Dreamy road trip through the Balkans - Charm

Dreamy road trip through the Balkans - Charm

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Dreamy road trip through the Balkans - Charm

10 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania

Visiting: Tirana, Bar, budva, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Durmitor National Park, Podgorica, Shkoder

Tour operator:

Exoticca

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 9

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 10-day road trip through the Balkans with our "Dreamy road trip through the Balkans - Charm 2025" tour. Explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Highlights include visits to Lezhe, Shkodra, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Budva, Kotor, Podgorica, Ulcinj, and Dubrovnik. Enjoy guided tours of historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and breathtaking natural wonders like Durmitor National Park and the Tara River Canyon. With 9 nights in charming and superior hotels, daily breakfasts, and the expertise of English-speaking guides, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Balkans. Departures from main UK/Ireland cities are included, along with international flights, air and fuel taxes, and ATOL protection.

Highlights

  • Lezhe

  • Shkodra

  • Tirana

  • Mostar

  • Sarajevo

  • Budva

  • Kotor

  • Dubrovnik

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - Tirana

Location: Tirana

Accommodation Name: StarLight Hotel

Pack your bags! It's time to head to your departure airport for your flight to Tirana*, the capital of Albania. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a free day to rest from the journey and explore the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Tirana.*If your outbound or return flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.), you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2 : Tirana - Lezhë - Ulcinj - Bar

Location: Bar

Accommodation Name: Hotel Agape

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a journey to Ulcinj (Montenegro), pausing in Lezhë along the way to immerse yourself in the rich history of the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg.Arrive in Ulcinj, a beloved destination on Montenegro's southern coast, and uncover its Castle and charming medieval streets. Later, venture to Bar, a neighboring city, to spend the night. Overnight stay in Bar.Please note: You will travel approximately 100 miles today.

Day 3 : Bar - Kotor - Perast - Budva

Location: budva

Accommodation Name: Wow Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a journey to Kotor, where you’ll explore its charming old town on a walking tour through its picturesque streets. Next, we head to Perast, often called the "Venice" of the Adriatic, to visit the Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) church on its islet, along with the beautiful Island of Saint George. Then, enjoy some free time to savor the local cuisine and continue discovering the city at your own pace. To end the day, we make our way to the coast and the medieval town of Budva, where you can stroll through its ancient streets and pay tribute at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Overnight stay in Budva. Please note: You will travel approximately 60 miles today.

Day 4 : Budva - Dubrovnik - Medjugorje

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation Name: Hotel Marconi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, prepare to set off for Dubrovnik (Croatia), a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in its captivating old town, discovering gems like the Cathedral, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. Later in the day, journey to Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) for the night. Overnight stay in Medjugorje.Please note: You will travel approximately 134 miles today.

Day 5 : Medjugorje - Pocitelj - Blagaj - Mostar

Location: Mostar

Accommodation Name: Mostar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your adventure to Pocitelj and Blagaj, where you'll enjoy leisure time by the tranquil Buna River. Next, head to Mostar, check in to your hotel, and delve into the history of the place as you embark on a city tour.Explore landmarks like the Mehmet Koski Pasha Mosque, the Karadjoz Bey Mosque, and the revered Old Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Overnight stay in Mostar.Please note: You will travel approximately 55 miles today.

Day 6 : Mostar - Konjic - Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation Name: Novotel Sarajevo Bristol

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to explore Tito's Cold War-era bunker near Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Next, venture to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital. Discover the source of the Bosna River (Vrelo Bosne) and delve into history at the Tunnel Museum. Stroll through the enchanting old town of Bascarsija, visit the iconic Latin Bridge, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the covered market Brusa Bezistan and the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in SarajevoPlease note: You will travel approximately 87 miles today.

Day 7 : Sarajevo - Foca - Durmitor - Zabljak

Location: Durmitor National Park

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pavlovic

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your adventure leads you to Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. Traverse the Tara River Canyon, boasting Europe's deepest gorges, and marvel at dense pine forests mingling with crystal-clear lakes, teeming with endemic flora.Explore the grandeur of the Black Lake, the park's largest, and behold the majestic Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the untouched wilderness. Overnight stay in Zabljak.Please note: You will travel approximately 100 miles today.

Day 8 : Zabljak - Kolasin - Podgorica

Location: Podgorica

Accommodation Name: Hotel Marienplatz Podgorica

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Next on your itinerary is Kolasin, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake. Following lunch (not included), journey onward to Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, for a captivating guided tour of its charming old town.Marvel at the beauty of the Doganjska Mosque and Skaline ("the staircase"), among the city's most historic and picturesque sites. Explore other notable attractions like Republic Square, St. George I Church, the Millennium Bridge, and the 17th-century Clock Tower (Sahat Kula). Overnight stay in Podgorica.Please note: You will travel approximately 93 miles today.

Day 9 : Podgorica - Shkoder - Tirana

Location: Shkoder

Accommodation Name: StarLight Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your journey continues to Shkodra, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Alps in the north. Upon arrival, embark on a tour of its historic old town, where you'll explore the storied walls of Rozafa Castle and its captivating museum. From this vantage point, soak in the magnificent vistas of the surrounding mountains and shimmering lake below. Return and overnight stay in Tirana.Please note: You will travel approximately 100 miles today.

Day 10 : Tirana - Uk/Ireland

Location: Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel*. Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to the Balkans as your adventure draws to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to Tirana airport for your return flight to the UK/Ireland.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel's breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

What's Included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland cities

    The tour includes departures from main UK/Ireland cities.

  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Tirana - UK/Ireland

    International flights from the UK/Ireland to Tirana and back are included.

  • 9 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels

    Accommodation for 9 nights in Charm and Superior category hotels is included.

  • 9 breakfasts

    The tour includes 9 breakfasts.

  • Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide

    Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide are included.

  • Air and fuel taxes

    Air and fuel taxes are included in the tour package.

  • Guided tours of Budva, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Podgorica and Shkodra

    Guided tours of Budva, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Podgorica, and Shkodra are included.

  • ATOL Protection

    The tour package includes ATOL Protection.

  • English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides

    An English-speaking guide for the entire tour itinerary and local guides are included.

  • Guided tour

    A guided tour is included in the package.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner

    Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other personal purchases are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Optional excursions

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

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably with international flights from the UK/Ireland to Tirana and back, and enjoy guided tours with transportation covering approximately 100-134 miles per day between various destinations in Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels, including stays at StarLight Hotel in Tirana, Hotel Agape in Bar, Hotel Marija in Kotor, Hotel Marconi in Medjugorje, and Novotel Sarajevo Bristol in Sarajevo.

Meals Included

9 breakfasts.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights of accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    Yes, international flights from the UK/Ireland to Tirana and back are included in the tour package.

  • Will there be guided tours during the trip?

    Yes, the tour includes guided tours of Budva, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Podgorica, and Shkodra with an English-speaking guide.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 9 breakfasts.

  • Is there any protection provided for the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes ATOL Protection.

  • What is the transportation arrangement during the tour?

    The tour includes transportation for all the journeys mentioned in the itinerary, such as traveling from Tirana to Lezhë, Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Medjugorje, Mostar, Sarajevo, Durmitor, Zabljak, Kolasin, Podgorica, and Shkodra.

  • Will there be any free time to explore on my own?

    Yes, on the first day upon arrival in Tirana, you will have a free day to rest from the journey and explore the city at your own pace.

  • What are some of the key historical sites we will visit?

    Some key historical sites include the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg in Lezhë, the Castle in Ulcinj, the Church of the Holy Trinity in Budva, the Cathedral and Rector's Palace in Dubrovnik, the Old Bridge in Mostar, and the Rozafa Castle in Shkodra.

  • Will there be any nature or outdoor activities during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon, and the Black Lake, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities.

  • Is there a local guide available throughout the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide will be available throughout the tour itinerary, along with local guides at specific locations.

  • Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?

    It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.

  • What recommendations should I follow before traveling?

    Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.

  • How can I upgrade my flight?

    If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).

  • Travelling to the USA or Canada?

    Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.

  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?

    It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).

Reviews of this operator

Nigel Curtis (Google Reviewer)  

This is the first time...

26-Mar-2023

This is the first time that we have used Exoticca and we were not disappointed. The holiday was well planned and we felt looked after at every stage of our South American adventure. The guides were knowledgeable, cheerful and friendly. They were able to answer all our questions with ease and good humour. The hotels were of a high standard and offered excellent food and comfort. Our travel group was well matched and we always had plenty of room in the vehicles selected for each stage of our journey. We will no hesitation in booking with Exoticca again in the future.

Jane S  

South America with Exoticca

04-Jun-2023

Most of the time we were travelling as a couple although we kept bumping into others in a simialr situation. Wherever we went there was someone there to welcome us and take us to our hotel, tell us about arrangements for the next few days and to generally look after us. Guides always turned up as expected and were all of a very high standard. We never felt concerned about what was due to happen the next day - it always did! Tours were always of interest. Accommodation which was charm class was perfectly acceptable and if not in the centre of town, taxis were always easy to use and safe whether a white pick up van in the Galapagos or a tuk tuk in Peru. I had a slight accident while there and I have to say that Exoticca guides etc could not have been more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Exoticca to anyone thinking of using them. We had an amazing experience in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647e07eb706f837cb1f86880
Diana Gwynn  

Imperial Cities and Desert

20-May-2023

Really excellent way to see Morocco. Our first experience of Exoticca and we were impressed with all the arrangements and attention to detail. The local guides were excellent and our driver Ayoub the absolute best - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and funny. What an outstanding young man! We are definitely recommending Exoticca to our friends and are interested in exploring other countries with you. Many thanks!

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647ccf3f81ea8608ae6d5e06
sky unidentifiedstorm (Google Reviewer)  

I booked a two week...

21-Mar-2023

I booked a two week trip with Exoticca in February 2023 to Morocco and Egypt. I went solo, had a great time traveling and site seeing to planned excursions and some extra excursions as well. Stayed at several hotels from 5star to 3star standards. All where safe and comfortable. Bus tours where comfortable and I always felt safe wherever we went. Tour guides, bus operators and guards where friendly and respectful. All the sites we visited had me in awe. At one point we got stuck in the mountains due to snow and rain. The roads where cut off. We where set up in hotels for the night and the following day we where back on the road in once a road was cleared. My tickets to Cairo where reschedule and so was my excursions do to the delay. All was taken care with Exoticca I didn't have to do anything, which I greatly appreciated. Exoticca does hire tour agencies in the country you visit. I really like the agencies that where hired. There are usually one or two stops a day to go to a specific craft seller for certain goods, like rugs, paintings, ceramics etc. throughout the tours.

S A (Google Reviewer)  

Exoticca was a great experience....

11-Apr-2024

Exoticca was a great experience. Very well planned itinerary and our tour driver Leo was excellent. We were lucky to get good weather for the most parts and were given good guidance about local attractions. The hotels were well located and of a good quality. Overall a very pleasant experience. We will travel with Exoticca again.

Kimberly Penna (Google Reviewer)  

I very much enjoyed my...

10-Apr-2024

I very much enjoyed my trip to Portugal with Exoticca. I love that you're able to book the flight at the same time as the vacation booking because you won't get stuck with a bunch of layovers like other tour companies spring on you at the last minute. I felt like the trip was very organized and well-planned. I also like that I was back in my hotel room everyday prior to 6:00 p.m. so I had the whole night to myself to do whatever I wanted rather than being stuck on a bus for hours. I will definitely be booking with Exoticca again.

Yevgeniy (Google Reviewer)  

If you are planning a...

04-Jan-2025

If you are planning a trip to Morocco Book a trip with Abdelali Filali He will take care of you from Start to Finish and will accommodate you in every possible way,so you don't have to do it yourself. Trust me 100% this is the ONLY Tour Guide for Morocco. Must Try!!!

JB  

Saw most of what was on the itinerary…

04-Jun-2023

Saw most of what was on the itinerary… Saw most of what was on the itinerary but not the best guide (our Exoticca guide in Ecuador was great but ones since then less so). More free time would have been good ( we didn't even get the free time listed on the itinerary) especially at lunchtimes. Beautiful scenery ranging from the sand dunes to the snow capped mountains. Date of experien

https://uk.trustpilot.com/users/642ae4e995d55f0014af4543
Sue Linford (Google Reviewer)  

I travelled to Jordan in...

28-May-2023

I travelled to Jordan in May with a friend. Exoticca admin was very efficient and the Qatar airways flights were very good. A local representative was on hand to fast track us through the airport in Amman, arriving and departing. We booked 3* accommodation in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, which were all fine. The pre-arranged tours were run by a local company and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. Our only issue was with the coaches we had for our first four days which were not to the standard of others we had for the remaining time. Both Jordan and Beyond and Exoticca have acknowledged the points that we raised with them and have said this issue would be addressed so we hope that will be the case. That apart, we very much enjoyed the tour and the company of fellow travellers.

XQ Tong (Google Reviewer)  

The tour of 'Essence of...

12-Apr-2024

The tour of 'Essence of Patagonia & Cultural Capitals - Argentina & Chile' was a great experience and good value for the money. It gave us plenty of free time at most locations to explore on our own. The full day guided tours in Patagonia on both Argentina and Chile sides were great.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exoticca allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exoticca, 0 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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