Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
14 Days Starting in Tirana, Albania and ending in Split, Croatia
Visiting: Tirana, Budva, Dubrovnik, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Hvar, Split
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RIE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the hidden gems of the Balkans on this captivating tour through Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, culminating in a scenic coastal cruise. Begin your journey in Tirana with a welcome dinner and a guided city tour, including a visit to the Bunk’Art museum. Explore the natural wonders of Skadar Lake in Montenegro, and delve into the rich history of Cetinje and Kotor. In Croatia, visit the enchanting town of Perast and the iconic city of Dubrovnik, where you’ll embark on a coastal cruise. Enjoy stops at picturesque locations like Slano, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, and Hvar, each offering unique cultural and natural experiences. Conclude your adventure in Split, with memories of stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant local cultures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Tirana,Albania
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
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)
Day 2: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art.
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.
Day 3: Tirana,Virpazar,Montenegro,Budva
Location: Budva
Accommodation Name: Hotel Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. 137 mi / 220 km
TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (B,D) 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.
Day 4: Budva Excursion To Cetinje And Kotor
Location: Budva
Accommodation Name: Hotel Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes a visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant. 106mi / 170 km
BUDVA EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR Former Capitals & Coastal Towns CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes a 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.
Day 5: Budva,Perast,Dubrovnik,Croatia
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Lapad
Meals Included: Breakfast
PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a 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. 71 mi / 115km
BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a 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.
Day 6: Dubrovnik,Konavle,Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Lapad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 37 mi / 60 km
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.
Day 7: Dubrovnik (Embarkation)
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Lapad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
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.
Day 8: Cruising: Dubrovnik,Slano
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
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.
Day 9: Cruising: Slano,Mijet
Location: Mljet
Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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 him.
Day 10: Cruising: Mijet,Korcula
Location: Korcula
Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls.
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.
Day 11: Cruising: Korcula,Vis
Location: Vis
Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
VIS: Free time to explore the island.
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 colonies and 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 waterfront.
Day 12: Cruising: Vis,Bisevo,Hvar
Location: Hvar
Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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.
Day 13: Cruising: Hvar,Bol,Split
Location: Split
Accommodation Name: Cruise Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni RatSPLIT Guided tour of the city.
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.
Day 14: Split (Disembarkation)
Location: Split
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)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Tirana in Tirana, Hotel Budva in Budva, and Lapad in Dubrovnik.
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Meals
Daily breakfast (B), several dinners (D), and some lunches (L) are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided walking tours in Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, and Split.
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Boat Trips
Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake and a coastal cruise from Dubrovnik.
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Museum Visits
Visits to Bunk’Art in Tirana, King Nicola's Museum in Cetinje, and the Benedictine monastery on St Mary Isle.
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Special Experiences
Visit to 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church, Blue Cave in Bisevo, and oyster tasting in Slano.
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Transfers
Transfers to various locations including city gates, cable car rides, and return transfers to the vessel.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.
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 Tirana. Budva: Hotel Budva. Dubrovnik: Lapad.
Notes
Services of the Tour Director end on day 7.The cruise portion of your vacation, from Dubrovnik to Split, is operated by Katarina Lines. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details; there are various ships operating this itinerary, so the ship name varies by departure date.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the significance of the Bunk’Art in Tirana?
Bunk’Art in Tirana is a sprawling stone bunker that once served as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha. It is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery, showcasing the city's diverse architectural history from Ancient Roman to Ottoman and Italian influences.
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What can I expect during the boat trip on Skadar Lake?
During the boat trip on Skadar Lake, you will explore the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. The lake, which was once a bay off the Adriatic, offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.
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What will I see during the guided tour of Kotor?
The guided tour of Kotor will take you through its beautiful, walled medieval city with twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. You will also visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the city's most recognizable symbols.
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What is the legend behind 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church in Perast?
The legend behind 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church in Perast is that two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on a sea-cliff in 1452. After repeatedly finding the image back on the cliff despite taking it home, they understood it as a sign to build a church there. The island was created by people from Perast who threw rocks and stones around the cliff.
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What makes Dubrovnik a significant location on this tour?
Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic,' is a UNESCO-protected old town surrounded by remarkable city walls. It has inspired many artists over the centuries and served as a film location for the TV series Game of Thrones. The tour includes a walking tour with a local guide and a cable car ride to Srd mountain for scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands.
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What activities are included during the stop in Slano?
In Slano, you will explore the town's long medieval ramparts and learn about the oysters that made the village famous, with a chance to taste this delicacy. There will also be free time before returning to the vessel.
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What is the historical significance of Mljet National Park?
Mljet National Park is famous for its salt lakes and the ancient Benedictine monastery on St Mary Isle. According to legend, the Greek hero Odysseus spent seven years on the island after being charmed by the nymph Calypso, which led to his shipwreck and prolonged stay.
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What can I expect to see in Korcula?
In Korcula, you will have a guided walking tour of the town, which is surrounded by walls and is rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, with a unique fishbone street pattern designed for natural cooling.
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What are some activities to do during free time on the island of Vis?
During free time on the island of Vis, you can taste exquisite local wines, visit the remains of Roman thermal baths, explore the City Museum, or simply take a walk to enjoy the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae along the waterfront. The island has a rich history as a former Greek colony and Yugoslavian army base.
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What is special about the Blue Cave on Bisevo?
The Blue Cave on Bisevo is a spectacular natural phenomenon that you can visit, weather permitting. The cave is known for its mesmerizing blue light effect created by sunlight reflecting through the water.
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What makes Zlatni Rat beach unique?
Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the Mediterranean. It is surrounded by crystal-clear sea that changes color from turquoise blue to dark blue within a short distance. The beach's shape and position change depending on the wind, tide, and current, sometimes forming a small pool at its tip.
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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.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.