Gorgeous Balkans With Deluxe Cruise
Gorgeous Balkans With Deluxe Cruise
Gorgeous Balkans With Deluxe Cruise
14 Days Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Split
Visiting: Albania, Croatia, Montenegro
Tour Overview
This phenomenal 15-day tour begins in Dubrovnik, the city on the Adriatic Sea known for its well-preserved architecture since the 07th century. Admire the beauty of Budva and Shkodra as you move ahead toward Tirana, the lively capital city of Albania, enjoy your visit to some of the historic and cultural monuments. Your next stop will be at Ohrid, often referred to as “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for once having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. The next day you will depart for Skopje, the city of statues. Travel along the Moraca river for Kolasin, this magnificent town was founded by Ottoman Turks in 1651. Then you will return to Dubrovnik and board your cruise to sail across the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on a ship cruise for Elaphite Islands, here you will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear water before you reach Slano, also known as the fisherman village. Continue to sail for Mljet, stroll to the famous salt lakes as you wander through the beautiful Mljet National Park. Then you will sail to the islands of Korcula, known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Visit the Blue Cave located on the small island of Bisevo, just a few miles from Vis. Admire the silver-blue light that illuminates inside the cave before you reach the port of Vis. The following day you will sail for Hvar, the longest Island in the Adriatic and thereafter you will reach Stari Grad, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Next, you will sail to Trogir also called mini Venice. At last, you will reach Split, the largest city on the Adriatic coast, known for the right balance of tradition and modernity here your journey will end.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik – Arrival (B/-/D)
Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival at the Dubrovnik Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in, you will have free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Dinner and
Overnight in Dubrovnik
Day 2: Dubrovnik – Budva – Shkodra – Tirana (B/-/D)
In the morning after breakfast, you will head on a sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, a World Cultural Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. You will visit the Franciscan Monastery along with Europes third oldest pharmacy, the Rectors Palace, and the Cathedral. From there you will depart for Tirana. Drive inland via Budva and cross the Albanian border at Shkodra, which was once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3rd century B.C.).
Dinner and
Overnight in Tirana
Day 3: Tirana – Ohrid (B/-/D)
After breakfast, you will explore Tirana, the capital of Albania, with a sightseeing tour featuring Skender Bey Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, and a visit to the National Museum representing the flow of Albanian history and housing the finds from archaeological sites across the country. In the afternoon you will depart for Ohrid, driving via Elbasan and crossing the North Macedonian border at Cafasan.
Dinner and
Overnight in Ohrid
Day 4: Ohrid (B/-/D)
Today you will spend a full day in the lakeside resort of Ohrid, a World Cultural Heritage Site classified by UNESCO. With the activities of St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid, the first Pan-Slavic University in Europe, the famous “Ohrid Literary School” was founded here. Your morning sightseeing tour will feature the church of St. Sofia (the most eminent medieval monument in North Macedonia with magnificent Byzantine fresco paintings) and the St. Clement Church with its icon of Annunciation. In the afternoon, a short drive will take you to the St. Naum Monastery, built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 A.D. and dedicated to the Slavic missionary and educator St. Naum of Ohrid. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before you return to your hotel.
Dinner and
Overnight in Ohrid
Day 5: Ohrid – Skopje (B/-/D)
In the morning you will depart for Skopje. Head on a sightseeing tour of Skopje that will include the Kale Fortress, the Church of the Holy Savior with its iconostas, one of the finest samples of traditional walnut woodcarving, the Old Bazaar, and the Stone Bridge. You will drive to the slopes of Mount Vodno where you will visit the Monastery of St. Panteleimon with its 12th-century iconostas and frescoes ranking among the highest achievements of Byzantine art of this period.
Dinner and
Overnight in Skopje
Day 6: Skopje – Kolasin (B/-/D)
After breakfast, you will depart for Kolasin, driving via Pec and Berane, and along the impressive Moraca River Canyon. In the afternoon you will arrive in Kolasin, spreading on the left bank of the Tara River, situated at an altitude of 954 meters. The entire area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular ski and air spa resort.
Dinner and
Overnight in Kolasin
Day 7: Kolasin – Cetinje – Kotor – Dubrovnik (Cruise Embarkation) (B/-/D)
Today you will depart for Cetinje, where you will visit King Nikolas Museum. This was once the residence of the Montenegrin King Nikola I Petrovic. From there you will drive to Kotor, a World Cultural Heritage Site as classified by UNESCO. You will visit the Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to St. Triphun, the citys patron saint. Next, you will travel to Dubrovnik as you drive along the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, enjoy a Welcome Reception followed by dinner on board in the evening.
Dinner and
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 8: Dubrovnik – Elafiti Islands – Slano (B/L/-)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard your cruise in the morning. Take in the magnificent scenery as the ship sails around the city walls of Dubrovnik and continue on to the Elafiti Islands, where you will enjoy a stop for swimming. In the afternoon you will arrive in Slano, a peaceful fishermens village and our starting point to Ston, which was once a fortified small village famous for its oysters, situated on the Peljesac Peninsula. The Peljesac Peninsula is known as one of the best wine-producing regions in Croatia. After exploring the town you will depart to a small nearby village to taste authentic local specialties.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 9: Slano – Mljet – Korcula (B/L/-)
In the morning after breakfast, you will head north to the Island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in Mljet National Park. You will continue cruising towards Korcula Island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. In the afternoon you will arrive in Korcula, from where you will head on a guided walking tour of the enchanting town surrounded by walls, which is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. You can enjoy a gourmet experience in one of the many restaurants and bars in Korcula.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 10: Korcula – Bisevo – Vis (B/L/-)
In the early morning, you will set sail to the small island of Bisevo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. As weather conditions can sometimes be very unpredictable, the possibility of our visit will depend on those conditions. However, you will be notified of this on time. Cruise towards the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base that is restricted to the public. Due to this isolation, Vis offers a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” makes it a fascinating place to visit. Try some exquisite wine sorts in one of the traditional wineries in Vis. If you are interested, you can visit the remains of the Roman Thermal Place or the City Museum – or simply head out on a walk taking in the magnificent views.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 11: Vis – Hvar – Stari Grad (B/L/-)
In the morning after breakfast, you will head further towards Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, with a stop for swimming and lunch on board. In the afternoon you will arrive in Hvar Town, where you will head on a tour that includes the Renaissance Cathedral with its original tower and the oldest community theater in Europe, which was founded in 1612. After the tour, you will set sail for Stari Grad, one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 12: Stari Grad – Trogir (Krka National Park Excursion) (B/L/-)
After breakfast, in the early morning, you will depart to the old Dalmatian town Trogir. Trogir is sometimes referred to as “miniature Venice” or a “mini-Dubrovnik” because of its ancient walls, or a floating museum town as it has masterful architecture including some stunning Venetian palaces. Join our guided tour of Trogir with a local tour guide. After a walking tour, we continue our journey towards Krka Waterfalls. You will discover the beauty of the Krka National Park and the small access port of Skradin where the flora and fauna are exceptional.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 13: Trogir – Split (B/L/-)
In the morning after breakfast, you will get ready to sail towards Split with a stop along the way to swim and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Split where you will spend the night. Upon arrival, you will head on a guided tour of the city to visit the seafront promenade and the Roman Emperor Diocletians Palace. The historical center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your evening at leisure in Split.
Overnight onboard the cruise
Day 14: Split (Cruise Disembarkation) (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you will disembark the cruise in Split, and you will be transferred to the international airport to board your flight back home.
What's Included
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6 nights accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis at listed Superior hotels or similar
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7 nights accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis in Superior Vessel
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Daily Breakfast
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06 Lunches
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08 Dinners
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Arrival and departure transfers
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Transportation on the air-conditioned motor coach
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Service of Bilingual English/Spanish-speaking local guide
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Service of professional English Speaking of Cruise Manager
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Complimentary fresh fruits are available daily during the cruise
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities
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International for those purchasing the land-only option
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Visa fees if applicable
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Travel insurance
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Items not mentioned as included
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Entrance to Blue Cave (up to 13 EUR per person – depending on the season) to be paid on the spot
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.