Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece
Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece
$1999
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Southern Europe with our "Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece" tour. This journey takes you through the stunning landscapes and rich histories of Albania, Montenegro, Greece, and Croatia. Begin in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik, explore the scenic Kotor Bay, and wander through the historic streets of Tirana. Enjoy free days in the idyllic island of Corfu, and marvel at the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Discover the ancient ruins of Delphi and conclude your trip with a highlights walk in Athens, where you can soak in the vibrant culture and history. With a mix of hostel and hotel accommodations, private vehicle and boat transport, and the guidance of a knowledgeable CEO, this small group adventure promises an immersive and memorable experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hostel 365 for U Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: Akademis Hotel 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. ...more ...less
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO around the city of Dubrovnik. Walk with your CEO and explore Dubrovnik old town, walk from the gate via main street called Stradun to the end. See Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, and Franciscan Monastery. All visits are from outside with no entrance fees included.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 2: Dubrovnik/Kotor
Location: Dubrovnik, Perast, Kotor
Accommodation Name: Old Town Kotor Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.
ACTIVITY: 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.
Day 3: Kotor
Location: Kotor
Accommodation Name: Old Town Kotor Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
ACTIVITY: Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.
Day 4: Kotor/Tirana
Location: Kotor, Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar, Tirana
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kruja
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: St Stefan is a fortified village that dates back to the 15th century. The island has a unique setting of cobbled lanes, lush courtyards, and unbeatable views of the sea. This part luxury resort, part island, has been referred to as one of Europe's most luxurious hotels. Stop here to stretch those legs and explore.
ACTIVITY: Take a visit to the breathtaking Lake Skadar National Park. A short bus ride from Kotor, this dolphin-shaped water body is the largest lake in the Balkan region, and is one of the richest bird habitats in Europe.
ACTIVITY: Walk through the streets of Tirana with a local guide. Visit Skanderbeg Square and experience Albanian hospitality.
Day 5: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kruja
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Today, Tirana is the cultural, political, and entertainment center of Albania. While remnants of the city's Ottoman, Italian, and communist past are still present, Tirana is still becoming a modern European metropolis. See for yourself during your free day exploring.
Choose to visit the Skanderbeg Square, where the National History Museum, the National Library, City Hall and the Et’hem Bej Mosque all reside. Or walk the Murat Toptani street in search of places to browse for keepsakes of your time here. Don't forget to grab some lunch at a traditional Albanian restaurant.
Day 6: Tirana/Corfu
Location: Tirana, Saranda, Corfu
Accommodation Name: Pink Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
TRANSPORT: Enjoy a private transfer from Tirana to Saranda Ferry port with a stop for lunch along the way.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
FREE TIME: Hang out in Corfu tonight. Grab some drinks, find a fun place to eat, and plot out tomorrow's adventure.
Day 7: Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Pink Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
FREE TIME: Free time in Corfu today! Plenty of time to do as you please and discover some hidden gems.
Day 8: Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Pink Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
FREE TIME: A day all yours to relax in paradise. Visit St Spyridon Cathedral, the Paleokastritsa Monastery, Paleokastritsa Beach or so much more. The choice is yours.
Day 9: Corfu/Meteora
Location: Corfu, Meteora
Accommodation Name: Hotel Edelweiss
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
ACTIVITY: Explore the spectacular “hanging” monasteries of Meteora, perched atop pinnacles of rock. Meteora translates to ‘suspended in the air’, which describe the seemingly precarious placement of these historic, sacred structures built at 613m (2011 ft) above sea level. Take a bus up to see the several monasteries in the area, built before any roads or settlements existed in the area.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Day 10: Meteora/Delphi
Location: Meteora, Delphi
Accommodation Name: Hotel Castri Delphi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the ancient city of Delphi, at the base of Mount Parnassos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes ancient buildings like treasuries, a stadium, a gymnasium, an altar, hippodrome and the Temple of Apollo.
Day 11: Delphi/Athens
Location: Delphi, Athens
Accommodation Name: Bedbox Hostel Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
ACTIVITY: Take time to relax at Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe providing purpose and employment to over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens. You'll enjoy a drink while one of Shedia's guides recounts the recent history of Greece's financial crisis which has made initiatives like Shedia even more important for those who have found themselves without work and shelter. Your stop here supports their programs - including the cafe, art program, and magazine - all dedicated to supporting the community.
ACTIVITY: Head out on a CEO led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on famous landmarks like, The Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Temple of Zeus.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 12: Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hostels (9 nts), hotels (2nts). -
Meals
11 breakfasts -
G for Good Moment
Visit to Shedia Home, Athens.
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Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group.
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Scenic Drive
Enjoy a scenic drive along Kotor Bay.
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Kotor Fortress Walk
Walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise.
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Skadar Lake
See Skadar Lake.
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Free Day in Corfu
Take advantage of a free day in Corfu.
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Monasteries in Meteora
Visit the magnificent Monasteries in Meteora.
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Delphi Ancient Ruins
Experience the Delphi Ancient Ruins with your CEO.
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Athens Highlights Walk
Embark on a highlights walk of Athens.
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G Adventures-supported Café
Grab a drink at a G Adventures-supported café.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
International travel is not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy a mix of hostels and hotels with 9 nights in hostels and 2 nights in hotels, providing a blend of lively and comfortable stays throughout your journey.
Transport
Private vehicle, boat, and walking.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts
Group Size
Max 24, Avg 16.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a combination of private vehicles, boats, and walking, ensuring a seamless journey through stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Important Notes
1. CLIMATE
Weather in all countries visited is similar in May – October period. Summer is warm but rainy with 8 – 9 hours of sunshine.
2. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. Your CEO will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.
3. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
4. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
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Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in hip and lively hostels in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces.
Accommodation will be primarily in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8 people per room), with a choice of mixed gender and female-only dorms as well as available upgrades to twin-share rooms (same gender).
Some rooming exceptions may apply due to the unique nature of the itineraries and of the hostels themselves, which have been specifically chosen to give local flavour to your trip. Please see the full itinerary description and the Rooming Exception section below for specific exceptions to the rooming that may apply to this tour.
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of private vehicles, boats, and walking for transportation between destinations.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation will primarily be in hostels for 9 nights and hotels for 2 nights. The hostels are typically multi-share with 6-8 people per room, and there are options for mixed gender and female-only dorms, as well as upgrades to twin-share rooms.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts. Other meals are not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose where and what to eat.
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What is the role of the CEO on this tour?
The CEO, or Chief Experience Officer, is there to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. They provide information on the places you are visiting, suggest things to do and see, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited. ...more ...less
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What should I pack for this tour?
It is recommended to use a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase, along with a daypack for everyday items. You should pack light as you will need to carry your luggage up and down stairs and on and off transportation.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age for this trip is 18 years.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 24, with an average of 16 participants.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
Activities include a scenic drive along Kotor Bay, a walk to Kotor fortress at sunrise, visiting Skadar Lake, exploring the Monasteries in Meteora, experiencing the Delphi Ancient Ruins, and a highlights walk of Athens.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece
12 Days Starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Perast, Kotor, Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar, Tirana, Saranda, Corfu, Meteora, Delphi, Athens ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25763
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 24
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology