Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Dubrovnik
Trip Finishes
Corfu
Trip Style
Basix
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ZMYA
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 9 Day Essential Southern Balkans. On this nine-day journey, say hello to the Southern Balkans. Steeped in medieval history, overflowing with colourful towns and blessed with a glistening coastline, this area of the world has so much to see and do. From Dubrovnik, you’ll head to bucket list location Corfu – a Greek island where battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars are all rolled together. Discover Ulcinj and its medieval delights, explore the political history of Albania’s capital Tirana, lay beachside on the Albanian Riviera and try the local...read more coffee in Gjirokaster. Is this a whirlwind adventure or a slice of paradise?
Itinerary
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik. Your adventure begins in sun-kissed Croatia with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, maybe head to the walled Old City through the Pile Gate drawbridge – the best way to explore Dubrovnik is on foot, so walk the walls and take your time. There’s a bar on the wall to grab a drink and admire the view too. In town, there are plenty of cool eateries to grab a quick lunch of fresh seafood or take a leisurely afternoon to people-watch. If a swim is on the cards, maybe head outside the walls to a cove and dive into the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea that surround you – Suluci or Banje Beach are great for a dip.
This morning, hit the road to Kotor in Montenegro. Spend some free time exploring this terracotta-lined medieval town, maybe walking up Kampana Tower to see the surrounding turquoise waters and limestone cliffs or finding one of the many churches dotted around this relatively small town. Continue to Ulcinj – sitting on the Adriatic Coast, this town is home to scenic beaches, medieval city walls and thriving nightlife. When you arrive, maybe wander through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets and see Ulcinj Castle. Later, maybe watch the sunset on the beach. (B)
This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive across the border into Albania to your next stop in Tirana. When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk around the city to get your bearings. Visit Bunk’Art – a history and contemporary art museum. Head through a long, dark tunnel in the hillside that leads you to the entrance, on the side of an active Albanian military base. From here, you’ll descend into 3000 square metres of underground space, originally meant as a bunker in the 1970s for Albania’s political elite. Now, it houses different exhibitions of Albanian modern history and contemporary art pieces. This afternoon, you’ll have time to explore this eclectic city at your own pace – maybe head out to the Block for drinks and swap stories with your fellow travellers. (B)
Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got a free day. Maybe make like the locals at the colourful street markets, explore the city’s traditional cuisine or jump on public transport to Kruja – this ancient Albanian city is just 32 km out of Tirana. Tonight, you might like to gather your newfound travel buds and head to the Blloku neighbourhood – a hotspot for pre-dinner drinks. Then, why not treat yourself to dinner at Tirana Castle – a Byzantine time castle transformed into a trendy outdoor shopping area with plenty of restaurant options to take your fancy. (B)
After breakfast today, set your sights on the Riviera and make your way to Himare. Sitting between the Ionian Sea and Ceraunian Mountains, this town is a less-touristed part of Albania and is home to a great local food scene! When you arrive, you have a free day to soak up the scenic town – maybe explore the Old Town on the rocky hill for views of the sea and see the ruins of Himare Castle, over 3500 years old. After, head to a local cafe for coffee and cake or make your way to one of the secluded beach coves, perfect for having a dip in the sea and getting stuck into a good book. (B)
Head out on a speed boat tour this morning, taking in the coastal sights from a different perspective. Take to the water and visit Pigeon’s Cave, Crystal Bay, Gjipe Beach and Pirate's Cave – one of the most spectacular caves in the country and only accessible by boat. Along the way, you’ll stop for swims in the caves and on the beaches near the Gjipe Canyon, giving you the ultimate chance to refresh under the sun. Later, enjoy a free afternoon to find a local restaurant with sea and sunset views – your leader will know some great spots!
Leave the sparkling Adriatic shores behind and head to Gjirokaster – a well-preserved Ottoman town in Albania’s south. When you arrive, visit one of the traditional tower houses with a local guide who has all the insights and taste the traditional coffee 'on the stone', roasted on the fire right in front of you! If you’re lucky, you might even get your fortune read. You’ll spend the night here, so maybe find some speca me glize (stuffed peppers) for dinner.
Today you’ll head south to Saranda – a coastal resort town near the Albania and Greece border. From here, take a hydrofoil ferry to Corfu – an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Corfu is known for its mountainous landscapes that extend to the shores and its cultural heritage, spent under rule from Venetian, French and British influences. Your group leader will take you on an orientation walk near where you’re staying, so you can find all the best spots and get your bearings for later. Tonight is all yours – maybe round up your group and head out for sunset drinks at one of the local restaurants. (B)
With no planned activities today, you’re free to leave anytime. If shorelines and souvlakis are still on the cards, you don’t have to leave just yet! If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit the seldom-visited Gjirokaster in Albania and get your caffeine fix with a taste of the local Turkish coffee made ‘on the stone’ with a local guide.
- Head to the Albanian Riviera and float in the sparkling waters of Himare’s hidden coves. Go on a speed boat tour to Pirate’s Cave and take refreshing swims in the coastal waters. Then, kick back in Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands.
- Discover the walled cities of Kotor and the coastal town of Ulcinj, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to wander on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!
- Descend into one of the world’s most peculiar contemporary art museums in Tirana – housed in an underground bunker built for the Albanian political elite.
- Walk the walls of the Old City of medieval Dubrovnik and spot the film locations that have been used in worldwide blockbusters (if you loved Game of Thrones, this place might look a little familiar).
- Hotel (4 nights)
- Guesthouse (3 nights)
- Hostel (1 night)
- 6 Breakfasts included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Intrepid Family Adventures (2024-25)
Intrepid’s family adventures are a chance to travel the world with the centre of yours. Take your education outside the classroom to places where textbooks come to life, every local is a teacher and the most important lessons aren’t necessarily planned. From the preserved history of Pompeii to Morocco’s wild, windswept dunes, these global adventures...more are the perfect way to inspire the next generation of global citizens.
Availability
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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