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Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise 2026
14 Day Tour from Tirana to Trogir
Tour Description:
Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Trogir!PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Dubrovnik so you can plan your day your way.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Saturday 09 May 26 — Saturday 23 May 26 | Starting at $5,670 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 30 May 26 — Saturday 13 Jun 26 | Starting at $6,500 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Jun 26 — Saturday 20 Jun 26 | Starting at $5,780 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Jun 26 — Saturday 27 Jun 26 | Starting at $6,500 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 20 Jun 26 — Saturday 04 Jul 26 | Starting at $6,490 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 22 Aug 26 — Saturday 05 Sep 26 | Starting at $7,330 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour: • Guided walking tour in Tirana, Dubrovnik, and Korcula• Guided boat trip on Lake Skadar• Guided sightseeing in Cetinje with visit to King Nicola’s Museum • [LF] Boat ride to visit “Our Lady of the Rocks” Church, located on an island• Guided sightseeing in Kotor, Hvar, and Trogir• Visit to Budva and Cavtat with dinners at local restaurants• Globus Choice excursions in Dubrovnik − included in your tour with your choice of a self-guided visit on the city walls or a ride up Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable car• 7-day Adriatic Cruise visiting selected Croatian Islands• Visit to the Mljet National Park includes a boat ride to St Mary Isle • Oyster tasting in Slano and wine tasting in Vis• Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting) in Bisev
Notes:
We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Services of the Tour Director end on day 7. The cruise portion of your vacation, from Dubrovnik to Trogir, is operated by Katarina Lines. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details; there are various ships operating this itinerary, so the ship name varies by departure date.
We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Services of the Tour Director end on day 7. The cruise portion of your vacation, from Dubrovnik to Trogir, is operated by Katarina Lines. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details; there are various ships operating this itinerary, so the ship name varies by departure date.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA
Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 2 TIRANA
Art Covers Rock Your adventure starts this morning in Tirana, Albania’s capital city and allegedly one of the sunniest cities in Europe! Join your Local Guide for a walking tour to discover its intriguing culture and history. See many of the main landmarks and visit the Bunk’Art Museum, once a top-secret nuclear bunker, now a historical and art center. Spend an afternoon and evening at leisure exploring more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA
A Shore Thing Cross the border into Montenegro on your way to Virpazar a small town located on the banks of Lake Skadar, one of the largest bird reserves in Europe. Relax and admire the beauty of the flora and fauna of the lake during your guided boat trip. Continue to Budva a well-preserved medieval town that doubles as a stunning coastal resort town. Enjoy free time this evening to get acquainted with Budva, why not try some local specialties for dinner? (B)
137 mi / 220 km
TOUR 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4 BUDVA EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR
Former Capitals & Coastal Towns Depart for a full day’s excursion to visit two of Montenegro’s most interesting towns. Reach Cetinje, the former royal capital, and follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the town’s main highlights with a visit to King Nicola’s Museum. Enjoy some free time for lunch before continuing to picture-perfect Kotor, the coastal town located on Europe’s southernmost fjord. Join your Local Guide to discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobblestone streets and charming squares. Return to Budva and enjoy a delicious dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
124mi / 200 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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Jewel of the Mediterranean [LF] Take a short boat ride from the picturesque town of Perast to the island “Our Lady of the Rocks.” Your Local Guide will share with you the intriguing stories of swashbuckling pirates and unrequited love that linger in its history. Continue to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” for an evening at leisure to start getting acquainted with this breathtaking city, embraced by its remarkable UNESCO-listed city walls and the font of inspiration for many artists. (B)
71 mi / 115km
TOUR 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 6 DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK
Spend Your Day Your Way in Dubrovnik This morning, follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of the historic center. Explore more of Dubrovnik with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Walking on Walls
The city of Dubrovnik is completely embraced by its iconic city walls that have survived intact for centuries. Spend time walking along the walls at your own pace on this self-guided visit brimming with photo opportunities and stunning vistas of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.
To Summit Up
Soar up the side of Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable Car for stunning views en route to the panoramic summit above. Cast your eyes on the spectacular views along the way to soak in the miles of marvelous vistas above.
Later, drive to Konavle for an orientation walk in Cavtat and a dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
37 mi / 60 km
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 7 DUBROVNIK (EMBARKATION)
Above the Gates Today, board your coastal cruise ship. After some time on board to start getting acquainted, join a transfer to the city gate. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd Mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. Later, return to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Built back in 1969 the Dubrovnik Cable Car is still enthusiastically used by millions of visitors who want to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). From the top, the Old Town looks postcard-perfect — its iconic red roofs illuminated by the sun, while the Adriatic Sea glitters into the horizon
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 8 CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO
Safe Harbor Admire the views as you cruise around Dubrovnik’s city walls before reaching one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop. Sail to Slano and disembark to explore the town’s long medieval ramparts. At a nearby village learn more about the famed oysters and taste this local delicacy. Time at leisure before returning to the vessel for the Captain’s dinner. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & GEMS Slano is one of the most picturesque places of the Dubrovnik Riviera, situated in a gentle bay 2 km long, a fine beach, with thick pine and olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historic monuments. This safe harbor has been providing a reliable protection against the elements for many centuries
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9 CRUISING: SLANO–MIJET
Myths & Marvels Dock at the island of Mljet and stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. Free time to explore more of the island independently. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus spent 7 years on the island of Mijet when the nymph Calypso charmed him which led to a shipwreck and him having to seek shelter in the cave for seven years before the Gods released him
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 10 CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA
Marco Polo’s Root En-route to the island of Korčula, stop for lunch in a secluded bay. On arrival at Korčula join a guided walking tour of this enchanting town; surrounded by walls, it claims to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. An evening at leisure to try out the local restaurants and entertainment. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 11 CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS
On the Waterfront Today, discover the island of Vis. A wine tasting experience will familiarize you with the exquisite local wines. Then, plenty of free time to explore the island—perhaps a visit to the remains of the Roman bathing facilities or the City Museum; or a scenic walk with views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae on the waterfront; or just relaxing on a local beach! (B,L)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE In the 4th-century B.C., The island of Vis was one of the main Greek colonies and ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base–until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers, and sage grow wild around the island
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 12 CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR
Island Beauties Dock at the small island of Biševo to visit the magnificent Blue Cave (weather permitting), famous for its enchanting azure glow. En-route to Hvar, stop at the Pakleni Islands for a refreshing swim stop and lunch on board. This afternoon, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour of the jet-set island of Hvar which includes a visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic and is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Climb to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 13 CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–TROGIR
Blue Heaven Start the day with a stop on Brač Island for a refreshing swim at Zlatni Rat, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. See the nearby charming former fisherman’s village of Bol. Later, continue to Trogir, the final port of call, for a guided tour and leisure time. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and thanks to its unique shape, it is also one of the most exceptional beaches in the world. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear sea that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10 to 20 meters, and it is bordered by decades-old pine trees planted by the locals to create some natural shade. The beach changes its shape and position depending on the wind, tide, and the current, and sometimes, the tip of the beach rotates so significantly that it forms a small pool
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 14 TROGIR (DISEMBARKATION)
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Split. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Tirana | Budva | Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik |
Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta Tirana Albania
This trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta Tirana Albania
This trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
