Montenegro & Albania Adventure

Kotor

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening walking tour of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

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.

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.

Accommodations:  Hotel Splendido Kotor

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 Splendido Kotor
3
Optional Activities for Day 2
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:  Enigma 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 7
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/Kruje

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

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

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