Balkan Discovery - Croatia and Montenegro’s Highlights

Day 1 - Korcula

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Marko Polo Hotel by Aminess, Korcula (4-star)

Day 2 - Korcula

Korcula is a true gem of Dalmatia. Steeped in history, dense pine forests and glorious little towns, this island has it all. We’ll be based in Korcula Town, where the Adriatic Sea laps at the shore on three sides and sprawling groves of palms and evergreens border the other. You may feel as though you’ve awoken in a Croatian paradise this morning. We waste no time in getting to know the island on our morning tour, revealing some of the legends and the traditions of the area. We’ll get a real insight into what it’s like to live here, both past and present. First, we’ll enjoy a walking tour in old Korcula, taking in the Fraternities and the cathedral. We then continue to take in some the highlights of the island, including Barilo Ethno House in Blato. On the way back to Korcula Town, we make a stop in Lumbarda. This village sits prettily on soft sands edged by azure waters. We’ll enjoy some free time for a wander through the streets lined with stone buildings, or perhaps dip our toes in the inviting waters. We continue back to Korcula Town, where in the depths of the winding old town streets, we stop at Konoba tavern to taste some local sweets.

Marko Polo Hotel by Aminess, Korcula (4-star)

Day 3 - Korcula

Korcula has a long history of producing fantastic-quality, organic goods and its honey and wine is no exception. Today we’ll toil through the idyllic southern countryside in search of such treasures. Watch on and learn about honey production during a demonstration at OPG Komparac; an outstanding local producer whose owner is passionate about his craft. Following the demonstration, enjoy a tasting and a wander around the herb garden. We’ll get a taste for the local life in more ways than one at our next stop. At a family-run winery, we’ll learn about the wine of the island - from vine to glass. We’ll also have a chance to taste three different varieties, including Grk; a dry white wine native to Lumbarda. The vine grows well here in particular, because of the dry, sandy soil in the area.

Marko Polo Hotel by Aminess, Korcula (4-star)

Day 4 - Korcula

You might like to take the day to yourself and spend time exploring Korcula Town under your own steam. Or join our optional excursion to Mljet National Park on the forest-shrouded island of Mljet - one of the most enchanting and alluring of all the islands in the Adriatic. Boasting a beautiful, rugged coastline, ancient ruins, shady walking paths and zigzagging cycling tracks, it’s easy to see the island’s appeal. On your visit, you’ll see the two sparkling blue salt-water lakes named Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake). You’ll have the chance to enjoy a stroll through the lush pine woods or swim in the lovely saltwater lakes before you sail out to explore the islet in the middle of the lake.

Marko Polo Hotel by Aminess, Korcula (4-star)

Day 5 - Korcula

Today is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps pop down to enjoy the sea breeze on the pebbly beach. There’s also a small shuttle boat that runs from the hotel jetty to the old town. In and around Korcula, you’ll spot plenty of tributes to the island’s most famous resident, 14th-century traveller Marco Polo. This evening we enjoy a traditional Dalmatian dinner.

Marko Polo Hotel by Aminess, Korcula (4-star)

Day 6 - Dubrovnik - Tivat

Today we wave goodbye Croatia and journey to Montenegro. We’ll stop on the way, though, to take in the beauty of UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, a combination of beautiful limestone cliffs and a laid-back atmosphere. This terracotta-topped city never fails to enchant and one visit simply isn’t enough, but we’ll do our best on our sightseeing tour today. We’ll briefly take in some of the highlights - such as the famed city walls and its compact squares- before we cross the border into Montenegro. We arrive in Tivat, Montenegro this afternoon. Located in the central part of the Bay of Kotor, Tivat enjoys the Adriatic Sea at its shore to the west and the pine-cloaked Mount Vrmac crowning the city to the east. With sparkling super-yachts loafing in the marina and designer shops dotting its palm-lined promenade, Tivat has air of elegance and glamour - perhaps inspired by its Italian neighbours (the local pizza is delicious, too!). We’ll check into our hotel, located in the heart of Tivat and just a stone’s throw from the seashore, and enjoy a local snack on the terrace.

Hotel Palma, Tivat (4-star)

Day 7 - Budva - Sveti Stefan

We journey to Budva today, one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans. En route, we’ll stop at a viewpoint to take in the fabled island of Sveti Stefan. Once the capital city of the Pastrovici community in the 15th century, the charming island is now home to a luxury resort - a one-time favourite of Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Princess Margaret. We continue to picturesque Budva. The terracotta-topped Old Town lies on a little island, linked to the mainland by a thin peninsula. 15th-century ramparts surround the island and some of the best beaches in Montenegro line its shores. This island is full of romantic lanes to explore - and you’ll have some free time to do just that.

Hotel Palma, Tivat (4-star)

Day 8 - Kotor - Gospa od Skrpjela - Perast

Kotor is a fascinating and historic UNESCO-listed town perfectly placed in a spectacular bay. At every turn, there are beautiful mountain views up ahead. The town is a medieval labyrinth of churches, museums, squares dotted with alfresco eateries, and Venetian palaces. Our guide will bring the history of the place to life, before we take to the water to visit the little island of Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) and the small town of Perast, where we uncover some fascinating monuments of Illyrian, Roman and early Christian periods.

Hotel Palma, Tivat (4-star)

Day 9 - Tivat

Today is yours to spend as you please. You might like to take some time for relaxation on the beach outside the hotel. Or wander along the pretty promenade for shopping and ice cream. Alternatively, you could join our optional excursion to Lake Skadar - the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, located on the border of Albania.

Hotel Palma, Tivat (4-star)

Day 10 - Njegusi Village

On our final day in Montenegro, we take the drive up to the mountain town of Cetinje, where we stop for some sightseeing before continuing to Njegusi. This village is known as the birthplace of Petrovic-Njegos; the most famous writer in Montenegro’s history. We’ll get a taste for the local life, too, with snacks and drinks in a traditional Montenegrin house.

Hotel Palma, Tivat (4-star)

Day 11 - Tivat

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Tivat