Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece
Experience Overview
If good times in ridiculously gorgeous scenery is what you’re after, this 12-day, hostel-based adventure along the coast of Southern Europe serves up precisely that, and then some. Making your way down from Croatia to Montenegro then into Albania, you’ll watch the sunrise from the historic Kotor fortress and marvel at the massive Skadar Lake. After that, you're off to Greece for some epic ancient history. You’ll explore the mountainside ruins of Delphi before heading to Athens to visit world-famous sites like the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Temple of Zeus.
Highlights
- Take a scenic drive along Kotor Bay with a stop in Perast
- Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise
- See Skadar Lake
- Take advantage of a free day in Corfu
- Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora
- Experience the Delphi Ancient Ruins with your CEO
- Embark on a highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on famous landmarks
- Grab a drink at a G Adventures-supported café
- Travel through miles of beautiful coastal scenery.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2141
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, boat, and walking.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ECDAHW
Starts: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finishes: Athens, Greece
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Visit to Shedia Home, Athens Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Scenic drive along Kotor Bay
- Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise
- See Skadar Lake
- Take advantage of a free day in Corfu
- Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora
- Experience the Delphi Ancient Ruins with your CEO
- Embark on a highlights walk of Athens
- Grab a drink at a G Adventures-supported café
- Enjoy free time in major cities along the way
- All transportation between destinations
- 24 hour metro passes in select cities
Accommodation
- Hostels (9 nts), hotels (2nts).
- 11 breakfasts
Transport
- Private vehicle, boat, and walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,346 ($196 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik
Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening.
After your Welcome Meeting, set out on a walk through Dubrovnik's Old Town. See Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, a Franciscan Monastery, and feel the vibrant energy of this Unesco protected walled city.
Day 2: Dubrovnik/Kotor
Pull out those travel journals and cross another country off your bucket-lists today because it's time to leave Croatia behind and give some love and attention to Montenegro. All of the boxes will be checked today, beautiful sites, quaint villages, and your first glimpse of Kotor Bay, a unique fjord of the Adriatic.
You'll check out the historic village of Perast. Think marvellous buildings, postcard-like churches, and a romantic waterfront that seems to feature in every painting of European sailing towns. Rest of the day you get to hang out with your super cool and fun CEO. They will take you on a highlights walk of UNESCO protected Kotor and show you places like the Old City, St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the famous Clock Tower. Don't let the fun end here! Make a plan and keep hanging out and see if your CEO can accompany you to a few hole in the wall places that will make your time here truly unique.
Day 3: Kotor
Amazing views and a magical experience are on the menu for today. It all starts as the sun rises over the land on a morning walk to the San Giovanni Fortress. Grab some fun group photos with your CEO as you stand atop the city and revel in the views.
The rest of the day belongs to you. Explore, bop around, and experience Kotor as you wish. Even if that means laying low at the hostel with a few friends, we won't judge, in fact, the best moments often happen when you least expect them. Cat lovers rejoice! Because Kotor has their very own Cat Museum you can visit. Not feeling an afternoon of felines? That's ok, walk into the impressive interior of St. Nicholas' Church, hop on a boat and visit Our Lady of the Rocks, or book an excursion to Blue Cave for a bucket-list worthy swim spot.
Day 4: Kotor/Tirana
Another day, another dollar. Just kidding, it's free to make awesome memories with your friends and it's guaranteed that you will as you travel along the Montenegrin coastline towards Tirana, Albania. Make a pit stop to St Stefan, part island, part luxury resort. It's a great place to get out, stretch those legs and pretend you have just arrived on your private yacht like most guests do. From there you'll get to visit Dolphin-shaped Lake Skadar on the border of Albania and Montenegro. Explore the area surrounded by steep mountains, island monasteries, and crystal-clear waters by foot.
Finish the day in Tirana with a half day guided walking tour through the streets featuring Skanderbeg Square!
Day 5: Tirana
The day is yours! Take advantage of free time and get to know Tirana. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, this city hardly ever makes travel bucket lists. Tirana boasts a wide range of optional activities that are guaranteed to charm you. Opt to hike through national parks in the area, or maybe explore history museums that unveil Tirana's turbulent past. Check out food markets full of local cuisine and sweets while you admire the local landmarks of this special place.
Day 6: Tirana/Corfu
It's no secret that travelling is exhausting! Build up that energy with breakfast in the hostel then drive along the coastal route to Saranda known fondly as the “Albanian Riviera”. Strap those sea legs on as you catch the ferry from Saranda to the island of Corfu where once you arrive you'll have free time to grab a drink, explore Corfu, and laugh it up with your pals at the hostel.
Day 7: Corfu
Wake up in paradise and know that the choice is yours today and there's nothing holding you back! Take a taxi and explore the UNESCO-listed town, wander by the laundry swaying in the sea breeze and search for a place to grab lunch and a cocktail or two.
Searching for something more exciting and unique? Chill out on an olive oil tasting experience, or learn about bees and honey production in Corfu. Looking for more adventure? Visit an ancient monastery on steep cliffs overlooking the azure waters. Want to just relax? Lay out beachside working on your tan and swimming in the refreshing waters. Turns out you really can't go wrong on this Greek island. Tonight, opt to go out with the group to Corfu Town and hit up some of the best nightlife spots. The transfer to and from the hostel is included if you choose to go.
Day 8: Corfu
A day all yours to relax in paradise. You can visit St Spyridon Cathedral, boasting the highest bell tower in the Ionian Islands. Witness remnants of a different way of life at the Paleokastritsa Monastery, where the monks also cultivate olives and press their own oil. (insider tip, it's sold at the gift shop). You're welcome. Then, indulge your vacation side swimming or lying in the warm sands of the chill and soothing Paleokastritsa Beach. It sits at the end of a long inlet with high rock walls offering natural privacy on both sides (the exact kind of beach we like best). Or maybe walk out to the end of a narrow jetty off the southern edge of the Kanoni Peninsula for a chance to see the Vlacherna Monastery before treating yourself to some beach hopping at Canal d'Amour, Mirtiotissa, and Issos beaches. Your friends back home will wish they came too!
Day 9: Corfu/Meteora
While it's hard to not be sad when you leave the island life behind, we have a feeling where you head next will make you do a happy dance. Travel to Kalambaka, the town next to Meteora via public bus and enjoy free time to explore the magnificent Monasteries.
Perched on insanely high cliffs there are six still available for visiting. They were built on these immense natural pillars and hill-rounded boulders and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight. See as many as you can and try not to succumb to a fear of heights.
In the evening, you may want to relax in your hostel, play some games as a group, and show off those epic photos you took.
Day 10: Meteora/Delphi
Wave “antio sas”(that's good-bye in Greek) to Meteora and Kalambaka as the group heads to Delphi on a private bus. Once you arrive you'll have time to grab some lunch before joining your CEO to visit the Delphi Archaeological Site. Afterwards, take advantage of free time to view the exhibits at the museum, and snap some photos of the Temple of Apollo. Temples, and Gods, and Greek Mythology, oh my!
Day 11: Delphi/Athens
Sit back, relax, and think about the wonderful times you've already had as you transfer from Delphi to Athens. Head out on a CEO led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on famous landmarks before visiting Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place.
In the evening let loose on your final night! Grab some cool beverages as a group and let those good times roll.
Day 12: Athens
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going. It's your choice and you don't have to go home just yet. Right?
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Fabian Bergmann - Traveled, July 2024
It is an amazing experience to meet people from all around the world and having a great time. Unfortunately there was not enough time to see much from the different countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2024
Jakob Grütter - Traveled, July 2024
Exciting journey but poor organization, often program changes, chaos and CEO apparently did not receive important contacts/infos from G Adventures. Overall not worth the money, as the service I paid for (smooth organization, knowledgeable CEO.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2024
Claudia Kathmann - Traveled, July 2024
I enjoyed the trip very much, saw incredible places and would travel with GAdventures again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2024
Jeremy Stewart - Traveled, June 2024
Saw lots of places, met new people, and saved me the hassle of organising everything
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Megan J. - Traveled, October 2024
Amazing experience and perfect blend of history and culture with leisure and beaches! Justine as our guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable, made the trip effortless and so much fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Geneva K. - Traveled, September 2023
Great variety of activities and destinations. However, the Pink Palace Hostel in Corfu was disgusting, and detracted from the whole experience. A lot of pressure from the CEO to book activities. Our CEO was also unprofessional and showed very little enthusiasm
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Quinta D. - Traveled, September 2024
Such a great experience that I will remember for a lifetime. Not everything worked out perfectly but that’s what made the experience fun. Also enjoyed how the pressure for travelling from place to place was off of my shoulders and done so well by the CEO...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2024
Jennifer G. - Traveled, September 2024
A nice overview of the Balkans combining great cities, amazing nature and beautiful beaches while getting a lot of information
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2024
Elizabeth T. - Traveled, August 2024
I would highly recommend the tour from Dubrovnik to Athens! Overall, the hostels were clean and nice. Claudia was an amazing CEO with many great additional activities the group could do. As a female, I had no issues in Tirana and felt safe in the hotel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2024
Alfheidur Thorhallsdottir - Traveled, June 2024
Overall it was a great experience for a first time solo traveller like me who was daunted by organising my own trip. A great way to meet like minded people and make friends who I will stay in contact with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Connor T. - Traveled, June 2024
An easy fun way of travelling through many fantastic destinations in the limited time I had. G adventures and the CEO were able to take the stress out of travelling and allowed me to enjoy the fun aspects without having to think about arranging transport...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Danielle T. - Traveled, November 2024
An excellent way to meet new people and explore parts of the world without the stress of being on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Stefan F. - Traveled, September 2024
Some of the hostels were below expectations (one had bed bugs and the other one hat a "blocked" toilet when we arrived). Also the breakfast is sometimes not very enjoyable or even disgusting (one had a cat jumping around and it was done a day before).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Andreas E. - Traveled, September 2024
It's not just the places, but the different people from all over the world that make G adventure a unique experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2024
Martha T. - Traveled, September 2024
This tour is a great way to experience the Balkans and Adriatic coast. It is fast paced and not luxury, but you will see and do a lot while experiencing amazing views, food, culture, and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Adele T. - Traveled, August 2024
It was fun but I think I've outgrown the roomies type travel. Good for first time travelers though
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Lucy S. - Traveled, August 2024
I loved my tour with G Adventures. I made a whole lot of memories and had so many laughs with new friends from all over the world, and got to see and experience so many hidden gems within the Balkan region. I will cherish this experience forever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2024
Charlotte H. - Traveled, July 2024
Great people having an awesome time, adapting and making the best of being assigned an inexperienced, inappropriate, and incompetent tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2024
Zoë A. - Traveled, July 2024
It was fun, but I am disappointed in the lack of transparency as we joined the group after it began. This interfered with our experience of making friends etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2024
Romi L. - Traveled, July 2024
The places we visited and people I met on the tour (other g adventure people and hostel hosts) were amazing. Please see other responses for further details regarding much needed improvements to the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2024
Sabrina A., - Traveled, June 2024
Overall i can say that i am very disappointed in my first experience with g adventure. The tour is not made for double rooms, the activities are not enough, the CEO was not fitted for this tour and also did not get enough support from g adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2024
Jeremy S. - Traveled, June 2024
Saw lots of places, met new people, and saved me the hassle of organizing everything
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Kaylyn C. - Traveled, May 2024
Overall, I really enjoyed the sites on this trip as there were many things I saw that I otherwise wouldn't have. The group was great however many hiccups along the way in terms of an unorganized guide and an itinerary that was not up to date.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
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