnants of war and ethnic conflict that took place in Bosnia during the 1990s.
11:30 a.m. - Banja Luka. Time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in Bosnia, after Sarajevo. Highlights include its boulevards, gardens, fortress, and Orthodox cathedral.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Banja Luka. We’ll continue through densely wooded regions.
03:00 p.m. - Jajce. Arrival in what is perhaps the most beautiful town in Bosnia, known for its cultural mix, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). Enjoy time for a walk and lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Jajce. We’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bosnia.
07:45 p.m. - Sarajevo. We’ll have time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Mountains, ancient castles.
Note: Please bring your passport as we will cross into Bosnia. Occasionally, this journey may experience delays due to traffic or border procedures.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zagreb. We’ll travel through hilly and forested areas in central Croatia on our way to Bosnia.
09:30 a.m. - Border crossing procedures entering Bosnia (delays are possible). We’ll journey through regions marked by the remnants of war and ethnic conflict that took place in Bosnia during the 1990s.
11:30 a.m. - Banja Luka. Time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in Bosnia, after Sarajevo. Highlights include its boulevards, gardens, fortress, and Orthodox cathedral.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Banja Luka. We’ll continue through densely wooded regions.
03:00 p.m. - Jajce. Arrival in what is perhaps the most beautiful town in Bosnia, known for its cultural mix, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). Enjoy time for a walk and lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Jajce. We’ll continue our journey to the capital of Bosnia.
07:45 p.m. - Sarajevo. We’ll have time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
Total distance: 280 km.
Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.
Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
Scenery: spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik includes stunning seascapes.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.
In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We’ll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Sarajevo. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys along the way.
02:00 p.m. - Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Mostar. We’ll continue our journey to Croatia.
08:00 p.m. - Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Dinner included.
Note: Depending on the dates, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones . Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.
Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.
Total distance covered: 295 km
Scenery: stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor features some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with picturesque villages along the way. Albania offers a glimpse of a more rural and unique country.
Note: Have your passports ready. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. We’ll set off early for Montenegro and go through border procedures (which can sometimes take a while). After, we’ll take a ferry to cross the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
09:30 a.m. – Kotor (time of arrival may vary). Take time to stroll through this beautiful walled town with a strong Venetian influence, set against a magnificent scenic backdrop.
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Kotor. We’ll continue along stunning coastal landscapes.
11:45 a.m. - Budva, a picturesque walled enclave. Enjoy time for a stroll, take photos, and have lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Budva. We’ll travel along the coast towards Albania. Arrival at the border for procedures, which can sometimes be lengthy. There will be time at the border to have a coffee and exchange money. We’ll continue along small roads until we reach the capital of Albania.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Tirana for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: stunning landscapes along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor features some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with picturesque villages along the way. Albania offers a glimpse of a more rural and unique country.
Note: Have your passports ready. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Dubrovnik. We’ll set off early for Montenegro and go through border procedures (which can sometimes take a while). After, we’ll take a ferry to cross the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
09:30 a.m. – Kotor (time of arrival may vary). Take time to stroll through this beautiful walled town with a strong Venetian influence, set against a magnificent scenic backdrop.
11:00 a.m. - Departure from Kotor. We’ll continue along stunning coastal landscapes.
11:45 a.m. - Budva, a picturesque walled enclave. Enjoy time for a stroll, take photos, and have lunch.
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Budva. We’ll travel along the coast towards Albania. Arrival at the border for procedures, which can sometimes be lengthy. There will be time at the border to have a coffee and exchange money. We’ll continue along small roads until we reach the capital of Albania.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Tirana for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
After breakfast we include the city tour of Tirana , the capital of Albania, with its mosques, the clock tower, the ministries. Our local guide will tell us about this small country.
Our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful and lasting memories.
Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night. Our guide will advise you on the best public transportation for your transfers.
If you need to book an external service (like a plane or train) on the last day of your tour, which includes activities, please note that the detailed itineraries are based on "planned" schedules and could be affected by various factors such as traffic, customer delays, mechanical issues, etc. It´s advisable not to book a flight or train with a tight schedule without considering these factors. Always allocate extra time in your schedule for unexpected events.
Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night. Our guide will advise you on the best public transportation for your transfers.
If you need to book an external service (like a plane or train) on the last day of your tour, which includes activities, please note that the detailed itineraries are based on "planned" schedules and could be affected by various factors such as traffic, customer delays, mechanical issues, etc. It´s advisable not to book a flight or train with a tight schedule without considering these factors. Always allocate extra time in your schedule for unexpected events.
From
AUD 1,408