History and nature of Croatia and Albania in a 16 day private trip

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Zagreb, an inland capital of the country, private walking city-tour

Upon arrival in Zagreb, private transfer from the airport to your hotel and check-in.

The Croatian capital is, in many ways, a fantastic city. Zagreb offers its guests the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, a picturesque open market, green parks, and promenades, but also wonderful culinary delights. It has managed to preserve its distinctive beauty and relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect blend of a Central European metropolis and the relaxed tempo of the Mediterranean.

In the afternoon, you will take a private walking tour of Zagreb and visit its sights. The tour will take you through the historic parts of Zagreb's Upper Town, along its narrow streets - each with its own stories from the past. The Stone Gate, Grič Cannon and St. Mark's Church are some of the Upper Town's most cherished sights. There is also the elegant architecture of Zagreb's Lower Town and its Austro-Hungarian buildings and parks.

Overnight in Zagreb.

DAY 2

Trip to UNESCO-protected Plitvice National Park ending in the coastal city of Zadar

Breakfast and check-out.

Afterwards, depart towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a magical world of lakes, waterfalls, moss and forests. A guided sightseeing tour includes a boat ride and allows you to experience the beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, each spectacular in its own right. (Electric boats and scenic train rides are subject to weather conditions).

Nestled in the embrace of the surrounding wooded mountains are sixteen smaller and larger crystal turquoise lakes interconnected by foaming cascades and deep falls. The Park includes the headwaters of the Korana River in an area surrounded by dense forests, caves, springs and flower-filled meadows, which show the vast diversity of flora and fauna in the Park. This interplay of water, rock and plant-life creates a wondrous, dynamic landscape, changing the water colour from azure to bright green, and deep blue to grey.

Continuation of the journey to the coastal city of Zadar. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure. Walk through the city's ancient streets, look up, and you'll be in awe of the opulent Gothic- and Renaissance-style windows.

We recommend you have dinner (on your own) at one of the famous restaurants such as Foša, Kornat, Stomorica or at your choice. For dessert, we suggest the Zadar cake, made according to a recipe more than two centuries old, as well as fritule (miniature doughnuts, Croatian fritters), kroštule (a traditional Dalmatian pastry), and sugared almonds.

Overnight in Zadar.

DAY 3

Explore the wonders of UNESCO-inscribed Dalmatian beauties Zadar and Šibenik

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, you will take a private walking tour of Zadar. It includes visiting the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, considered the most impressive Basilica in Dalmatia, the church of St. Donatus, a representative bishop's chapel dating back to the 8th century and the ruins of the Roman Forum.

Admire the defensive walls, part of UNESCO heritage that protect the city on three sides with four medieval gates. Sit next to the Sea Organ, a one-of-a-kind instrument embedded in the waterfront, and listen to the music created by the waves. Zadar's monument, The Greeting to the Sun symbolises communication with nature and communicates with light (LED panels), while the Sea organ transmits via the sea-generated sound.

Continue your journey along the coast to Šibenik. Take a guided private stroll through the historic centre of Šibenik. You will marvel at the streets and squares' Dalmatian Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Explore the city's famous symbols – especially the Cathedral of St. James, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the only cathedral in Europe made entirely of stone and the Šibenik fortresses.

Arrival in Split and check in at the hotel. Time at leisure.

Overnight in Split.

DAY 4

Private walking tour of Split, including the magnificent Diocletian's Palace

In the morning, a private walking tour of Split (approx. 1,5 - 2 hours), including Diocletian's Palace, the building inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will also be visiting the cellars of Diocletian's Palace and its central square, the Peristyle, which is situated at the crossroads of two major ancient roads. The majestic Cathedral of St. Domnius dominates the Peristyle. The Palace has a genuine Egyptian sphinx thanks to Emperor Diocletian, who had it brought in from Egypt to adorn the entrance to his tomb.

Your next stop is the magnificent Golden Gate, which Diocletian and his family members exclusively used. After this, you will continue to the Croatian bishop Gregory of Nin statue. The toe of this colossus has lost some of its lustre since passers-by frequently rub it for good luck in the hope that their wishes will come true.

Time at leisure.

To see how Split's inhabitants go about their day, try Marmont Street, which extends down to the water and is flanked at the upper end by shops, cafes and restaurants. Or you can walk through the Varos neighbourhood to Marjan Hill with the hilltop viewing platform for 360-degree views over the sea and city.

Overnight in Split.

DAY 5

Full-day speedboat tour to Blue Cave on Vis Island, Pakleni Islands and Hvar City

Breakfast at the hotel. Come aboard the Blue Cave tour and bounce from one Island to the next, embracing only the best each destination offers.

Since the tour starts early in the morning, you will enjoy the panorama of the islands near Split before the sun rises on the horizon.

From the Blue Cave, all other attractions on our journey are just a short boat ride away. Explore one of Croatia's remarkable natural masterpieces – the Blue Cave on Biševo island, where the sun's rays reflect off the water and white seabed to cover the cave's interior with a vivid shade of blue.

The tour is organised from the small port on Bisevo island. You will board a wooden boat capable of entering the narrow cave entrance. Getting inside the Blue Cave is quite an adventure you will not soon forget. Witness this bright blue phenomenon up-close before heading towards the Monk Seal Cave. The longest cave on Biševo island (160 meters), the Monk Seal Cave, is named after the Mediterranean Monk seal, known as one of the most endangered mammals in the world.

Before you know it, you'll be soaking up the sun at Stiniva Bay on the Island of Vis, a 600-meter-long pebble beach enclosed by vertical cliffs. From Stiniva, you'll dive into the turquoise lagoon of Budikovac and then cruise the Pakleni islands archipelago, a set of 14 flawless islets which provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the peace, tranquillity and unprecedented clear blue sea.

You'll end the tour embracing the glitz and glamour of Hvar town, located on Croatia's sunniest Island of the same name. Hvar is no stranger to the spotlight and is known for welcoming the hottest international celebrities and world-class yachts, though behind its prestige is a charming, humble, and ancient town waiting to be explored.

You can hike to the top of the Fortica fortress, a symbol that sits high above the town with a view of red-rooftops and the Pakleni islands below, or embrace the history in the centre of the city, which boasts the Arsenal, home to one of the first public theatres in Europe.

Circle through the maze of narrow streets to find art galleries, locally-made handicrafts, and colourful jewellery shops or park yourself at a cafe with a view of a Venetian palace in front of you.

Return to Split and overnight.

DAY 6

From Split to Dubrovnik by catamaran, private Dubrovnik walking tour

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Private transfer from your hotel to Split port. Departure by catamaran from Split port early in the morning. Arrive at Dubrovnik port at approximately noon (catamaran schedule subject to change). Private transfer from the port to your hotel in Dubrovnik and check-in.

In the afternoon, take a 1.5 -2 hours private walking tour of Dubrovnik. The time takes you deep into the city's 1,400-year history, recalling ancient tales of when Dubrovnik was one of the world's most prosperous port cities. It tells stories of war and lets the tour-goer in on the city's culture.

Begin the journey through history and through Old Town. Pass the Franciscan Monastery and admire Orlando's Column, a monument on the Stradun inspired by the city's long-standing freedom and sovereignty. See, too, Onofrio's Fountain, built in 1438 at the end of an 8-mile (12-km) aqueduct that gave the city its water supply. The walk also passes by the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption, a baroque church built after the devastating earthquake of 1667.

After the sightseeing tour, time at leisure. You can walk (on your own) along the 2 km long Dubrovnik's city walls and enjoy the views of the fortresses, lively squares, and the hidden narrow streets below.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

DAY 7

Day at leisure in Dubrovnik, sunset dinner on the Karaka ship

Breakfast at the hotel.

Following breakfast, you could go to the beach, relax, and swim. Do some shopping or carry on with a fantastic cup of macchiato or cappuccino in Buža cafe, on the rocks and overlooking the Italian horizon to the West.

You can experience the Grand Market in the morning. Many stalls stock traditional local sweets, such as dried figs, arancini (candied orange peel) and broštulani mjenduli (candied almonds), and offer a free taste before you buy.

Or you can explore the adjacent small Island of Lokrum on your own (15-minute boat drive from the city Port), with a short boat trip there and entrances to Island as the nature reserve. Walk around the pine trees, cypress forested areas, and Monastery ruins.

If you prefer some thrill, try the longest seaside zipline in Croatia close to Dubrovnik and enjoy the spectacular view of the sea and the islands.

When sunset begins, you will take a short trip (app. 2 hours) around Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island. Dinner on the replica of the 16th-century Karaka ship, listening to ambient music, sipping champagne, and listening to the tales of old is an authentic Dubrovnik-style experience that you can't miss!

Enjoy a romantic dinner at sunset (Dalmatian cuisine) exploring the town walls from the sea.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

DAY 8

Private trip to Shköder, city of beautiful Venetian style architecture

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Start your private journey towards Shköder, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. The city is situated in the northwestern part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. The oldest wall of the Shköder castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C. Shkodër was the capital city of Albania for hundreds of years until 1915, and now is the second largest city in Albania.

The architecture of Shkodër is notably towered by mosques and churches, reflecting the city's high degree of religious diversity and tolerance. You will have the opportunity to enter St Stephen's Catholic Cathedral and the Great Mosque in Shköder.

You will also visit Rozafa castle outside the city, offering a tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting together in the Adriatic Sea. The Venetian style highly influences the city's architecture. Learn that most Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shköder by visiting its Venetian mask showroom.

Overnight in Shköder.

DAY 9

Experience Berat – the "City of one thousand windows"

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Your next destination will be Berat, nestled on the banks of the Osum River and known as the city of 1000 windows and part of UNESCO World Heritage. Walking through the narrow stone streets offers a fantastic view of the old medieval houses with windows that seem to stand on each other.

Berat has it all - a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, outstanding museums, and remains from the communism era in Albania.

From a high viewpoint, it's easy to see how Berat got its nickname. The medieval old town of Berat is built into the hillside, with a collage of window frames all looking out toward the river and Byzantine fortifications. It is more like a quiet residential area perfect for wandering around and getting lost in the maze of cobblestone streets. For a more lively atmosphere, take a stroll along Bulevardi Republika, which is lined with cafes, bars, ice cream shops and restaurants.

Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour that is still challenging to imitate. You will have some free time to enjoy a delicious lunch (on your own) and wander through the city by yourself.

Overnight in Berat.

DAY 10

Visit the biggest castle in Albania and the magnificent Zekati House

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will go towards Gjirokaster, also known as "The Stone City", part of UNESCO World Heritage, situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of the mountain "Mali i Gjere". Gjirokaster resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress.

The city's origin starts with the castle of Gjirokaster, built during the fourth century A.D., and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Being the birthplace of the Nobel-laurate writer Ismail Kadare and also of the notorious communist leader Enver Hoxha, the city is intriguing and controversial as it preserves well all phases of history.

The most important structure of the city is the castle, the largest castle in Albania. Inside the castle, you can visit the Museum of Weapons, exibiting weapons from prehistoric times up to World War II.

Before entering the castle of Gjirokastra, you would have to pass by the medieval bazaar, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.

You will also visit the house of the Zekati family in Palorto, one of the most magnificent and characteristic buildings of Gjirokaster. Built in 1811-1812, it is a magnificent three-floor building with two twin towers. A unique feature of the house is the wooden carved ceiling and the characteristic guest room. From the wooden balcony on the third floor, you can enjoy an impressive view of Gjirokaster.

Overnight in Gjirokaster.

DAY 11

"Blue Eye" water spring and UNESCO-protected Butrint Archaeological Park

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

From Gjirokaster, you will move towards Butrint, but only after stopping at the natural wonder of the Blue Eye, a source of freshwater surrounded by evergreen trees. The source comes from "Mali i Gjere" and reaches a depth that has not yet been discovered; so far, divers have gone to 50 meters below the surface. The Blue Eye looks like it comes straight out of a fairy tale, and you will not be able to keep your eyes off the mesmerising crystal-clear blue water.

Ksamil will be your next destination. You will feel like you are exploring some tropical paradise on its white sandy beaches with a view of the four islands in front of the beach. Ksamil is the pearl of the Albanian Riviera and one of the best beach destinations in Europe. It is primarily known for its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Albanian Riviera has many pretty beaches. However, this beach gives you that Bora–Bora feeling.

Your tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania and the first site in Albania that became part of the UNESCO list. The most important monument of Butrint is the ancient theatre, built in the 4th century BC. Near the theatre are the ruins of the temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine in Greek Mythology.

Overnight near the Albanian Riviera.

DAY 12

Enjoy the Albanian riviera and explore Llogara National Park

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

While driving along the Albanian Riviera, you will pass some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Palase, Llamani and Dhërmi. Himarë will be your first destination for this day.

Himarë town is located next to imposing mountain peaks covered in deep green forests, crystal-clear seas fringed by long white beaches and sparkling springs. You can enjoy a walk by the seaside and delicious food combining local cuisine and some influence by neighbouring Greece. The promenade by the coast allows you to try fresh fruit juice and shop for handmade souvenirs.

Your next destination will be Dhërmi, one of the most famous beaches in Albania, known for its hidden coves, pebble beaches and crystal-clear water. You will have some free time to absorb and store all the sunshine. Later you will pass some small villages one by one, clinging to rock faces by the seaside, all tumbledown stone walls and narrow pathways, overhung with wineyards and trees heavy with figs and walnuts.

Depart to the Llogara National Park, one of Albania's most visited natural parks, home to rich flora and fauna and some of the most exceptional food in the country. At the top of the Llogara pass is a noteworthy panorama point. Placed at 1057 meters above sea level, it offers a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea.

Overnight in Llogara National Park.

DAY 13

Explore famous Muradije Mosque and the gigantic nuclear bunker in Tirana

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Before heading to Tirana, you will stop in the city of Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Founded in the 6th century B.C.E. and known in Antiquity as Aulona, Vlorë was built in one of the most beautiful spots in southern Albania. Its shores present a unique mixture of rocky and sandy beaches, and the gorgeous vistas of the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Islands stretch in front of the city.

Beyond its heavenly beaches and natural wonders, the city is of historical importance for Albania, having hosted its First National Assembly, where Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Vlorë boasts several museums that testify to its past and Albania's rich history, including an ethnographic museum. You will visit Flag's Square and the Independence Monument and walk in Muradie Neighbourhood.

You will also visit Vlorë's main mosque, the Muradije Mosque, constructed by the famous architect Sinan the Great in 1542. It is the only remaining work by the architect in Albania. The natural terrace of Kuzum Baba, located on top of a hill that overlooks the city, was named after a Bektashi spiritual leader. The stunning Ottoman building survived Albania's communist regime that oversaw the shuttering of many religious buildings.

Proceed to Tirana, the capital of Albania, founded in the early 17th century by a Turkish general, Barkinzade Süleyman Paşa, who is said to have built a mosque, a bathhouse, and a bakery to attract settlement. It was chosen to be the capital of Albania in 1920 by a congress at Lushnjë.

When in Tirana, you will visit Skanderbeg square, which has a large statue of Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti), the Albanian national hero.

Visit the anti-nuclear bunker built by the communist government in case of a nuclear attack. A 5-floor palace underground, with 106 rooms and an assembly hall, is turned into a historical and art centre called "Bunk'Art", showing Albanian life during the 45 years of communism.

Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 14

A private trip to castle of Krujë and Skanderbeg's Museum

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your private driver will take you to visit Krujë, a historical city symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the XV century. Krujë is situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain.

The castle of Krujë (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack. It is where Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, led the resistance against the Ottomans, and he kept them from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, earning the title "Champion of Christ".

Your local guide will take you through some hidden paths used by the locals to leave the castle without being noticed during periods when the enemies have been able to surround the castle.

At the bottom of the castle complex are the remains of the old citadel and hammam or Turkish bath. It is now converted to a church. The nearby Dollma Teqe is a small Bektashi temple initially built in 1789. This beautifully decorated teqe has been maintained by the Dollma family since it was built. Legend has it that Skanderbeg reputedly planted the knotted olive tree at the front. Before its destruction by the Communist dictatorship, the tekke of Krujë had 360 holy graves and was known as "Little Khorasan ".

You will also visit the Skanderbeg Museum, one of the most important and visited museums in Albania, from which you can enjoy inspirational views out to the Adriatic Coast.

Time to walk through Krujë's Medieval Old Bazaar, one of the biggest and oldest in the Balkans, full of souvenirs and handicrafts, which gives you a sense of a passage through history.

Return to Tirana and time at leisure.

Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 15

Visit Durrës and proceed to Dubrovnik

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Today you will head to the ancient town of Durrës to explore the Amphitheatre, the Roman ruins and the Venetian Tower. Durrës is the main port in Albania and the second largest city in the country, inhabited for almost 3000 years.

Founded as Epidamnos in the ancient region of Illyria in 627 BC by ancient Greeks, Durrës has been one of the most important cities in the history of Albania. Known also as the centre of Archaeology in Albania, it has the largest Ancient Roman-style Amphitheatre in the region. The amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century AD, seats 15,000 people and contains an early Christian crypt with rare wall mosaics.

You will also visit the Venetian Castle with its tower, an extension of the Byzantine Fortress of Durrës. It was built in the sixth century and was considered one of the most powerful fortresses along the western coast of the Adriatic. Architectonic elements of the structure and historical records show that the fortress was rebuilt in the first half of the fifteenth century when the Republic of Venice ruled Durrës.

Time at leisure and continuation of the drive towards Dubrovnik.

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check in at a hotel and time at leisure. You can have dinner (on your own) at well-known Dubrovnik restaurants such as Nautika, Arsenal, Dalmatino, Kopun, Konoba Knez or of your own choice.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

DAY 16

Farewell, Dubrovnik and Croatia

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. At the appropriate time, you will be met by your private driver at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.