From CAD 1,690
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
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?
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).
Trip Details
Product Code: 3282
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle,Ferry,Bus
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMYA
Starts: Dubrovnik, Albania
Finishes: Corfu, Albania
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights),Hostel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1690 (CAD 188 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Optional Activities:
- Dubrovnik - Three Islands Boat Cruise (300 HRK)
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum (10 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence (4 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Sunset Sailing Trip (64 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- St Tryphon's Cathedral - Free
- Kotor - Fortress (3 EUR)
- Kotor - Maritime Museum (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - National Art Gallery (200 ALL)
- Tirana - National History Museum (700 ALL)
- Tirana - Sky Tower (400 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Himare - Local Boat Tour
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House
- Gjirokaster - Local Guide
- Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'
- Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress
Optional Activities:
- Gjirokaster - Ismail Kadare's House (200 ALL)
- Gjirokaster - Ethnographic Museum (200 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Corfu - Palaiopoli Archaeological Site (4 EUR)
- Corfu - Mon Repos Summer Palace (4 EUR)
- Corfu - Archaeological Museum (6 EUR)
- Corfu - Corfu Fortifications (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Katie - Traveled, September 2023
I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone considering! You see so much across the perfect amount of time and the hotels and activities are fantastic. You'll also meet some amazing friends! Definitely add two days before hand and after :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Zaynab - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing trip, met the best people ever ?? such lovely locations. Seriously unforgettable experience, and perfect for a first solo travel trip! Hotels were beautiful. Wish I could repeat it again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Angelica - Traveled, July 2023
This trip has it all. If you want to experience countries that would be difficult to travel alone to then this is the right trip! All activities included are excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Ryan - Traveled, July 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Sophie - Traveled, August 2022
This is the second intrepid trip I have done now and I’m so impressed. As someone who often travels alone, it’s a great way to do it. You meet so many new people and everything is all planned and organised for you. The leaders I’ve had have been fantastic. Can’t wait to do another trip with intrepid! :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2022
Chloe - Traveled, June 2022
Ivance was a great leader and I was able to learn lots about each country we visited. Would definitely recommend this trip to others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2022
Rowey - Traveled, May 2022
A really excellent guide to the Balkans, and a great way to see less travelled areas! Cannot recommend more highly!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2022
Dilendri - Traveled, May 2022
Really enjoyed this trip through the Southern Balkans! This area was not originally on my travel radar but I'm so glad I did it with Intrepid and it's definitely a region I'll be returning to!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2022
Zayna - Traveled, June 2024
I couldn’t recommend this trip enough, I had the best, most incredible, time. I met some amazing people, saw some wonderful places, and learnt so much. I am incredibly grateful for the experience & the people who made it so amazing & I can’t wait for more trips!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Molly - Traveled, June 2024
This trip is amazing! Albania has so much to offer and Lucija was brilliant and making us all feel organized and safe and explained everything about each place we were going. You will make the best of friends and have the most brilliant time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Julia - Traveled, May 2024
This was an excellent tour with just enough scheduled activities and time to explore each city on our own. Our tour guide, Lucija, was extremely knowledgeable about each of the cities we visited. I really like that the trip took us to less visited regions of each country, and we got to immerse ourselves in the local community and culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
Faye - Traveled, August 2022
This trip exceeded all expectations! The group, tour leader and destination visited were all great. We learnt a lot about the local history and culture, which was aided by our tour leaders local knowledge. We experienced great food, beautiful scenery, amazing beach and I though the pace of the tour and variety of inclusions was really well balanced. The accommodation was much more comfortable than I was expecting from a basic tour, all accommodation was clean and comfortable and well located.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2022
Catherine - Traveled, July 2022
I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it. It includes the perfect mix of old towns, beaches and nature. All the destinations on this trip are different yet amazing in their own unique way. Our tour guide Jovana was extremely knowledgeable and ensured everyone had an amazing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2022
Henry - Traveled, July 2022
A perfect tour through the Balkans with a deserved focus on Albania. Couldn't recommend it more and loved the balance of cities, mountains, beaches, history, and culture!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2022
Lynnsey - Traveled, July 2022
This trip was amazing, you'll see things you never realized you wanted to see before. From a cave in hills of Tirana, to a charming little village in Stari Bar. I loved it. The beaches of Albania can't be beat (who knew!). Jovana was one of the best tour guides I've ever had. This was my first intrepid trip but I'll definitely be back for more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2022
Stephanie - Traveled, June 2022
Honestly one of the best things I have ever done! Great group of people with amazing scenery and experiences included! Was nervous for this trip but these disappeared quickly after meeting the group and getting started. Throughly recommend the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2022
Allison - Traveled, August 2023
The essential Balkans was a great trip! Each location was rich with history, kind people, and beautiful views! Lucija was an excellent guide who was so helpful and fun to be around!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Amy - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing tour! Great mix between downtime at beach, historical sites and independent exploration. Thank you Lucija for being an amazing tour guide during this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Lauren - Traveled, July 2023
This was a great trip. A very good intro to the Balkans, in particular Albania. I’m very excited to return to see more of these beautiful countries. Our tour leader Flutra made sure we had everything we needed. I recommend this tour to anyone curious about the Balkans as you won’t be disappointed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Lauren - Traveled, July 2023
I had an amazing time on this trip! Our guide was fantastic and so helpful and we got a great taste of Albania!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
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