Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise

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

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.

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.

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.

Marco Polo’s Root En-route to the island of Korcula, stop for lunch in a secluded bay. On arrival at Korcula 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.

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.

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.

Blue Heaven Start the day with a stop on Brac 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.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Split. (B)