On arrival, we'll be greeted and transferred to our hotel, with check-in from 2 PM. Founded by the Ottoman Empire in 1614, Tirana has played a critical role in Albanian nation-building since it was made the country’s capital in 1920. It now offers a rainbow of modern buildings peppered by remnants of its Ottoman and Communist past. The rest of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure. This evening, we'll meet our fellow travelers at a welcome dinner (2026) or drink (2027) at the hotel.

Overnight: Colosseo Hotel, Tirana (2 nights) 2026: (D) 2027: (Welcome Drink)

Few European capitals have transformed like Tirana, whose Soviet-style apartment blocks were famously repainted in a rainbow of colours following the fall of communism. During the morning sightseeing tour, we'll see the main square Sheshi Skenderbej, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Tirana, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. We'll visit the Palace of Culture, a rare example of a Communist-era civic building that still functions as a major cultural hub, and the National History Museum (entrance included), featuring a mosaic on its façade portraying Albanian history. The afternoon is free for us to continue exploring on our own, shop, or simply relax. (B)

After breakfast, we’ll depart from Tirana toward the town of Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. With a history dating back more than 2,400 years, Shkodra has long been regarded as the cultural capital of northern Albania.  We'll visit Rozafa Castle (entrance included), majestically positioned on a limestone outcrop high above the city. This castle dates back to at least the 4th or 3rd century BC, making it one of the oldest fortified sites in Albania. We then cross the border into Montenegro and continuing to Tivat, a city that was once a member of the Venetian Empire. Dinner will be served upon arrival.

Overnight: Hotel Palma, Tivat (2 nights) (B, D)

Our exploration of Montenegro continues with a spectacular drive along the Lovcen serpentines to the heart of the country, offering a panoramic view of Boka Kotorska Bay from over 3,000 feet above sea level. Continue to Centinje, which served as the royal capital of Montenegro for centuries after it was founded in 1482. Here, we'll visit the palace-turned-museum of King Nikola (entrance included), preserving ceremonial swords, diplomatic gifts and more from Montenegro’s final monarchy period. We then explore 15th-century Cetinje Monastery (entrance included), which houses two precious religion relics: the right hand of St. John the Baptist, and a fragment of the True Cross from Constantinople. On the way back to the hotel, we'll once again enjoy the colorful seaside scenery of Montenegro's coast. (B)

Following our morning meal, today’s journey takes us to Dubrovnik. Along the way, we’ll take in the beautiful scenery of the Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. We also stop for an orientation tour of the old town of Kotor*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known its medieval layout and well-preserved Romanesque churches. Continue on to Dubrovnik, where we spend the evening.

Overnight: City Hotel/GH Park, Dubrovnik (2 nights) 2026: (B, D) 2027: (B)

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik became a major maritime trading power that rivaled Venice from the 14th to the 19th century. Following breakfast, we'll embark on a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik to see the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery with its pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is free for us to enjoy at leisure. (B)

Travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, passing old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. As one of the Adriatic’s most important historic cities, this former Roman Imperial center has a history going back 1,700 years.

Overnight: Hotel Corner/Art Hotel, Split (2 nights) (B, D)

In the morning, we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace*, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. We'll explore the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for us to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split or relax at the beach. (B)

After breakfast, we head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. Next, we'll turn inland and travel to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park (entrance included). Have your camera ready as we take a walking tour around the lower lakes, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder, featuring sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation.

Overnight: Hotel Jezero, Plitvice Lakes (1 night) (B, D)

We return to the coast and travel along the beautiful Bay of Kvarner to the popular resort of Opatija. After some free time, our journey continues north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. We'll tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, we continue to Bled, beautifully nestled in the Julian Alps.

Overnight: Kompas Hotel/Bled Rose/Ribno, Bled (2 nights) (B, D)

With its stunning alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, along with views of the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The rest of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps we’ll browse through the shops and boutiques or simply savor the enchanting scenery. (B)

We leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. On a walking tour, we’ll see the most significant sights of the old city center, including the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. Afterward, we continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city.

Overnight: Westin Hotel/Sheraton, Zageb (2 nights) (B, D)

This morning, we’ll enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and Government Palace. The rest of the day is ours to explore the winding streets of the old town. (B)

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the Zagreb airport for our departure flight. Checkout time is before 12 PM. (B)