Classic Balkans: Bosnia & Herzegovina To Albania

Trebinje

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Trebinje boasts beautiful views of the river and the walled city, and offers various squares, mosques, and intricate archways.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Evening Orientation Walk of Trebinje

Trebinje 1h

Take an evening orientation walk with your CEO along the river and onto the old town, The view from across the river of the old walled city is very pretty and serves as a great starting point from the hotel, it's also a great place to be introduced to the history and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Continue around the wall to the market square to see where you can go in the morning to get some fresh fruits and food, then walk into the old town via the gate off the market square. See the various squares, the mosque and also one of the archways onto the water. In this area there are plenty of cool cafes to choose from for dinner, or to just have some street food.

Accommodations:  Hotel Integra
1
Optional Activities for Day 1
Show
Dubrovnik to Trebinje Transfer and Winery Visit
Dubrovnik - Trebinje
Set off from Dubrovnik and visit Tvrdos Monastery to sample some local wine before a stop at Hercegovacka Temple for great views of the city. Snap photos at the Arslanagic Bridge before arriving to Trebinje in the late afternoon. Travellers booking this option need to be at the meeting point in Dubrovnik no later than 12pm noon before departing for Trebinje. Anyone flying into Dubrovnik on this same day should arrive no later than 10am in order to arrive at the Dubrovnik meeting point in time for departure.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Trebinje

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Trebinje Market Tour

Trebinje 1.5h

Explore the local Green (Organic) Market. Begin with the meat and cheese vendors, sample some options and learn of the local specialties. Wander to the outdoor market and try seasonal fruits and vegetables grown from small scale farmers. Then meet with women who gather wile, medicinal plants and prepare traditional teas to cure various ailments.

Cheese Making Farm and Lunch

Trebinje 3h

Join our guide at a local farm that has specialized in cheese making over more than 5 generations. Today the farm is moving beyond just sustenance farming and joining the slow food movement to build awareness about organic food production. Here you'll visit the farm to witness the cheese production before enjoying lunch with the family, outside overlooking the farm. Cheese and meat made on site, fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, and homemade bread - it doesn't get more farm to table than that.

Apiary Visit

Trebinje 2h

Climb aboard a private bus and set off to a local, family run apiary. Meet your guide and learn of the 5 generations of women who've built the farm into what it is today. Suit up in protective gear should you wish, and see how they manage the hives. After, discover the honey and related products, learn more about the family history and enjoy the farm.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Integra

Trebinje/Citluk

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the spectacular Kravica waterfall and carry on to the lesser-visited Kocusa Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Citluk for the night and cap off the day with dinner at a winery, paired with their locally produced wines.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Trebinje - Stolac 1.5h - 2h 80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Stolac Visit and Necropolis Tombstones

Stolac 1.5h

Visit the town centre of Stolac and learn about its history before reaching the Necropolis 'stecak' tombstones. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the necropolis consists of hundreds of ornamented tombstones and is part of a large local complex, one of many such sites across Bosnia and Herzegovina which give insights into how people lived in the Middle Ages.

Private Vehicle

Stolac - Kravica 1h 42km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kravica Waterfall

Kravica

Take a moment to enjoy the Kravica waterfalls, arguably one of the most beautiful natural sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Surrounded by poplars and figs, this 25 meter high waterfall is a sight to be seen.

Private Vehicle

Kravica - Veljaci 0.75h - 1h 20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Koćuša Waterfall

Veljaci 1.5h - 2h

The Kocusa Waterfall sits near the village of Veljaci on the Trebizat River. Enjoy time to visit this spectacular waterfall, a hidden gem with a restaurant on-site.

Private Vehicle

Veljaci - Citluk 0.5h 24km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Villa and Winecellar Ostojic

Citluk/Mostar

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Citluk - Pocitelj 0.5h 24km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Počitelj Fortress Visit

Pocitelj 1h

Explore Pocitelj, an old Ottoman stone town and art colony boasting beautiful views of the surrounding village. Located along the Neretva river, Pocitelj is considered an open-air museum and hold significant architectural and historic value. Artists gather from around the world to be part of the largest operating art colony in southeast Europe.

Private Vehicle

Pocitelj - Blagaj 0.5h 20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Blagaj Fortress Hike

Blagaj 1h

Hike for approximately 20 minutes to explore the Blagaj Fortress, once hold to the Ruler of the region prior to the Ottoman conquest. The fortress sits atop the mountain, overlooking the Buna River spring below.

Dervish Monastery Visit

Blagaj 1h

This Ottoman-era building, built in 1520, is located at the base of an enormous cliff, next to a small waterfall from the Buna river. Take in the stunning blue water that's said to contain mystic properties.

Private Vehicle

Blagaj - Mostar 0.5h 20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Guided Walking Tour of Mostar

Mostar 1.5h

Join a local expert guide and set off on a walking tour of the beautiful city of Mostar and it's historic buildings and landmarks. See the iconic old bridge over the Neretva River and wander the narrow alleys lined with shops and market stalls.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Almira

Mostar/Sarajevo

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today, stopping at Tito's Bunker along the way. Explore the underground complex and learn of the Cold War-era history that made it come to be in the former communist Yugoslavia. Continue to the vibrant city of Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious dinner this evening and a great introduction to the city.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Mostar - Konjic 1.5h 70km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Tito's Bunker

Konjic 1.5h

Explore the Cold War-era nuclear bunker and military command centre built in the 1950s for Josip Broz Tito, esteemed leader of Yugoslavia. Located near Konjic, the top-secret bunker was designed to be an intricate underground complex providing safety and security.

Private Vehicle

Konjic - Sarajevo 1.5h 60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sarajevo Food Tour

Sarajevo 4h - 5h

Immerse yourself in the culture by sampling traditional Bosnian flavours. Learn about the rich history while exploring important landmarks, tiny alleys, local restaurants, and hawker markets with a local expert. Discover the city beyond the tourist attractions and fill your belly; what could be better?

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Cosmopolit

Sarajevo

Take advantage of a free day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Sarajevo Full Day

Set out to explore this historic city at your own pace. You may choose to take the funicular up to the old bobsled track or visit the Museum of the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Cosmopolit
4
Optional Activities for Day 6
Show
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
10BAM Per Person
Sarajevo
Founded in 1888, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the oldest cultural and scientific institutions in the country.
Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum
54BAM Per Person
Sarajevo
Walk in the footsteps of Sarajevans who endured the Siege (1992-1995). Visit many historical sights including a stunning viewpoint over the city, a cemetery were the defenders of Sarajevo are buried, and Sniper Ally. Learn about the Siege and absorb interesting stories about daily life.
Gallery 11/07/95
12BAM Per Person
Sarajevo
This gallery space aims to preserve the memory on Srebrenica tragedy and 8372 persons who tragically lost their lives during the genocide through photography, video and interactive documentary.
Sarajevo Graffiti Art Tour
Sarajevo
Meet up with a guide and certified local artists to learn all about Sarajevo street art and then get hands-on and spray-paint yourself on the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh track. Learn all about spray painting and gain insights about Sarajevo's history through concepts of art.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Sarajevo/Kotor

Depart from Sarajevo after breakfast for the drive into Montenegro with a stop at Bileca to stretch the legs and have a bite to eat. Arrive to Kotor in the afternoon and check into the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Sarajevo - Kotor

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kotor Old Town Orientation Walk

Kotor 1h

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovcen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Dorde, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Marija 2 Dobrota

Kotor

Hop on a boat from Kotor's port area and set off on a scenic ride in the Bay of Kotor, seeing a number of small islands and historical sites before arriving to the town of Perast. Spend some time exploring and wandering Perast's old town before returning to Kotor around midday. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or for optional activities like museum visits or sea kayaking.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Kotor Boat Tour

Kotor 2h - 2.5h

Set off from Kotor's historic centre for a scenic boat ride past St. Mateus Church and the Temple of Our Lady to the artificial island known as Our Lady of the Rock. Afterwards, spend free time in Perast to admire the old town sights. Visit the 15th-century Our Lady of the Rock at your own pace Sightsee, dine, and shop in Perast's historic center independently before returning to Kotor.

Free Time

Kotor Afternoon

Enjoy a free afternoon in Kotor to continue exploring.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Marija 2 Dobrota
3
Optional Activities for Day 8
Show
Kotor Maritime Museum
4EUR Per Person
Kotor
At the Maritime Museum, explore the history, culture and living artifacts that connect modern Kotor with its centuries-old naval traditions. Learn about the Boka Marines, a fraternity of sailors and navigators who helped shipbuilding flourish in the Balkans.
Sea Kayaking
20EUR Per Person
Kotor
Head out by sea kayak to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Start just outside the Old Town walls and explore the coast. Stop at a beach bar for a break or a swim.
Kotor City Exploration
Kotor
Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Kotor/Zabljak

Travel south from Kotor to the coastal seaport town of Budva. Visit the old town on a walk with your CEO then continue inland to visit the striking Ostrog Monasteray, perched high on a mountain cliff face, offering great views from the top. After lunch, drive towards Zabljak, a serene natural haven with diverse terrain and forest shade - our stop for the night.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Bogetici - Zabljak 2h - 2.5h 110km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Budva - Bogetici 1.5h - 2h 107km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Kotor - Budva 0.75h 23km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ostrog Monastery Visit

Bogetici 0.5h

The 17th century Ostrog Monastery and pilgrimage site that was rebuilt in the 1920s and dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog. Strikingly located high up against the cliff face, you'll visit the Lower Ostrog Monastery, and admire the views of Montenegrian countryside, the mountains and the cliff Monastery.

Budva Old Town Walk

Budva 1h - 1.5h

Join your CEO for a walk in the old town of Budva: Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Polar Star Hotel

Zabljak/Kolasin

Head out after breakfast and drive to a hidden gem of natural beauty in Montenegro, Biogradska Gora National Park. Spend most of the day in the park, walking with the CEO around the lake and taking in the pristine forest and mountain scenery. After lunch in the park enjoy a bit of free time to rent a boat, a bike or a kayak to further explore the area. In the late afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Kolasin for the night, with an included dinner at our accommodation.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Zabljak - Nacionalni Park Biogradska Gora 2h - 2.5h 100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Biogradska Gora National Park Visit

Nacionalni Park Biogradska Gora 5h

Set off with the CEO on a walk around Biogradska Gora National Park: Walk around the Beiogradsko lake to discover this pearl of European natural heritage. Today almost the only European rainforest, was for a long time under the protection of rulers of these areas, and the National Park Biogradska Gora people say that not a single tree has been cut in it. Today, this natural reservation preserves dozens of plant and hundreds of animal species, which can only be found in this place in all of Europe. Biogradska Gora was proclaimed National Park in 1952.

Private Vehicle

Nacionalni Park Biogradska Gora - Kolasin 0.75h - 1h 25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Serdar

Kolasin/Podgorica

Get picked up at the hotel in the morning by 4x4 vehicles for an unforgettable adventure. Head off-road and explore Montenegro's incredibly beautiful back country while traversing rugged terrain through mountains and forest. After lunch, take a bus south to the capital city of Podgorica and set off on a a walking exploration of the old town, once a medieval stronghold. Enjoy an optional final dinner out with the group in the old town or near the hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion

Kolasin 4h

Be immersed in Montenegro's landscapes on a 4x4 excursion into the back-country. Head off-road in 4x4 vehicles to traverse the mountains, rivers and forests while exploring some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Stop at various viewpoints along the way for photos before returning to Kolasin around midday.

Private Vehicle

Kolasin - Podgorica 1.5h 60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Podgorica Old Town Orientation Walk

Podgorica 1h

The Old Town of Podgorica was a medieval stronghold. Near Ribnica and the bridge lies the old fortress built by the Turks in the 15th century, originally named Stari Grad, which Marko Miljanov wrote about in his book " The Examples of Humanity and Bravery". Although much of the structure has succumbed to time, the ruins offer a poignant reminder of Podgorica's medieval heritage and the city's strategic importance throughout the centuries.Throughout history and various upheavals, the fortress has borne many names, such as Ribnica, Birziminijum, Nemanja's city, and Podgorica fortress. Visitors to Stari Grad can explore the ruins and imagine the fortress in its heyday. Today, it offers a unique backdrop for cultural events and a serene spot for visitors to reflect on the layers of history that define Podgorica.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Kerber

Podgorica/Shkoder

Depart Podgorica and cross into Albania, reaching the beautiful natural scenery of Theth National Park. Explore the area with your CEO, walking through meadows full of wildflowers surrounded by mountain peaks, and marvel at the 25m high Grunasi Waterfall, cascading from a limestone cliff. In the afternoon continue to the city of Shkoder and check into the hotel, with the rest of the evening free to relax.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Podgorica - Theth 3h 92km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Theth National Park Visit

Theth 2h

Visit Theth National Park with your CEO. Situated at the end of a winding mountain road, Theth is home to just a few houses surrounded by looming mountain peaks and meadows full of wildflowers. Just 45 minutes from Theth village is the beautiful Grunasi Waterfall, a huge 25-meter-high cascade that falls from a dramatic limestone cliff. It's a 45-minute walk each way that crosses rocky paths and follows along the mountain river before heading up into the woods. As you go, discover wonderful views out across the mountain peaks-this is nature at its finest!

Private Vehicle

Theth - Shkoder 2h 77km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Treva

Shkoder

Set off this morning on a guided walking tour of Shkoder to see some of the main sights and to learn a bit about the city's history. Starting from the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge, walk to the old town and take in the panoramic views from Rozafa castle. Shkoder's cultural heritage is on full display through its historic architecture and monuments. The rest of the day is free to explore, visit museums or relax at a cafe or at the hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Shkoder

Sett off and explore Shkoder on your own this afternoon

Guided Walking Tour of Shkodër

Shkoder 1h - 1.5h

Take a guided walking tour of the old town of Shkoder. Start with the Rozafa castle and then the Mesi bridge, then go into the old town to explore. The viewpoint from Rozafa castle gives you plenty of photos opportunities, with stunning views of Albania's "Accursed Mountains". The city's rich cultural heritage can be seen through its traditional architecture, monuments, and museums which tell stories from different eras of Albanian history. From ancient Illyrian settlements to Ottoman occupations and Italian rule during World War II - each period has left its mark on the cityscape of Shkoder for visitors to explore today.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Treva
2
Optional Activities for Day 13
Show
Site of Memory and Memorial Museum
Shkoder
This museum commemorates the victims of the communist regime in Shkoder; A visit starts with some general information about communism persecution in Shkoder, with a permanent exhibition of objects and documents of the time and ends in the original pre-trial holdings cells where prisoners were kept and tortured until their initial trial appearance. The museum's mission is to create a collective memory of recent past, to educate the new generation who should become aware of the past mistakes and never repeat them again.
Venice Art Mask Factory
3EUR Per Person
Shkoder
The Venice Art Mask Factory mask show features the most extensive and unique collection of Venetian luxury baroque hand crafted masks in paper mache and ceramic.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Shkoder/Tirana

Travel south from Shkoder this morning and stop in the small mountain town of Kruje. Explore the city on foot learn a bit about its fascinating history and significance since Roman times. After time for lunch, continue driving south to the city of Tirana, Albania's capital, and check into the hotel for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Shkoder - Kruje 2h 85km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kruje Entrance Fees

Kruje 1.5h

Set off on a walking tour of Kruje with your CEO. Kruje is more than just a small mountain village in Albania - it holds historical importance for various reasons. Back in the day, around the Roman era, the area was home to the so-called Albani. This ancient Balkan tribe turned the area into one of the more important cities of that time. Later, during the Middle Ages, it became the first capital of the Albanian state. However, the village is best known as the hometown of national hero Skanderbeg, a military commander who fought off Ottoman forces for 25 whole years before his death in 1468. Check the Old Bazaar and the Castle of Kruja.

Private Vehicle

Kruje - Tirana 1h 40km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Metro Tirana

Tirana/Vlore

Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durres, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlore and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Tirana - Durres 0.75h - 1h 38km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit Durrës

Durres 1h - 1.5h

Explore Durres with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durres amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city's ancient history.

Private Vehicle

Durres - Vlore 2h 125km

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Orientation Walk of Vlorë

Vlore 1h

Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlore's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlore. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlore looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Semajo Vlore

Vlore

Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlore. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Vlore - Tragjas 0.5h 22km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch

Tragjas 5h - 6h 5km

Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlore.

Private Vehicle

Tragjas - Vlore 0.5h 22km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Semajo Vlore

Vlore/Gjirokaster

Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokaster with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himare and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokaster in the evening and check into the hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Vlore - Himare 1.5h - 2h 66km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit Himarë

Himare 1h

Explore Himare with your CEO. The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Himare has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.

Private Vehicle

Himare - Ksamil 1.5h - 2h 62km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ali Pasha Castle

Ksamil

Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the "Mohametan Bonaparte" was made famous in Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron's Child Harold's Pilgrimage.

Butrint National Archaeological Park

Ksamil 2h

Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.

Private Vehicle

Ksamil - Gjirokaster 1.5h 70km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Number One

Gjirokaster

Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokaster. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Gjirokastër Walking Tour

Gjirokaster 1h - 1.5h

Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokaster and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.

Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner

Gjirokaster 4h

This exclusive experience will be hosted at a local vineyard, passionately run by a family deeply rooted in winemaking, traditional rural cuisine, and hospitality. Tour the vineyard with one of the local on-site experts who will share insights into local grape varieties and the meticulous care that goes into cultivating them. Continue with a tasting of both white and red wines, each paired with regionally sourced accompaniments and fresh farm fruits.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Number One

Gjirokaster/Berat

Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for an optional traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Gjirokaster - Berat 3h 180km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Berat Walking Tour

Berat 1.5h

Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname "Town of a 1001 Windows.")

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Mangalemi Berat

Berat/Tirana

Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 11am.

Please do not book onward travel from Tirana before 2pm.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Berat - Tirana 2h 120km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast