The magical Eastern Med
Join us in a very special corner of the Mediterranean, to relax and explore two wonderful countries. One already feted as an idyllic, sought-after holiday retreat, and the other rapidly emerging from decades hidden from the world, now keen to share its reborn vibrancy and historic past with curious visitors. Delightful Montenegro and beautiful Albania – part of Twelfth Night's magical, mystical Kingdom of Illyria – wait to welcome you.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
Your Itinerary
Day One: Fly to Dubrovnik
Fly to Dubrovnik, meet your tour manager and transfer across the border to your hotel in Bar, set overlooking the shores of the Adriatic, surrounded by lush vegetation and backed by forested mountains. Settle into your surroundings and, depending on your flight time, enjoy a first dinner.
Day Two: Included tour of Stari Bar
Rest and relax in the hotel this morning, perhaps taking a morning dip or stroll along the promenade. Later, join the first of our included excursions and head to the nearby startling ruins of ancient Stari Bar, a timeless jumble of narrow streets and crumbling buildings filled with the echoes of history.
Day Three: Included visits to Budva and the Bay of Kotor
Today’s excursion sees you heading north along the pristine coast to Budva, one of the Adriatic’s oldest settlements. You’ll get the chance to experience the now-thriving holiday resort, with beautiful beaches and scenic surroundings. After an opportunity to explore Budva’s old town, you'll travel the short distance to the spectacular Bay of Kotor, sometimes called Southern Europe’s largest fjord. Enjoy a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Kotor itself, with its old town of narrow streets and ancient houses. After a wonderful day, during which there’ll be time for a leisurely lunch, you’ll return to your hotel past the impossibly beautiful island-village of Sveti Stefan. Connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, this private island and resort is Montenegro’s most-photographed sight. You'll arrive back in Bar in plenty of time for dinner.
Day Four: Rest and relax
Today is free to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings. Hang out by the pool, enjoy drinks at the bar, make the most of the well-appointed wellness and spa area, or wander into the centre of Bar – where the colourful streets of the Turkish-influenced ‘new’ town are a delight. Don’t miss what is said to be the Mediterranean’s oldest olive tree. For a glimpse of Montenegrin history, pay a visit to the town museum in the former royal palace on the seafront. However you choose to spend your day, it is sure to prove hugely enjoyable.
Day Five: Included visit to Lake Skadar
Today’s included excursion sees you journey inland to Lake Skadar. Straddling the border between Montenegro and Albania, Lake Skadar is home to over 300 different species of birds and other wildlife, some protected and some unique to this beautiful place. Dotted with sleepy towns and villages, the lake shore is a haven of peace and tranquillity, and a rich source of Montenegrin folklore and legend. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy an optional cruise on the lake - it really is the best way to see - followed by a lunch of traditional fish dishes in a local restaurant.
Day Six: Included tour of Albania
Perhaps saving the very best till last, today sees you cross the border to head into Albania, for a day of fascinating exploration. Famed as part of the Illyria of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and for decades hidden behind a repressive cloak that largely prevented foreigners from visiting, Albania is a spectacularly beautiful country. Today’s brief glimpse, in addition to the rolling hills and mountain-backed landscape of the north, will include visits to hillside Kruja home of Albanian hero George Castriot ‘Skanderberg’, who is widely celebrated through the town. Take in the giant statue of the Lord of Albania, as he is known, and wander through the colourful stalls of the ancient Ottoman bazaar, with its handcrafted curios.
Return to Bar at the end of a truly memorable day that may well whet your appetite for a longer visit.
Day Seven: Rest and relax
The last day is left free for rest and relaxation, hopefully to soak up the sunshine on the beach, to make the most of the hotel and its amenities, or to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Bar, before a last dinner at the hotel.
Day Eight: Fly back to the UK
Transfer back to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
PRICES
Hotel Princess, Montenegro
Hotel Princess, Montenegro
This friendly and welcoming hotel is located two minutes from the beach, and just a mile from Bar’s bustling centre and marina.
Further Information
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Passengers travelling on tours departing after September 2018 will be offered different excursions on Days Four, Six and Seven. Please see the itinerary for further details.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
