Zagreb to Corfu: Epic Hikes & Medieval Fortresses

Although it’s not your typical backpacker route, this 24-day journey from Zagreb to Corfu offers a perfect blend of adventure and...

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia

Zagreb to Corfu: Epic Hikes & Medieval Fortresses

DAY 1 Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia’s capital – where river meets mountain and old meets new. Arrive at any time and for your first night out, head to one of Zagreb’s many trendy bars or beer halls with your CEO and group for drinks and a good time.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Administrative

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

5

Optional Activities - Day 1Show

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hostel Swanky Mint

Hostel
DAY 2 Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park

Explore Zagreb on an orientation walk before transferring to Plitvice for the night.

Land Tour

Orientation With CEO

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Bus

Local Bus

Zagreb- Plitvice Lakes National Park4h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

5

Optional Activities - Day 2Show

Accommodation

Falling Lakes Hostel

Hostel
DAY 3 Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split

Explore the terraced lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park, then travel to Split for an orientation walk upon arrival. Tonight, enjoy a Big Night Out with the group!

Plitvice Lakes National Park Visit

Plitvice Lakes National Park3h

Explore the forests, crystal waters, and cascading falls of Plitvice Lakes with your CEO. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Croatia’s natural phenomenon of 16 interconnected lakes is a wonder to behold, explore, and provides endless photo opportunities of over 90 waterfalls

Free Time

Plitvice Lakes National ParkMORNING

Get out and explore this beautiful park.

Bus

Local Bus

Plitvice Lakes National Park- Split5h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Land Tour

Orientation With CEO

EVENING

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Activity

Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out

Split

Celebrate late into the night with your new travel tribe. Make your way to Bacvice Beach and stop by one of the local beach bars. You can even enjoy a swim, then head straight to the club!

Accommodation

Design Hostel One

Hotel
DAY 4 Split

Enjoy a guided walk of Diocletian's Palace. The rest of the day is free, opt to visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Bol, head to Trogir or the ancient ruined city of Solin, or experience the nightlife once the sun goes down.

Free Time

SplitHALF_DAY

Get out and explore Split and its surroundings.

Landmark

Diocletian's Palace Guided Walk

Split2h-2.5h2km

Take a guided walk around Diocletian's Palace, one of the most imposing Roman ruins in Europe. It took over 10 years to construct and is built of white stone imported from the island of Brač. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect way to learn more about the history of Split.

5

Optional Activities - Day 4Show

Accommodation

Design Hostel One

Hotel
DAY 5 Hvar/Split

Take a morning ferry to Hvar. Upon arrival, opt to enjoy the beach, visit the Hvar Fortress, or enjoy an island-hopping boat cruise that stops at secluded coves around the Pakleni Islands. Return to Split in the evening.

Watercraft

Ferry

Split- Hvar1hMORNING

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Watercraft

Ferry

Hvar- Split1hEVENING

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

3

Optional Activities - Day 5Show

Accommodation

Design Hostel One

Hotel
DAY 6 Split/Dubrovnik

Travel to Dubrovnik. Enjoy an optional night on the town with the group. For great atmosphere with good music, check out the East/West Beach Club. It's one of the best nighttime party spots and attracts a good crowd during the day as well.

Bus

Local Bus

Split- Dubrovnik4h-4.5h

Enjoy the scenery on the short ride down the coast.

Free Time

DubrovnikAFTERNOON

Get out and explore this beautiful walled city.

8

Optional Activities - Day 6Show

Accommodation

Hostel 365 for U Dubrovnik

Hostel
DAY 7 Dubrovnik/Trebinje

Say goodbye to Dubrovnik today and begin the trip across the border toward Trebinje. Visit Tvrdos Monastery and sample some local wine before a stop at Hercegovacka Temple for great views of the city. Snap photos at the Arslanagic Bridge before arriving to the hotel. After a bit of time to settle in, explore your surroundings with a CEO-led walk in the old town and then head out for an optional dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Cuisine

Tvrdoš Monastery and Wine Tasting

Trebinje

Visit this beautiful 16th century Serbian Orthodox Monastery built on the foundations of a 4th century Roman church. Taste some of the local wine before continuing on to Trebinje.

Orientation Walk Trebinje

Trebinje

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Hotel Leotar

Hotel
DAY 8 Trebinje/Livno

Jump head first into some of the coolest places and experiences that Bosnia has to offer. Step back in time exploring an old Ottoman fortress turned art colony, take a dip in the refreshing waters of Kravica Waterfalls, and watch for wild horses on a sunset Jeep safari. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers better with a BBQ dinner before counting the stars around a campfire.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Trebinje- Počitelj2h105km

Settle in and the scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Počitelj Fortress Visit

Počitelj1h

Explore Pocitelj, an old Ottoman stone town and art colony boasting beautiful views of the surrounding village. Located along the Neretva river, Pocitelj is considered an open-air museum and hold significant architectural and historic value. Artists gather from around the world to be part of the largest operating art colony in southeast Europe.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Počitelj- Kravica0.5h25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Kravica Waterfall

Kravica

Take a moment to enjoy the Kravica waterfalls, arguably one of the most beautiful natural sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Surrounded by poplars and figs, this 25 meter high waterfall is a sight to be seen.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Kravica- Livno2h120km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Land Tour

Jeep Safari

Livno1.3h

Hop into a Jeep and head up to the upper plateau to enjoy a sunset safari. Keep an eye out for wild horses before heading back down the mountain.

Accommodation

Continental Adventure Resort

Guesthouse
DAY 9 Livno/Mostar

Set off from Livno this morning and drive south to the picturesque and historic village of Blagaj. Take in views of the Dervish Monastery, dramatically built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Take a dip in the water if the weather is nice before continuing on to the nearby city of Mostar for a guided walking tour to better soak in the beauty and history, with plenty of time for photos at the iconic old bridge. The rest of the evening is free to grab a bite to eat somewhere or to relax by the river.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Livno- Blagaj2.5h130km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Landmark

Dervish Monastery Visit

Blagaj1h

This Ottoman-era building, built in 1520, is located at the base of an enormous cliff, next to a small waterfall from the Buna river. Take in the stunning blue water that's said to contain mystic properties.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Blagaj- Mostar0.5h20km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Guided Walking Tour of Mostar

Mostar1.5h

Join a local expert guide and set off on a walking tour of the beautiful city of Mostar and it's historic buildings and landmarks. See the iconic old bridge over the Neretva River and wander the narrow alleys lined with shops and market stalls.

Accommodation

Hotel Tere

Hotel
DAY 10 Mostar/Konjic

Hop on a morning train to the city of Konjic and transfer to our lodge. After gearing up, get the adrenaline flowing on a white water rafting excursion on the Neretva river with your group mates before a delicious bbq lunch afterwards. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax at the lodge, explore the city or to visit Tito's Bunker for a glimpse into the former Yugoslavia's communist-era past. If you're interested in history, take a trip down memory lane and discover secret details of the communist era in former Yogoslavia, visiting the famous ruler, Tito's, bunker.

Watersport

Rafting Neretva

Konjic3.5h

Get the adrenaline pumping white water rafting on the Neretva river with expert guides. Refuel with a BBQ lunch with your new friends.

Rail

Local Train

Mostar- Konjic1.25h70km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a local train.

1

Optional Activities - Day 10Show

Accommodation

Motel Vila Bijela

Guesthouse
DAY 11 Konjic/Sarajevo

Travel again by train from Konjic to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There's no better way to connect with the local culture than exploring their cuisine. Head out on an immersive food tour with a local expert this morning. Step away from the tourist hot spots to experience life in Sarajevo through a local's lens. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring the city.

Rail

Local Train

Konjic- Sarajevo1h60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a local train.

Cuisine

Your Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour

Sarajevo4h-5h

Immerse yourself in the culture by sampling traditional Bosnian flavours. Learn about the rich history while exploring important landmarks, tiny alleys, local restaurants, and hawker markets with a local expert. Discover the city beyond the tourist attractions and fill your belly; what could be better?

3

Optional Activities - Day 11Show

Accommodation

Hotel Hecco

Hotel
DAY 12 Sarajevo

Get out and explore on a full free day in the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a funicular up to the old Olympic bobsled track, pass the afternoon away at one of the many cafes, or take a hike in the Rakitnica Canyon. Regroup In the evening and head out on the town for a Big Night Out with the group for the final evening.

Free Time

SarajevoFULL_DAY

Take a full free day to experience the vibrant city of Sarajevo.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out

Sarajevo

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

3

Optional Activities - Day 12Show

Accommodation

Hotel Hecco

Hotel
DAY 13 Sarajevo/Kotor

Set off after breakfast for the drive from Sarajevo across the border into Montenegro to the city of Kotor. After checking into the hotel and a bit of time to relax, meet new travellers who might be joining the trip and set off with the CEO on an orientatinon walk of Kotor's old town on the way to an optional dinner out with the group.

Bus

Local Bus

Sarajevo- Kotor8.25h263km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation Walk Kotor

Kotor

Enjoy a brief walk through Kotor's old town with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Old Town Kotor Hostel

Hostel
DAY 14 Kotor

Set off to explore Kotor today by land and by sea. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape with a hike to the Kotor Fortress; there's no better way to connect with the region. Snap photos of the beautiful vistas before heading down for free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, work on your sea legs with a sunset boat tour of the Bay of Kotor, passing several small islands and historical sites and visit the old town of Perast before returning to Kotor for the night.

Kotor Fortress Walk

Kotor2h

Hike up to the Kotor Fortress for panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the old town. The trail is steep but offers stunning scenery and historic sites along the way.

Kotor Sunset Boat Tour

Kotor3h

All aboard! Enjoy a serene cruise on the Bay of Kotor, witnessing stunning views as the sun sets over the mountains and historic sites.

Accommodation

Old Town Kotor Hostel

Hostel
DAY 15 Kotor/Žabljak

Drive north out of Kotor into the country's interior with a stop to stretch your legs at Nevidio canyon, said to have the most stunning landscapes in all of Montenegro. Continue to the small town of Žabljak, located in the mountains near the picturesque Durmitor National Park, full of crystal clear lakes and thick pine forests along the Tara river. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or to head into the park on an optional mountain biking excursion before meeting up again in the evening for dinner.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Kotor- Žabljak

Settle in and scan the scenery in the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

ŽabljakAFTERNOON

Get acquainted with the area with free time this afternoon. Choose to mountain bike through Durmitor National Park to get your blood pumping, or go for a walk to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes.

1

Optional Activities - Day 15Show

Accommodation

Enigma Hotel

Hotel
DAY 16 Žabljak/Budva

Set out on foot today with a hike through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Durmitor National Park. After lunch, drive to Budva, stopping at the Ostrog Monastery along the way. Carved in the side of a cliff in the 17th century, this monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Montenegro and is sure to impress with it's brilliant white exterior against contrasting rugged stone. Once in Budva, set off with your CEO on a short walking exploration of the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening. Budva's old town feels worlds away from the beach bars and dance clubs that sit just outside the fortified walls. This medieval town dates back more than 2000 years and walking through the labyrinth of alleys, squares, and corridors, is like taking a step back in time.

Nature

Hike to Crno Jezero

Žabljak2h

Head out to Crno Jezero (Black Lake) in Durmitor National Park. Enjoy the fresh air and snap some photos while following a road through the woods before reaching the viewpoint on the lake's south shore.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Žabljak- Budva4h210km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Budva Old Town Walk

Budva1h-1.5h

Join your CEO for a walk in the old town of Budva: Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century.

Ostrog Monastery Visit

Bogetići0.5h

The 17th century Ostrog Monastery and pilgrimage site that was rebuilt in the 1920s and dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog. Strikingly located high up against the cliff face, you'll visit the Lower Ostrog Monastery, and admire the views of Montenegrian countryside, the mountains and the cliff Monastery.

Accommodation

Villa Neno Zec

Hotel
DAY 17 Budva

Take advantage of a free day in Budva to fill your time however you like. Beach bums are welcome to spend time on the local beaches, rent a SUP or kayak, or choose to take a catamaran cruise to hit up various swimming spots and to explore the Blue Cave. In the evening, have a Big Night Out on the town to check out the lively nightlife that Budva is known for.

Free Time

BudvaFULL_DAY

Relax on the beach or check out the party life that makes this city so popular in the Balkans.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out

Budva

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends

2

Optional Activities - Day 17Show

Accommodation

Villa Neno Zec

Hotel
DAY 18 Budva/Tirana

Pack up and hit the road this morning on a public bus from Budva to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Settle into your hotel and have a bit of time to relax before meeting up with your CEO in the evening and any, new travellers who are joining the trip, then head out on a walking tour. See some of the main sites like Skanderbeg Square and the Et'hem Bey Mosque then enjoy an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

Bus

Local Bus

Budva- Tirana5.5h175km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Orientation Walk Tirana

Tirana

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Freddy's Hotel Tirana

Hotel
DAY 19 Tirana

There is no better way to get to know a country than to dive head first into their cuisine. Connect with your fellow travellers and learn about the local specialties with an immersive cooking class this morning, ending with a well-deserved and delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day for yourself to explore the city or explore museums, like Bunk'Art 1 or 2 which are located in underground nuclear bunkers. Tirana is known for it's colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet era architecture. Skanderbeg Square acts as the city's focal point, surrounded by pastel buildings. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.

Your Foodie Moment: Tirana Cooking Class

Tirana4h

Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning how to cook some local specialties. Sip regional wine and Raki (an alcoholic beverage made of twice-distilled grape pomace and flavored with aniseed) while gaining greater understanding of dishes such as Raki, Byrek (seasonal filling), Tave Kosi (the Albanian national dish featuring lamb cooked in yoghurt), and Seqerpare for dessert.

Free Time

TiranaAFTERNOON

Enjoy some free time this afternoon to get out and explore Tirana however you'd like.

Accommodation

Freddy's Hotel Tirana

Hotel
DAY 20 Tirana/Berat

Head from Tirana to Berat today with a stop in Kruje along the way. Stretch your legs with a walk around town, one of the most historically significant villages in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this little village is steeped in history and is the epicentre of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Explore the small centre, roam around one of the country's oldest bazaars, and climb to the Krujë Castle. Upon arrival in Berat, head out with your CEO on a walking tour of the city and the Berat Castle, then enjoy the rest of the evening free. Berat is known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows", due to the large windows found on old, decorated houses overlooking the town.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Tirana- Berat3.5h165km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Land Tour

Kruje Entrance Fees

Krujë1.5h

Set off on a walking tour of Kruje with your CEO. Krujë is more than just a small mountain village in Albania – it holds historical importance for various reasons. Back in the day, around the Roman era, the area was home to the so-called Albani. This ancient Balkan tribe turned the area into one of the more important cities of that time. Later, during the Middle Ages, it became the first capital of the Albanian state. However, the village is best known as the hometown of national hero Skanderbeg, a military commander who fought off Ottoman forces for 25 whole years before his death in 1468. Check the Old Bazaar and the Castle of Kruja.

Berat Walking Tour

Berat1.5h

Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname “Town of a 1001 Windows.“)

Accommodation

Hotel Mangalemi Berat

Hotel
DAY 21 Berat/Himarë

Transfer to Himarë today with a stop at the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Check out the natural beauty of the wetlands and coastal lagoons and see an old Byzantine monastery before continuing the drive to the beautiful beach town of Himarë. After settling into the hotel, set off on a walk with your CEO to explore the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening. The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian times, these ancient structures are revered as vital historical landmarks. The old town surrounds the castle and the Spilea coastal area serving as both a tourist hub and an economic centre.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Berat- Himarë3.25h175km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area:

Vjosë1.5h

Visit the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area: on the way to Himarë. A vast area of wetlands, sand dunes & a coastal lagoon, the area is home to sheltering migratory birds and a Byzantine monastery.

Himarë Walking Tour

Himarë1h

Explore Himarë with your CEO. The Old City of Himarë and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Opt to visit the inside of the castle on your own. Himarë has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.

Accommodation

Rondo's Hotel Himare

Hotel
DAY 22 Himarë

Experience authentic Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Himarë. The rest of the day is free to explore more of the town or just relax on the beach.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Himarë- Tragjas1.5h50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch

Tragjas5h-6h5km

Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlorë.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Tragjas- Himarë1.5h50km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

HimarëAFTERNOON

Enjoy free time to check out the local beaches in this beautiful coastal town.

Accommodation

Rondo's Hotel Himare

Hotel
DAY 23 Himarë/Corfu

Head down the coast to the town of Sarandë to catch the ferry to Greece, and the island of Corfu. Transfer to the hostel and settle in with time to relax before heading out in the evening for an optional farewell dinner and a Big Night Out at a couple of bars with your new friends on this Greek Island paradise.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Himarë- Rrethi i Sarandës1.5h55km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Watercraft

Ferry

Rrethi i Sarandës- Corfu

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out

Corfu

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Accommodation

Pink Palace Hotel

Hotel
DAY 24 Corfu

Depart at any time. Make sure to say goodbye to your new friends and snap any final photos before heading out.

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Day
chat