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

Croatia is a beautiful country recognised as one of the world's top destinations. A land full of stunning diversity is proud of its 11 Nature Parks, 8 National Parks, and 2 Nature Reserves and has one of the most pristine coasts in the world. Croatia boasts historical landmarks that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, breathtaking views, delicious food, old traditions kept to this day and easy-going and friendly locals.

Albania, a small yet unexplored corner of the Mediterranean, offers off-the-beaten-track cultural experiences and natural beauty. Despite its dark 20th-century past, the country is now a traveller's paradise of amazing landscapes, UNESCO-stamped cities, archaeological towns and enchanting hamlets, which look like coming straight out of a fairy tale, of exquisite cuisine, fascinating history and unique traditions.  

You are about to visit two diverse countries, numerous cities and regions over 16 days. Here you can learn a few basic exciting facts about each highlight.

Croatia

With approximately 1,200 islands, azure waters and colourful villages rich in history, Croatia is drawing more and more travellers to its shores. Croatia is the Mediterranean's fastest-growing destination, luring travellers with its pristine national parks, adventure sports and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The mere mention of Croatia conjures up images of colourful landscapes, sparkling waters and fortified towns furnished with quaint outdoor cafés. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Balkans, Croatia has it all, from beautifully preserved medieval cities to stunning natural wonders.

Zagreb

The story of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, began more than 900 years ago. Situated under the hills of Medvednica and at the banks of the river Sava, the city gives you an open-hearted welcome. One of the most prestigious travel guides, Lonely Planet, listed Zagreb on top of the most desirable and exciting European destinations to be visited.

Zagreb is a living, breathing city with a full menu of activities and pleasures all year round. Summers are rarely stifling and are a great time to enjoy Zagreb's parks. The season gears up in autumn with a full menu of concerts, exhibits and special events. Freezing winter temperatures make it ideal for ducking into a cosy coffee house and lingering over hot chocolate. In spring, cafe life blossoms as everyone heads outdoors for lunch on a terrace or an after-work drink on one of the city's attractive squares.

Zadar

For the past 2,000 years, Zadar has been one of the most prominent cities on the east Adriatic coast. Zadar's historic strength is visible at every corner. The Zadar Forum, the central square of an ancient Roman city, is the largest on the east Adriatic coast. The Church of St. Donatus, a representative bishop's chapel dating back to the 8th century, is one of the few circular medieval churches in Europe with a concentric layout, while the cathedral and numerous other churches with their treasures of art showcase the wealth of the city. As you walk through the ancient streets, look up, and you'll be in awe of the opulent Gothic- and Renaissance-style windows.

Split

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city on the Adriatic coast. The historic centre of Split, built entirely from white stone, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Facing the harbour is the Diocletian's Palace, one of most valuable surviving buildings of the Roman era on the Adriatic coast and the most prominent Roman palace ever built. The Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered this to be made as a residence for his retirement 2000 years ago. Today, it is a city within a city with a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with people, bars, shops, cafes and restaurants located within the old buildings. The centre of the complex is the main square called the Peristil. The palace contains antiques, including three 3500-year-old sphinxes brought to Split from Egypt for the Emperor.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik never fails to awe the visitor; its streets are paved with white limestone, its walls crown the city, and its medieval sandstone-coloured houses ooze with history. It is one of the world's finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities. The neatly contained Dubrovnik centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, results from meticulous reconstruction after the earthquake of 1667. But its allure also lies in the fact that it is a lived-in city, vibrant and bustling with locals whose homes line the narrow streets and sunlit squares. Starting from Pile square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, walk through the maze of narrow streets, lively piazzas, and stunning palaces like Sponza and churches like St. Blaise.

Albania

Albania, on Southeastern Europe's Balkan Peninsula, is a small country with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and an interior crossed by the Albanian Alps. The country has many castles and archaeological sites. Capital Tirana centres on sprawling Skanderbeg Square, the location of the National History Museum. Local exhibits span from antiquity over post-communism to frescoed Et'hem Bey Mosque.

After World War II, Albania became a Stalinist state under Enver Hoxha and remained staunchly isolated until it transitioned to democracy after 1990. The 1992 elections ended 47 years of communist rule. In 2014 the European Commission recommended Albania as a candidate for European Union membership.

Llogara National Park

Llogara National Park is located in the southeastern region of Albania. The small park covers an area of only 3.90 square miles (10.1 sq km), creating the second smallest national park in the country. Llogara neighbours with Butrint National Park, providing an excellent opportunity to visit and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman city. Julius Caesar crossed into today's Albania for his decisive battles against his rival Pompei.

Berat

Pocket-sized Berat, the city of a thousand windows, is one of Albania's most enchanting sights. Cascading steeply to the banks of the Osum River, this Ottoman-era town is a veritable labyrinth of timeworn white-washed streets and uneven cobblestones. The captivating mosaic of window frames stares out from every wall, capturing Berat's two halves, Gorica and Mangalem, in an eternal, unblinking staring match across the water. This UNESCO-protected town is easily a highlight of visiting Albania.

Butrint

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed there. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city's development.

Tirana

Tirana is a charming and intriguing city having unique monuments and history. It is a melting pot of cultures dating way beyond the Ottoman times through the Italian occupation and a long-lasting totalitarian regime. Experience the culture clash capital city of Tirana, where Italian architecture, Ottoman minarets, mosques and crumbling communist remnants sit side by side. Catching up with other chic European capitals, the Blloku district, for example, has swapped its politburo presence for that of boutique and cafe life.