The Adriatic Journey

From Athens to Venice

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A travellers journey through the diverse countries and cultures that share the magnificent Adriatic coastline; Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. This region has so much to offer, with its rich history from ancient times to the present day, its stunningly beautiful coastline and dramatic mountain ranges, but best of all is the wide variety of cultures and traditions to be savoured …… this trip is a lot of fun!

Features included,

Greece

• Athens - one of the oldest cities in the world, magnificent ancient monuments. Explore the charm of the Plaka.
• The Corinth Canal - a spectacular man made canal, envisaged by Nero in Roman times, but not completed 1893
• Meteora - famous monasteries that perch atop rocky spires, built by Monks from 14th-16th Centuries
• Delphi - an important pilgirmage site since ancient times Delphi, where the spirit of Apollo (the Oracle) was asked for guidance.
• Vikos Gorge - a spectacular gorge hike in the Zagorian Mountains. The great day hike takes approximately 6+hrs but shorter walks are available. Our two night stay in the delightful "slate" village of Monodendri is always a highlight.

Albania

• Experience a country enthusiastically shaking itself free after 40 years of xenophobic rule. We loved it!
• Girokaster - an impressive "slate" town in Southern Albania.
• Berati - a well preserved Ottoman town, known as "the town of a thousand windows",
• Tirane - a rapidly developing city, visit the National Museum and other interesting sights for a fascinating insight into the lives, cultural and aspirations of the Albania people.

Herzegovina and Montenegro

• Kotor - located at the head of the deepest fjord in southern Europe, the twisting alleys and traditional buildings the Old Town are a photographer's delight. The 1,500 step climb up Kotor Hill, behind the town, offers spectacular views of the fjord and town below.
• Mostar, the 500-year old bridge destroyed during the Bosnian war has been rebuilt and today stands as a powerful monument to the violent ethnic struggle that took place.

Croatia

• 7-day Croatian Coast Cruise - a small A-grade boat, twin share cabins, with plenty of time ashore for walks, swimming and exploring the mediaeval villages and gorgeous offshore islands. Dine in a different port each evening. Cruising is the perfect mode of travel to experience the relaxing charm of Croatia’s famous coastline.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park - This is an area of extraordinary natural beauty with 18km of trails and foot-bridges linking the park’s 16 turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Fabulous easy walking trails..
• Dubrovnik - a walled city, the “pearl of the Adriatic”
• Split, the Diocletian’s Palace is still the heart of the city.
• Zagreb - Croatia ’s capital city.

Slovenia

• Lake Bled - three nights in the heart of the majestic Julian Alps, stunning scenery and some great walking, also opportunities for cycling and kayaking.
• Postojna Caverns - ride a train deep down into the gigantic caves at Postojna.
• Predjama Castle - a mediaeval fortress built into the side of a cliff.

To conclude our journey a "tiny touch of Italy"

• Venice - a unique city of “light and water”, the perfect place to end our journey.

Draft Itinerary Outline

Day 1. Auckland to Flight
Day 2. Athens - arrive early afternoon
Day 3. Athens - city sightseeing
Day 4. Athens to Delphi - via Corinth Canal and the Acro-Corinth, the massive hill fortress that overlooks canal.
Day 5. Delphi to Meteora - morning visit Delphi site, afternoon drive to Meteora
Day 6. Meteora to Monodendri - visit the monasteries, after lunch drive to the Zagorian Mountains, via Kipi Bridges
Day 7. Monodendri - day walk in the Vikos Gorge.
Day 8. Monodendri to Vlora - travel up the central valley of Albania via Girokaster
Day 9. Vlora to Tirane - via Berati and Kruja
Day 10.Tirane - city sights
Day 11. Tirane to Budva - visit Kotor
Day 12. Budva to Dubrovnik - free morning, later drive into Croatia
Day 13. Dubrovnik - AM kayaking around the walls, PM city sights including the walls walk and fort.
Day 14. Dubrovnik to Mostar - morning bus, afternoon visit the Bridge and town. Mostar is reknown for its great dining.
Day 15. Mostar to Split - morning drive, free afternoon to enjoy Split.
Day 16 to Day 22. Cruise - 7 night cruise, to explore Croatia's wonderful islands and mainland coastline
Day 23. Cruise to Plitvice - after breakfast leave the boat to resume our land journey by driving to Plitvice National Park.
Day 24. Plivice National Park to Zagreb - until 2:30pm explore this gorgeous park, later drive to Zagreb (2.5hrs)
Day 25. Zagreb to Bled - make our way to via Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city, to stay in the heart of the Julian Alps.
Day 26. Bled - visit nearby Bohinj for hiking and take an aerial tramway for great views.
Day 27. Bled - more sights and free time in are around Bled Lake, opportunity to cycle and kayak
Day 28. Bled to Postojna - visit the gigantic Postojna Caverns and the mediavel castle of Predjama
Day 29. Postojna to Venice - arrive early afternoon, orrientation walk of Venice
Day 30. Venice - sightseeing and free time
Day 31. Venice to Flight - free morning, late afternoon flight
Day 32. (In flight)
Day 33. Arrive Auckland

Travel Style and Transport - travel light, travel local. We use a combination of trains, boat, / large vans, public and private buses. Incorporating public transport and sometimes staying in family run accommodations will bring you the rewarding experience of closer contact with the local people and their way of life. Sightseeing will essentially be on-foot and wherever possible day walking will feature as we plan to include at least 6 walks of between 1 and 7 hours. When there are longer walks, shorter less strenuous options will be available. Some kayaking is planned in Croatia.

Luggage: A light bag (around 10kgs) is essential as you must be able to comfortably handle your own baggage; on some days to carry it 10 minutes or so between transport depots and accommodation, including up and down steps and stairs. Soft-sided wheelie bags or light weight packs are suitable, but please, no hard or semi-hard bags. Be aware that most hotels and transport terminals do not have elevators. Day Bag - a lightweight day/sightseeing bag. A fold-away nylon type is perfect.

Accommodation: Hotels/Hostels/ family pensions, Grade Star* to Star ***. Throughout the region rooms and facilities are clean and tidy, with private bathrooms the norm. We are traveling at a time when accommodation is at a premium so on occasions triple share rooms or shared facilities may be all that is available. Cruise - twin bunked cabins, with private facilities.

Group Size: 16 to 19 + leader

Meals: Included meals - 27 breakfasts / 4 dinners / 7 lunches. Other lunches/breakfasts - you can purchase supplies at local shops, lunches are often picnic affairs and for dinners eat at local styled restaurants. During the cruise breakfast and full 3-course lunches are included, but not dinners. We will moor at a different town/village each night. Recommended trip meal allowance: E 23 per day for basic restaurant meals and water (not drinks). This comes to around E 805.

Price Includes: Accommodation, Auckland to Auckland airfares (in a specific class), trip transport, a full programme of sightseeing excursions, entries and services as detailed in the itinerary. Meals as specified.

Criteria for Taking Part: Participants will need to be moderately fit and active, be prepared for some simple family run accommodations and hostels and for using a variety of public transport, with all its hassles and rewards. A good degree of walking fitness and agility is required as steps and stairs are definitely a feature of the urban landscape!

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us.