Premium Balkans Escape: Albania & Montenegro

Dobro Dosli—welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure kicks off with a 6 pm welcome meeting, but if you arrive early, take some time to explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town. Stroll past the 15th-century Rector’s Palace, admire baroque churches, or visit Game of Thrones filming locations. Later, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers and guide at a local Old Town restaurant, sampling traditional Croatian cuisine.

Please make sure to attend the welcome meeting, as we’ll be collecting insurance information and emergency contact details. If you expect to arrive late, inform your travel agent or the hotel reception. You can also check with reception or look for a notice in the lobby for the exact meeting location.

This morning, depart Dubrovnik and journey to Kotor, a 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site tucked into a secluded bay. Cross the border into Montenegro and stop in Perast for a short walk and coffee. Then, enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Bay of Kotor, including a visit to the historic Lady of Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) island, built around a Madonna image discovered in 1452. Afterward, explore Kotor’s Old Town with your guide, wandering its cobblestone streets and charming stone buildings. Once you arrive at your hotel, the evening is yours to relax or explore at leisure.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast, venture outside Kotor to explore the historic town of Cetinje and its mountainous surroundings. Visit Lovćen National Park and, if you’re up for it, climb the stairs to Njegoš Mausoleum atop Jezerski Vrh (1,647 m / 5,403 ft) for breathtaking panoramic views—including, on a clear day, sights all the way to Albania. Learn about Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, the poet and ruler honored there, then continue to Cetinje Monastery to admire its history, architecture, and Orthodox relics, including the right hand of St. John the Baptist. Finish with a local tasting in Njeguši, sampling renowned prosciutto, cheese, and honey, before returning to Kotor for a free afternoon and optional climb of the city walls overlooking the bay.

The climb to Njegoš Mausoleum involves 461 steps. If you prefer not to tackle the full ascent, you can still enjoy stunning views from a lower viewpoint.

Rise early today as you cross the border into Albania. Along the way, enjoy stops including a wine tasting and a farm-to-table lunch in Fishte, sampling local wines, fresh produce, wild fish, and organic meats prepared on-site. Arrive in Berat in time for a group lunch, then spend the late afternoon and evening free to explore the city at your own pace.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Begin your day with a guided walk through Berat, discovering the city’s rich history and key landmarks. Climb up to the still-inhabited fortress for panoramic views, then enjoy some free time to stroll through parks or relax at a café. Later, travel to the village of Gjirokaster for a hands-on cooking experience—help prepare traditional Albanian dishes in a local garden, then sit down to savor your creations while connecting with your hosts and learning about their way of life.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps stopping at a local café, before exploring Gjirokaster—often called the “Stone City” for its distinctive stone buildings and cobblestone streets. Learn about this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide, then visit the 16th- and 17th-century monasteries of Drino Valley, once central to Albania’s culture and now supporting sustainable tourism. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure—sample local sweets, visit the Cold War tunnel, or unwind in a park with a book.

Today, say goodbye to Gjirokaster and drive to Butrint National Park, set amid wetlands and the Vivari Channel. Explore the park’s remarkable Greek and Roman ruins, including the ancient theatre, Roman baptistery, and Venetian castle, all framed by stunning natural scenery. Afterward, head to your Feature Stay on the Albanian Riviera, where rolling hills and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect setting to unwind after a day steeped in history.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today is yours to enjoy the Albanian Riviera at your own pace! After breakfast, relax at your Feature Stay or explore the nearby towns. Lounge on pristine beaches, swim in the clear waters, or for history enthusiasts, visit Himare Castle for panoramic coastal views or take a tour of Pirate Cave. For lunch, follow your guide’s recommendations and savor fresh local seafood at one of the charming coastal restaurants.

Today, conclude your Albanian Riviera adventure with a journey back to Tirana, the capital of Albania. En route, stop at the ancient Greek site of Apollonia for a guided tour of its well-preserved theatre, temples, and triumphal arch, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Continue to Tirana for a walking tour of the city, exploring its mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture, and Italian- and Turkish-influenced buildings. End the day with a farewell dinner of traditional Albanian cuisine at a local restaurant with your group.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

With no activities scheduled today, your trip concludes after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, contact your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation.