Essential Southern Balkans

9 Days | Medieval history, paradisical beaches and bucket list spots to kick back n’ relax

4.9 out of 5 based on 33 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
EUR €1,020
View dates and book
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

On this nine-day journey, say hello to the Southern Balkans. Steeped in medieval history, overflowing with colourful towns and blessed with a glistening coastline, this area of the world has so much to see and do. From Dubrovnik, you’ll head to bucket list location Corfu – a Greek island where battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars are all rolled together. Discover Stari Bar and its epicurean delights, explore the political history of Albania’s capital Tirana, lay beachside on the Albanian Riviera and try the local coffee in Gjirokaster. Is this a whirlwind adventure or a slice of paradise.

Trip overview

Map of Essential Southern Balkans including Albania, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro
Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Corfu, Greece
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Greece, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ZMYA
This trip generates 23 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Head to seldom-visited Gjirokaster in Albania and get your caffeine fix with a taste of the local Turkish coffee made ‘on the stone’ with a local guide.
  • Walk the walls of the Old City of medieval Dubrovnik and spot the film locations that have been used in worldwide blockbusters (if you loved Game of Thrones, this place might look a little familiar).
  • Head to the Albanian Riviera, which gives any coastline a run for its money, and float in the sparkling waters of Dhermi Beach. Then, kick back in stunning Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands. Explore the rocky landscapes, take part in some water sports or just relax on one of the island’s beaches.
  • Descend into one of the world’s most peculiar contemporary art museums in Tirana – housed in an underground bunker built for the Albanian political elite.
  • Discover the walled cities of Kotor and Stari Bar, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to wander on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!

Is this trip right for you?
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season. Please note that only some of your hotels will have air conditioning, and it’s virtually non-existent on public transport.
  • Hotels in this region often don't have double beds. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Essential Southern Balkans including Albania, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (3 nights)

Activities
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit
  • Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House
  • Gjirokaster - Local Guide
  • Gjirokaster - Blue Eye Spring
  • Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'
  • Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress
Add on activities
  • Dubrovnik - Three Islands Boat Cruise - HRK300
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Sunset Sailing - EUR64
  • St Tryphon's Cathedral - Free
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Dhermi Beach - Pirate Cave Boat Transfer - EUR8
  • Dhermi Beach - Pirate Cave, Pigeon’s Bay, Gjipe Bay (includes boat trip, guide & picnic lunch) - EUR99
  • Llogara National Park - Day Trip (including transport, guide & lunch) - EUR86
  • Gjirokaster - Ismail Kadare's House - ALL200
  • Gjirokaster - Ethnographic Museum - ALL200
  • Corfu - Palaiopoli Archaeological Site - EUR4
  • Corfu - Mon Repos Summer Palace - EUR4
  • Corfu - Archaeological Museum - EUR6
  • Corfu - Corfu Fortifications - EUR5

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
2. Please provide your date of birth, nationality, passport number, and full name as per passport at the time of booking. This is mandatory to secure ferry tickets to Corfu. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 33 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Cara · Traveled August 2024
Had an amazing time! Learnt so much, ate wonderful food, met some great people. Would definitely do another intrepid!
Review submitted 19 Aug 2024

Rosie · Traveled August 2024
Amazing trip, Lucija was a great guide. Perfect balance of history, great food & amazing sights. Would recommend to anyone, great first solo trip!
Review submitted 18 Aug 2024

Hazel · Traveled July 2024
I had an amazing time on this tour and made some great friends. The destinations are really interesting and it’s a great mix of beaches and cities/towns. I also learnt a lot about the history of the region. Lucija was a great guide. Highly recommend this trip!
Review submitted 07 Aug 2024

Ben · Traveled July 2024
I would highly recommend the Essential southern Balkans trip. I meet an amazing group of people and explored countries that I never would have never visited on my own. Albania is a beautiful country and is worth the trip.
Review submitted 06 Aug 2024

Rachael · Traveled July 2024
Really enjoyed this trip, very fast paced but still saw a lot in a short time. A good combo of city and beach with plenty of time to chill and explore
Review submitted 06 Aug 2024
Essential Southern Balkans
From
EUR €1,020