The Grand Adriatic Round Trip

Journey to Bologna. Bologna is one of the most beautiful and authentic cities in Italy. Magnificent palazzi, medieval towers and the famous arcades give the city its very special charm, while its time-honoured cuisine attracts gourmets from around the world.

Drive to Ancona. Embarkation on the ferry to Igoumenitsa.

After breakfast, spend the day relaxing at sea, enjoying the ferry’s amenities and views of the Adriatic. Arrival in Igoumenitsa at around 5.00 pm. Then continue along the coast to Saranda in Albania.

Today you visit the impressive Butrint Archaeological Park with your Albanian tour guide, one of the most important ancient sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins tell the story 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 an impressive natural setting of ferns, oak and plane trees. The visit requires a gentle walk of about 4 km. Return to Saranda.

Today you follow one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe along the Albanian Riviera. En route, 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. A city tour introduces you to the main sights.

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 walk you visit the imposing castle complex, historic city gates, towers, Orthodox churches and the characteristic Ottoman architecture. In the afternoon, continue to Tirana. A city tour reveals the vibrant capital of Albania. Then visit the impressive Bunk'Art 2 museum, which documents the history of the Ministry of Interior and the communist secret police "Sigurimi" and is dedicated to the victims of the communist regime.

Today you bid farewell to Albania and travel to Montenegro. At Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans and home to a national park, your local tour guide awaits you for a shared lunch. You then experience the unique natural landscape on a boat trip through the reed beds and bird reserves of the lake. Full of impressions, continue to Budva on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast.

The day begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kotor, which impresses with its medieval lanes and magnificent city walls. Then continue to Perast and take a boat excursion to the famous island church of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela).

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

Today is at your leisure. (Optional) Alternatively, you may join a half-day excursion to the attractive Pelješac peninsula. First, visit the historic town of Ston, known for its imposing city walls and centuries-old salt production. Then enjoy a wine tasting, where you get to know the excellent wines of the region. A further highlight is a tasting of fresh oysters, for which Pelješac is famous well beyond national borders.

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

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

In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Trogir with its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town. Then drive along the coast to Šibenik for a city walk, including admission to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James. Afterwards, continue to Vodice.

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

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. Then drive along the scenic coastal road to Senj, known from the youth novel "Zora the Rebel Girl", and on to Crikvenica.

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

Return journey to Switzerland.