Dalmatian Coast

Group members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Tirana, Albania.

Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel to enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening. 

Hotel Rogner (2 nights)

We begin with a panoramic city tour featuring Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower, the statue of Albania’s national hero: Skanderbeg, and the Soviet-era Palace of Culture, followed by visits to the Mosque of Et’Hem Bey and the National History Museum, which sports a mosaic façade depicting the history of Albania. The afternoon is free to explore, shop, or just relax. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy the rural countryside as we make our way to Krujë, where we’ll visit the medieval bazaar and the impressive Krujë Castle. Admire Sveti Stefan, Montenegro's iconic island. Now a private resort, it was once a fortified village connected to the Villa Miločer's estate. Take in the pristine coastline and stroll along one of its beautiful beaches. Budva Old Town dates back 2,500 years, when it was first settled by the Illyrians. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, each leaving a mark on its unique architecture and cultural heritage. We will have dinner at the hotel.

Hotel Budva (3 nights)

Spend the day surrounded by scenic beauty as we explore the hinterland of Lovćen National Park. In Cetinje, visit King Nikola’s Palace, the former residence of Montenegrin royalty. After a traditional lunch in the village of Njeguši, take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns, surrounded by 5 km of original walls and home to St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (1166 AD). Following some free time to explore Kotor, we return to Budva for the night.

Relax in this seaside resort, known for its historic walled old town and fine beaches. This morning, we will take a guided walk through the old city, followed by free time to unwind by the sea. Dinner will be at a carefully selected local restaurant.

This morning, embark on a scenic drive around the Bay of Kotor, heading to Perast for a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks Island. Located in the heart of the fjord, the village features baroque residences that reflect its rich history. We then travel along the Adriatic to the picturesque village of Cavtat, an artist’s paradise. You’ll have free time to explore before continuing to Dubrovnik, the legendary walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site. For over three centuries, the Republic of Dubrovnik controlled the Adriatic trade, with noble families and merchants constructing magnificent palaces. After a devastating earthquake in the 17th century, the city was rebuilt in pure Baroque style, with palaces, squares, churches, and patrician houses showcasing its enduring brilliance.

Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik (2 nights)

Today we explore the old city on foot, taking in landmarks such as the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, the Franciscan Monastery, Orlando’s Column, and Sponza Palace. Our tour includes a visit to the stunning Dominican Monastery, one of the city’s most significant historic buildings. After lunch, the afternoon and evening are yours to explore further, climb the city walls, or dine at one of the many excellent local restaurants.

Journey through Dubrovnik’s Primorje region to the Pelješac Peninsula. In Orašac, we visit the Dubelj family estate to tour their home, learn about the traditional horse-powered method of olive oil production, and sample homemade snacks. Next is the Vukas winery in Ston, where we’ll be introduced to their wines. In Mali Ston, we board a small boat to cruise through the oyster beds, followed by a tasting and lunch at a local fish restaurant. On our return to Dubrovnik, we visit the picturesque Trsteno Arboretum, famously featured in Game of Thrones. At Gruž, we board our private yacht, relax, and settle in before joining the Captain and crew for a welcome dinner.

ms Blue Adriatic (7 nights)

Enjoy a morning of cruising, with a relaxing stop at the Elafiti Islands for a swim. In the afternoon, explore the breathtaking Mljet National Park. Stroll around the Great and Small Lakes and visit the Islet of St. Mary, home to a 12th-century Benedictine Monastery.

Cruise the azure waters of the Adriatic en route to Korčula, a fortified town shaped like a fishbone. Legend has it that the city was founded in the 12th century BC by the Trojan hero Antenor. By the 13th century, Korčula's life was highly organized, governed by a constitution dating back to 1214, which remained in effect until French rule during the First Empire. Known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula is celebrated for its skilled stonemasons, who crafted the town’s most beautiful and ambitious monument — St. Mark's Cathedral, featuring a magnificent painting by Tintoretto. Admire the scenic vineyards and beaches of Lumbarda, with visits to a local winery and a farm specializing in beekeeping and honey production.

Relax on board as we cruise to the charming town of Hvar, with a possible stop at the Pakleni Islands (time permitting). Renowned as a historic nautical hub, Hvar boasts a mild climate and lush vegetation. Enjoy a guided tour to experience its laid-back way of life and uncover its historical heritage. Admire its Renaissance architecture and the two strongholds that frame the city: Fort Napoleon and the Venetian Fort Spagnola. Key sites include the main square, Europe’s first theatre (built in 1612), the Franciscan Monastery, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Lastly, we visit a local lavender farm, where you’ll learn about the versatile uses of this fragrant plant. This evening, dine ashore at one of Hvar’s waterfront restaurants.

In the morning, we visit Bol, famed for Zlatni Rat, a stunning beach often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Enjoy lunch as we cruise to the historic city of Split, centred around Diocletian’s Palace, a magnificent structure built in 295 A.D. by Emperor Diocletian, which later gave rise to the city itself. Our walking tour includes visits to the underground cellars, the Mausoleum, and Jupiter's Temple. Later, we travel by coach to Trogir, a nearby medieval city that has preserved its traditional character and offers a variety of restaurants within a short distance of the port.

From Trogir, we travel to Krka National Park, reknown for its waterfalls, including the magnificent Skradinski Buk, which cascades over 17 steps across nearly a kilometre. After lunch, we enjoy a walking tour of Šibenik, the gateway to the Kornati Islands. Explore the 15th-century Cathedral of St. James, adorned with 71 sculpted faces, the 14th-century Prince’s Palace showcasing exhibits from prehistory to modern times, and St. Michael’s Fortress, featuring an open-air theatre with stunning bay views.

This morning, cruise along the stunning Adriatic coast to Zadar, a historic city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Renowned for its Roman and Venetian heritage, Zadar’s peninsular Old Town features impressive city walls with Venetian gates. Around the Roman-era Forum, discover the 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, home to religious art from the 8th century, the grand 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral, and the distinctive 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.

Disembark for a full day of exploration through the heart of Croatia, starting with Plitvice National Park. Covering nearly 30,000 hectares, Croatia’s largest national park is home to breathtaking lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife-filled forests. Later, we head to Zagreb, the capital, renowned for its 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. At the heart of the city, Upper Town features the Gothic, twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral and the 13th-century St. Mark’s Church, known for its colourful tiled roof. Nearby, the pedestrian-friendly Tkalčićeva Street is lined with quaint outdoor cafés. This evening, join us for a Farewell Dinner at our hotel. 

Canopy by Hilton (1 night)

Time permitting, we will take a panoramic tour of Zagreb before heading to the airport for our flights to Canada.