Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Croatia's fascinating capital city, Zagreb. Get ready to discover this modern metropolis with its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, and cobbled streets meant for strolling. Your day is free until tonight, when you gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Le Premier Boutique Hotel
This morning, join a local guide on a walking tour of Zagreb's highlights, from the main square to Upper Town. Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch on your own before the journey continues to the northeast corner of Croatia. Travel off the beaten path toward the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers.
Tonight, meet your local hosts for a delightful dinner accompanied by folk entertainment. (B/D) Stay: Baranjska Kuca Hotel and Etno Restaurant (2 Nights)
Immerse yourself in country life this morning, perhaps joining your hosts in preparing breakfast. Then join your local guide in the nearby city of Osijek, learning about its Roman and Ottoman history. Take free time to have lunch and explore the city center on your own, marveling at the architecture, museums, historic buildings, city parks, and monuments.
This afternoon, find out how wine is made in this region – while enjoying a glass. Then, roll up your sleeves alongside locals to prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner. (B/D)
This morning, continue to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital city, where East meets West, and your home for the next two nights. Reminiscent of a European Jerusalem, experience a city shaped by its rich history and the coexistence of various religious sects. Perhaps you'll join a guided stroll this evening to get acquainted with the area. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Colors Inn (2 Nights)
With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the First World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles. Free time means independent exploration of this historic city. During an Impact Moment, meet with a local siege survivor, who will uncover more of Sarajevo's past. Spend time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, the site of the “Tunnel of Hope” that connected the besieged city to the outside world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Sarajevo on your own.
Tonight, locals welcome you to their home for dinner. Enjoy regional favorites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone for a truly memorable evening. (B/D)
This morning, on your way to Croatia, spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar on a guided walk before lunching on your own in the historic part of the city.
This afternoon, be greeted by views of the Adriatic Sea when you arrive in Dubrovnik. (B) Stay: Royal Ariston Hotel (2 Nights)
Dubrovnik's ancient streets share their history and timeless appeal during a tour of the city. Then, let the city continue to reveal itself to you because it's your choice! Take a harbor cruise for magnificent views of Dubrovnik's medieval city walls and visit Lokrum Island -OR- get a bird's-eye view of the city by cable car, riding up to Srd Hill, a breathtaking vantage point to look over the Old Town below and the Adriatic Sea. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style. (B)
It's “Dovidenja” to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Complete your visit to Kotor with a locally guided tour before you settle in your hotel located within the historic walls of Kotor town. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Cattaro (2 Nights)
Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you'll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 meters above sea level. Soak in the views from a cable car and get a tasty local lesson on the traditions of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialties. Learn more about Montenegrin history while visiting the royal town of Cetinje. Upon return, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor. (B)
Cross another border today and arrive in Albania! Get to know Shkodër, one of the most historic cities in the country. Admire mosques and churches on a guided stroll along the main pedestrian street and try some of the local cuisine.
Continue your travel day on your way to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Explore its history and architecture on a locally guided tour while learning more about Albania's intriguing past. Visit a former top-secret nuclear bunker, now a museum dedicated to the victims of one of most controlling communist regimes in Europe. (B) Stay: Hotel Rogner (2 Nights)
Today, explore Tirana as you wish. Perhaps you'll decide to join an optional excursion to the coastal ancient city of Durrës, where the Roman Amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian stands as the city's most prominent attraction. Join a local guide to see the historic city's ruins, and later, get an introduction to the viticulture in the region while enjoying a wine tasting paired with local specialties at a prominent winery. No matter how you fill your day, experience the best of the local cuisine and a show of rich folk traditions during dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Soak in the beauty of the countryside with its winding roads and stretches of green on your way to Gjirokastra in southern Albania. Perhaps one of the steepest cities in the world, explore its unique architecture and glorious history. After having some free time in this fascinating town join your local guide on a tour of Gjirokastra's dominant castle on the hill. Cross into Greece, your last border on this travel journey. Arrive in Kalambaka in the late afternoon in time to freshen up for dinner at the hotel. (B/D) Stay: Divani Meteora Hotel
This morning, explore Metéora. Visit one of the remote monasteries situated in a unique landscape, where limestone rock “towers” extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks built their monastic community perched atop these rocks.
Later, learn how Byzantine icons are created by visiting an icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka. Watch some of the process at this atelier, where icons are made using traditional methods. Spend some time on your own in this enchanting town before continuing your journey to Athens. (B) Stay: NYX Esperia Palace Hotel (2 Nights)
Later this morning explore the sights of Athens on a locally-guided walking tour. From Syntagma Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, wander through the streets, soaking in the essence of this iconic city and savoring its charm and energy. Visit the new Acropolis Museum, considered one of the most important museums in the world, to trace the story of the ancient city. Located within a short walking distance of the Acropolis, the museum houses archeological treasures from the Acropolis and offers wonderful views on the ancient site.
The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Athens on your own before joining your fellow travelers for dinner and to toast to the end of your journey. (B/D)
Your tour ends today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Impact Moment: Uncover Sarajevo's wartime history with a siege survivor.
- Discover Gjirokastra's Old Town, bazaar and castle.
- Visit a traditional icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka.
- Take a private boat to explore Our Lady of the Rocks Island and breathtaking Boka Bay.
- Explore the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana.
- Come to know Metéora and visit one of its Byzantine monasteries, built over 600 years ago.
- Enjoy traditional Albanian food and folk entertainment in the capital city, Tirana.
- Get to know locals and participate in preparing local specialties and bread in Karanac.
- Experience Bosnian hospitality and regional dishes, joining a local family for a meal in a Sarajevo home.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $437.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount
- Location: Budva. Cost: $180.
- This excursion is an opportunity to explore more of the diversity and beauty of the small, stunning country of Montenegro. The day begins as you join your guide on a drive from Kotor to the cable car station. Take in breathtaking views over ancient Kotor and Boka Bay as the cable car whisks you to Lovcen Mountain (1749m) in just 11 minutes. Next, head to the mountain village of Njeguši to visit an old smokehouse, sampling the smoked ham and cheese made on site. Finally, arrive in the old royal capital of Cetinje and learn about the rich history of Montenegro on a visit to King Nikola’s Palace. After some free time in Cetinje, return to Kotor this afternoon. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Tirana. Cost: $149.
- Travel from Tirana to Durrës, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Explore this ancient city, with its 2,500 years of recorded history, on a walking tour. See the city hall, the ruins of a Byzantine forum, Byzantine walls, Roman baths, a Roman amphitheater, a Venetian tower, and an archaeological museum. There’s so much to discover in this scenic city. Afterward, travel to Abaia Winery and tour the vineyard and Communist-era bunkers, which are now used for wine production and aging. Learn about viticulture and wine production in this beautiful region of Albania, and enjoy a wine tasting paired with a lunch of traditional Albanian food. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Brochure
Collette Explorations (2025-26)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
