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DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Albania
Depart for Albania
DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Tirana
Arrive in Tirana, capital of Albania and center of the political, economic and cultural life of the country. The balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Tirana
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Monday - Tirana City Tour
Today, discover the city of Tirana. Morning sightseeing begins at Skanderbeg Square, bustling heart of the city, named for Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero; his equestrian statue dominates the center of the plaza. View the Et'hem Bey Mosque, serving as a symbol of the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Continue to the soviet built Palace of Culture with its first stone symbolically placed by Nikita Khrushchev. End the tour at the National History Museum, adorned with the stirring gigantic mosaic mural known as "The Albanians". The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own or, join the optional tour to Kruje. The visit will take you back in time and give you a wonderful cultural experience. Walk through the old bazaar, visit the Ethnographic museum** and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
**During certain dates between March and October, visit to the Ethnographic Museum will be replaced with Skanderbeg Museum
Optional: Kruje Tour & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Tirana
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Tuesday - Shkodra, Moraca Monastery, Kolasin
Depart Tirana to Shkodra, an important cultural center and one of Albania's oldest cities, on the east side of Shkodra Lake. Drive by the ruins of mythical Rozafa Castle, one of the largest and most famous castles in Albania, with its fascinating history dating back to the early Bronze Age. Then, cross the border into Montenegro, the jewel of the Mediterranean, nestled on the beautiful Adriatic coast with its lovely beaches and crystal-clear lakes. Enjoy a visit to the impressive Moraca Monastery with its huge stone walls, the largest medieval Orthodox monument in Montenegro, built in 1252. Arrive in the spa town of Kolasin, situated in the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountains; an ideal location with expansive vistas of the surrounding Bjelasica, Sinjajevina, and Komovi peaks. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Kolasin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Wednesday - Biogradsko Lake, Durmitor National Park
After breakfast, depart the hotel and head to Biogradsko, a picturesque lake in the Balkan Peninsula with its serene and natural beauty. Continue to Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in Europe. After lunch, visit Durmitor National Park, which was formed by glaciers and traversed by rivers and underground streams, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, return to the hotel, and spend time at leisure
Overnight: Kolasin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Thursday - Cetinje en route to Dubrovnik
Travel to Cetinje at the foot of Mount Lovcen, a treasure of Montenegrin cultural and historical heritage, with its colorful architecture dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the King Nicola's Museum, a historical complex with four sections: history, art, ethnographic and archaeological. Then, drive along a steep road down to the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Along the way, see the spectacular scenery of the Dalmatian coast and town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Friday - Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Begin the day with a tour of Dubrovnik and view the monumental Sponza Palace preserved in its original form. Under the City Bell Tower on Luza Square, view Orlando's Column, dedicated to the legendary knight that saved the city in the 9th century. Then, view the Dominican Monastery and visit the Franciscan Monastery, and its 14th century pharmacy, one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in Europe. The rest of the day is yours to explore independently. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Traditional Croatian Dinner. Take a short drive from Dubrovnik through the Croatian countryside to a lovely homestead, where you will be welcomed with tasty samplings such as local cheese and Dalmatian prosciutto. Take in the lush surroundings while savoring a traditional meal consisting of time-honored dishes, carefully prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm
Optional: Traditional Croatian Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Saturday - Split Walking Tour
Depart Dubrovnik and travel north along the dramatic Adriatic coast, past charming old fishing villages and brand-new resorts, to the UNESCO, protected the seaside town of Split, the second largest city in Croatia. Upon arrival, begin a walking tour along the cobbled streets of the Old Town featuring the historic inner city with its dominating Roman influence, built around the 4th century Palace of Diocletian. This spectacular palace is the largest and best-preserved building of the Roman era on the Adriatic coast. Built for Emperor Diocletian, it represents a precious example of Roman architecture. See the remains of the Roman Peristyle, the unusual Cathedral of St. Domnius built in the Middle Ages, and the Temple of Jupiter, with its headless black sphinx guarding the entrance. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the town independently, or taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade. Tonight, enjoy your time at leisure or join the optional Croatian Dinner at Epetium. Travel this evening to Stobrec, just outside of Split. Here, savor a delicious three-course meal at the family-run Epetium restaurant, while listening to live Dalmatian music. The restaurant has been serving Dalmatian culinary delights of the region for over 50 years
Optional: Croatian Dinner at Epetium (PM)
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Sunday - Trogir Visit and Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Morning drive to historic Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400 BC. Here, admire the three-naved 13th century Venetian Cathedral of St. Lovro, one of the finest architectural works in Croatia and the stunning Cipiko Palace. Continue to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a magnificent wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes, flanked by thundering waterfalls and a huge primeval forest. This area, known as a geological phenomenon, is celebrated as one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. After enjoying the beauty of the park, travel to the town of Plitvice for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Plitvice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Monday - Travel to Zagreb, Bled
Spend the morning traveling inland through wooded mountains and lush vegetation to Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, view the attractive facades of Ban Josip Jelacic square and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Continue to the medieval section of the Upper Town with its Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's church and the Pope's tower. Afterward, on to the lovely city of Bled, exquisitely set amidst the Julian Alps. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner at a traditional Country Inn in the tiny medieval town of Radovljica that includes choices of Slovenian favorites along with wine
Optional: Tour of Radovljica with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Tuesday - Resort City of Bled, Tour Ljubljana
Surrounded by high peaks, Bled has enticed travelers since the mid-19th century for its pure air, magnificent scenery and healing thermal springs. Today, Bled is a sparkling all-seasons resort with delightful hotels, villas, and restaurants nestled on the lakefront. Enjoy a walking tour through this charming town along the shores of the lake. Afterwards, head to the flourishing capital, Ljubljana. A local expert will lead you on a sightseeing tour of the city and its monuments. View the lively open-air market, City Hall, Robba Fountain, the Three Bridges, and the Parliament. There will be time for lunch on your own, to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this refreshing city. In the early evening, ascend with your fellow travelers to the imposing 11th century Bled Castle, the oldest in Slovenia, perched on a steep cliff high above the lake, creating a dramatic backdrop to the city. This medieval fortress, with huge towers, ramparts, moats and a terrace offers breathtaking views. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager and fellow travelers
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Wednesday - Depart Slovenia
Morning transfer to Venice Airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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