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G Adventures
OFFER ID 1571339
Zagreb to Athens: Monasteries & The Mediterranean
Buckle up for a 29-day adventure through the Balkans that'll leave you breathless in all the best ways. Walking tours, day hikes, ancient monasteries, and medieval fortresses await, with nature at every turn. Explore the foothills of the Albanian Alps and make your way down to the sparkling Mediterranean, sipping regional beers, tasting local flavours, and forming friendships along the way. Wander through the UNESCO city of Kotor and the medieval town of Budva, marvel at the jaw-dropping Plitvice Lakes National Park, and spot wild horses on a thrilling jeep safari. Stretch your legs on hikes through historic towns and natural wonders, scrambling around fortresses and monasteries while uncovering the rich history of this incredible region.
Highlights
Wander through history in the UNESCO city of Kotor and the medieval town of Budva, Stare in wonder at the awe-inspiring Plitvice Lakes National Park and the wild horses that can be seen from a jeep safari, Stretch your legs on local walks and hikes in both historic towns and natural wonders, Scramble around fortresses and monasteries gleaning knowledge of days gone by
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses (16 its, twin share), hostels (12 nts, some multi-share with 3-8 people)
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 10.
Meals Included
23 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and a Beverage, Athens
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Split
Your Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo
Your Big Night Out Moment: Sarajevo
Your Big Night Out Moment: Budva
Your Foodie Moment: Tirana Cooking Class, Tirana
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Big Night Out Moment: Corfu
Your Big Night Out Moment: Athens. Orientation walk in Zagreb. Entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Day trip to Hvar. Guided tour of Diocletian's Palace (Split). Evening orientation walk in Split. Tvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine Tasting. Trebinje orientation walk. Explore the Pocitelj Fortress and art colony. Visit Kravica Waterfall. Take a sunset jeep safari in search of wild horses. BBQ dinner and bonfire in Livno. See the Dervish Monastery and explore Blagaj. Guided walking tour of Mostar. Whitewater rafting on the Neretva River with bbq lunch. Orientation walk of Kotor. Hike to Kotor Fortress. Boat tour on the Bay of Kotor. See Nevidio Canyon. Hike to Crno Jezero (Black Lake) in Durmitor National Park. Visit the Ostrog Monastery. Orientation walk of Budva's old town. Orientation walk of Tirana. Explore Kruje on foot. Walking tour of Berat including the castle. Visit the coastal wetlands of the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Walking tour of Himarë. Corfu Trail hike across the island to Benitses. Meteora Monasteries hike from Kalabaka. Orientation walk of Athens. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.
28 nights from $4,499 per person
G Adventures: Zagreb to Athens: Monasteries & The Mediterranean
Day 1: Zagreb
Welcome to Croatia’s capital – where river meets mountain and old meets new. Arrive at any time and for your first night out, head to one of Zagreb’s many trendy bars or beer halls with your CEO and group for drinks and a good time.
Day 2: Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore Zagreb on an orientation walk before transferring to Plitvice for the night.
Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split
Explore the terraced lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park, then travel to Split for an orientation walk upon arrival. Tonight, enjoy a Big Night Out with the group!
Day 4: Split
Enjoy a guided walk of Diocletian's Palace. The rest of the day is free, opt to visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Bol, head to Trogir or the ancient ruined city of Solin, or experience the nightlife once the sun goes down.
Day 5: Hvar/Split
Take a morning ferry to Hvar. Upon arrival, opt to enjoy the beach, visit the Hvar Fortress, or enjoy an island-hopping boat cruise that stops at secluded coves around the Pakleni Islands. Return to Split in the evening.
Day 6: Split/Dubrovnik
Travel to Dubrovnik. Enjoy an optional night on the town with the group.
For great atmosphere with good music, check out the East/West Beach Club. It's one of the best nighttime party spots and attracts a good crowd during the day as well.
Day 7: Dubrovnik/Trebinje
Say goodbye to Dubrovnik today and begin the trip across the border toward Trebinje. Visit Tvrdos Monastery and sample some local wine before a stop at Hercegovacka Temple for great views of the city. Snap photos at the Arslanagic Bridge before arriving to the hotel. After a bit of time to settle in, explore your surroundings with a CEO-led walk in the old town and then head out for an optional dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Day 8: Trebinje/Livno
Jump head first into some of the coolest places and experiences that Bosnia has to offer. Step back in time exploring an old Ottoman fortress turned art colony, take a dip in the refreshing waters of Kravica Waterfalls, and watch for wild horses on a sunset Jeep safari. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers better with a BBQ dinner before counting the stars around a campfire.
Day 9: Livno/Mostar
Set off from Livno this morning and drive south to the picturesque and historic village of Blagaj. Take in views of the Dervish Monastery, dramatically built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Take a dip in the water if the weather is nice before continuing on to the nearby city of Mostar for a guided walking tour to better soak in the beauty and history, with plenty of time for photos at the iconic old bridge. The rest of the evening is free to grab a bite to eat somewhere or to relax by the river.
Day 10: Mostar/Konjic
Hop on a morning train to the city of Konjic and transfer to our lodge. After gearing up, get the adrenaline flowing on a white water rafting excursion on the Neretva river with your group mates before a delicious bbq lunch afterwards. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax at the lodge, explore the city or to visit Tito's Bunker for a glimpse into the former Yugoslavia's communist-era past.
If you're interested in history, take a trip down memory lane and discover secret details of the communist era in former Yogoslavia, visiting the famous ruler, Tito's, bunker.
Day 11: Konjic/Sarajevo
Travel again by train from Konjic to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There's no better way to connect with the local culture than exploring their cuisine. Head out on an immersive food tour with a local expert this morning. Step away from the tourist hot spots to experience life in Sarajevo through a local's lens. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring the city or to take an optional street art and hands-on graffiti tour.
Day 12: Sarajevo
Get out and explore on a full free day in the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a funicular up to the old Olympic bobsled track or pass the afternoon away at one of the many cafes. Those looking for an active option could choose to do a hike in the Rakitnica Canyon. Regroup In the evening and head out on the town for a Big Night Out with the group for the final evening.
Day 13: Sarajevo/Kotor
Set off after breakfast for the drive from Sarajevo across the border into Montenegro to the city of Kotor. After checking into the hotel and a bit of time to relax, meet new travellers who might be joining the trip and set off with the CEO on an orientatinon walk of Kotor's old town on the way to an optional dinner out with the group.
Day 14: Kotor
Set off to explore Kotor today by land and by sea. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape with a hike to the Kotor Fortress; there's no better way to connect with the region. Snap photos of the beautiful vistas before heading down for free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, work on your sea legs with a sunset boat tour of the Bay of Kotor, passing several small islands and historical sites and visit the old town of Perast before returning to Kotor for the night.
Day 15: Kotor/Žabljak
Drive north out Kotor into the country's interior with a stop to stretch your legs at Nevidio canyon, said to have the most stunning landscapes in all of Montenegro. Continue to the small town of Žabljak, located in the mountains near the picturesque Durmitor National Park, full of crystal clear lakes and thick pine forests along the Tara river. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or to head into the park on an optional mountain biking excursion before meeting up again in the evening for dinner.
Day 16: Žabljak/Budva
Set out on foot today with a hike through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Durmitor National Park. After lunch, drive to Budva, stopping at the Ostrog Monastery along the way. Carved in the side of a cliff in the 17th century, this monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Montenegro and is sure to impress with it's brilliant white exterior against contrasting rugged stone. Once in Budva, set off with your CEO on a short walking exploration of the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening.
Budva's old town feels worlds away from the beach bars and dance clubs that sit just outside the fortified walls. This medieval town dates back more than 2000 years and walking through the labyrinth of alleys, squares, and corridors, is like taking a step back in time.
Day 17: Budva
Take advantage of a free day in Budva to fill your time however you like. Beach bums are welcome to spend time on the local beaches, rent an SUP or kayak, or choose to take a catamaran cruise to hit up various swimming spots and to explore the Blue Cave. In the evening, have a Big Night Out on the town to check out the lively nightlife that Budva is known for.
Day 18: Budva/Tirana
Pack up and hit the road this morning on a public bus from Budva to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Settle into your hotel and have a bit of time to relax before meeting up with your CEO in the evening and any, new travellers who are joining the trip, then head out on a walking tour. See some of the main sites like Skanderbeg Square and the Et'hem Bey Mosque then enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 19: Tirana
There is no better way to get to know a country than to dive head first into their cuisine. Connect with your fellow travellers and learn about the local specialties with an immersive cooking class this morning, ending with a well-deserved and delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day for yourself to explore the city or explore museums, like Bunkart 1 or 2 which are located in underground nuclear bunkers.
Tirana is known for it's colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet era architecture. Skanderbeg Square acts as the city's focal point, surrounded by pastel buildings. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.
Day 20: Tirana/Berat
Head from Tirana to Berat today with a stop in Kruje along the way. Stretch your legs with a walk around Kruje town, one of the most historically significant villages in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this little village is steeped in history and is the epicentre of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Explore the small centre, roam around one of the country's oldest bazaars, and climb to the Krujë Castle. Upon arrival in Berat, get head out with your CEO on a walking tour of the city and the Berat Castle, then enjoy the rest of the evening free.
Berat is known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows", due to the large windows found on old, decorated houses overlooking the town.
Day 21: Berat/Himarë
Transfer to Himarë today with a stop at the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Check out the natural beauty of the wetlands and coastal lagoons and see an old Byzantine monastery before continuing the drive to the beautiful beach town of Himarë. After settling into the hotel, set off on a walk with your CEO to explore the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening.
The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian times, these ancient structures are revered as vital historical landmarks. The old town surrounds the castle and the Spilea coastal area serving as both a tourist hub and an economic centre.
Day 22: Himarë
Experience authentic Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Himarë. With your free time this afternoon, you can choose to explore more of the town or just relax on the beach.
Day 23: Himarë/Corfu
Head down the coast to the town of Sarandë to catch the ferry to Greece, and the island of Corfu. Transfer to the hostel and settle in with time to relax before heading out in the evening for an optional farewell dinner and a Big Night Out with your new friends on this Greek Island paradise.
Day 24: Corfu
Enjoy a full free day in Corfu today to do as much or as little as you please. Hit up some of the local beaches, explore the nearby villages or maybe rent a sea kayak. In the evening head out for an optional dinner with the group to enjoy the delicious food made with fresh and local ingredients.
Day 25: Corfu
Get your blood pumping today with a hike on the famous Corfu Trail. Stop for lunch in a local village along the way and enjoy the stunning views while crossing the entire island all the way to the village of Benitses. Back in civilization, head to one of the local beaches for a swim or relax at the hostel on a free evening.
Day 26: Corfu
Take advantage of a full day in paradise to bask in the glory of everything that the island of Corfu has to offer. Take an optional boat tour, rent a kayak or visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island. Otherwise relaxing at the hostel or at one of the local beaches is always a great option too.
Day 27: Corfu/Meteora
Think planes, trains, and automobiles, only a private bus, a short local transfer, a ferry, and a public bus working together to take you to the town of Kalambaka, in the heart of Meteora. Settle in and grab some lunch before heading out on a hike to the mountaintop monasteries amidst stunning rock formations and landscapes. Return to Kalabaka for the evening and relax for the evening.
Six monasteries reside atop the impressive cliffs of Meteora and research shows evidene of early human settlements dating back 50 000 years. This natural and manmade landmark provides once in a lifetime views that will take your breath away.
Day 28: Meteora/Athens
Travel south by bus to Athens today, arriving in the afternoon. After settling into the hotel, visit Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place. Later, head out on a CEO-led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on some of the famous landmarks and ancient monuments and then finish off the day with a Big Night Out in the lively Plaka neighborhood.
Day 29: Athens
Depart at any time. Take final photos and say your goodbyes before heading on your way.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
(616) 214-8995