Overview
Gems of the Balkans
Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik. A gem of a vacation in the Balkans that’s worth its weight in gold.
Highlights of Gems of the Balkans
Product Group
Gems of the Balkans
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
UNESCO Sites
Natural and Cultureo-Historical Region of Kotor|Old city of Dubrovnik
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,353*18 guests in a party: $584*
Price Details US
Transportation
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. A boat trip on Lake Skadar and a return ferry crossing to the Lady of the Rock Island. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
TIRANA Art Covers Rock TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE The architecture of this city has aspects of all periods of time. From the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the style of construction during the dictatorship tell a vibrant story of this city. Visit the site of Bunk’Art. Once serving as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, this sprawling stone bunker is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery.
Day 3
TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Skadar lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. When it formed millions of years ago it was just a bay off the Adriatic. However, with erosion and changes to the landscape, the former bay transformed into a lake which offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.
Day 4
BUDVA. EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR Former Capitals & Coastal Towns CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes a visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant. (B,D) 106mi / 170 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
Day 5
BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a man-made tiny Island. (B) 71 mi / 115kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGEND & FAITH The legend has it that on a summery evening in July 1452, two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the sea- cliff. They brought it home with them but the following morning it was gone and appeared back on the same sea- cliff. The same thing happened over and over so they understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever so they build a church. A small island was then made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff.
Day 6
DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK A King’s Landing DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.KONAVLE Walking tour in Cavtat and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 37 mi / 60 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector’s Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.
Day 7
DUBROVNIK Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2025-05-03 | 2025-05-04 | 2025-05-10 | $2299 | $0 | $2299 | RI50504 | Available |
| 2 | 2025-05-17 | 2025-05-18 | 2025-05-24 | $2379 | $0 | $2379 | RI50518 | Available |
| 3 | 2025-05-31 | 2025-06-01 | 2025-06-07 | $2499 | $0 | $2499 | RI50601 | Not Available |
| 4 | 2025-06-14 | 2025-06-15 | 2025-06-21 | $2549 | $0 | $2549 | RI50615 | Available |
| 5 | 2025-09-20 | 2025-09-21 | 2025-09-27 | $2599 | $0 | $2599 | RI50921 | Available |
| 6 | 2025-10-04 | 2025-10-05 | 2025-10-11 | $2499 | $0 | $2499 | RI51005 | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Hilton Garden Inn Tirana | This trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Tirana | 146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta | First-Class |
| 2 | Hotel Budva | Hotel Budva is a 4-star hotel located in the center of Budva, Montenegro, right on the seaside promenade and just steps away from the sandy Slovenska Beach and Marina. It features an on-site restaurant, bar and a wellness center. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel has 157 rooms, all of which are equipped with air conditioning, TV, minibar and private bathroom. The hotel restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, while the bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails. There is also a wellness center with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and massage treatments. | Budva | Slovenska Obala | First-Class |
| 3 | Royal Hotel Ariston | Perched above the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik¿s Royal Hotel Ariston provides a luxurious escape. This contemporary hotel offers stylish accommodations with amenities such as air-conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-bar, and internet access. The cozy rooms are ideal for savoring a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while taking in the fresh sea breeze. The hotel features a spa, three dining choices, waterfront pools, and a sunbathing platform, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. | Dubrovnik | Kardinala Stepinca 31 | Deluxe |
