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  • Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik

    The jewel in Croatia’s crown, Dubrovnik might just be one of the most picturesque cities in the world...
  • Bay of Kotor

    Bay of Kotor

    Montenegro is a country full of beautiful views, but the Bay of Kotor’s waterfront might just be the best...
  • Konavle Valley

    Konavle Valley

    Easily accessible from Dubrovnik, Konavle Valley is home to 33 villages and offers hiking, biking and horse-riding trails...
  • Virpazar

    Virpazar

    Considered the main gateway to Lake Skadar National Park, the tiny village of Virpazar was once an important trading port...
  • Shkodra

    Shkodra

    Known to Albanians as the ‘city of bicycles’, Shkodra is a pleasant place to spend a couple of days pootling around...
  • Cetinje

    Cetinje

    Sitting at the foot of the Lovcen mountains, Cetinje is the former royal capital of Montenegro...
  • Trebinje

    Trebinje

    Just 30km from Dubrovnik, Trebinje is a worthwhile alternative to Croatia’s classic destination, with a walled Old Town, mountain views and a river complete with swimming spots...
  • Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik

    The jewel in Croatia’s crown, Dubrovnik might just be one of the most picturesque cities in the world...

Start your exploration of the Balkans’ culinary scene in Dubrovnik, sampling the seafood restaurants and organic wine of the Old Town, before continuing to the towns of Kotor Bay in Montenegro to sample local cheeses and the Montenegrin Njegusi sausage. Next, head to the vineyards of Konavle Bay, before comparing them to Virpazar’s wineries back in Montenegro. Experience Albanian cafe culture in Shkodra before heading to the monasteries of Cetinje. Finally, end with more wine-tasting in Trebinje before departing from Dubrovnik.

Key information

Destinations Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
Activity Culture, Culinary
Physical Level Easy
Season Season April - November

This itinerary would cost from €1,090 per person with our Balkans specialist.

Book this trip with 3e Travel
Start here

Suggested itinerary

Get lost in Dubrovnik’s magic

Get lost in Dubrovnik’s magic

Day 1 in Dubrovnik

The jewel in Croatia’s crown, Dubrovnik might just be one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Explore the city’s ancient city walls and historic building, head up the hills to Mount Srd and dip your toes in the Adriatic Sea.

Enjoy the Bay of Kotor’s medieval towns and Dalmatian specialties

Enjoy the Bay of Kotor’s medieval towns and Dalmatian specialties

Day 2 in Bay of Kotor

Montenegro is a country full of beautiful views, but the Bay of Kotor’s waterfront might just be the best. Spend a couple of days meandering through its towns, from the restored palaces of Perast to Kotor’s Venetian old town. Nowhere combines ancient history and stunning scenery better.

Visit an olive farm and learn about the historic olive production in Kotor Bay and how to taste the different flavours of extra virgin olive oil produced locally. After, enjoy the tasting of homemade Dalmatian products, such as olives, cheese in olive oil,
prosciutto, wine, brandy, honey and pomegranate juice.

Taste the gastronomic delights of the Konavle region

Taste the gastronomic delights of the Konavle region

Day 3 in Konavle Valley

Easily accessible from Dubrovnik, Konavle Valley is home to 33 villages and offers hiking, biking and horse-riding trails. However, it is the Valley’s growing wine scene that is attracting visitors, who come to sample Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with the region’s excellent food scene.

Go honey and wine tasting in Virpazar

Go honey and wine tasting in Virpazar

Day 4 in Virpazar

Considered the main gateway to Lake Skadar National Park, the tiny village of Virpazar was once an important trading port.

Look for the imposing fortress built by Turkish invaders on the hill towering over the town. Modern-day Virpazar is a great place to sample Montenegrin wine, with several vineyards and tasting rooms around the town.

Explore pretty Shkodra and experience the Albanian slow food movement

Explore pretty Shkodra and experience the Albanian slow food movement

Day 5 in Shkodra

Known to Albanians as the ‘city of bicycles’, Shkodra is a pleasant place to spend a couple of days pootling around. Look for the historic Rozafa Fortress for views over Lake Shkodra, visit its collection of quirky museums and enjoy the Old Town.

Experience food from the farm to the table in an Albanian slow food restaurant in the countryside and learn about how a new generation of chefs are producing traditional Albanian dishes in a modern way.

Visit Cetinje Monastery and pay your respects to St Peter

Visit Cetinje Monastery and pay your respects to St Peter

Day 6 in Cetinje

Sitting at the foot of the Lovcen mountains, Cetinje is the former royal capital of Montenegro.

Its streets are a mix of small cottages and imposing mansions, which previously housed European ambassadors. Today, many of these mansions have been converted to museums and galleries, but most visitors head for Cetinje Monastery, built in 1701 and home to relics of St Peter of Cetinje. St Peter became a monk aged 12 and then governor of Montenegro, famously defeating Napoleon in the battle of Dalmatia.

Hang out in Trebinje and wine tour in Monastery Tvrdos

Hang out in Trebinje and wine tour in Monastery Tvrdos

Day 7 in Trebinje

Just 30km from Dubrovnik, Trebinje is a worthwhile alternative to Croatia’s classic destination, with a walled Old Town, mountain views and a river complete with swimming spots.

Nestled in the serene valley of the Trebišnjica River, the town makes for an interesting diversion. The charming city, often overlooked by mainstream tourism, offers a tranquil retreat with its rich history and picturesque landscapes. The Old Town, a mosaic of ancient stone buildings and cobblestone streets, leads you to the iconic Ottoman-era Arslanagić Bridge, a symbol of Trebinje's enduring heritage.

In the heart of the is the lively Trebinje Market, with Herzegovinian honey and artisan cheeses on offer. For a panoramic city view, a visit to the Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery, perched atop Crkvina Hill, is a must.

Don't miss

Go wine-tasting in a monastery

Go wine-tasting in a monastery

Visit the 15th-century Tvrdos Monastery, where monks tend vineyards to create some of the best wine in the region.

Return to Dubrovnik and depart

Return to Dubrovnik and depart

Day 8 in Dubrovnik

Transfer to airport Dubrovnik for your onward flight.

Where to stay

Classic

Apartments Lake View

Only 200 yards from Lake Skadar, this accommodation provides guests with independent air-conditioned apartments complete with fully equipped kitchen, dining area and balcony with lake views.

Classic

Hotel Marija

Within the city walls of Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hotel Marija is a traditional baroque building with a unique oakwood interior and warm, comfortable guestrooms. Only 100 yards from Kotor Bay's marina, this hotel is perfectly situated to explore the many restaurants and attractions of the lively city centre.

Superior

Hotel Vardar

Located in the main square of the UNESCO listed old town of Kotor, Hotel Vardar offers guests elegant rooms, a small gym, wellness centre complete with sauna and Turkish bath, and an outdoor terrace.

Deluxe

HUMA Kotor Bay

Located on the seafront of the historic town of Dobrota, in the heart of Kotor Bay, HUMA Kotor Bay provides guests a private beach area, stylish modern rooms, restaurant, beach club and an outdoor pool.

Book this itinerary

This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from €1,090pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.

Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.

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