Zagreb to Athens: Monasteries & The Mediterranean

Welcome to Croatia’s capital – where river meets mountain and old meets new. Arrive at any time and for your first night out, head to one of Zagreb’s many trendy bars or beer halls with your CEO and group for drinks and a good time.

Additional Information: If you'd like to explore this city, consider booking a night or two of pre-accommodation.

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.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Explore Zagreb on an orientation walk before transferring to Plitvice for the night.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Explore the terraced lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park, then travel to Split for an orientation walk upon arrival. Tonight, enjoy a Big Night Out with the group!

Additional Information: Entrance to the park is included.

FREE TIME: MORNING Get out and explore this beautiful park.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

ACTIVITY: Celebrate late into the night with your new travel tribe. Make your way to Bacvice Beach and stop by one of the local beach bars. You can even enjoy a swim, then head straight to the club!

Enjoy a guided walk of Diocletian's Palace. The rest of the day is free, opt to visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Bol, head to Trogir or the ancient ruined city of Solin, or experience the nightlife once the sun goes down.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Get out and explore Split and its surroundings.

ACTIVITY: Take a guided walk around Diocletian's Palace, one of the most imposing Roman ruins in Europe. It took over 10 years to construct and is built of white stone imported from the island of Brač. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect way to learn more about the history of Split.

Take a morning ferry to Hvar. Upon arrival, opt to enjoy the beach, visit the Hvar Fortress, or enjoy an island-hopping boat cruise that stops at secluded coves around the Pakleni Islands. Return to Split in the evening.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

TRANSPORT: EVENING Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Travel to Dubrovnik. Enjoy an optional night on the town with the group.

For great atmosphere with good music, check out the East/West Beach Club. It's one of the best nighttime party spots and attracts a good crowd during the day as well.

TRANSPORT: Enjoy the scenery on the short ride down the coast.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get out and explore this beautiful walled city.

Say goodbye to Dubrovnik today and begin the trip across the border toward Trebinje. Visit Tvrdos Monastery and 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 the hotel. After a bit of time to settle in, explore your surroundings with a CEO-led walk in the old town and then head out for an optional dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.

ACTIVITY: Visit this beautiful 16th century Serbian Orthodox Monastery built on the foundations of a 4th century Roman church. Taste some of the local wine before continuing on to Trebinje.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Jump head first into some of the coolest places and experiences that Bosnia has to offer. Step back in time exploring an old Ottoman fortress turned art colony, take a dip in the refreshing waters of Kravica Waterfalls, and watch for wild horses on a sunset Jeep safari. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers better with a BBQ dinner before counting the stars around a campfire.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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

ACTIVITY: Hop into a Jeep and head up to the upper plateau to enjoy a sunset safari. Keep an eye out for wild horses before heading back down the mountain.

Set off from Livno this morning and drive south to the picturesque and historic village of Blagaj. Take in views of the Dervish Monastery, dramatically built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Take a dip in the water if the weather is nice before continuing on to the nearby city of Mostar for a guided walking tour to better soak in the beauty and history, with plenty of time for photos at the iconic old bridge. The rest of the evening is free to grab a bite to eat somewhere or to relax by the river.

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

ACTIVITY: 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.

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

ACTIVITY: 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. Visit a 17th century Turkish house and enjoy a coffee while hearing all about the storied history of the city.

Hop on a morning train to the city of Konjic and transfer to our lodge. After gearing up, get the adrenaline flowing on a white water rafting excursion on the Neretva river with your group mates before a delicious bbq lunch afterwards. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax at the lodge, explore the city or to visit Tito's Bunker for a glimpse into the former Yugoslavia's communist-era past.

If you're interested in history, take a trip down memory lane and discover secret details of the communist era in former Yogoslavia, visiting the famous ruler, Tito's, bunker.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a local train.

ACTIVITY: Get the adrenaline pumping white water rafting on the Neretva river with expert guides. Refuel with a BBQ lunch with your new friends.

Travel again by train from Konjic to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There's no better way to connect with the local culture than exploring their cuisine. Head out on an immersive food tour with a local expert this morning. Step away from the tourist hot spots to experience life in Sarajevo through a local's lens. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring the city or to take an optional street art and hands-on graffiti tour.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a local train.

ACTIVITY: 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?

Get out and explore on a full free day in the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a funicular up to the old Olympic bobsled track or pass the afternoon away at one of the many cafes. Those looking for an active option could choose to do a hike in the Rakitnica Canyon. Regroup In the evening and head out on the town for a Big Night Out with the group for the final evening.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Take a full free day to experience the vibrant city of Sarajevo.

ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Set off after breakfast for the drive from Sarajevo across the border into Montenegro to the city of Kotor. After checking into the hotel and a bit of time to relax, meet new travellers who might be joining the trip and set off with the CEO on an orientatinon walk of Kotor's old town on the way to an optional dinner out with the group.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk through Kotor's old town with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Set off to explore Kotor today by land and by sea. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape with a hike to the Kotor Fortress; there's no better way to connect with the region. Snap photos of the beautiful vistas before heading down for free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, work on your sea legs with a sunset boat tour of the Bay of Kotor, passing several small islands and historical sites and visit the old town of Perast before returning to Kotor for the night.

ACTIVITY: Hike up to the Kotor Fortress for panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the old town. The trail is steep but offers stunning scenery and historic sites along the way.

ACTIVITY: All aboard! Enjoy a serene cruise on the Bay of Kotor, witnessing stunning views as the sun sets over the mountains and historic sites.

Drive north out Kotor into the country's interior with a stop to stretch your legs at Nevidio canyon, said to have the most stunning landscapes in all of Montenegro. Continue to the small town of Žabljak, located in the mountains near the picturesque Durmitor National Park, full of crystal clear lakes and thick pine forests along the Tara river. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or to head into the park on an optional mountain biking excursion before meeting up again in the evening for dinner.

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

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get acquainted with the area with free time this afternoon. Choose to mountain bike through Durmitor National Park to get your blood pumping, or go for a walk to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes.

Set out on foot today with a hike through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Durmitor National Park. After lunch, drive to Budva, stopping at the Ostrog Monastery along the way. Carved in the side of a cliff in the 17th century, this monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Montenegro and is sure to impress with it's brilliant white exterior against contrasting rugged stone. Once in Budva, set off with your CEO on a short walking exploration of the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening.

Budva's old town feels worlds away from the beach bars and dance clubs that sit just outside the fortified walls. This medieval town dates back more than 2000 years and walking through the labyrinth of alleys, squares, and corridors, is like taking a step back in time.

ACTIVITY: Head out to Crno Jezero (Black Lake) in Durmitor National Park. Enjoy the fresh air and snap some photos while following a road through the woods before reaching the viewpoint on the lake's south shore.

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

ACTIVITY: Visit 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, the views are incredible from the top over the Montenegro countryside towards the mountains.

ACTIVITY: 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.

Take advantage of a free day in Budva to fill your time however you like. Beach bums are welcome to spend time on the local beaches, rent an SUP or kayak, or choose to take a catamaran cruise to hit up various swimming spots and to explore the Blue Cave. In the evening, have a Big Night Out on the town to check out the lively nightlife that Budva is known for.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Relax on the beach or check out the party life that makes this city so popular in the Balkans.

ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends

Pack up and hit the road this morning on a public bus from Budva to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Settle into your hotel and have a bit of time to relax before meeting up with your CEO in the evening and any, new travellers who are joining the trip, then head out on a walking tour. See some of the main sites like Skanderbeg Square and the Et'hem Bey Mosque then enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

There is no better way to get to know a country than to dive head first into their cuisine. Connect with your fellow travellers and learn about the local specialties with an immersive cooking class this morning, ending with a well-deserved and delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day for yourself to explore the city or explore museums, like Bunkart 1 or 2 which are located in underground nuclear bunkers.

Tirana is known for it's colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet era architecture. Skanderbeg Square acts as the city's focal point, surrounded by pastel buildings. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.

ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning how to cook some local specialties. Sip regional wine and Raki (an alcoholic beverage made of twice-distilled grape pomace and flavored with aniseed) while gaining greater understanding of dishes such as Raki, Byrek (seasonal filling), Tave Kosi (the Albanian national dish featuring lamb cooked in yoghurt), and Seqerpare for dessert.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy some free time this afternoon to get out and explore Tirana however you'd like.

Head from Tirana to Berat today with a stop in Kruje along the way. Stretch your legs with a walk around Kruje town, one of the most historically significant villages in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this little village is steeped in history and is the epicentre of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Explore the small centre, roam around one of the country's oldest bazaars, and climb to the Krujë Castle. Upon arrival in Berat, get head out with your CEO on a walking tour of the city and the Berat Castle, then enjoy the rest of the evening free.

Berat is known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows", due to the large windows found on old, decorated houses overlooking the town.

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

ACTIVITY: Set off on a walking tour of Kruje with your CEO. Krujë 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.

ACTIVITY: 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.“)

Transfer to Himarë today with a stop at the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Check out the natural beauty of the wetlands and coastal lagoons and see an old Byzantine monastery before continuing the drive to the beautiful beach town of Himarë. After settling into the hotel, set off on a walk with your CEO to explore the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening.

The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian times, these ancient structures are revered as vital historical landmarks. The old town surrounds the castle and the Spilea coastal area serving as both a tourist hub and an economic centre.

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

ACTIVITY: Visit the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area: on the way to Himarë. A vast area of wetlands, sand dunes & a coastal lagoon, the area is home to sheltering migratory birds and a Byzantine monastery.

ACTIVITY: Explore Himarë with your CEO. The Old City of Himarë 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. Himarë has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.

Experience authentic 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 Himarë. With your free time this afternoon, you can choose to explore more of the town or just relax on the beach.

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

ACTIVITY: 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 Vlorë.

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

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy free time to check out the local beaches in this beautiful coastal town.

Head down the coast to the town of Sarandë to catch the ferry to Greece, and the island of Corfu. Transfer to the hostel and settle in with time to relax before heading out in the evening for an optional farewell dinner and a Big Night Out with your new friends on this Greek Island paradise.

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

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Enjoy a full free day in Corfu today to do as much or as little as you please. Hit up some of the local beaches, explore the nearby villages or maybe rent a sea kayak. In the evening head out for an optional dinner with the group to enjoy the delicious food made with fresh and local ingredients.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore this Greek island paradise

Get your blood pumping today with a hike on the famous Corfu Trail. Stop for lunch in a local village along the way and enjoy the stunning views while crossing the entire island all the way to the village of Benitses. Back in civilization, head to one of the local beaches for a swim or relax at the hostel on a free evening.

ACTIVITY: Cross the island through the internal basin of Mesogi. Hike through olive groves before the path opens up boasting incredible views of the horizons and multi-level landscapes.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Use more free time here to make the most of this beach town.

Take advantage of a full day in paradise to bask in the glory of everything that the island of Corfu has to offer. Take an optional boat tour, rent a kayak or visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island. Otherwise relaxing at the hostel or at one of the local beaches is always a great option too.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free day in Corfu to personalize your trip as you wish. Choose to book a day boat tour or take advantage of activities offered through the hostel; city tours, kayaking, or quad safaris.

Think planes, trains, and automobiles, only a private bus, a short local transfer, a ferry, and a public bus working together to take you to the town of Kalambaka, in the heart of Meteora. Settle in and grab some lunch before heading out on a hike to the mountaintop monasteries amidst stunning rock formations and landscapes. Return to Kalabaka for the evening and relax for the evening.

Six monasteries reside atop the impressive cliffs of Meteora and research shows evidene of early human settlements dating back 50 000 years. This natural and manmade landmark provides once in a lifetime views that will take your breath away.

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

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Head out on a guided hike to Meteora and it's famous monasteries. Walk in the footsteps of monks and enjoy views of Kalambaka, Kastraki, and the Meteora Valley. Should you prefer, continue up 195 steps to the Varlaam Monastery known for awe-inspiring views and intricate frescoes.

Travel south by bus to Athens today, arriving in the afternoon. After settling into the hotel, visit Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place. Later, head out on a CEO-led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on some of the famous landmarks and ancient monuments and then finish off the day with a Big Night Out in the lively Plaka neighborhood.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride. Please note that this route may require a bus transfer.

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.

ACTIVITY: Celebrate late into the night with your new travel tribe. Enjoy a drink at the hostel's rooftop bar with an amazing view of the Acropolis.

Depart at any time. Take final photos and say your goodbyes before heading on your way.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.