Croatia, Montenegro & Albania

Day 1: UK/Dubrovnik
Depart on your scheduled flight to Dubrovnik today, transferring to your hotel on arrival. After you’ve settled in, join our included afternoon guided tour of the city. Dubrovnik is a delight to explore on foot. As you stroll through its maze of narrow streets and admire sea views from the ancient ramparts of the imposing city walls you will understand why it is known as the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’.

Other highlights of your tour include the Franciscan monastery and its historic pharmacy, the former Rector’s Palace, which is now a museum, and the 17th century cathedral where many fine Old Masters are displayed.

Later, enjoy the relaxed surroundings of your hotel, where three nights’ accommodation has been arranged and where you will dine this evening.

Day 2: Elafiti Islands Cruise
After breakfast this morning we include a full-day cruise to the beautiful beaches of the Elafiti Islands, which are backed by scented pine trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters. Visit Šipan, the largest of these unspoilt gems, where wild herbs fragrance the breeze and Renaissance villas built as summer getaways by Dubrovnik’s wealthiest families enhance the landscape.

Enjoy a lunch of typical Dalmatian cuisine – the area is renowned for its fresh seafood – before setting sail for the island of Lopud. Take a walk to the hilltop Franciscan Monastery for wonderful views over the islands, then step inside to admire the fine collection of altar paintings. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3: Dubrovnik
Today is free for you to spend at leisure – why not sit under the shade of a parasol on the hotel’s private beach. If you decide to explore Dubrovnik further, you might take a ride on its newest attraction, a cable car which will take you on a journey from the old town to the peak of Mount Srdo where you can enjoy the views, relax in one of the cafes or browse the souvenir shop. Alternatively, you may choose to join our full-day optional excursion to the beautiful city of Mostar. Situated on the Neretva River, in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina, the city is famed for its Old Bridge, first constructed in 1565.

Make the most of your final evening in Dubrovnik with a stroll around the old town and an opportunity to sample fresh seafood and a glass of Croatian wine in one of the restaurants along the harbour.

Day 4: Kotor & Becici
Enjoy breakfast before leaving Dubrovnik and travelling along the Croatian coast to the beautiful bays of Montenegro and the medieval city of Kotor. Explore the old town’s tiny alleys which are overshadowed by towering cliffs and the high walls of ancient stone houses, and discover intriguing squares before sitting with a cool drink and enjoying splendid views over the Boka Mountains.

As you journey further south you’ll view miles of stunning coastline, beautiful clear lakes and dramatic mountain peaks. Your hotel is located in Becici, where you will stay for the next four nights. It’s just a short distance from the old town of Budva and offers direct access to the beach. Perhaps enjoy a stroll before dinner this evening.

Day 5: Becici
After breakfast join us on an included walking tour of Becici and Budva. In Becici you will discover superb beaches, while the Old Town of Budva is home to medieval ramparts, ancient towers and a labyrinth of narrow streets whose red-roofed houses are draped in tumbling, fragrant bougainvillaea. Explore at your own pace this afternoon. Maybe you will delve into the old medina and bargain for souvenirs, or take a relaxed stroll around the picturesque marina. There are also plenty of good restaurants, serving excellent local seafood, for you to enjoy this evening.

Day 6: Shkodra
Today we include a full-day excursion across the border into Albania, where you’ll explore the ancient town of Shkodra. Make your way to the hilltop Rozafa Castle, where superb views of Lake Shkodra will be your reward. Later, take a walk through the historic streets of Gjuhadol and admire the Lead Mosque, a fine example of Ottoman architecture.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel this evening.

Day 7: Becici
Today is free for you to do as you wish. Spend a relaxing day by the hotel’s lovely swimming pool with a good book or why not book into the spa for a spot of pampering.

Alternatively, join your Local Guide on our full-day optional cruise. On Skadar Lake discover picturesque islands and bays, which are home to an abundance of wildlife. You can swim in the refreshing waters, relax on idyllic lakeside beaches and lunch on freshly caught fish.

Day 8: Dubrovnik/UK
Your holiday comes to an end today as you transfer to Dubrovnik for your flight back to the UK.

Please note
To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:

3-star Hotel Splendid in Dubrovnik
This hotel boasts a private pebble beach with sunbeds and parasols. The hotel also features a snack bar, indoor and outdoor restaurants, a bar, laundry service and shop. Guest rooms have air-conditioning, a mini-bar, telephone, hairdryer, satellite TV and en suite facilities.

4-star Queen of Montenegro in Becici
Just 200 metres from a pebble beach, facilities include a spa, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Rooms feature air-conditioning, telephone, TV, mini-bar, safety deposit box, hairdryer and en suite facilities.

Please note: Outdoor swimming pools are typically open between May and September, but this is dependent on weather conditions.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Tour of Dubrovnik old town
Elafiti Islands cruise (full day)
Kotor visit
Becici and Budva tour
Albania visit (full day)

Optional excursions

Mostar in Bosnia Herzegovina (full day)
Skadar Lake cruise (full day)

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, plus 4 dinners
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”