Balkan Tour and Adriatic Cruise

   
 
 

Albania and the Adriatic

Balkan Tour and Cruise

12 Days / 11 locations in Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Tirana
Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival in Tirana, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

 
Day 2     Tirana
Meals: Breakfast

Morning sightseeing tour, see the Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance; and the National History Museum, with a mosaic on its facade portraying Albanian history. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or just relax.

 
Day 3     Tirana - Shkodra - Kolasin
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

After breakfast, depart Tirana and travel to the town of Shkodra, a cultural center and one of Albania’s oldest cities. See the ruins of Rozafa Castle, set on a hill high above the city, then cross the border into Montenegro to Kolasin. The whole area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular skiing and air spa resort. Dinner and overnight in Kolasin.

 
Day 4     Kolasin
Meals: Breakfast

Today we visit Mora Monastery the largest medieval Orthodox monument in Montenegro built in 1252. Continue to National Park Durmitor, Zabljak and River Tara canyon the deepest canyon in Europe. Today also visit Biogradsko Lake maybe "the most romantic lake” located in the centre of Biogradska Mountain. Overnight.

 
Day 5     Kotor - Dubrovnik
On Board the M/S Princess Aloha
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Podgorica, capital of Montenegro followed by drive to Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro located at the foot of Mount Lovcen. Visit the Cetinje Museum. Then, take a spectacularly steep road down to the Bay of Kotor, the deepest fjord in Southern Europe, and along the way view the towns of Risan and Kotor. Head towards Croatia with drop off at Dubrovnik Port of Gruz for your Adriatic cruise. Afternoon Embarkation followed by welcome reception by your tour guide. Overnight on board.

 
Day 6     Dubrovnik - Mljet Island
On Board the M/S Princess Aloha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Morning walking tour of Dubrovnik, the pearl of Adriatic, famous city enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage. Inside visit to Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy. Lunch onboard with sail to National Park on Island Mljet. Visit of the Mljet National Park which covers the Western wooded area of the island: there are five types of forests, many species of birds and eagles nests. The east end of the park is characterized by two deep bays that are called “lakes” because of their narrow channel (“Veliko Jezero” and “Malo Jezero” /”Big Lake” and “Small Lake”). A channel connects the small lake with the big lake, on which St. Mary's Island is situated with its Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century. Many tales involve the island of Mljet. One of them saying it was the favorite holiday destination of the Greek hero Ulysses! Dinner on board.

 
Day 7     Korcula - Pucisca
On Board the M/S Princess Aloha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

After breakfast sail by island of Korcula, in central Dalmatia, that stretches from East to West not far from the mainland. Korcula is a unique example of harmony between magnificent nature, cultural tradition, rich history and modern tourism. Lunch will be served on board. Continue to sail to Pucisca, a beautiful small town on island Brac. Stop for swimming in one of the bays near Pucisca. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants of your choice.

 
Day 8     Omis - Split
On Board the M/S Princess Aloha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

After breakfast continue sail to Split, the capital of Dalmatia. Lunch on board. On the way to Split, if weather permits, stop for swimming in Omis. In the past Omis was notorious because of the pirates whose ships have been for centuries a symbol of retaliation, courage and strength. The ancient town of Omis, with its churches and fortresses is silent stone reminder of the power and the might of infamous pirates. Today, it is the center of the Omis Riviera, and is one of the most beautiful parts of Croatia's Adriatic Coast. In Split, guided visit of the port, the seafront promenade and the Roman Emperor Diocletian‘s Palace. The historical centre of the city, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage, is nestled inside the area of the gigantic Roman palace with its busy alleys, its ancient columns and Roman belfries. Evening and dinner at your leisure. Back on board.

 
Day 9     Hvar
On Board the M/S Princess Aloha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

After breakfast continue to Bol, said to have the best beach in Croatia for a swim at Golden Horn. A vast, golden pebble beach some 580 yards long and is unique as it changes shape and position depending on the winds. Lunch on board. Then head to Hvar for a guided visit. Hvar is one of the most popular and developed tourist islands in the Adriatic Sea and a meeting point for the international jet set. The “Croatian Madeira” is also one of the longest islands stretching along the shores of Croatia. It shelters numerous little coves which offer both, discrete and paradisical places to anchor. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Hvar town with the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s Theatre in the UK), Franciscan Monastery and many more historical sights. Evening in Hvar is free to explore and dine at one of the many local family owned restaurants. Back on board.

 
Day 10     Korcula
On Board the M/S Princess Aloha
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

After breakfast departure to Korcula. Lunch on board; late afternoon arrival in Korcula, the acclaimed birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Walking tour will take you through narrow, cobbled streets and will include visit to the majestic Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St Mark. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants of your choice.

 
Day 11     Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

After breakfast depart for a pleasant trip along the shores of the Mljet Island for the discovery of an idyllic setting of steep coastal cliffs. If weather permits, stop in the bay for swimming. A visit to Grgich Vineyards of the famous American wine producer in Trstenik, for wine tasting. Lunch on board. Arrive in Dubrovnik. Evening at leisure

 
Day 12     Dubrovnik

After breakfast disembarkation until noon. Transfer to Dubrovnik airport!

 

Notes

On departures May 20, June 10, August 5 and September 30, 2014, M/S Vita will be used.

$100 per person port charges & fuel surcharge

Price Includes
7 Nights Cruise from Dubrovnik on Board M/S “Princess Aloha” or M/S “Vita”
Luggage Handling 1Pc Per Person in & out
6 Lunches and 1 Dinner Includes Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks Onboard
Professional Cruise Manager Throughout Cruise
Welcome Reception on Board Cruise Ship
Headsets Will Be Provided for Sightseeing Tours
Professional Tour Director Throughout
2 Dinners
Daily Breakfast
Transportation by Deluxe Touring Coach With Wifi
Arrival and Departure Transfers Keflavik by Bus
Hotel Accommodation With Breakfast
Price Does Not Include
 Air
 Port Charge & Fuel Surcharge
 Optional Excursions
VWT-1269
1.28.15.WP26