Itinerary
- Day 1
Lezha to Ulcinj
Start with breakfast, then head north to Lezha where you'll see Skanderbeg's mausoleum and castle. From there, travel south to Ulcinj and walk through the medieval old town sitting high on a mountain overlooking the water. Check out Ulcinj Castle before settling in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mausoleum of Skanderbeg
- Visit Lezha Castle
- Visit Castle of Ulcinj
- Explore Old Town of Ulcinj
Landmarks Mausoleum of Skanderbeg Lezha Castle Castle of Ulcinj Old Town of Ulcinj - Day 2
Ulcinj to Budva to Kotor
After breakfast, drive to Budva and explore the UNESCO-recognized old city with its beaches and cultural landmarks like Sveti Trojica Church and Stanjevici Monastery. Later, head to Kotor to tour the well-preserved old town, seeing St Tryphon Cathedral, maritime sites, and the impressive city ramparts that earned Kotor UNESCO status.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Old City of Budva
- Visit Sveti Trojica Church
- Visit Stanjevici Monastery
- Tour Old Town of Kotor
- Visit Square of Arms
- Visit Byzanti Palace
- Visit Beskuca Palace
- Visit Pima Palace
- Visit St Tryphon Cathedral
- Visit Maritime Museum
- Visit St Nicholas Church
- Visit Blessed Ozana Church
- Visit North gate of Kotor
- Visit City ramparts of Kotor
Landmarks Old City of Budva Sveti Trojica Church Stanjevici Monastery Old Town of Kotor St Tryphon Cathedral Maritime Museum of Kotor St Nicholas Church Blessed Ozana Church City ramparts of Kotor - Day 3
Kotor to Dubrovnik
Start with breakfast, then travel to Dubrovnik for a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. You'll pass Onofrio's Fountain and walk up Prijeko Street toward the Old Port, visiting St. Saviour's church, the Franciscan and Dominican churches, and viewing ancient wine-producing vines.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
- Visit Onofrio's Fountain
- Walk Prijeko Street
- Visit Old Port
- Visit St. Saviour's Church
- Visit Franciscan Church
- Visit Dominican Church
- View ancient wine-producing vines
Landmarks Old Town of Dubrovnik Onofrio's Fountain St. Saviour's Church Franciscan Church Dominican Church Old Port of Dubrovnik - Day 4
Dubrovnik to Makarska to Split
After breakfast, head to Makarska to experience the Dalmatian coast with its beaches and seafront promenade. Then continue to Split and explore Diocletian's Palace complex, a Roman fortress from the 4th century with over 200 buildings. Visit the cathedral, medieval fortifications, and Gothic palaces within this UNESCO-protected area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Makarska
- Explore Makarska Riviera beaches
- Walking tour of Split including Roman part (Diocletian's Palace)
- Walking tour of Split old part (City hall, promenade, Fishmarket)
- Visit St. Duje Cathedral
- Explore Diocletian's Palace complex
Landmarks Makarska Riviera Mt. Biokovo Diocletian's Palace St. Duje Cathedral - Day 5
Split to Trogir to Zadar to Starigrad
Following breakfast, travel to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage town with cultural heritage spanning from ancient Greek to medieval times. Check out the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and its famous Romanesque Portal. Continue to Zadar to see Roman and Venetian ruins, then head to Starigrad, Croatia's oldest town mentioned by Aristotle in 384 BC.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stroll through streets of Trogir
- Visit Cathedral of St. Lawrence
- View Romanesque Portal of Radovan
- Explore 15th century palaces of noble families
- Visit Town hall of Trogir
- Visit 11th century Benedictine monastery
- Walking tour of Zadar Old Town
- Explore Roman and Venetian ruins of Zadar
- Visit St. Mary's Convent
- Explore Starigrad
Landmarks Old Town of Trogir Cathedral of St. Lawrence Romanesque Portal of Radovan Town Hall of Trogir Benedictine monastery of Trogir Old Town of Zadar Roman Forum of Zadar St. Mary's Convent Starigrad (Pharos) - Day 6
Starigrad to Rijeka to Opatija
After breakfast, continue to Rijeka to visit the Trsat fortress, built at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, overlooking the entire city. Later, head to Opatija on the Istrian Peninsula to explore Villa Angiolina, Saint James's Church, and the Juraj Sporer Arts Pavilion.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Trsat Fortress
- Explore Rijeka
- Visit Villa Angiolina
- Visit Saint James's Church
- Visit Juraj Sporer Arts Pavilion
- Explore picturesque parks of Opatija
Landmarks Trsat Fortress Villa Angiolina Saint James's Church Juraj Sporer Arts Pavilion - Day 7
Opatija to Pula
Following breakfast, head to Pula for a walking tour of the old city with monuments spanning Roman, early Christian, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austrian, and Italian periods. You'll visit the Amphitheater, Hercules' temple remains, the Cathedral, Forum Romanum with Augustus Temple, Roman gates, churches, and Pula Castle for views across the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Old City of Pula
- View remains of Roman times
- Visit Amphitheater of Pula
- View Hercules' temple remains
- Visit Cathedral
- Visit Forum Romanum
- Visit Augustus Temple
- Visit City Hall
- Visit Chapel of Santa Maria Formosa
- View Sergii Gates (Porta Aurea)
- View Hercules Gates
- View Twin Gates (Porta Gemina)
- Visit Church of St. Nicholas
- Visit Castle of Pula
Landmarks Pula Amphitheater Old City of Pula Cathedral of Pula Forum Romanum of Pula Augustus Temple Sergii Gates (Porta Aurea) Twin Gates (Porta Gemina) Church of St. Nicholas Castle of Pula - Day 8
Pula to Venice
After breakfast, travel to Venice for a comprehensive city tour covering this city's unique history and construction. Explore Cannaregio and Castello districts, learning about Venetian culture, famous residents, architecture, local cuisine, and the origins of Venetian masks as you navigate the ancient city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Venice
- Explore Cannaregio district
- Explore Castello district
- Learn about Venice's history and construction
- Learn about Venetian masks
Optional Activities
- Visit important museums and churches (guided recommendations provided)
Landmarks Venice (Cannaregio District) Venice (Castello District) - Day 9
Venice to Ravenna to Rimini
In the morning, depart for Ravenna to explore its UNESCO-listed Early Christian Monuments, including the Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and other historical sites. In the afternoon, continue to Rimini to walk through twenty-two centuries of history from ancient Rome through the Renaissance, visiting the Roman Arena, Arch of Augustus, and medieval sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Ravenna
- Visit Basilica of San Vitale
- Visit Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
- Visit Piazza del Popolo
- Visit St. Francis' crypt
- Visit tomb of Dante Alighieri
- Visit Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
- Walking tour of Rimini historic center
- View Roman Arena
- View Arch of Augustus
- Walk Corso d'Augusto
- Visit Piazza Tre Martiri
- Visit Sant'Antonio da Padova Temple
Landmarks Basilica of San Vitale Mausoleum of Galla Placidia Piazza del Popolo St. Francis' crypt Tomb of Dante Alighieri Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo Roman Arena of Rimini Arch of Augustus Corso d'Augusto Piazza Tre Martiri Sant'Antonio da Padova Temple - Day 10
Rimini to San Marino to Ancona
After breakfast, explore San Marino at your own pace, discovering the charming old city with Palazzo del Governo, Piazza della Libertà, and Basilica del Santo Marino. Take in views from the historic towers. Later, continue to Ancona for a walking tour through alleys and monuments from ancient Doric origins to the present.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Old City of San Marino
- Visit Palazzo del Governo
- Visit Piazza della Libertà
- Visit Basilica del Santo Marino
- Climb towers of San Marino
- Walking tour of Ancona Old Town
- Explore monuments and views of Ancona
Landmarks Old City of San Marino Palazzo del Governo Piazza della Libertà Basilica del Santo Marino Old Town of Ancona - Day 11
Ancona to Pescara
In the morning, depart for Pescara, a modern city in the Abruzzo region positioned near the Apennines' highest mountains and the Adriatic coast. The city features modern infrastructure including the Ponte del Mare, one of Europe's longest bridges spanning the river mouth that divides the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Pescara
Landmarks Pescara Ponte del Mare - Day 12
Pescara to San Giovanni Rotondo to Foggia
Depart to visit San Giovanni Rotondo, one of Italy's most popular religious destinations. Take a walking tour through locations associated with the friar's life, visiting the ancient church, his remains, the convent, and the modern sanctuary designed by architect Renzo Piano. Continue to Foggia for a city tour with historic monuments, museums, and the Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of San Giovanni Rotondo
- Visit ancient church of San Giovanni Rotondo
- View remains of the saint
- Visit convent
- Visit private room of San Pio
- Visit new sanctuary (Renzo Piano design)
- City tour of Foggia
- Visit Civic Museum
- Visit Cathedral Beata Maria Vergine Assunta in Cielo
Landmarks San Giovanni Rotondo Sanctuary Civic Museum of Foggia Cathedral Beata Maria Vergine Assunta in Cielo - Day 13
Foggia to Castel del Monte to Bari
After breakfast, depart for Castel del Monte, a 13th-century fortress built by Emperor Frederick II with rigorous planning and eclectic cultural elements. Continue to Bari, the Puglia region's capital, where you'll explore the ancient village, meet locals preparing traditional handmade pasta, and try local street food. By evening, board a ferry to Durres, Albania.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Castel del Monte
- Explore Bari
- Explore Bari vecchia (ancient village)
- Experience local culture and traditions
- View Basilica of St Nicholas
- Ferry trip to Durres, Albania
Optional Activities
- Taste local specialties and street food
Landmarks Castel del Monte Bari Bari vecchia Basilica of St Nicholas - Day 14
Durres to Tirana
Upon arrival in Durres, explore this historic Adriatic port city with a city tour. Visit the Roman amphitheater and Archaeological Museum, then check out the Roman Baths. Continue to Tirana, Albania's capital, to visit Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Durres
- Visit Roman amphitheater of Durres
- Visit Archaeological Museum
- Visit Roman Baths
- Visit Skanderbeg Square
- Visit Mosque of Ethem Bey
- Visit Archaeological Museum of Tirana
Landmarks Roman Amphitheater of Durres Archaeological Museum of Durres Roman Baths of Durres Skanderbeg Square Mosque of Ethem Bey Archaeological Museum of Tirana - Day 15
Tirana to Berat
Visit Berat, one of Albania's oldest inhabited regions with UNESCO special status dating back over 2,400 years. Explore Berat Castle with its Onufri Museum featuring 16th-century Albanian master painter icons, visit the Mosque of Berat, and cross the old Bridge of Gorica. Tour churches and mosques within this historic walled town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Berat Castle
- Visit Onufri Museum
- Explore churches inside castle
- Visit Mosque of Berat
- Cross old Bridge of Gorica
- Visit churches and mosques
Landmarks Berat Castle Onufri Museum Mosque of Berat Bridge of Gorica - Day 16
Berat to Ardenica to Apollonia to Vlora
After breakfast, continue to Ardenica Monastery, a Byzantine structure famous as the site of Skanderbeg's marriage to princess Andronika Arianiti. Visit Apollonia, founded in 588 BC and once studied by Aristotle. Tour the Shen Meri Monastery and Church before heading to Vlora, where Albanian independence was proclaimed in 1912. Check out independence monuments, Kanina castle, and Zvernec Monastery.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ardenica Monastery
- Visit Apollonia museum
- Visit Shen Meri Monastery
- Visit Church at Apollonia
- Explore Vlora
- Visit Museum of Independence
- Visit Kanina castle
- Visit Zvernec Monastery
Landmarks Ardenica Monastery Apollonia Shen Meri Monastery Vlora Museum of Independence Kanina castle Zvernec Monastery - Day 17
Vlora to Saranda
After breakfast, depart for Saranda with stops at Orikum's ancient ruins and Llogara Pass at 1,020 meters for coffee and views of the Ionian Sea and Albanian Riviera. Drive through villages like Palase, Dhermi, Qeparo, Himara, and Borsh. Stop at Porto Palermo to visit Ali Pashe Tepelena's castle. After arriving in Saranda, see the ruins of Butrint, Albania's most important archaeological site.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Orikum ancient city
- Stop at Llogara Pass
- Stop at Porto Palermo
- Visit Ali Pashe Tepelena's castle
- Visit Butrint archaeological site
- Explore amphitheater at Butrint
- View Venetian tower
- View mosaic at Butrint
- View lion gate at Butrint
Landmarks Orikum Llogara Pass Porto Palermo Ali Pashe Tepelena's Castle Butrint - Day 18
Saranda to Igumenica to Parga to Preveza
Depart for Igumenica in Greece, a small town among green hills serving as a link between Italy and Greece. Continue to Parga on the Ionian coast to visit its historic castle overlooking the town and explore its beaches. Head to Preveza to visit the ancient city of Nikopolis, founded in 31 BC by Octavian Augustus to commemorate his naval victory.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Igumenica
- Visit historical castle of Parga
- Explore beaches of Parga
- Visit ancient city of Nikopolis
Landmarks Parga Castle Nikopolis - Day 19
Preveza to Patras to Olympia
After breakfast, continue to Patras, known for its busy port, famous carnival, and nearby mountains, lakes, and caves. Tour the city to see the Ancient Odeon, old city, stairs, marina, and King George I Square. Head to Olympia, the sanctuary where the ancient Olympic Games were held. Explore the Temple of Zeus, Palaestra, Phidias's workshop, and the Hermes of Praxiteles statue.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Patras
- Visit Ancient Odeon
- Explore old city of Patras
- Tour Olympia archaeological site
- Visit Temple of Zeus
- Visit Palaestra
- Visit Phidias's workshop
- Visit Olympia museum
- View Hermes of Praxiteles statue
Landmarks Ancient Odeon of Patras Olympia Archaeological Site Temple of Zeus at Olympia Palaestra at Olympia Phidias's Workshop Olympia Museum - Day 20
Olympia to Sparta to Mystra to Mycenae to Corinth
After breakfast, travel deep into the Peloponnese to Sparta where history blends reality and legend. Visit the medieval Byzantine Citadel of Mystra, once known as the Florence of the East. Proceed to Mycenae to explore its Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Visit the museum with artifacts from this ancient city fortress. Continue to Corinth to explore the ancient site and walk through Plaka.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel to Sparta
- Visit Byzantine Citadel of Mystra
- Visit Mycenae Archaeological Site
- Visit Tomb of Agamemnon
- Visit Museum of Mycenae
- Visit ancient Corinth
- Walking tour of Plaka
Landmarks Byzantine Citadel of Mystra Mycenae Archaeological Site Tomb of Agamemnon Museum of Mycenae Ancient Corinth Plaka - Day 21
Corinth to Epidaurus to Athens
After breakfast, drive to Epidaurus to visit the Theatre, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to Athens for a comprehensive sightseeing tour with an expert guide. Visit the city center, Constitution Square, the Acropolis with the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, and Erechtheion. Tour the modern Acropolis Museum and enjoy leisure time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Theatre of Epidaurus
- City tour of Athens
- Visit Constitution Square (Syntagma)
- View House of Parliament
- Visit Memorial to the Unknown Soldier
- View National Library
- View Hadrian's Arch
- Visit Temple of Olympian Zeus
- View Panathenaic Stadium
- Visit Acropolis
- Visit Propylaea
- Visit Temple of Athena Nike
- Visit Erechtheion
- Visit Parthenon
- Visit Acropolis Museum
Landmarks Theatre of Epidaurus Constitution Square (Syntagma) House of Parliament Memorial to the Unknown Soldier National Library of Greece Hadrian's Arch Temple of Olympian Zeus Panathenaic Stadium Acropolis Propylaea Temple of Athena Nike Erechtheion Parthenon Acropolis Museum - Day 22
Athens to Delphi
In the morning, drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge spanning the Corinthian Bay. Pass picturesque towns of Nafpaktos and Itea before arriving in Delphi, once regarded as the center of the world. Walk along the Sacred Way through the sanctuary to the Temple of Apollo. Visit the local museum and check in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through Eliad and Achaia plains
- Cross Corinthian Bay bridge
- View Nafpaktos (Lepanto)
- View Itea
- Walk Sacred Way of Delphi
- Visit Temple of Apollo
- Visit Delphi Museum
- View bronze Charioteer statue
- View omphalos stone
Landmarks Delphi Sanctuary Sacred Way of Delphi Temple of Apollo at Delphi Delphi Museum - Day 23
Delphi to Meteora to Kalambaka
After breakfast, continue to Meteora to visit the cliff-top monasteries. The 1,000-foot-high cliffs were first inhabited by hermit monks in the 9th century, with monasteries built in the 11th-12th centuries. Six of the original 20 monasteries remain. Enjoy views of the valley and rock towers. Head to Kalambaka with its beautiful gardens and views of the Meteora rocks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Meteora monasteries
- Explore cliff-top monasteries
- Enjoy views of Meteora valley
Landmarks Meteora Monasteries - Day 24
Kalambaka to Kastoria to Korce to Voskopoja
After breakfast, travel to Kastoria, a town resembling an Impressionist painting with lakeside mansions and Byzantine churches. Take a walking tour to see aristocratic waterfront homes, churches, and locals enjoying the lakeside atmosphere. Continue to Korce to visit the Museum of Medieval Art with Europe's richest icon archive, the First Albanian School, traditional bazaars, and the cathedral. Head to Voskopoja village at 1,150 meters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Kastoria
- View lakeside mansions of Kastoria
- View Byzantine churches of Kastoria
- Visit Museum of Medieval Art
- Visit First Albanian School
- Explore Traditional Old Bazaar
- Visit Cathedral of Korce
- Visit Mosque of Iljaz Bej Mirahori
- Visit Voskopoja
- Explore 18th century Orthodox churches
- Visit St. Nikolla Church
- Visit St. Thanasi Church
- Visit St. Maria Church
- Visit Monastery of St. John the Baptist
Landmarks Kastoria Museum of Medieval Art First Albanian School Cathedral of Korce Mosque of Iljaz Bej Mirahori Voskopoja St. Nikolla Church St. Thanasi Church St. Maria Church Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Shen Prodhom) - Day 25
Korce to Elbasan to Tirana
After breakfast, travel to Elbasan, an important ancient city on the Via Egnatia connecting Rome to Constantinople. Tour the Elbasan Castle from the 4th century BC, the Clock, ethnographic museum, church, and old mosque. Continue to Tirana for leisure time to walk the city, then overnight at the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Elbasan
- Visit Elbasan Castle
- Visit Clock Tower
- Visit ethnographic Museum
- Visit Church in Elbasan
- Visit Old Mosque in Elbasan
- Leisure walk in Tirana
Landmarks Elbasan Castle Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan
