ADRIATIC TOUR

Adriatic Tour

Discover the last secrets on this Balkan tour in the heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Travel from the shores of the Adriatic high up into the Albanian mountains.

Bunker at Llogara pass Albania

Journey through the ancient coastal cities, visit attractive Medieval towns, and discover Ottoman mosques jostling for space along narrow streets. Join us as we trace the many civilisations who have left their mark on these lands: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and more.

Palata Smekja Perast - Montenegro

Explore Albania and Montenegro, a stunning and unusual part of the continent on the borders of Christian Europe and the old Ottoman Empire. This is a tour that veers very much away from the mainstream tourist trail.

Apollonia Albania

This journey along the Adriatic sea coast line, discovers celebrated cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites through three countries. You’ll be amazed by the loving preservation of Eastern Europe’s most important castles and monasteries as a sign of respect to this amazing legacy.

Adriatic Tour - Ostrog Monastery

Adriatic Tour is a carefully crafted tour of the southwest Balkan beauties, many of them guardians of some of Europe’s best kept secrets when it comes to magnificent natural heritage.

Albanian Riviera Ksamil

Montenegro may be a tiny country, but its charms can hardly be overstated. You will see one of most beautiful bays in the world, place of merchants and famous seafarers, medieval cities…

Adriatic Tour Kotor

Albania offers a mixture of cultural elements with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a rich archaeological legacy. You will discover the Ottoman cities, visit the biggest archeological site being excavated in Europe – Butrinti.

Butrint Albania

Adriatic Tour will end up in Croatia in Dubrovnik where the nature and heritage become one. The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is astonishing city of stone, second in the world most frequented open-air museum…

Adriatic Tour - Dubrovnik

The insights of many civilizations, with their forgotten landmarks,  together with richness of the architectural buildings and the current social and cultural dynamics of live, will make this tour a must for any traveler and passionate visitor.

View of the Bay of Kotor from Lovcen Mountain

Introduction:

– Adriatic Tour package taking you through 3 countries and 14 destinations.

– In this Adriatic Tour you will explore the best of Albania, Montenegro and Croatia in 10 Days.

– Adriatic Tour take you through all UNESCO sites of Albania as well as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro both UNESCO sites as well.

– Admire the beautiful Adriatic coast and the sublime Bay of Kotor

– Experience the amazing view of the coast from Llogara National park

– Visit the medieval Castle which used to be a political prison during the communist dictatorship and the Ethnographic Museum which is also the house the Albanian dictator was born in.

– Taste the delicious cuisine

– Experience local hospitality

Join us on our Adriatic tour to check out some amazing hidden gems just south of Dubrovnik!

Map of Adriatic Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Dubrovnik – Perast – Kotor – Budva (139 km)

Arrival to airport  Dubrovnik.

Pick up at airport Dubrovnik and transfer to Montenegro. Drive along the Boka Kotorska bay, passing picturesque villages. Bay of Kotor, protected as a World Heritage Site, is the southernmost fjord in Europe, offers an excellent opportunity to see unique natural beauty in a small area, and at the same time become better acquainted with its history, culture, and architecture.

Adriatic Tour - Kotor Bay

Arrival in beautiful baroque town of Perast sitting opposite the entrance to the inner Bay of Kotor. You will have the opportunity to see buildings and villas which were built during the city's prosperous years of the 17th and 18th centuries, churches built during that time, the history of this fascinating town, which was home to wealthy sea faring families.

Perast - Kotor Bay

You will board small boats to see the Church Islands of St George and visit the Island of Our Lady of the Rock -10 min away from coast, the islet is man-made, and its original church was built in 1452. You'll see the stunning present church, built in 1632 and enlarged in 1722.  According to legend, seamen once laid a rock in the Bay of Kotor upon returning from each successful voyage, thus creating the islet that gradually emerged from the sea.

Our Lady of the Rock Island

After Perast continuation to Kotor. Kotor  is classified as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, where you visit its Romanesque Cathedral St. Triphun dedicated to St. Triphun, the city’s patron saint. Your Kotor tour ends with a trip to the Maritime Museum, which is housed in the 17th century Grgurina Palace, and chronicles Kotor's glory days as one of the Adriatic's major naval forces.

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon - Kotor

After Kotor departure to Budva. Accomodation,dinner and overnight in Budva.

Budva’s pebble beaches, crystal-clear sea and mild climate place it among the most beautiful coasts in the world and it truly represents the crown of Montenegrin tourist offering. Old Town is a place of important historic and religious monuments, galleries, boutiques, cafes and during the summer it turns into a theatrical stage!

View of the Old Town Budva

Day 2: Budva – Cetinje – NP Lovcen – Njegusi – Budva (133 km)

Budva. Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast departure for Cetinje the historic capital of Montenegro. The city is located in the field located under the mountain Lovcen, at an average altitude of 670 m.

Cetinje - Historic capital of Montenegro

Because of its authentic architecture and a large number of historic buildings, relics, monasteries, churches and museums, this city was named «museum city». Cetinje and Njegusi are a «must see» excursion called Montenegro tour.

Billiard Palace In Cetinje

This tour gives a complete impression of Montenegro because it includes both coast and mountains. Visiting this area you will understand how Montenegrin spirit, culture and identity survived turbulent history of Balkan.

Museum of King Nikola in Cetinje

In Cetinje, we will visit King Nikola’s Palace where medals, impressive weapon, decorated furniture, portraits of dynasty members, different gifts from all over the world will illustrate you popularity that Montenegro earned at the end of 19th century.

King Nicholas Museum - Interior

Continuation to Njegusi. This charming village was the birthplace of Peter Petrovic-Njegos, considered the most important leader in Montenegrin history. Today the village is known for its delicious specialties including smoked ham, cheese, brandy, and wine.

Charming Njegusi Village - Montenegro

You will visit the national park Lovcen as well Njegos’s mausoleum on Mount Lovcen. It has been built on the very top of this mountain and can be reached by crossing the 461 stairs.

National park Lovcen - Njegos Mausoleum

Deep breath of the fresh air and keep your eyes wide open. As you slowly turn all around, you will be amazed by the view of the Kotor Bay, Skadar Lake, high mountains in the northern part of Montenegro, even Albania.

Observation Deck at the Mausoleum of Njegos

In the Mausoleum you will find the figures of two Montenegrin women made of black granite, as well as the figure and marble sarcophagus of Petar II Petrovic Njegos. By visiting of the Mausoleum we complete the story about Montenegrin royal family, great ruler and poet.

Monumental statue of Njegos in the Mausoleum

The excursion continues along the curvy road one of the greatest engineering projects in Montenegro from the end of 19th century - road from village of Njegusi to Kotor, on the steep slopes of Mount Lovcen up to a belvedere at 900 m above sea level. It took five years of carving the steep slopes of Lovcen Mountain before the road was completed in 1884. This was astonishing work we still respect today, passing his 25 switchbacks. From each curve the view gets better and as a reward for taking this ride, we never miss a chance to stop and admire the road as the work of man and Bay of Kotor as the work of nature!

Viewing point at the road Lovcen - Kotor

On the way back to your hotel, we will visit Old Town of Budva a walled medieval town on the sea, like a mini Dubrovnik. Overnight in Budva.

Aerial View of Old Town Budva

Day 3: Budva – Shkoder – Kruja – Tirana (218 km)

Budva. Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast we will go to Sveti Stefan, where we will make photo break above famous island-hotel. Sveti Stefan (6 km east of Budva) is a rare geographical feature, made up of an island connected to the mainland by a stripe with two beaches, one on each side. Sveti Stefan, once a fishing village on a reef island, today a unique tourist attraction. It is popular with heads of state, important politicians, movie stars, famous athletes and other members of the elite.

Adriatic Tour - Sveti Stefan

After photo break the road takes us to the South along the Adriatic coastline, passing towns Petrovac, Sutomore and Bar – the largest Montenegrin port where European and oriental cultures begin to mix. Road from Bar take us inland to the border.

City of Bar - Montenegro

Upon entering into Albania, our first stop is the city of Skadar the most important town of north Albania and the Illyrian capital, in the 3rd century BC. Sightseeing the most popular pedestrian street «Kole Idromeno» (Piazza), which has been preserved in the old style. It contains many bars and restaurants with terraces, flowers and fancy shops.

Skadar the most important town of north Albania

In Skadar you will also visit he Rozafa Castle, founded in 3th century BC, built in a rocky hill and surrounding by the three rivers Drini, Buna and Kiri.

Rozafa Castle Skadar - Albania

After Skadar drive towards small town of Kruja, situated high on the mountain. Kruja is a charming medieval village, beautifully situated among mountainous peaks and the green valley stretching all the way down to the Adriatic coast.

Kruja a charming medieval village in Albania

The name and the importance of the city are closely related to the 25 years of activity of Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg, who in the 15th century made Kruja a bastion of resistance against the Ottoman. The Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum is situated inside the castle walls, which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

Albania - Kruja Castle

Near the castle’s entrance is a traditional market - The Old Bazaar - cobbled medieval bazaar, which dates back to the period of Skanderbeg. Here, you can find Albanian craft products such as embroidered items, carpeting, silver objects, copper, alabaster, filigree, traditional clothing, antiques...

The Old Bazaar Kruja - Albania

After the visits, departure to Tirana. In Tirana (Capital City of Albania) we will visit the Museum of History, Skenderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, The Clock Tower, Government Buildings as well as area of Blloku, the restricted area during the Communist time. Today, in this area you will find the best restaurants, coffe bars and pubs. Overnight in Tirana.

Skanderbeg Square and Et'hem Bey Mosque

Day 4: Tirana – Ardenica Monastery – Apollonia – Vlora (165 km)

Tirana. Breakfast at hotel. Check out and morning departure to Vlora. Vlora, known also as Valona, is located in south-western Albania where the two seas Adriatic and Ionian meet. Vlora enjoys a beautiful position beacause it is the gatway to the Albanian Riviera , which is the gem of Albanian Tourist places.

Jala Beach Vlora - Albania

On the way we will stop at the Monastery of Ardenica where is a medieval monastery surrounded by stonewalls. Built by Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 after the victory against the Angevins in the Siege of Berat, the monastery is famous as the place where, in 1451, was celebrated the marriage of Skenderbeg, the national hero of Albania.

Ardenica Monastery Albania

We continue in the direction of Apollonia one of the most well known archeological sites in Albania. Apollonia is one of 30 ancient towns dedicated to God Apollo. The ancient city of Apollonia was founded at the beginning of the 7th century BC by Greek colons coming by the cities of Corinth and Corcyra.

Temple of Apollonia - Albania

Ancient city of Apollonia is situated on the famous Via Egnatia – one of the most important cities in Roman times. The Roman Emperor Augustus Octavian studied here. The amphitheatre, a colonnade of shops and several other parts of the Roman city centre are open to the public.

Apollonia archaeological site - Albania

A museum is to be found on the site of the 13th century monastery. In the courtyard of the monastery there is Byzantine style church believed to have been built in the 14th century. Here visitors can see some monuments like the Encircling Wall, the Terraced Wall, the monument of Agonothetes, the Library, the Odeon, the Mosaics House, Portic, Fontana, the Church of Saint Mary, etc.

Apollonia Monastery, Fier, Albania

Afterwards we continue to Vlora a town which with its wide boulevards decorated by huge palm trees has a real southern Mediterranean feel to it. It is located in front of Karaburuni peninsula and Sazan Island, close to various sandy and rocky beaches and the scenic nearby mountains. Vlora is Albania's second largest port, having regular ferry boat connections with Italian ports of Bari and Brindisi. Overnight in Vlora.

Valona Albania

Day 5: Vlora – Butrint – Saranda (160 km)

Vlora. Breakfast at hotel. Check out and departure to Saranda. Drive on the spectacular Albanian Riviera looking down at the Ionian Sea. Breathtaking sceneries await us at the Llogara pass - National Park covered by dense forest of pine trees, 1027 m above sea level.

Llogara Pass - National park in Albania

After leaving Llogara we return to the coast. En route we pass the castle of Porto Palermo, located near Himara, also known as the castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena.

Porto Palermo Albania

We will make a short stop at the Lekuresi Fortress in Saranda with beautiful views of the bay of Saranda and the Island of Corfu.

Lekuresi Castle Saranda - view of Corfu across the straits

Then we proceed visit Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The ancient town has been built on Ksamil Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Butrint, south of Saranda (15km) and close to the Greek border. Cross the sea (Straits of Corfu), less then 10 km is Greeks Corfu Island. Surrounded by a picturesque lagoon, it is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Ionian Sea region.

Butrint National Park

Butrint was an ancient city throughout Greek, Roman, bishopric and Byzantine periods. The city was finally abandoned during the Middle Ages perhaps due to the marsh surrounding and subsequent malaria epidemic.

Butrint Albania - UNESCO World Heritage site

Despite being one of the greatest classical cities of the Mediterranean, Butrint remains largely unknown. The current archaeological site includes an impressive Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine Basilica (the largest in the world after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul), a Roman temple with mosaic floor, a beautifully carved lion’s gate as well numerous constructions built throughout the periods.

Albania - Butrint ruins

After visit return to Saranda. Saranda is a small coastal town located on the shores of the Ionian sea and sits opposite to the Greek island of Corfu. The bay on which town is build gives Saranda its charming look.

Saranda Bay - Albania

Saranda is an old town, first settled by the Illyrian tribe of Chaonians who named it Onchesmus. Cicero mentions it as convenient harbor with favorable winds.  Many mosaics found in the town confirm that the town must have seen some above average development around 2nd and 3rd century AD.

Saranda, Albania

The sea panorama, the variety of flora, favored by the soft climate and warm sea waters, make Saranda the preferred center for rest and recreation and an important tourist town. Overnight in Saranda.

Saranda - Albania

Day 6: Saranda – Gjirokastra – Berat (225 km)

Saranda. Breakfast at hotel. Check out and departure to Berat. On the way we will stop in Gjirokastra - small town situated in southern Albania. Gjirokastra perches on the eastern side of the Wide Mountain (Mali i Gjërë) on the steep side of the Drino valley overlooking an historic landscape framed by snow-capped mountains.

Gjirokastra Castle - Albania

The city of Gjirokastra is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most attractive tourist sites in Albania. Gjirokastra is known as «The City of Stone».

Gjirokastra The City of Stone - Albania

The city began as a fourth century castle, which is today the greatest castle in the whole Albania. Inside the fortress is the Museum of Weapons, where weapons of different periods up until the Second World War are displayed.

Museum of Weapons in Gjirokastra Castle

This «City of a thousand steps» comprises hundreds of Ottoman-style tower houses with distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies and whitewashed stone walls.

City of a thousand steps Gjirokastra - Albania

We will visit the Ethnographic museum situated in the home that was the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, communist dictator of Albania from 1944 to 1985. From 1966 to 1991 the building served as the Anti-Fascist Museum.

Ethnographic museum Gjirokastra

After visit we will proceed to Berat. We suggest one break for lunch close to Tepelene (optional) among beautiful scenery, on the way to Berat. Tepelene is a historic town well know as the birth place of Ali Pasha, Vizier of Ioánnina (1741-1822).

Tepelene Old Bridge

Arrival in Berat. The rest of the day is free time in Berat. Overnight in Berat.

Adriatic Tour - Berat

Day 7: Berat – Durres (98 km)

Berat. Breakfast at hotel and check out.

After check out we will start the walking tour of the town to visit the upper castle with its characteristic houses and the museum of the icons. Walking down in the lower part of the town we will visit the medieval centre and some very beautiful examples of byzantine churches and ottoman mosques. Berat is also known as «The town of a Thousand windows» due to the many large buildings that decorate the houses of the old town.

Berat - The town of a Thousand windows

The town is still renowned for its historic architecture and particular beauty and is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Historical Berat consist of three quarters. The quarters of Gorica and Mangalem are situated on the slopes of two hills that are divided by the river Osum. The castle (fortress) quarter stands on the top of the Magalemi hill and is enclosed by a fortification wall that dates back to the IV century BC.

Berat - Mangalem

The town has several XVI century mosques, very well decorated and a very large numbers of Byzantine orthodox churches. Several of the churches has frescoes by the well-known painter Onufri and his school and from other later famous schools of frescos and icons of the Balkan area.

Holy Trinity church at Berat castle

After visit continue to Durres where it will be presented the history of this ancient city. Durres the second largest city of Albania is the most ancient city and one of the most economically important as the biggest port city. The legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson - Dyrrah.

Durrës Albania

The visit give us a comprehensive view about the history of this 2700-year-old town, which started, as a Greek colony becoming the largest harbor on the Adriatic coast during the rule of the Roman Empire.

Durres Venetian Tower

The walking tour in Durres will include the Venetian Tower of 15th century, featuring the close cultural and architectural ties the city had with Venice during the ottoman rule. We proceed along the Byzantine walls from the 4th and 5th century.

Durres - Byzantine walls

The second stop will be the Roman ruins of a 2nd century amphitheater one of the largest amphitheatres in the Balkans. This site associated with the names of Roman Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, it has been one of the most important entertaining attractions. The tour through the galleries will take us to the byzantine church, with its mural mosaics, dating from 14th century.

Amphitheatre of Durres

We will wander through the galleries of the amphitheatre, explore the «Enigma of Durres», and walk through the main gate to the arena in the same steps where, 1800 years ago, people would cheer the winning gladiator asking the Emperor for his freedom.

Durres Amphitheatre Passageways

Accommodation at hotel. Overnight in Durres.

Durres Seafront Promenade

Day 8: Durres – Podgorica – Ostrog Monastery – Dubrovnik (398 km)

Durres. Breakfast at hotel. Check out and departure to Croatia through Montenegro and its capital Podgorica.

Podgorica - Capital of Montenegro

Podgorica is located in the central part of Montenegro and as the capital it represents the administrative, economic, cultural and academic center of the country.

The Central Bank of Montenegro

Podgorica («Below Gorica» - name of a hillock overlooking the city) is largest city of Montenegro. The city was also called Titograd between 1946 and 1992 when Montenegro was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), in honour of Josip Broz Tito.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica

Most of the city was destroyed during WW II, so Podgorica is relatively new, with modern buildings at every step of the way and green spaces as well as parks. A panoramic city tour by bus and then continuation of the journey.

Telenor Administrative Building Podgorica

On the way we will stop at Ostrog Monastery a miracle built by nature and human interaction, carved almost in its entirety in a vertically positioned mountain cliff.

Ostrog Monastery a miracle built by nature and human interaction

The monastery was founded by, and is dedicated to Saint Basil (1610 – 1671). The monastery has two small churches, an upper and a lower. The Upper Church, built in a cave, was constructed and decorated with wall paintings in 1665 and is dedicated to the Holy Cross. The Lower Church dates from the 18th century and is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Vavedenje of the Holy Mary).

Ostrog Monastery - Lower Monastery

Today Monastery is the pearl of Montenegrin spirituality which is visited by more than a hundred thousand pilgrims from around the world and of travellers of all religions every year. It is one of three most visited Christian destinations on the world with its cave-like chapel and the Monastery complex that preserves the sanctity of Saint Basil - the Orthodox Christian Saint of Miracles.

Souvenir shop in Monastery Complex Ostrog

Visit Ostrog Monastery. Visit begins from the parking lot of the Lower monastery, from where by local transport we go to the Upper Monastery. Possibility of organized lunch with traditional Montenegrin specialties in a restaurant located near the monastery complex.

Ostrog - The entrance to the Upper Monastery

After visit we will continue our journey towards Croatia and Dubrovnik. Accommodation at hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik - Old town at night

Day 9: Dubrovnik Sightseeing

Dubrovnik, Breakfast at the hotel. Dubrovnik sightseeing tour – the most important sights of downtown.  In front of the main entrance into the old town you will meet local guide who knows each corner of this gorgeous Mediterranean town.

Pedestrian area called Pile in Dubrovnik

You will proceed with a walk along the famous Stradun street, pass by famous Onofrio fountain, Orlando’s column…

Magnificent fountain built by Onofrio della Cava

Local guide will lead you through the very old town and discover you old legends and stories about the most attractive and most interesting sightseeings in the town – Onofrio Fountain, the main street Stradun, Orlando's statue...

Stradun or officially Placa - the main street in Dubrovnik

In 60 minutes the guide will present you history as well as nowadays life of this prosperous city. During this tour you will understand the «big picture» of how history interlinks with present in cultural, economic and religious aspect but most of all, you have a wonderful experience about this city.

Virgin Mary Ascension Cathedral in Dubrovnik

The green Mediterranean landscape, the azure depths of the Adriatic, white sea cliffs, fragrances of herbs growing in the clearings, historical gardens, the aquarium with the most intriguing species of the sea world are a part of the heritage which the visitors discover in Dubrovnik and its surroundings.

St. John Fortress Dubrovnik

The fact that it has been one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for more than thirty years, and that every part of its Old City is a remarkable site and part of the rich heritage makes Dubrovnik a special city - a living monument.

Sponza Palace houses the Dubrovnik Archives

The rich historical monuments, attractive historic churches, cathedrals and city streets... Dubrovnik is both a treasury and museum that managed to preserve all of its historical buildings and their beauty, numerous baroque, renaissance and romanesque churches and palaces which are an essential part of the tourist programmes and sites that should be visited by all means.

Dubrovnik Cathedral in Dubrovnik Old Town

Afternoon will be free for self exploration of the city or some individual program. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Cathedral with Dome Illuminated

Day 10: Dubrovnik Airport (23 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until departure to the airport. Transfer to the Dubrovnik airport. End of program and services.

Aerial view of Dubrovnik

 

Price: 

June, July, August and September → 1.218,00 € per person

March, April, May and October → 1.096,00 € per person

January, February, November and December → 964,00 € per person

What’s included in Adriatic Tour:

– 9 Overnights in comfortable 4**** hotels – all overnights are based on double rooms with private WC/shower. Single Rooms are available with payment of a «Single Supplement».

– Meals: 9 breakfasts

– Transportation with high tourist class coach, minibus or van

– Local transport in Ostrog Monastery (Montenegro)

– Tasting of smoked ham, cheese and wine in Njegusi village (Montenegro)

– Boat ride in Perast (Montenegro)

– Entrance fee for all sites included in the program

– Adria Line Tour Manager and Local Guide

– Tour organization and logistics

What is not included in Adriatic Tour:

– Other meals, drinks, personal expenses

– Personal travel insurance

– Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price. You can organize your flights separately at any point.

Guide

The trip is coordinated by a tour leader from Travel agency Adria Line, who is responsible for the logistics of the tour – updating you on the daily itinerary, arranging your passport checks at the border-crossings, handling the check-ins at each hotel, communicating with the driver and arranging the local guides as scheduled in the program. Detailed information about the countries and some of the sites will be presented by the local city guides included in the itinerary.

Customize Your Tour

If you would like to customize this tour (eg. add new places, extend your stay, change the hotel category, add other meals, adjust the program to the airport on which you plan to come…), please feel free to contact us at group@adrialine.me so we can make an offer that fits your wishes.

You decide where you will land, what to visit, how long to spend and what type of accommodation suits you best. We do our best to respond to requests within two business days during our regular business hours.