Europe Explorer Grand Tour "Adriatic Route"

After breakfast, we head to Lezha in the north west of the country where we visit the mausoleum of Skanderbeg and the castle before heading to Ulcinj. Then continue to Ulcinj. Ulcinj is part of the "south coast" region of Montenegro and is a popular tourist destination. Although still undiscovered by many travelers from larger countries, repeat tourists and an increasing number of first time visitors make Ulcinj a hot spot for vacationers. Visit to the Castle of Ulcinj, its old town is a very well preserved castle-looking community that is left over from medieval times. The old town sits atop a mountain overlooking the shore and is a tourist attraction on its own. Overnight in Ulcinj.) Overnight in the Hotel (Vila e Balshajve, or similar).

After breakfast, we will drive to Budva (UNESCO). We will visit the capital of Montenegro tourism to enjoy the amazing combination of the wonderful beaches with the history of the ancient, cultural and religious monuments. Visit in the Old City, Sveti Trojica Church, Stanjevici Monastery. Then continue to Kotor. We visit the Old Town and show you the most important historical monuments and buildings in town: Square of Arms, Byzanti Palace, Beskuca Palace, Pima Palace, St Tryphon Cathedral, Maritime Museum, St Nicholas Church, Blessed Ozana Church as well as the North gate, and the biggest attraction the city ramparts thanks to which Kotor became a part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Overnight in Kotor at Hotel (Vila Maria, or similar).

After breakfast, we will depart for Dubrovnik. City tour. The walking route takes you around the Old Town via Onofrio's Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success. Along the way you will pay a visit to St. Saviour's, the grandiose Franciscan and Dominican church, and see wine-producing vines believed to be more than 100 years old.

Accomodation in hotel  (Petka 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast continue to Makarska. Makarska is a port town on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, known for its Makarska Riviera beaches, seafront promenade and nightlife. On a small bay between wooded headlands, the old town centers on Kačić Square. Ferries connect the port to nearby Brač island. To the east towers the rugged Mt. Biokovo, a nature reserve home to golden eagles and Balkan chamois, with hairpin roads up to Sveti Jure’s summit.

Then proceed to Split. Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its center, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards are a cathedral and numerous shops, bars, cafes, hotels and houses. Split walking tour includes the Roman part of town (Diocletian palace) and the old part of town (City hall, promenade, Fishmarket..) The ruins of the Palace can be found throughout the city. The cathedral locally known as St. Duje church was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.

Accomodation in hotel  (As Hotel 3*, or similar) and overnight.

We will continue our journey through history towards Trogir, a small, well preserved town sandwiched between Croatia’s mainland and the island of Čiovo. It is hard to find another town on the Mediterranean as small as Trogir and as rich in respect of the cultural heritage. This fact was noticed by UNESCO back in 1997 when Trogir was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. This small town is a mosaic of monuments that date from the ancient Greek period to the Middle Ages and further on to the present. Stroll through the streets of this charming little town; admire an undeniable masterpiece of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the famous Romanesque Portal of Radovan, 15th century’s palaces of noble families, the Town hall and 11th century’s Benedictine monastery.

Afterward, continue to Zadar. Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century.

In the afternoon we will depart for Starigrad. Stari Grad (Pharos) is the oldest town in Croatia. Mentioned same year - 384 b.c. by ancient philosopher Aristotle.

Accomodation in hotel  (Vicko Hotel 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, we will continue to Rijeka, where you will visit the fortress of Trsat, built at the turn of the 12th and 13th century. You will learn about the long and interesting history of the castle which oversees the entire city of Rijeka, the administrative and cultural center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county and the third largest city in Croatia by number of inhabitants.

Opatija. Opatija is a beautiful Croatian city located on the Istrian Peninsula. Among its many attractions are the Villa Angiolina, Saint James's Church, the Juraj Sporer Arts Pavillion, and many picturesque parks. Then we will continue to Opatia. Opatija is a beautiful Croatian city located on the Istrian Peninsula. Among its many attractions are the Villa Angiolina, Saint James's Church, the Juraj Sporer Arts Pavillion, and many picturesque parks.

Accomodation in hotel (Galeb 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue to Pula. We will have a walking tour to take you to the old city of Pula, where you can see and hear about all the important monuments, and the rich history of this town. Remains of ancient Roman times, early Christianity, the times of Venice, Napoleon, Austria, Italy written in the city walls. We visit the Amphitheater (option to enter), then we go pass the remains of the Hercules' temple, to the Catedral, then to Forum Romanum with Augustus Temple, and the City Hall. From there we go pass the Chapel of Santa Maria Formosa, then to the gates of the Roman city : The Sergii Gates - Porta Aurea, The Hercules Gates, The Twin Gates - Porta Gemina, then pass the Church of St. Nicholas, we come to the Castle of Pula where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the city, and have a look from above at the remains of the small roman theatre.

Accomodation in hotel (Roma 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Leisure day in Trieste. Overnight in Trieste

After breakfast, continue to Venice. City tour, which will give you a better comprehension of the city and you will have many useful tips about Do’s and Don'ts, food suggestions and guide recommendations about the most important museums and churches to visit while in Venice. This tour is a great introduction to the city and it will cover the history of Venice, the unique city construction, orientation in Venice and its main sights, stories about some famous Venetians, few amazing buildings, food and drinks tips, the origins of Venetian masks and some other topics. This tour will cover the eastern part of Cannaregio district and the western part of Castello district.

Accomodation in hotel in Mestre (Venezia 3*, or similar) and overnight.

In the morning we departed for Ravenna. Famous for Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna (UNESCO) heritage list since 1996. Where we also will enjoy a city tour  to explore the city's top attractions: Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Piazza del Popolo, St. Francis' crypt, the tomb of Dante Alighieri, and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

In the afternoon proceed to Rimini. Those who believe that all roads lead to Rome are mistaken. Rimini was already from the times of the Roman Empire, a maritime city that fulfilled the function of access from the Mediterranean to the whole of Europe. A walk through the city is a travel through time that takes us through twenty-two centuries of history of a central city, from ancient Rome to Fellini, passing through the Middle Ages and Renaissance noble families. The classic itinerary of the historic center starts from the Roman Arena. The remains of this amphitheater are the last testimonies of grandiose shows of gladiators that amused the Rimini of the III century. As further proof of the importance of Rimini at the time of imperial Rome, we continue with the Arch of Augustus, a monumental entrance to the Roman city of the first century BC. Walking along Corso d’Augusto, ancient “decumanus”, we reach Piazza Tre Martiri, ancient Roman forum transformed for centuries into the lively “piazza delle erbe” surrounded by shops and by the lovely sixteenth-century temple dedicated to Sant’Antonio da Padova.

Accomodation in hotel (Sport 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast continue to San Marino. Where we will explore the most famous attractions of San Marino at your own pace, exploring the streets and squares of the old city, a place filled with history and culture. Among others, you will have time to admire the beautiful Palazzo del Governo and Piazza della Libertà, as well as the wonderful Basilica del Santo Marino. You will learn more about the unique history of San Marino and how this small country came to exist and survived until now. The tour of San Marino will give you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views from atop the towers of the city, admiring the hills and seaside of the Italian countryside.

Then continue to Ancona. We will have a walking tour among the alleys, monuments and views of Ancona to admire the town through the ages, from its doric origins to the present days. Walking through the streets of the Old Town it will be possible to capture the images of the main attractions and to know anecdotes, stories and legends that make Ancona fascinating and mysterious.

Accomodation in hotel (Europa3*, or similar) and overnight.

 In the morning we will depart for Pescara. Pescara is the city that embodies all this nature and the challenge. Abruzzo is a region where the mountains are the highest in the Apennines and the coast is long and varied. It has been defined as the “Green Region of Europe.” Located not far from mount Gran Sasso and Maiella, overlooking the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and developed around the mouth of the river that bears the same name, and that cuts it in two. Where to cross the river, just near the point where it definitely immerses into the Adriatic, the citizens of Pescara have built a bridge - among the longest in Europe - and have called it Ponte del Mare. It rises above all sea that defines the city; in Pescara, where everything is mostly modern.

Accomodation in hotel (Alba 3*, or similar) and overnight.

 Departure to visit San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most popular religious destinations in Italy. We will have a walking tour through the places where the friar lived and the explanation of his life. You will visit the ancient church, the remains of the saint, the convent, the private room of San Pio and the new sanctuary, designed by the architect Renzo Piano and almost entirely created by pilgrims' offers.

Then continue to Foggia. Where we have a city tour. Discover the fascination of Foggia, with special openings of monuments and the historic centre. Visit for free the Civic Museum and the Cathedral Beata Maria Vergine Assunta in Cielo. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the historic centre, to discover the most fascinating places in the city from the period of Emperor Frederik II, to the second world war.

Accomodation in hotel (Palazzo Sant'elena 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Castel del Monte. Located in the Communes of Andria and Corato (Bari Province), it was built by the Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. First of all, Del Monte Castle is a symbol of medieval military architecture. Perfectly preserved, it is able to enchant for some details such as the rigour of its plan and form, and the eclecticism of its cultural elements. Then continue to Bari. Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, is a city where time seems to have stopped. The presence of the relics of the Patron Saint Nicholas in the homonymous Basilica make it one of the most important religious destinations of southern Italy. The ancient village, also called "Bari vecchia" is a magical place, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of Bari and exchange a few words with the friendly inhabitants. On the doorstep of the houses the women will invite you to taste the local specialties while they prepare the famous orecchiette, the typical handmade pasta. You will not be able to resist the scent of the focaccia and the very tasty street food. In the evening we onboard the Ferry trip to Durres Albania.

Overnight on the ferry.

After arrival in Durres, we will have a city tour. Durres city lies on the Adriatic coast and is the main commercial port of Albania. Durres, Albania's second largest city was known formerly as Durrahium and is one of the oldest towns in the country. Legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson, Dyrrah. It was for centuries the largest port on the Adriatic, and the start of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople/Istanbul. We visit the Roman amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum, situated near the sea and rich in objects excavated in Durres. We also will visit the Roman Baths behind the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre on the central square. Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.