Balkans Coast Explorer - 9 Days
9 Days
Tirana
Dubrovnik
***
Trafalgar Tours
9-Day Balkans Tour of Albania, Budva and Dubrovnik
Discover the treasures of the Balkan Riviera on this unforgettable journey through Albania, Montenegro and Croatia. From Tirana to Dubrovnik, explore ancient towns, dramatic coastlines and cultural gems. Wander through Ottoman-era fortresses, cruise the Bay of Kotor and see the historic walls of Dubrovnik, soaking in the region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes...
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tirana
Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 10:30, 15:00
Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:30
A city of contrasts, Tirana welcomes you with bold colours, Ottoman relics and creative spirit. Get your bearings uncovering its hidden corners before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner in Albania’s lively capital.
Day 2: Sights of Tirana
Tirana’s layered history comes to life as you explore with your Local Specialist. See Skanderbeg Square, where Albania’s national hero takes centre stage, along with the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower. Then, head underground at Bunk’Art 2, a former communist bunker turned museum. This afternoon, explore at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to Kruja, the historic hometown of Skanderbeg, who led Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire. This evening, you may choose an Optional Experience with a traditional Albanian dinner and show featuring music, dance and a symbolic Tirana wedding.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Visit Krujë with a Local Specialist - EUR 42 pp
Join a Local Specialist in Krujë for views across central and northern Albania and a visit to Krujë Castle, where you’ll hear how Skanderbeg’s stronghold resisted three Ottoman sieges. Afterwards, spend time in the old bazaar, browsing local crafts, traditional keepsakes and artisan goods that reflect the town’s long trading heritage.
Albanian Evening with Traditional Dinner - EUR 90 pp
Put on traditional Albanian dress, enjoy seven dishes from across the country and watch a symbolic Tirana wedding unfold through music, song and dance. Join in the traditional Valle and be introduced to the Kanun, the code that shaped life in northern Albania.
Day 3: To Ottoman Berat and on to Vlorë
Travel through the hills of central Albania, passing vineyards and farmland on the way to Berat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is known for its Ottoman-era houses stacked into the hillside, earning it the name ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. Visit the hilltop citadel before meeting Gladiola Çipi, where you’ll sample rose juice, rakija and Turkish Delight as she shares the customs and stories that have shaped her family’s life for generations. Continue to the coastal town of Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at Kantina & Ferma Dukat, a family-run farm where you’ll share a home-cooked Albanian meal made with ingredients from the land, including olives, cheese, byrek and wine from their own vineyard.
Day 4: Explore the Albanian Riviera
Set out from Vlorë for a day exploring the Albanian Riviera with your Local Specialist. Soak up the charm of Himarë and maybe take a dip at Spile Beach, shop for souvenirs or enjoy fresh local seafood. Then visit Porto Palermo and step inside the 19th-century castle, built by an Ottoman Albanian ruler as a symbol of love for his wife, whilst taking in amazing views of the Ionian Sea. After a day by the coast, it’s back to Vlorë for the evening.
Day 5: North to Montenegro
Travel north from the Albanian Riviera into Montenegro, where rugged mountains frame the coast. Stop en route for a traditional lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, a family-run farm in Fishtë where organic produce, homemade cheese and wine from the vineyard come together to celebrate Albania’s slow food traditions. Continue to Budva, a coastal town known for its fortified Old Town and history as one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic. After checking in, there’s time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace — visit the Old Town, walk along the seafront or take in the local atmosphere.
Day 6: Discover Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor
Start your morning with a scenic boat ride across the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Join your Local Specialist to step inside its famed church and hear the legend behind this unique pilgrimage site. Explore the medieval town of Kotor, winding through its cobbled streets and ancient city walls. Back in Budva, the afternoon is yours. You could stroll through the old town, unwind on the beach or join an Optional Experience to ride the Kotor Cable Car for views over the bay, mountains and coastline before exploring Budva’s Old Town with a Local Specialist.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Happy Hour Cruise Along the Budva Riviera - EUR 48 pp
We'll board our private launch in Budva for a relaxing and scenic cruise along the most popular Riviera of Montenegro. Two drinks are served along the way, as we sail around St Nicholas island, whose beaches are called Hawaii by the locals. We'll also pass exclusive resorts on our way to Becici.
Kotor Cable Car & Budva Old Town - EUR 60 pp
Ride the Kotor Cable Car for sweeping views over the Bay of Kotor, surrounding mountains and Adriatic coastline. From above, see how the old stone towns sit between sea and cliffs before continuing to Budva’s Old Town with a Local Specialist. Walk through its medieval walls, narrow lanes and courtyards as you explore one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic.
Day 7: Cross the Border to Croatia
This morning travel through coastal landscapes as you cross the border into Croatia and continue into the Dalmatian region. Join a guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik with a Local Specialist. Explore its centuries-old streets, admire views of the city walls and hear stories of the republic that once ruled these shores. You’ll have time to walk the ramparts or find some familiar scenes from Game of Thrones. This evening, you may choose to join an Optional Experience sunset cruise along the Dalmatian coastline, complete with dinner on board and views of the coast bathed in golden light.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Sunset Cruise And Dinner - EUR 85 pp
Our sunset cruise takes us along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to one of the secluded bays where we'll enjoy a delicious local dinner with drinks. A wonderful way to enjoy the stunning Adriatic coastline.
Day 8: Dubrovnik Your Way
Enjoy Dubrovnik your way. Head to the beach, hit the shops, or you may wish to join an Optional Experience to historic Ston, where a Local Specialist reveals the story of its ancient salt pans, mighty walls and maritime past. Tonight, come together with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner to celebrate the highlights and memories of your trip.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
The Salt Roads of Ston, Gateway to Pelješac - EUR 45 pp
In historic Ston, you’ll join a Local Specialist to discover how ancient salt pans, mighty walls and a seafaring past shaped life on the Pelješac Peninsula. Then enjoy time at leisure where you may choose to taste fresh oysters, sip local wine and experience a quieter side of Croatia.
Day 9: Farewell Dubrovnik
With unforgettable memories of the Balkan Riviera, it’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik as you depart for your journey home. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 05:00, 08:00, 11:30
Includes
- 8 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.