A city of contrasts, Tirana welcomes you with bold colours, Ottoman relics and creative spirit. Get your bearings uncovering its hidden corners before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a warm welcome dinner in Albania’s lively capital.

Tirana’s layered history comes to life as you explore with your Local Specialist. See Skanderbeg Square, where Albania’s national hero takes centre stage, along with the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower. Then, head underground at Bunk’Art, a former communist bunker turned museum. This afternoon, explore at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to Kruja, the historic hometown of Skanderbeg, who led Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire.

Leaving Tirana behind, travel down the Adriatic coast and settle into Vlorë, where the day is yours to spend as you like. Wander the seafront, relax on the beach or take in the local atmosphere before dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Set out from Vlora for a day exploring the Albanian Riviera with your Local Specialist. Visit Porto Palermo and step inside the 19th-century castle, built by an Ottoman Albanian ruler as a symbol of love for his wife, whilst taking in amazing views of the Ionian Sea. Then, soak up the charm of Himarë and maybe take a dip at Spile Beach, shop for souvenirs or enjoy fresh local seafood. After a day by the coast, it’s back to Vlora for the evening.

Say goodbye to the Albanian Riviera as you travel north into Montenegro. Along the way, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality with a Be My Guest experience, sharing a meal with a local family made from fresh, organic produce straight from their farm. Then, continue to Budva, where the sparkling Adriatic and Montenegro’s rugged coastline set the scene for your stay.

Explore the medieval town of Kotor, today, with your Local Specialist, winding through its cobbled streets and ancient city walls. Back in Budva, the afternoon is yours. You could stroll through the charming old town, unwind on the beach or join an Optional Experience on a happy hour boat cruise to uncover the hidden gems of the Budva Riviera.

Start your morning with a scenic boat ride across the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Join your Local Specialist to step inside its famed church and hear the legend behind this unique pilgrimage site. Then travel through coastal landscapes as you cross the border into Croatia and continue into the Dalmatian region. After checking in and settling into your surroundings, the afternoon is yours to explore or relax. This evening, you may choose to join an Optional Experience sunset cruise along the Dalmatian coastline, complete with dinner on board and views of the coast bathed in golden light.

Join a guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik this morning with a Local Specialist. Explore its centuries-old streets, admire views from the city walls and hear stories of the republic that once ruled these shores. You’ll have time to walk the ramparts or find some familiar scenes from Game of Thrones. In the early afternoon, you might choose to join an Optional Experience to the nearby coastal town of Cavtat, with a chance to sample local wines. Come together with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner to celebrate the highlights and memories of your trip.

With unforgettable memories of the Balkan Riviera, it’s time to say goodbye to Dubrovnik as you depart for your journey home.