Best of the Balkans: Dubrovnik to Athens

Four countries and ten days exploring the best spots in the Balkans

6 Places
8 Activities

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Best of the Balkans: Dubrovnik to Athens

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Just U$0.00 per day

Duration Days

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Flexible payments

Pay a U$ deposit and spread the rest interest-free.
Balance due 60 days before departure.

The ultimate Balkans Group Trip

Kick off in Dubrovnik, then follow the coast into Montenegro to explore Budva’s medieval Old Town and kayak to the famous Blue Cave. Cross into Albania and get properly off the beaten track: hike through the Albanian Alps to the crystal-clear Blue Eye, take in sweeping views from Rozafa Castle and soak up the café culture of colourful Tirana. Then it’s time for the Albanian Riviera. Spend your days on the beaches of Sarandë, swimming in the Ionian Sea, and watch the sun set from a catamaran. Finally, wrap it all up in Athens with a farewell dinner and one last night out with your new mates.

Travel Style

When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Truly authentic experiences from homestays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle.

What You Get

Included As Standard

Local Legend

Not your typical guide, more like a mate who happens to know the way.

Meals

9 x Breakfasts

Transport

All transport included

Accommodation

Accommodation will be a mix of twin share hotel rooms and private hostel dorms.

Included Activities

5 Experience Types · 1 Intentional Journey

All Local Lens Rise Up Bucket List Tru-ly Unique Unplugged

Local Lens

Experiences

Direct connections with local culture, traditions, and communities. Cooking with families, exploring neighbourhoods with locals, and participating in generational cultural practices.

Rise Up

Experiences

Intentional challenges in supportive settings. Summit hikes, independent navigation, and experiences that push your limits.

Bucket List

Experiences

World-famous landmarks, extraordinary landscapes, and universally recognised destinations that inspire travel aspirations.

Tru-ly Unique

Experiences

The moments you won’t get anywhere else! These experiences are exclusive to Tru trips and really are something special!

Unplugged

Experiences

Intentional slowness, presence, and tech-free moments in nature or group settings enable reflection and authentic connection.

Explore Budva Old Town

Day 2

Wander the cobbled lanes of Budva’s walled Old Town, packed with stone churches, hidden squares and cosy cafés right on the Adriatic. Climb the old Citadel walls for epic views over the sparkling sea.

Blue Cave Kayaking

Day 3

Paddle along Montenegro’s stunning coastline to the famous Blue Cave, where sunlight turns the water a glowing electric blue. Refuel along the way with freshly made priganice, traditional golden dough bites that are seriously moreish.

Exploring Shkodër (Rozafa Castle & Historic Center)

Day 4

Climb up to Rozafa Castle, a hilltop fortress with sweeping views over Shkodër’s rivers and lake, and hear the legend behind its ancient stone walls. Then wander the colourful streets of the historic centre below.

Lake Shkodër

Day 4

Soak up the views at Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by mountains and quiet fishing villages. Kick back by the water and enjoy the slower pace.

Blue Eye Hike & Grunas Waterfall

Day 5

Lace up for an epic hike through the Albanian Alps, following mountain trails and lush forests to the crystal-clear Theth Blue Eye. Stop off at the thundering Grunas Waterfall along the way for nature at its wildest.

Explore Tirana (Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, The New Bazaar)

Day 6

Discover Tirana’s buzzing streets, from the grand Skanderbeg Square and beautifully painted Et’hem Bey Mosque to the lively New Bazaar. It’s the perfect mix of Ottoman heritage, Albanian culture and modern city life.

Albanian Riviera Beach Day

Day 8

Kick back on the Albanian Riviera, soaking up the sun on pebbly beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea. Grab a cold drink and let the day drift by.

Sunset Boat Experience

Day 8

Set sail along Sarandë’s stunning coastline, jumping in for a swim in the Ionian Sea and sharing laughs with your group. Switch off, slow down and watch the sky glow gold over the water.

Itinerary

Welcome To Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Croatia Sailing Adventure TruTravels

1 / 1

Touch down in Dubrovnik and check in to your hostel. We're about to have an incredible trip through the Balkans' best views, beaches and cities, but for now, settle in and meet your incredible group.

Dubrovnik

Bay Of Kotor Views & Old Town Vibes

Grab breakfast and hit the road, crossing the border into Montenegro. Our route today winds around the Bay of Kotor and we'll have lunch overlooking the Adriatic, living the dream! In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Budva, check into our hostel and wander the medieval Old Town with its historic walls, narrow lanes and beautiful waterfront.

Budva
Explore Budva Old Town
Breakfast

Blue Cave Kayaking

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This morning we're heading towards the coast. We'll paddle out by kayak from Jaz Beach, slipping through hidden coves with a stop at the famous Blue Cave. We'll stop for a swim, grab lunch on the beach and then head back to Budva for some downtime before dinner and drinks.

Budva
Blue Cave Kayaking
Breakfast

Unplugged

Travelling To Albania And Exploring Shkodër

Say goodbye to Montenegro with one last photo stop at the iconic Sveti Stefan before crossing into Albania. First stop in Shkodër is Rozafa Castle, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over Lake Shkodër and the Buna and Drin Rivers. Then we'll explore the city on a walking tour: think historic architecture, traditional cafés and local shops. In the late afternoon, we'll head to Lake Shkodër; this is the largest lake in the Balkans and perfect for a dip on a hot day!

Shkoder
Exploring Shkodër (Rozafa Castle & Historic Center)
Lake Shkodër
Exploring Shkoder (Rozafa Castle & Historic Center), Lake Shkodër
Breakfast

Local Lens

Blue Eye Hike & Grunas Waterfall

Today we'll head into Theth National Park, visiting Theth Church and the historic Lock-in Tower before getting ready for a stunning hike. Our route takes us through some of the most jaw-dropping views in the Albanian Alps, past traditional mountain villages, forests and valleys, before we reach the crystal-clear Blue Eye. After taking in this amazing sight, we'll continue to Grunas Waterfall for some group photos and a well-earned breather. Then it's time to head back to Shkodër for dinner and drinks.

Blue Eye Hike & Grunas Waterfall
Shkoder
Breakfast

Rise Up

It's Time To Explore Tirana

This morning we're travelling to Albania’s colourful capital. Once we check in, your Local Legend will take you on a walking tour through Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the New Bazaar and the city’s brightly painted streets.

Tirana
Explore Tirana (Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, The New Bazaar)
Explore Tirana (Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, The New Bazaar)
Breakfast

We're Heading To Albania's Coast!

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Today we're heading south towards the coast, stopping for lunch and to see a viewpoint overlooking the Ionian Sea. We'll arrive in Sarandë in the afternoon, check in and chill, then end the day with a sunset stroll along the waterfront before dinner. Albania's coastline is stunning and still SO underrated, so we'll make the most of this hidden gem and raise an Aperol to our amazing time so far!

Sarandë
Breakfast

Sarandë Beach Day & Sunset Catamaran

Of course, we're spending today at one of Albania's most stunning beaches, swimming in the Ionian Sea and having lunch by the shore. As the sun drops, we'll hop aboard a catamaran to cruise the coastline, swim and snorkel in the calm evening water, and watch the sky light up. What a perfect way to end our time in Albania.

Sarandë
Albanian Riviera Beach Day
Sunset Boat Experience
Beach Day

Unplugged

Greece Is Calling!

A view of Athens, Greece with the famous ancient ruins in the distance

1 / 1

It's an early start for our final journey; this time we're going all the way to Athens. When we arrive in the afternoon, we'll head out to explore and then get ready for the farewell dinner!

Athens
Breakfast

Chilled Checkout

Our time in the Balkans has come to an end, and it's time to say goodbye! What an amazing 10 days it has been. Your Local Legend is on hand for your next travel plans. Wherever you're off to next, have the best time!

Breakfast
Help with onward travel

FAQs

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Athens.

Which airports do I fly into?

Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport (DBV.)

Which airport do I need to fly out of at the end of the tour?

Athens International Airport (ATH)

What is the accommodation on this trip?

It is a mix of hostel dorms and twin shares in hotels.

Can I book a pre-night/airport transfer?

You can book pre-nights, airport transfers and other extras at the time of booking or up to 7 days before the tour starts.

These can be booked:
-Through your online account area
-Through our sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com

Is my money protected?

Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe.

Do you have age limits for your tours?

Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.

Our Essentials trips are exclusively built for travellers aged 18-29! Don't worry if this isn't you - our incredible Classic, Flashpacker, Limited Edition, Multi-country and Ski tours are open to everyone under 45! There's a perfect style of tour for everyone - happy browsing!

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!

Do many TruTravellers travel alone?

Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.

Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?

Yes, of course! You will receive a welcome email from your tour leader a week before your tour starts. This will include a QR code to join the group chat on WhatsApp and other important information before joining. In the meantime, you can join our Facebook group TruTravellers to connect with others.

Are TruTravels tours drinking and party-oriented?

No! Whether you love a sunset beer or prefer an early night in order to make the most out of every day, or even a bit of both, it's up to you how you spend your time on tour! Our guides are always on hand to suggest a range of evening activities on tour. From night markets to rooftop bars, fire shows and local cultural experiences, there's a huge variety of options! There's no pressure, ever - it's your adventure after all!

Do I have to arrive at a specific time?

You’re welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of the tour. Hotel/hostel check-in is usually from around 2 pm, so most people tend to plan their arrival for around this time. However, if you’d like to arrive a little earlier, we can also help arrange pre-nights at the starting accommodation.

There are no planned activities during the day on Day 1, giving everyone plenty of time to arrive, check in and settle in before the tour officially begins. In the evening, the group will usually head out for a welcome dinner at around 7 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your guide will also give you a quick overview of the trip and help break the ice, so everyone can get to know each other before the adventure begins!

Can I change the date of my tour?

Yes! If you are more than 60 days out from your tour you can change the date of your tour once. You can also switch to another tour which is the same value or more.

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Best of the Balkans: Dubrovnik to Athens