15 Days | Experience the seaside charm and Balkan countryside, from Dubrovnik to Athens.
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
14 breakfasts
Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi, Boat
Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel with ensuite facilities (1 night)
- 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
- 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
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.
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 InformationReviews
Filter by rating