Gems of the Balkans

Gems of the Balkans

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7 Days From

$2241

$2084

Gems of the Balkans

7 Days Starting in Tirana, Albania and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visiting: Tirana, Virpazar, Budva, Dubrovnik

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

RI-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $2241 $2084 Operator discount: -$157

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the "Gems of the Balkans" on this immersive cultural tour through Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia. Begin your journey in Tirana with a guided walking tour and a visit to the Bunk’Art museum. Cruise on Skadar Lake in Virpazar, explore the historic town of Cetinje and King Nicola's Museum, and wander the medieval streets of Kotor. Visit the unique "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church in Perast, and enjoy a guided tour of Dubrovnik's old town. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner in Konavle. This tour includes comfortable accommodations, guided tours, boat trips, and transportation across these stunning Balkan landscapes.

Highlights

  • Guided walking tour of Tirana featuring a visit to the Bunk’Art museum.

  • Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake in Virpazar, Montenegro.

  • Guided tour of Cetinje including a visit to King Nicola's Museum.

  • Guided visit of the old town of Kotor.

  • Visit to "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church on a man-made island in Perast.

  • Walking tour of Dubrovnik with a Local Guide.

  • Farewell dinner and walking tour in Konavle.

Places You'll See

Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Hotel Budva

Royal Hotel Ariston

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Tirana,Albania

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Tirana

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast

TIRANA Art Covers Rock TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE The architecture of this city has aspects of all periods of time. From the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the style of construction during the dictatorship tell a vibrant story of this city. Visit the site of Bunk’Art. Once serving as the fallout shelter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, this sprawling stone bunker is now a history museum and contemporary art gallery.

Day 3: Tirana,Virpazar,Montenegro,Budva

Location: Virpazar

Accommodation Name: Hotel Budva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Skadar lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. When it formed millions of years ago it was just a bay off the Adriatic. However, with erosion and changes to the landscape, the former bay transformed into a lake which offers a variety of wildlife and different habitats.

Day 4: Budva Excursion To Cetinje And Kotor

Location: Budva

Accommodation Name: Hotel Budva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

BUDVA. EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR Former Capitals & Coastal Towns CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes a visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch.KOTOR Guided visit of the old town.BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant. (B,D) 106mi / 170 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

Day 5: Budva,Perast,Dubrovnik,Croatia

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Lapad

Meals Included: Breakfast

BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on a man-made tiny Island. (B) 71 mi / 115kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGEND & FAITH The legend has it that on a summery evening in July 1452, two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the sea- cliff. They brought it home with them but the following morning it was gone and appeared back on the same sea- cliff. The same thing happened over and over so they understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever so they build a church. A small island was then made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff.

Day 6: Dubrovnik,Konavle,Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Lapad

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK A King’s Landing DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide.KONAVLE Walking tour in Cavtat and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 37 mi / 60 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector’s Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Lapad

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Hilton Garden Inn Tirana, Hotel Budva, and Lapad.

  • Meals

    Meals included: Breakfast (B) and Dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walking tours in Tirana, Virpazar, Cetinje, Kotor, Perast, Dubrovnik, and Konavle.

  • Boat Trip

    Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake.

  • Museum Visits

    Visits to Bunk’Art in Tirana and King Nicola's Museum in Cetinje.

  • Special Visits

    Visit to 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church in Perast.

  • Farewell Dinner

    Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Konavle.

  • Transportation

    The tour includes guided walking tours, boat trips, and transportation between cities, covering a total distance of approximately 571 km.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Natural and Cultureo-Historical Region of Kotor|Old city of Dubrovnik

Accommodation

In Tirana, stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Tirana. In Budva, enjoy your stay at Hotel Budva. In Dubrovnik, relax at Lapad.

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes guided walking tours, boat trips, and transportation between cities, covering a total distance of approximately 571 km.

  • What types of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast (B) and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    In Tirana, you will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Tirana. In Budva, you will enjoy your stay at Hotel Budva. In Dubrovnik, you will relax at Lapad.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Are there any special visits included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church in Perast.

  • What kind of guided tours are included?

    The tour includes guided walking tours in Tirana, Virpazar, Cetinje, Kotor, Perast, Dubrovnik, and Konavle.

  • Is there a farewell dinner included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Konavle.

  • Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?

    No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Are optional activities included in the tour package?

    No, optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Are visa fees included in the tour package?

    No, visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Sunday - Saturday

May 18, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2241 $2084

Operator discount: -$157

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2441 $2284

Operator discount: -$157

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2353 $2197

Operator discount: -$157

Prices last published on 23-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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