Gems of the Balkans

Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

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.

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.

Former Capitals & Royal heritage Depart for a half-day’s excursion to visit one of Montenegro’s most interesting towns, Cetinje, known as the former royal capital. 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 getting back to Budva for some free time in this pearl on the Adriatic Sea, and a delicious dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D) 40 mi / 65 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Step into Montenegro’s royal past at King Nicola’s Museum, the former palace of the country’s last monarch. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive collection of treasures—from elegant furniture and historic weapons to gifts from European courts and personal belongings of the royal family. This fascinating museum offers a unique glimpse into Montenegro’s regal heritage and its place in European history.

Jewels of the Mediterranean Set off for picture-perfect Kotor, a coastal town located on Europe’s southernmost fjord. Join your Local Guide to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobblestone streets and charming squares before continuing to Perast. [LOCAL FAVORITE] 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.

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 farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 37 mi / 60 km

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)