Essential Southern Balkans

9 Days | Medieval history, paradisical beaches and bucket list spots to kick back n’ relax

4.9 out of 5 based on 35 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
NZD $2,050
View dates and book
This trip is for 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 glistening coastline, this area of the world has so much to see and 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 Ulcinj and its medieval 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
Greece, Croatia, 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
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ZMYA
This trip generates 23 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.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Visit the 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.
  • Head to the Albanian Riviera and float in the sparkling waters of Himare’s hidden coves. Go on a speed boat tour to Pirate’s Cave and take refreshing swims in the coastal waters. Then, kick back in Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands.
  • Discover the walled cities of Kotor and the coastal town of Ulcinj, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to wander on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!
  • 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.
  • 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).

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 and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.

Itinerary

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

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

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

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)

Activities
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit
  • Himare - Local Boat Tour
  • Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House
  • Gjirokaster - Local Guide
  • 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 - EUR69
  • 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
  • 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

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
2. Please provide your date of birth, nationality, passport number, and full name as per passport at the time of booking. This is mandatory to secure ferry tickets to Corfu. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure.

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 35 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

Hafsah · Traveled August 2024
This trip was a great way to visit multiple destinations and hidden gems situated in the Balkans. Our guide, Dora, was amazing. We had a great time. I would highly recommend!
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Rosie · Traveled August 2024
Amazing trip, Lucija was a great guide. Perfect balance of history, great food & amazing sights. Would recommend to anyone, great first solo trip!
Review submitted 18 Aug 2024

Luke · Traveled August 2024
Essential southern Balkans is a great taste of the region. We experienced so much without ever feeling rushed or made to stick to a tight schedule. Great way to experience a bit of everything!
Review submitted 04 Sep 2024

Cara · Traveled August 2024
Had an amazing time! Learnt so much, ate wonderful food, met some great people. Would definitely do another intrepid!
Review submitted 19 Aug 2024

Elsie · Traveled July 2024
This trip was the perfect way to experience the variety of what Albania has to offer. We swam in the sea, visited castles and made lots of friends along the way. Lucija was a fantastic leader as she was knowledgable and approachable and made sure we all had a fantastic trip!
Review submitted 06 Aug 2024
Essential Southern Balkans
From
NZD $2,050