Grand Adriatic Tour

14 days

From Ancona through Albania and Montenegro to Slovenia: Butrint, Berat, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split and the Kornati.

Two weeks down one coast and back up another: the ferry from Ancona, the Albanian riviera and Butrint, Berat and Tirana, Lake Skadar and Kotor, then Dubrovnik, Split and the Kornati before Istria and the way home.

Day by day

01
Home – Ancona
Travel from home to Ancona. In the afternoon we board the Minoan Lines ferry.
Once the cabins have been taken (two-berth or single cabins, inside cabins, some with bunk beds, WC/shower), at around 19:00 it is time to “cast off” for the crossing to Greece.
Dinner in the restaurant on board the ferry.
02
Ancona – Igoumenitsa – Saranda
After breakfast we spend a relaxed day on board, enjoying the comforts of the ferry and the wonderful views across the Adriatic.
Arrival in Igoumenitsa at around 17:00. We then continue along the coast to Saranda in Albania.
After checking in at the hotel, dinner awaits us.
03
UNESCO World Heritage Butrint & the “Blue Eye”
Today, together with our Albanian guide, we visit the impressive Archaeological Park of Butrint, one of the most important ancient sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The striking ruins tell of the eventful history of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians.
There is then time at leisure for lunch.
In the afternoon we drive to the famous “Blue Eye” (Syri i Kaltër), a fascinating karst spring with crystal clear, deep blue water. The spring lies in the middle of an impressive natural landscape of ferns, oaks and plane trees. The visit involves an easy walk of about 4 km.
We then return to Saranda for dinner at the hotel.
04
Albanian Riviera – Porto Palermo – Vlora
Today we follow one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe, driving along the picturesque Albanian Riviera.
On the way we visit the castle of Porto Palermo, set picturesquely on a small peninsula in the bay of the same name.
We then continue to Vlora, the city of Albanian independence. A guided city tour introduces us to its most important sights. Afterwards, check in at the hotel and dinner.
05
UNESCO city Berat & the capital Tirana
After breakfast we drive to Berat, the famous “city of a thousand windows” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town is divided into the historic quarters of Gorica, Mangalem and Kalaja within the fortress walls. On our walking tour we visit the imposing castle complex, historic town gates and towers, Orthodox churches and the characteristic Ottoman architecture.
Admission to the fortress and to the Onufri National Museum with its important collections of icons is included.
In the afternoon we continue to Tirana. A city tour lets us discover the lively capital of Albania.
We then visit the striking Bunk'Art 2 museum, which documents the history of the Ministry of the Interior and of the communist secret police “Sigurimi” and is dedicated to the victims of the communist regime.
Check in at the hotel in Tirana and dinner at the hotel.
06
Montenegro – Lake Skadar – Budva
Today we say goodbye to Albania and continue into Montenegro.
Our local guide meets us at the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar. Here we first enjoy lunch together.
We then experience the unique natural landscape of Lake Skadar on a boat trip through its reed beds and bird reserves.
With many new impressions we continue along the Montenegrin Adriatic coast to Budva.
Check in at the hotel and dinner.
07
Kotor – Perast – Dubrovnik
The day begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor, which delights with its medieval lanes and impressive town walls.
We then continue to Perast. From here we take a boat trip to the famous island church of Gospa od Škrpjela (“Our Lady of the Rocks”).
Afterwards we drive on to Dubrovnik, the famous “Pearl of the Adriatic”.
On a guided walk we discover the historic old town with its magnificent buildings and picturesque lanes.
Then check in at the hotel and dinner.
08
Dubrovnik – day at leisure
Today is a day at leisure.
Optionally there is the chance to join a half day excursion to the Pelješac peninsula. We visit the historic town of Ston and have the opportunity for a wine and oyster tasting.
In the afternoon we return to Dubrovnik, with free time until dinner at the hotel.
09
Through the Neretva valley to Split
After breakfast we drive along the Dalmatian coast and through the fertile Neretva valley, past the Makarska Riviera, to Split.
On a guided tour we discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Split with the famous Diocletian’s Palace, which forms the historic heart of the city.
Then check in at the hotel and dinner.
10
Trogir – Šibenik – Vodice
In the morning we visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir with its superbly preserved medieval old town.
We then drive along the coast to Šibenik. On a walking tour we discover the historic old town and visit the Cathedral of St James, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Afterwards we continue to Vodice.
Check in at the hotel and dinner.
11
Free time or Kornati National Park
Today is a day at leisure.
Alternatively there is the option to join an optional full day boat excursion into Kornati National Park.
The unique island world of the Kornati is among the most impressive natural landscapes in Croatia. During the excursion we enjoy the fascinating scenery and the untouched nature of the archipelago.
A barbecue lunch on board is included.
In the afternoon we return to Vodice for dinner at the hotel.
12
Zadar – Senj – Crikvenica
After breakfast we discover the historic old town of Zadar with its famous Sea Organ and the “Greeting to the Sun”.
There is then plenty of time for a coffee on the waterfront promenade or a leisurely stroll around the Roman Forum.
Afterwards we drive along the scenic coastal road to Senj, known from the youth novel “Die rote Zora”, and then on to Crikvenica.
Check in at the hotel and dinner.
13
Istria round trip
Today we explore the most beautiful towns of Istria on a varied round trip.
First we pass Opatija and follow the east coast of the peninsula down to Pula. There the impressive Roman amphitheatre awaits us, one of the best known landmarks of Istria.
We then continue along the west coast to Rovinj and Poreč. In Poreč we visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Afterwards we continue to Portorož, Slovenia’s well known “Riviera of Roses”, for our last overnight stay of this tour.
Check in at the hotel and dinner.
14
Homeward journey
After eventful days along the Adriatic coast we set off for home to Switzerland with many fine memories in our luggage.
A varied journey through fascinating landscapes, historic towns and three special countries comes to an end.

What is included

14 nights with half board in selected, comfortable hotels
1 night with half board on the Minoan Lines ferry from Ancona to Igoumenitsa, in twin or single cabins with WC and shower (standard inside cabins, some with bunk beds)
Ferry crossing for the coach, including port fees
Guided city tours in Vlorë, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, Zadar, Pula, Rovinj and Poreč
Full day guiding in Albania on days 3, 4 and 5
Full day guiding in Montenegro on days 6 and 7
Local guide on day 9
Full day guiding in Croatia on days 9, 10, 11 and 12
Local guide on day 13
Boat trip on Lake Skadar, including entrance and lunch
Boat trip to the monastery island of Gospa od Škrpjela near Perast, including entrance
Entrance to the archaeological park of Butrint
Entrance to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
Entrance to the castle of Porto Palermo
Entrance to the fortress of Berat
Entrance to the Onufri National Museum in Berat
Entrance to the Bunk’Art 2 museum in Tirana
Entrance to St. James’ Cathedral in Šibenik