Classic Balkans: Zagreb to Tirana

Classic Balkans: Zagreb to Tirana

• Trip code: 4L3X012
• Dauer: 22
• Stil: Classic

Get ready for a 22-day Balkan adventure where every twist and turn is drenched in history and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Stroll through the otherworldly landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, where shimmering lakes and cascading waterfalls create a scene unlike anywhere else. Dive deep into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dramatic past to uncover the stories that shaped its present. Along the way, visit historic churches, UNESCO treasures, and vibrant art colonies, all while taking in the stunning scenery. Trust us, this trip will leave you marvelling at just how incredible life can be.

Übersicht

Checklist

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Meal Budget

Plane USD525-685 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Split
- Mestrovic-Galerie (30HRK pro Person)
- Besuch am Strand Bacvice (Gratis)
- Diocletian's Palace
- Besichtigung der Kathedrale des Hl. Domnius (15-40HRK pro Person)

Otok Brač
- Ausflug zur Insel Brač

Makarska
- Tuk Tuk Tour to Skywalk (60-70EUR pro Person)

Ston
- Visit Ston and Wall Walk (10EUR pro Person)

Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking

Sarajevo
- Nationalmuseum von Bosnien und Herzegowina (10-30BAM pro Person)
- "Zeiten des Unglücks" Tour & Tunnel-Museum (54BAM pro Person)
- Gallery 11/07/95 (12-15BAM pro Person)

Kotor
- Museum Maritimun in Kotor (5EUR pro Person)
- Seekajakfahren (20EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Stadt Kotor (Gratis)

Shkodër
- Site of Memory and Memorial Museum
- Venice Art Mask Factory (3EUR pro Person)

Start / Finish

Zagreb nach Tirana

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Maritimo Recycling, Dubrovnik
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Zadar Walking Food Tour, Zadar
Dein Foodie-Moment: Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch, Uvala Bistrina
Dein Foodie-Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Three-Course Wine Pairing Dinner, Čitluk
Dein Foodie-Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo. Orientation walks in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hike in Krka Lakes National Park. Walk along the old city wall of Ston. Tvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine Tasting. Orientation walk in Trebinje. Visit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstones. See Koćuša Waterfall. Dinner and wine pairing at a winery in Čitluk. Visit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town. Hike to the Blagaj Fortress. Visit the Dervish Monastery. Guided walking tour of Mostar. Turkish House coffee experience in Mostar. Sarajevo Cable Car and Bobsled Track. Kotor orientation walk. Boat tour from Kotor to Perast. Budva Old Town walk. Visit Ostrog Monastery. Full-day excursion to Biogradska Gora National Park. Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion. Orientaion walk of Podgorica. Theth National Park visit. Walking tour of Shkoder. Walking tour of Kruje. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

Accommodation

Hotels (19 nts), Eco Lodge (2 nts)

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Transport

Private vehicle, ferry, boat, walking

Introduction

Get ready for a 22-day Balkan adventure where every twist and turn is drenched in history and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Stroll through the otherworldly landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, where shimmering lakes and cascading waterfalls create a scene unlike anywhere else. Dive deep into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dramatic past to uncover the stories that shaped its present. Along the way, visit historic churches, UNESCO treasures, and vibrant art colonies, all while taking in the stunning scenery. Trust us, this trip will leave you marvelling at just how incredible life can be

Highlights

Enjoy the stunning lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice and Krka National Parks, Wander past historic churches and monuments in Split and Dubrovnik, See the spectacular Koćuša Waterfall, Be immersed in Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo, Set off on a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor and visit the old town of Perast, Spend 2 nights at eco-lodges in the mountains of Montenegro

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Meals Included

21 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Zagreb

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to get your bearings of the area and to see some of the street graffiti art on the way to an optional group dinner

Day 2 Zagreb/Plitvička Jezera

Travel south from Zagreb to the stunning and iconic Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore the park’s forests, crystal waters, and cascading falls with our CEO for incredible scenery, natural beauty and photo opportunities. Continue to the hotel in the evening, check in and relax before a delicious dinner

Day 3 Plitvička Jezera/Šibenik

Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive to the coastal city of Zadar. Discover the city on a walking food tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city centre and important landmarks and culminating in a secluded garden for lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Krka National Park for a hike through the lush forest along the river to a series of spectacular waterfalls. Finish the day in the nearby city of Šibenik and enjoy a free evening

Day 4 Šibenik

The day is yours to fill however you wish in this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site riddled city. Home to a maze of winding alleys, Šibenik boasts historic fortifications that provide panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, a smooth pebble bay called Banj Beach, and an incredible food scene that'll make your mouth water

Day 5 Šibenik/Makarska

Travel south along the coast today to the port city of Split. Explore the city with your CEO on an orientation walk to see some of the main sights and landmarks then enjoy free time for lunch and to continue exploring on your own with the chance to visit the Diocletian's Palace and the Riva promenade. In the late afternoon continue by bus to the city of Makarska to check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening

Day 6 Makarska

Enjoy a full free day to take advantage of the many optional activities available in and around Makarska. Perhaps take a ferry to the island of Brač to explore on your own, take a tuk tuk tour, go zip-lining in the nearby town of Tucepi or just relax on the local beach

Day 7 Makarska/Dubrovnik

Take some free time to wander the town of Ston, and to walk along the massive and historic Ston City wall which rewards those who choose to climb it (for an additional fee) incredible views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Then set off along the coast and make a stop at a small bay called Uvala Bistrina to learn all about the local oyster farming and to sample some fresh ones and with wine and lunch from local ingredients. Continue driving in the afternoon to Croatia's southernmost city, Dubrovnik and spend the rest of the evening at leisure

Day 8 Dubrovnik

Discover Dubrovnik today on an orientation walk with your CEO through the old part of the city and seeing some of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks. Make a stop at the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling, where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. Then, take the rest of the day to continue exploring on your own, take an optional kayak excursion or relax in one of the many cafés and watch the world go by. Regroup in the evening for an optional dinner out on the town

Day 9 Dubrovnik/Trebinje

Enjoy a free morning in Dubrovnik for further exploration or for some last-minute shopping before departing around midday for Bosnia and Herzegovina. After driving across the border, make a stop at the Tvrdoš Monastery and sample some of the local wine then continue to a view point at the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple to enjoy a great view of the city of Trebinje. Make a final stop at Arslanagić bridge before arriving to the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner

Day 10 Trebinje

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon

Day 11 Trebinje/Čitluk

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the beautiful Koćuša Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Čitluk where you can spend time in the pool or explore the winery before capping off the day with dinner, paired with their locally produced wines

Day 12 Čitluk/Mostar

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure

Day 13 Mostar/Sarajevo

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today. Ascend the Mount Trebević for the best views of the city and visit the Abandoned Bobsled track which provides a glimpse into the city’s complex history. Explore the vibrant Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious meal and a great introduction to the city

Day 14 Sarajevo

Take advantage of a free day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes

Day 15 Sarajevo/Kotor

Depart from Sarajevo after breakfast for the drive into Montenegro with a stop at Bileća to stretch the legs and have a bite to eat. Arrive to Kotor in the afternoon and check into the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner

Day 16 Kotor

Hop on a boat from Kotor's port area and set off on a scenic ride in the Bay of Kotor, seeing a number of small islands and historical sites before arriving to the town of Perast. Spend some time exploring and wandering Perast's old town before returning to Kotor around midday. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or for optional activities like museum visits or sea kayaking

Day 17 Kotor/Žabljak

Travel south from Kotor to the coastal seaport town of Budva. Visit the old town on a walk with your CEO then continue inland to visit the striking Ostrog Monasteray, perched high on a mountain cliff face, offering great views from the top. After lunch, pass through Durmitor National Park's rugged landscape and stop at Black Lake for a stroll. Then drive towards Zabljak, a serene natural haven with diverse terrain and forest shade - our stop for the night

Day 18 Žabljak/Kolašin

Head out after breakfast and drive to a hidden gem of natural beauty in Montenegro, Biogradska Gora National Park. Spend most of the day in the park, walking with the CEO around the lake and taking in the pristine forest and mountain scenery. After lunch in the park enjoy a bit of free time to rent a boat, a bike or a kayak to further explore the area. In the late afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Kolasin for the night, with an included dinner at our accommodation

Day 19 Kolašin/Podgorica

Get picked up at the hotel in the morning by 4x4 vehicles for an unforgettable adventure. Head off-road and explore Montenegro's incredibly beautiful back country while traversing rugged terrain through mountains and forest. After lunch, continue south to the capital city of Podgorica and set off on a a walking exploration of the old town, once a medieval stronghold. Enjoy an optional final dinner out with the group in the old town or near the hotel

Day 20 Podgorica/Shkodër

Depart Podgorica and cross the Hani i Hotit - Bozhaj border into Albania, reaching the beautiful natural scenery of Theth National Park. Explore the area with your CEO, walking through meadows full of wildflowers surrounded by mountain peaks, and marvel at the 25m high Grunasi Waterfall, cascading from a limestone cliff. In the afternoon continue to the city of Shkodër and check into the hotel, with the rest of the evening free to relax

Day 21 Shkodër

Set off this morning on a guided walking tour of Shkodër to see some of the main sights and to learn a bit about the city's history. Starting from the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge, walk to the old town and take in the panoramic views from Rozafa castle. Shkodër's cultural heritage is on full display through its historic architecture and monuments. The rest of the day is free to explore, visit museums or relax at a cafe or at the hotel

Day 22 Shkodër/Tirana

Travel south from Shkodër this morning and stop in the small mountain town of Kruje. Explore the city on foot learn a bit about its fascinating history and significance since Roman times. After time for lunch, continue driving south to the city of Tirana, Albania's capital, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 5pm

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Zagreb

Day 2 Zagreb/Plitvička Jezera

Day 3 Plitvička Jezera/Šibenik

Day 4 Šibenik

Day 5 Šibenik/Makarska

Day 6 Makarska

Day 7 Makarska/Dubrovnik

Day 8 Dubrovnik

Day 9 Dubrovnik/Trebinje

Day 10 Trebinje

Day 11 Trebinje/Čitluk

Please note: The pool is outdoors and can be impacted by temperature and overall weather

Day 12 Čitluk/Mostar

Day 13 Mostar/Sarajevo

Day 14 Sarajevo

Day 15 Sarajevo/Kotor

Day 16 Kotor

Day 17 Kotor/Žabljak

Day 18 Žabljak/Kolašin

Day 19 Kolašin/Podgorica

Day 20 Podgorica/Shkodër

Day 21 Shkodër

Day 22 Shkodër/Tirana

Please do not book onward travel from Tirana before 8pm