The Dalmatian Coast: Croatia, Corfu & Medieval Cities

We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this magnificent city. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome before Day 1 of this itinerary. Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets. We also recommend pre-booking your ticket to the Colosseum to guarantee entrance and avoid long queues: https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en Stay: Jo&Joe Roma B&B

It’s all about those good vibes and finding that connection today. Say, “Arrivederci Rome”, as you cruise towards the Adriatic Coast. Once we arrive in Ancona you’ll board an overnight ferry to Split, Croatia. Sleeping cabins are included and we bet you’ll have some stories to tell afterwards. We can’t wait to hear them! (B)

Wipe the sleep from those eyes with a quick breakfast onboard the ferry. Then, on your mark, get set, GO explore the second largest city in Croatia! Modern life and ancient history collide here ensuring there’s plenty of experiences to keep you preoccupied. The only challenge? Seeing as much as you can without rushing it. We’ll let you in on a secret. For the best views of the city consider climbing the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, then head out on a sightseeing guided tour to explore Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace. But after all this we wanted to do you a favour, so we’ll give you back your evening to do as you will. Think drinks in the hostel with new friends, or heading out on the town for a night of laughter and dancing. Doesn’t sound like you could go wrong. Stay: En Route Hostel Split (B)

Take two at exploring Split? Yes, please! Stroll along the Riva Promenade with its palm trees, colourful buildings and striking views of the Adriatic Sea; a great place to get those steps in. Looking for a hike? Consider climbing Marjan Hill where a series of trails crisscross their way to the top. Or... hear us out. You could venture a bit farther to Klis Fortress for panoramic views of the Dalmatian Coast and the “Game of Thrones” filming location for Meereen, just make sure there are no dragons flying about. Stay: En Route Hostel Split (B)

Wow, your friends and family back home will be totally jealous of you today. Set those devices to island time and hop on a Hydrofoil sailing trip to Korčula. Yes, we said Hydrofoil. Feel inspired by the views of the rugged coastline, feel the wind whip through your hair, and be in the moment. Once you arrive, your CEO will come in clutch with another highlight walk of the area. Meet up and see some cool places like the Old Town walls, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Discover the local beer scene in the evening or get classy and sip some wine while eating seafood in one of the many delicious restaurants on the island. Stay: Dragan's Den Hostel (B)

Did someone say Peljesac Peninsula? No? Well anyway, you’ll be seeing this gem on your way from Korčula to Dubrovnik. Wave your goodbyes as your fleet of small boats pulls away from shore and head to a place renowned for the best red wine in Croatia. Wander the wall of Ston, from Ston to Mali. Then live your best life with your travel buds and choose to taste this renowned vino and order a dozen of the best oysters in Europe at a local restaurant. Finish up in Dubrovnik on a group walk through the Old Town. Play eye spy and see if you can spot Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, and a Franciscan Monastery. Afterwards, revel in the timeless atmosphere of this port city. You might never leave and we wouldn’t blame you. Stay: Hostel 365 for U Dubrovnik (B)

You have a whole day ahead of you to experience Dubrovnik as you please. Admire one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world, stroll along the city’s walls, hike up to Minčeta Fortress; the highest fort in Dubrovnik only accessible from the city walls. (yes, we know it sounds cool!) Hunt down some Game of Thrones filming locations (there are plenty) and let out your inner Khaleesi! Grab a towel, find a place to swim your heart out, kayak for unique views of the city from the water, and perhaps end your day sipping a beverage and witnessing a gorgeous sunset from a cliff top bar. Sounds like a win in our book. Stay: Hostel 365 for U Dubrovnik

Pull out those travel journals and cross another country off your bucket-lists today because it’s time to leave Croatia behind and give some love and attention to Montenegro. All of the boxes will be checked today, beautiful sites, quaint villages, and your first glimpse of Kotor Bay, a unique fjord of the Adriatic. You’ll check out the historic village of Perast. Think marvellous buildings, postcard-like churches, and a romantic waterfront that seems to feature in every painting of European sailing towns. Rest of the day you get to hang out with your super cool and fun CEO. They will take you on a highlights walk of UNESCO protected Kotor and show you places like the Old City, St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the famous Clock Tower. Don’t let the fun end here! Make a plan and keep hanging out and see if your CEO can accompany you to a few hole in the wall places that will make your time here truly unique. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

Amazing views and a magical experience are on the menu for today. It all starts as the sun rises over the land on a morning walk to the San Giovanni Fortress. Grab some fun group photos with your CEO as you stand atop the city and revel in the views. The rest of the day belongs to you. Explore, bop around, and experience Kotor as you wish. Even if that means laying low at the hostel with a few friends, we won’t judge, in fact, the best moments often happen when you least expect them. Cat lovers rejoice! Because Kotor has their very own Cat Museum you can visit. Not feeling an afternoon of felines? That’s ok, walk into the impressive interior of St. Nicholas’ Church, hop on a boat and visit Our Lady of the Rocks, or book an excursion to Blue Cave for a bucket-list worthy swim spot. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

Another day, another dollar. Just kidding, it’s free to make awesome memories with your friends and it’s guaranteed that you will as you travel along the Montenegrin coastline towards Tirana, Albania. Make a pit stop to St Stefan, part island, part luxury resort. It’s a great place to get out, stretch those legs and pretend you have just arrived on your private yacht like most guests do. From there you’ll get to visit Dolphin-shaped Lake Skadar on the border of Albania and Montenegro. Explore the area surrounded by steep mountains, island monasteries, and crystal-clear waters by foot. Finish the day in Tirana with a half day guided walking tour through the streets featuring Skanderbeg Square! Stay: Hotel Kruja (B)

The day is yours! Take advantage of free time and get to know Tirana. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, this city hardly ever makes travel bucket lists. Tirana boasts a wide range of optional activities that are guaranteed to charm you. Opt to hike through national parks in the area, or maybe explore history museums that unveil Tirana's turbulent past. Check out food markets full of local cuisine and sweets while you admire the local landmarks of this special place. Stay: Hotel Kruja (B)

It’s no secret that travelling is exhausting! Build up that energy with breakfast in the hostel then drive along the coastal route to Saranda known fondly as the “Albanian Riviera”. Strap those sea legs on as you catch the ferry from Saranda to the island of Corfu where once you arrive you’ll have free time to grab a drink, explore Corfu, and laugh it up with your pals at the hostel. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Wake up in paradise and know that the choice is yours today and there’s nothing holding you back! Take a taxi and explore the UNESCO-listed town, wander by the laundry swaying in the sea breeze and search for a place to grab lunch and a cocktail or two. Searching for something more exciting and unique? Chill out on an olive oil tasting experience, or learn about bees and honey production in Corfu. Looking for more adventure? Visit an ancient monastery on steep cliffs overlooking the azure waters. Want to just relax? Lay out beachside working on your tan and swimming in the refreshing waters. Turns out you really can’t go wrong on this Greek island. Tonight, opt to go out with the group to Corfu Town and hit up some of the best nightlife spots. The transfer to and from the hostel is included if you choose to go. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading south for some good times and epic views in Greece. (B)