Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
14 Days
Visiting: Arrive In Tirana, Albania, Tirana, Virpazar, Montenegro, Budva, Budva Excursion To Cetinje And Kotor, Perast, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Konavle, Dubrovnik (Embarkation), Cruising: Dubrovnik, Slano, Cruising: Slano, Mijet, Cruising: Mijet, Korcula, Cruising: Korcula, Vis, Cruising: Vis, Bisevo, Hvar, Cruising: Hvar, Bol, Split, Split (Disembarkation), Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RIE-2024
Tour Overview
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
Location: Arrive In Tirana, Albania
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)TIRANA-CLOCK-TOWER.jpg
Day 2: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
TIRANA Art Covers Rock TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art (B)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.TIRANA-SQUARE.jpg
Day 3: Tirana,Virpazar,Montenegro,Budva
Location: Tirana, Virpazar, Montenegro, Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast
TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (B) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR 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.VIRPAZAR-SKADAR-LAKE.jpg
Day 4: Budva Excursion To Cetinje And Kotor
Location: Budva Excursion To Cetinje And Kotor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 (B,D) 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. KOTOR.jpg
Day 5: Budva,Perast,Dubrovnik,Croatia
Location: Budva, Perast, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Meals Included: Breakfast
BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST [LF] 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. (B) 71 mi / 115kmTOUR 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. PERAST.jpg
Day 6: Dubrovnik,Konavle,Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik, Konavle, Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK A King’s Landing DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 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.DUBROVNIK.jpg
Day 7: Dubrovnik (Embarkation)
Location: Dubrovnik (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 (B,D) 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.DUBROVNIK-CABLE-CAR.jpg
Day 8: Cruising: Dubrovnik,Slano
Location: Cruising: Dubrovnik, Slano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. (B,L,D)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. SLANO-BEACH.jpg
Day 9: Cruising: Slano,Mijet
Location: Cruising: Slano, Mijet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. (B,L)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 himMIJET.jpg
Day 10: Cruising: Mijet,Korcula
Location: Cruising: Mijet, Korcula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA Marco Polo Found KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (B,L)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.KORCULA.jpg
Day 11: Cruising: Korcula,Vis
Location: Cruising: Korcula, Vis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS On the Waterfront VIS: Free time to explore the island. (B,L)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 waterfrontVIS.jpg
Day 12: Cruising: Vis,Bisevo,Hvar
Location: Cruising: Vis, Bisevo, Hvar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 (B,L)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.HVAR.jpg
Day 13: Cruising: Hvar,Bol,Split
Location: Cruising: Hvar, Bol, Split
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 (B,L)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.BOL-BEACH.jpg
Day 14: Split (Disembarkation)
Location: Split (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
SPLIT (DISEMBARKATION) Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)SPLIT-STREET-SCENE.jpg
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Accommodation
Tirana:Hilton Garden Inn TiranaBudva:Hotel BudvaDubrovnik:Lapad
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
1 Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Sunday - Saturday
May 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
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We look after you every step of the way.