Essential Southern Balkans

9 Days | Say hello to the Southern Balkans on an essential adventure

4.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
EUR €974
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This trip is for the 18 to 35 year olds

On this nine-day journey, say hello to the Southern Balkans. Steeped in medieval history, overflowing with colourful towns and blessed with a spectacular, glistening coastline, this area of the world has so much to see and so much to 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 Stari Bar and its epicurean delights, explore the political history of Albania’s capital Tirana, lay beachside on the Albanian Riviera and try the local coffee in Gjirokaster. Is this a whirlwind adventure or a slice of paradise?

Trip overview

Map of Essential Southern Balkans including Albania, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Corfu, Greece
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Albania
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
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ZMYA
This trip generates 22 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
  • Head to 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.
  • 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).
  • Explore the Albanian Riviera, which gives any coastline a run for its money, and float in the sparkling waters of Dhermi Beach. Then, kick back in stunning Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands. Explore the rocky landscapes, take part in some water sports or just relax on one of the island’s beaches.
  • 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.
  • Discover the walled cities of Kotor and Stari Bar, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to explore on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amurtel, who provide a safe space for refugee women and children in Greece. Donations help them provide antenatal and postnatal care programs run by qualified midwives.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential 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 for that season. Please note that only some of your hotels will have air conditioning, and it’s virtually non-existent on public transport.
  • Hotels in this region often don't have double beds. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.

Itinerary

Map of Essential Southern Balkans including Albania, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (3 nights)

Activities
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit
  • Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House
  • Gjirokaster - Local Guide
  • Gjirokaster - Blue Eye Spring
  • Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'
  • Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress
Add on activities
  • Dubrovnik - Three Islands Boat Cruise - HRK300
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Sunset Sailing - EUR64
  • St Tryphon's Cathedral - Free
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Dhermi Beach - Pirate Cave Boat Transfer - EUR8
  • Dhermi Beach - Pirate Cave, Pigeon’s Bay, Gjipe Bay (includes boat trip, guide & picnic lunch) - EUR99
  • Llogara National Park - Day Trip (including transport, guide & lunch) - EUR86
  • Gjirokaster - Ismail Kadare's House - ALL200
  • Gjirokaster - Ethnographic Museum - ALL200
  • Corfu - Palaiopoli Archaeological Site - EUR4
  • Corfu - Mon Repos Summer Palace - EUR4
  • Corfu - Archaeological Museum - EUR6
  • Corfu - Corfu Fortifications - EUR5

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.

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 17 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.

Filter by rating

Katie · Traveled August 2023
I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone considering! You see so much across the perfect amount of time and the hotels and activities are fantastic. You'll also meet some amazing friends! Definitely add two days before hand and after :)
Review submitted 07 Sep 2023

Zaynab · Traveled August 2023
Amazing trip, met the best people ever ❤️ such lovely locations. Seriously unforgettable experience, and perfect for a first solo travel trip! Hotels were beautiful. Wish I could repeat it again!
Review submitted 07 Sep 2023

Allison · Traveled August 2023
The essential Balkans was a great trip! Each location was rich with history, kind people, and beautiful views! Lucija was an excellent guide who was so helpful and fun to be around!
Review submitted 15 Sep 2023

Amy · Traveled August 2023
Amazing tour! Great mix between downtime at beach, historical sites and independent exploration. Thank you Lucija for being an amazing tour guide during this trip.
Review submitted 04 Sep 2023

Lauren · Traveled July 2023
This was a great trip. A very good intro to the Balkans, in particular Albania. I’m very excited to return to see more of these beautiful countries. Our tour leader Flutra made sure we had everything we needed. I recommend this tour to anyone curious about the Balkans as you won’t be disappointed!
Review submitted 09 Aug 2023
Essential Southern Balkans
From
EUR €974