Dubrovnik to Athens

15 Days | Experience the seaside charm and Balkan countryside, from Dubrovnik to Athens.

4.9 out of 5 based on 65 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,870
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This European adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania – creating the perfect balance between old and new. Hang out in Dubrovnik's Old Town, cruise around Lake Ohrid, hike the foot hills of Mt Olympus and in Pelister National Park, and sample some regional specialties in Greece's capital. You’ll experience the Adriatic coastline and the Balkans interior on a 15-day regional wrap from Dubrovnik to Athens. With a curated selection of inclusions and plenty of free time, this slice of Europe is all yours to explore.

Trip overview

Map of Dubrovnik To Athens including Albania, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Republic Of and Montenegro
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Athens, Greece
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Greece, Croatia, North Macedonia (Macedonia), Albania, Montenegro
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSM
This trip generates 29 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik and Montenegro’s Kotor, climbing along their ancient city walls.
  • Loose yourself in Tirana, Albania's colourful capital, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.
  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction; nobody would want to let it go!
  • Explore the endemic flora and fauna on an easy hike of Pelister: North Macedonia’s oldest national park.
  • Hike the slopes of Mt Olympus, the ancient seat of the 12 Greek gods. According to mythology Zeus unleashed his thunderbolts from one of Olympus' peaks.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Balkan peninsula is very hilly and mountainous, so many steps are a feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines, so packing light is recommended. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find the Balkan's topography very demanding.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable, especially as many of the transport options and accommodations we use will not have air-conditioning. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than en-suite, and many accommodations in this part of the world do not have air-conditioning.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Dubrovnik to Santorini’ (trip code ZMSEC). This trip continues on to explore the beautiful Cycladic Islands, ending on stunning Santorini. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Dubrovnik To Athens including Albania, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Republic Of and Montenegro

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel with ensuite facilities (1 night)

Activities
  • Shkoder - Rozafa Castle
  • Kruja - Day Trip
  • Kruja - Skanderbeg Museum
  • Kruja - Fortress Visit
  • Berat - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Berat - Castle Visit
  • Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
  • Skopje - Matka Canyon visit and Boat Ride
  • Pelister National Park - Hike in Pelister National Park
  • Mt Olympus National Park - Orlias Waterfall Hike
Add on activities
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery - ALL500
  • Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car - ALL1000
  • Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
  • Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
  • Ohrid: Old bazaar street - Free
  • Skopje - Museum of the City of Skopje - Free
  • Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
  • Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD100
  • Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
  • Bitola Museum - MKD100
  • Kastoria - Open Museum - EUR5
  • Litochoro - Agios Dionysios Monastery - Free
  • Litochoro - Plaka Beach - Free
  • Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
  • Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR12
  • Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
  • Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
  • Athens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
  • Athens - Taste of Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
  • Athens - Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
  • Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Athens - Day Trip to Delphi - EUR60
  • Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. There is not much time in Dubrovnik on this trip, so you may want to consider arriving a few days earlier to make sure you are not missing out on everything that this beautiful city has to offer.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 65 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Trevor · Traveled September 2024
The Balkans are generally not well known in western countries. The history is complex and interesting. You will love this trip. The countries are beautiful, spectacular and welcoming.
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

Sian · Traveled August 2024
Excellent trip with plenty of interesting and varied places to explore. Be aware that everywhere has stairs or steep hills so light bags are a must
Review submitted 24 Sep 2024

Anita · Traveled August 2024
Enjoyed my first ever trip through the Balkans. I learned so much history of these countries from Vojin. Tried the different local food which were all excellent. I throughly recommend it to anyone who likes adventures..
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Jessica · Traveled August 2024
Kafu was a lot of fun and had great local knowledge and lived experience of the history of the countries. He could communicate in local language in nearly all countries which was impressive. He knew local music spots and was highly organised but also down for a good laugh. Thank you!
Review submitted 02 Sep 2024

Kimberley · Traveled July 2024
My balkans trip was amazing!! Would recommend this trip to everyone. Especially if the tour guide is Dusan. He is very knowledgeable on the area and very friendly.
Review submitted 30 Aug 2024
Dubrovnik to Athens
From
EUR €2,870