Overview
Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
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, Croatia. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Split!
Highlights of Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise
City Highlights
Price Details US
Transportation
Notes
Services of the Tour Director end on day 7.The cruise portion of your vacation, from Dubrovnik to Split, is operated by Katarina Lines. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details; there are various ships operating this itinerary, so the ship name varies by departure date.
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, a return ferry crossing to the Lady of the Rock Island. And that's not all! Your tour includes a 7-day Adriatic cruise experience aboard a Katarina cruise ship! Selected Croatian Islands feature as ports of call during this stunning cruise along Croatia's coast between Dubrovnik and Split. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
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! That’s not all! Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia to sail along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Split.
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.
Product Group
Gems of the Balkans
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,353*18 guests in a party: $584*
Meals
13 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
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) 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 Free time to explore charming Cavtat, followed by a 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 (EMBARKATION) Above the Gates DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who wants to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect — its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon.
Day 8
CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO Safe Harbor Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls, then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop.SLANO Explore the town’s long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time before returning to the vessel. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach, with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries.
Day 9
CRUISING: SLANO–MIJET Myths & Marvels MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him.
Day 10
CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA Marco Polo Found KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days.
Day 11
CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS On the Waterfront VIS: Free time to explore the island. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTFREE TIME TIP In the 4th-century B.C., The island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base–until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island. Spend some time tasting some exquisite local wines or visiting the remains of the Roman thermal baths, City Museum, or by simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae along the waterfront.
Day 12
CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR Island Beauties BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting)HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands.
Day 13
CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–SPLIT Blue Heaven BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni RatSPLIT Guided tour of the city. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Zlatni rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool.
Day 14
SPLIT (DISEMBARKATION) Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
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 |
