Best of Croatia and Albania

Best of Croatia and Abania

Have more time to travel and visit off the beaten path places that will leave you breathless? This itinerary will do just that. From Marco Polo island in Croatia and secluded castle in Croatian Zagorje, to Roman ruins and ancient cities in Albania to scenic UNECO city of Kotor in Montenegro. To get the best of local culture in Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania this tour will definitely be the best option to pick.

Price from:	$3.250,00
Travel type:	Croatia & Europe
Fly in city:	Zagreb
Fly out city:	Tirana
Recommended time to travel:	April-October

Highlights

Visit best of Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania in one trip
Get the feeling of the local life and interact with locals in local farms, villges, and ancient cities
Visit most famous UNESCO locations in Croatia, Albania, and Montenegro
Hear stories from hand-picked and best rated local guides

This is a sample itinerary that can be further customized towards travel preferences.

Day

Arrival to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and more than a 1000 year old City, with its historic charm. Private transfer to your hotel and check in. After a long trip hotel amenities will help you to relax and rejuvenate for further days to come. In the afternoon get ready for “Welcome dinner” in a traditional local restaurant where food is prepared according to original recipes from 16 century. The owner is very passionate about food & wine pairing so you are in good hands to have the best food & wine experience there is. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day

Your day will start with magnificent cup of coffee in the oldest coffee shop in Zagreb situated on the main square overlooking the statue of Ban Jelacic. Croatians are very sensitive about the coffee and coffee drinking in local coffee shops and it is part of the culture. Morning sightseeing with a local guide to explore the city. Visit Museum of broken relationships, a physical and virtual public space created with the sole purpose of treasuring and sharing peoples heartbreak stories and symbolic possessions. It is a museum about you, about us, about the ways we love and lose. In early afternoon, departure to the region Croatian Zagorje, an area of chocolate-box enchantment: miniature wooded hills are crowned with the castles they seem designed for, and streams tumble through lush vineyards. Visit local winery. During the visit you will get a chance to participate in a traditional harvest and learn the wine making process. Dinner and wine tasting with traditional folklore and music in a winery. After dinner departure back to Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day

After breakfast departure to National Park Plitvice Lakes. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. Take a walk with a local guide through this heaven on earth. Enjoy scenery of beautiful waterfalls and untouched nature. And don’t forget to make a wish under the largest waterfall as it is supposedly making your wishes come true ?. After visiting NP Plitvice, we will have a traditional dinner in a local restaurant – Licka kuca. Continue to Zadar, city voted to be the best European destination for 2015, - a city monument, surrounded by historical ramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times, Renaissance and many contemporary architectural achievements such as the first sea organs in the world. Overnight in Zadar.

Day

After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Zadar sightseeing. While walking with your guide through the city of Zadar, the ancient Forum, symbol of the city-church of St. Donat, St. Anastasia, monuments and palaces, you will learn all about the rich history of this beautiful old town. Tour of the Land Gate and city walls, Square of Five Wells, People's Square and of course the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Walk along the waterfront with sounds of the sea organ, that are unique in the world, will make your experience complete. According to Albert Hitchcock Zadar is the city with the most beautiful sunset in the world and you will have a chance to be a part of it. The highlight of the day will be visit to a Royal winery near Zadar and dinner in this amazing surrounding. Overnight in Zadar.

Day

In the afternoon embark on a boat and sailing around NP KORNATI. This archipelago consists of 140 islands covering an area of 114 square miles (300 square km), with most of it declared a National Park – and with its natural beauty, numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters, it’s easy to see why. Enjoy in the beautiful sunset on your way back to Zadar. Overnight in Zadar.

Day

After breakfast departure to Split, the second largest city in Croatia and the city that has all: Roman ruins and grand museums alongside fashionable cafes and trendy shops. Our journey through ancient history starts with the fact that the Roman emperor Diocletian was born in nearby important Illyrian center and the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia - Salona. He ordered to build one of today’s most preserved palaces of that time in the nearby town Split. With a professional city guide we are continuing our journey and sightseeing the 1700 year old Diocletian`s palace in Split, imagining how the life of Diocletian was like, within the walls of the palace. During the tour we stop by to see the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast but also the ancient cellars, Peristyle in center of the palace, Roman temples (today Christian ones), the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski. On this walking tour you will get to know Split and its history in an interesting way. After Split sightseeing lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch embark on a katamaran and sail to island Korcula. Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages, and harbouring a glorious old town, the island of Kor?ula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length. Dense woods led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Kor?ula). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and more pebbly. Tradition is alive and kicking on Kor?ula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists. Check in to the hotel. Overnight in Korcula.

Day

After breakfast meeting with the local guide and morning sightseeing of old town Korcula. The old medieval town of Kor?ula is like a miniature museum, surrounded by walls and towers. The magnificent architecture strongly attracts each visitor, as well as its residents. The Statute of the Town of Kor?ula dates back from 1214, and is one of the oldest codes in the Slavic world, which shows the structure of life and a highly developed awareness of the inhabitants of that time. The highlight of the sightseeing will be birth house of Marco Polo. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening we are taking you to the famous ranch for a dinner. Food at ranch is homemade, prepared from fresh good quality ingredients, the atmosphere is tranquil, people are friendly and kind, decor is eye soothing, and there is an overall relaxing feeling lingering around the place. This genuine Mediterranean ambient has even enchanted some famous guests, such as Bill Gates or Bernie Eccelstone. After dinner return back to the hotel. Overnight in Korcula.

Day

After breakfast departure to Dubrovnik, one of the world’s most stunning destinations, both in terms of its cultural heritage and as a holiday destination. The city has often been referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 as a city of rich culture and history. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is surrounded by 1,970 metres of city walls - over the centuries they served to protect the city from various threats and today are the city's greatest attraction. On your way to Dubrovnik stop at peninsula Pelješac, famous for the best Croatian wines. Wine tasting in one of the most famous Croatian wineries. After wine tasting continue to Ston, a medieval little town whose history reaches back as far as the 14th century. It is a small town with the longest stone wall in Europe (5,5 km), with narrow quiet streets, noble ancient houses and traces of ancient cultures. The bay of Mali Ston is famous all over the world for the quality of its oysters. Clean seas offer the bay of Ston the ideal conditions for growing high quality oysters. Oyster tasting in a local oyster farm. After oyster tasting continue to Dubrovnik. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day

After breakfast meeting with the local guide and Dubrovnik sightseeing. Local guide will take you to the most wonderful and hidden streets of the city. Explore Dubrovnik City Walls (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE) and enjoy a unique view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik including its narrow streets and small squares. In the afternoon embark on a boat and explore Elaphiti islands (optional – not included in the price). Since the ancient times, the islands were a place of comfort, vacation, and delight. All this due to well preserved nature, clean and clear sea, sandy beaches, beautiful pine forest, olive gardens, numerous promenades and footpaths. Those are the scenes that remain forever in people's memory and landscapes that make the people come back again. Also, you will enjoy tasty dinner on a boat. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day

After breakfast day at leisure. In the evening departure to traditional Dalmatian restaurant so-called “konoba” where you will be able to try “peka” - a Baked dish with meat and vegetables made in a pot or a tray, and the pot is put into the embers of a fireplace. After dinner departure back to the hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day

After breakfast departure to Kotor, a city steeped in tradition and history, with remarkable scenic views. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old city was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is filled with medieval architecture and historic monuments. Extending over four kilometers, the city walls that have protected Kotor for centuries lead up to the fortress of Saint Ivan. Meeting with the local guide and Kotor sightseeing. Continue to Budva, small coastal city of some twenty thousand inhabitants. Sandy beach along Budva of some 20 km is treated as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Budva’s pearl is most certainly Old Town, more than 2.500 years old, treasury of Montenegrin cultural heritage. Narrow streets covered in stone, fortifications that surround it, museums, galleries and sacred objects – treasury that each day in year attracts large amount of visitors. Hotel check in and free time to relax. Overnight in Budva.

Day

After breakfast departure to Kruje, Albania. Hotel check in and free afternoon. Overnight in Kruje.

Day

After breakfast departure to the ancient town of Kruje and visit the ethnographic Museum. Kruje is a small, ancient and historic town in Albania. The history of the town is connected with the name of the national hero of Albania, Georgi Kastrioti Skenderbeu, who fought against the Ottoman invasion. This picturesque town is situated on the slopes of mount Sari Saltiki at a height of 560 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountain peaks. It offers stunning views of the surroundings. On the street of the old town of Kruje, leading to the castle, since the times of Skenderbeu, there is "Old Bazaar". Here you can buy Albanian Souvenirs, beautiful jewellery handmade rugs and embroidery, silver filigree and copper products, handicrafts made of alabaster, traditional clothes and antiques. After Kruje sightseeing lunch in the restaurant. Continue to the capital of Albania – Tirana, ascent by cable car to the mountain Dajti, where you can see all Tirana from height (1613 m). Tirana has a great location: on one side it borders the mountain Dajti, on another - coastal plain. Mentions of Tirana as a city date back to 1614, when the Turks, in honour of the victory over Persia, decided to establish a city here. Tirana was proclaimed the capital only in 1920. After Tirana sightseeing departure back to Kruje. Overnight in Kruje.

Day

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive along the panoramic view of Albanian Riviera. Passing on the way: Durres, Kavaja, Lushnjë, Ardenice, Fier, Vlora, Orikum, Llogara, Himara, Dhermi, Porto – Palermo, Borsh At the top of the mountain we will stop to enjoy an amazing view. There are wonderful restaurants with panoramic views from the observation platform, a beautiful view of the Ionian coast. After moving there is lunch in the restaurant (settlement Borsh). Borsh was founded by Illyrian tribes in the 6th century BC. Now the village is known for growing olives and producing olive oil. Continue to Saranda, the "southern gate of Albania", located on the South-West of the country. The history of the city of Saranda is from the distant past. It was first mentioned in written sources in the II century BC as Onchesmus. The modern name of the city comes from the name of the monastery from the Byzantine period. In the Greek language it was called "Agios Saranda", which means "40 Saints". Check in to a hotel and free time to relax. The highlight of the day is dinner at Likurs castle (the castle was built in 1718 during the times of Ali Pasha). Overnight in Saranda.

Day

After breakfast check out and departure to Butrint. Ruins of the ancient city of Butrint is one of the most important archaeological finds in Albania. According to the legend, the founders of the ancient city were the Trojans who fled from the destroyed Troy in search of a new homeland. It was not earlier than the 8th century BC. In 1992 excavations of Greek and Roman cities were included in the list of world heritage of UNESCO. After visiting the Park - moving to the natural spring "Blue Eye". Crystal clear water in the spring has blue color, hence the name. Today the spring is in the status of a National Park and it is under state protection. In 1 second from the spring comes out 6 cubic meters of cool fresh water. After inspecting the source - lunch at the restaurant on the banks of the river Bistrica. Departure to the town-museum of Albania, Gjirokastra. Scientists still have not come to a consensus on the issue when the fortress was built - 4 or 1 BC. In 2005, UNESCO included Gjirokastra in the list of world heritage sites. After the Gjirokastra departure to Berat. On the way stop for dinner in the town of Tepelena. The history of the town Tepelena is closely connected with the name of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, political and military figure of mid-18th - early 19th centuries. As a result of long political and military efforts he managed to become the de facto ruler of Albania and some part of Greece, despite the fact that he formally recognized the authority of the Turkish Sultan. The story of the man attracted the attention of French writer Alexander Duma-father, who used it in the novel "the Count of Monte Cristo". After dinner continue to Berat. Arrival in Berat and check in to the hotel. Overnight in Berat.

Day

After breakfast departure to the Fortress of Berat. It is a fortress built on a 260-meter cliff and is the world's only fortress on the territory of which still live people. Here is the Church of St. Mary, in which there is a museum of a famous Albanian painter Onufri. Continue through the old center of Berat. The town-museum, included to the list of UNESCO heritage, is known as the town of a thousand windows. Peculiar architecture, presence of balconies and large windows give the impression that these houses have no doors, and the houses are on each other. Lunch will be served in the Castle Park restaurant. Departure back to the hotel and free afternoon. Overnight in Berat.

Day

Departure to Tirana airport and fly out of Albania.

Price details

* All prices are in USD per person in double bedrooms

** Single supplement is available upon request

*** Small group and group rates are available upon request

**** Lower and higher hotel categorizations are available for customization

PRICE INCLUDES:

All transfers with professional high class coach
English speaking director throughout
Accommodation for 16 nights in 4* hotels
16 breakfasts in hotels
Welcome dinner in a local restaurant in Zagreb
Entrance fee for Museum of Broken Relationships
Coffee/tea in coffee shop in Zagreb
Traditional harvest + wine tasting + dinner in the region of Croatian Zagorje
Entrance fee and local guide in NP Plitvice Lakes
Dinner in restaurant Licka kuca near Plitvice
Dinner in Royal Wineyards near Zadar
Boat cruise to NP Kornati
Lunch in Split
Ticket for Catamaran Split – Korcula
Dinner on ranch in Korcula
Wine tasting in Peljesac
Oytser tasting in Ston
Entrance fee for Dubrovnik city walls
Dinner in local restaurant in Dubrovnik
Entrance fee for Etnographic Museum Kruje
Lunch in Kruje
Ticket for cable car to mountain Dajti
Dinner at Likurs castle
Entrance fee to NP Blue Eye
Dinner in Tepelena
Entrance fee for fortress of Berat
Lunch in castle park restaurant
Sightseeing with local guide of Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Kruje, Butrint, Gjirokastra, Berat
All local taxes