The Grand Adriatic Tour Coasts, Culture & Contrasts

Day 1: Switzerland - Bologna

Journey to Bologna. Bologna is one of Italy's most beautiful and authentic cities. Magnificent palazzi, medieval towers and the famous arcades give the city its very special charm, while its rich culinary tradition attracts food lovers from all over the world.

Day 2: Bologna – Ancona

Journey to Ancona. Embarkation on the ferry to Igoumenitsa.

Day 3: Igoumenitsa - Saranda

After breakfast, spend a relaxing day at sea, enjoying the comforts of the ferry and the view of the Adriatic. Arrival in Igoumenitsa at around 5.00 pm. You then continue along the coast to Saranda in Albania.

Day 4: Butrint & the Blue Eye

Today, accompanied by your Albanian guide, you visit the impressive Butrint Archaeological Park, one of the most significant ancient sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins tell of the eventful history of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. Afterwards, free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to the famous “Blue Eye” (Syri i Kaltër), a fascinating karst spring with crystal-clear, deep blue water. The spring lies in a stunning natural setting of ferns, oaks and plane trees. The visit involves an easy walk of about 4 km. Return to Saranda.

Day 5: Albanian Riviera - Vlora

Today you follow one of Europe's most beautiful coastal roads along the Albanian Riviera. On the way, you visit Porto Palermo Castle, picturesquely set on a small peninsula in the bay of the same name. Continue to Vlora, the city of Albanian independence. During a city tour you will get to know the most important sights.

Day 6: Vlora - Berat - Tirana

Drive to Berat, the famous “City of a Thousand Windows” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is divided into the historic quarters of Gorica, Mangalem and Kalaja within the fortress walls. During the walking tour you see the imposing castle complex, historic city gates, towers, Orthodox churches and the characteristic Ottoman architecture. In the afternoon, continue to Tirana. On a city tour you discover Albania's vibrant capital. You then visit the impressive Bunk'Art 2 museum, which documents the history of the Ministry of the Interior and the communist secret police “Sigurimi” and is dedicated to the victims of the communist regime.

Day 7: Montenegro - Budva

Today you say goodbye to Albania and travel to Montenegro. On the largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar Lake National Park, your local guide awaits you for a shared lunch. You then experience the unique natural landscape on a boat trip through the lake's reed beds and bird reserves. Full of impressions, you continue to Budva on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast.

Day 8: Kotor - Perast - Dubrovnik

The day begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kotor, which delights with its medieval lanes and impressive city walls. You then continue to Perast and take a boat trip to the famous island church of Gospa od Škrpjela (“Our Lady of the Rock”).

Afterwards, drive to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Following a guided walk through the historic old town, you check in to your rooms in one of the comfortable Valamar hotels.

Day 9: Dubrovnik

Today is at your leisure. (Optional) Alternatively, you can take part in a half-day excursion to the charming Pelješac peninsula. You first visit the historic little town of Ston, known for its imposing town walls and centuries-old salt production. This is followed by a wine tasting, where you get to know the excellent wines of the region. Another highlight is the tasting of fresh oysters, for which Pelješac is famous far beyond Croatia's borders.

Day 10: Dubrovnik - Split

After breakfast, drive along the Dalmatian coast and through the fertile Neretva Valley, past the Makarska Riviera, to Split.

On a city tour you discover the UNESCO World Heritage city with the famous Diocletian's Palace, which forms the historic heart of the city.

Day 11: Trogir - Šibenik - Vodice

In the morning you visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Trogir with its superbly preserved medieval old town. You then drive along the coast to Šibenik for a walking tour, including admission to the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of St James. Then continue to Vodice.

Day 12: Vodice

Today is at your leisure. (Optional) Alternatively, you can take part in an optional full-day boat excursion to Kornati National Park. This unique archipelago is among the most beautiful natural landscapes in Croatia. A barbecue lunch on board is included. Return to Vodice in the afternoon.

Day 13: Zadar - Senj - Crikvenica

After breakfast, discover the historic old town of Zadar with its famous Sea Organ and the “Greeting to the Sun”. There is plenty of time for a coffee on the promenade or at the Roman Forum. You then continue along the picturesque coastal road to Senj, known from the youth novel “Die rote Zora” (The Red Zora), and on to Crikvenica.

Day 14: Tour of Istria

Today you explore the most beautiful towns of Istria on a tour of the peninsula. You drive past Opatija along the east coast of the peninsula as far as Pula with its impressive Roman amphitheatre, and then along the west coast to Rovinj and Poreč, known for the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica. Continue to Portorož, the Rose Riviera, in Slovenia for your last overnight stay of the trip.

Day 15: Portorož - Switzerland

Return journey to Switzerland.