The Baltic Peninsula & Adriatic Sea

Croatia, Albania10 days

About

Explore Europe’s ‘new frontier’ and travel from the Roman heart of Split in Croatia, to the Dalmatian island of Hvar, on to dazzling Dubrovnik and then two days in lively and colourful Tirana – the beating heart of Albania that has awakened from its communist rule to become a fascinating capital city whose grand boulevards are lined with ancient relics of its Ottoman, Italian and communist past

You should experience it because...

Tirana is never dull. For a taste of the city’s past and present, go to the Pyramid – this monstrously unattractive building that was designed by Dictator Enver Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law was formerly a museum, and is now a convention centre and night club.

Ancient cultures and coastal delights

Skanderbeg Square in Tirana is the best place to start witnessing Tirana’s daily goings on.

The walls of Dubrovnik are 800 years old – take a walk around the walls that seem to have sprouted up out of the sea.

Relax at one of Split’s many cafes and restaurants along the waterfront promenade and gaze out at the beautiful Adriatic sea.

Places covered 10 Days

Day 1&2 Split, sightseeing and attractions
Day 3 & 4 Hvar, sightseeing and attractions
Day 5-7 Drubrovnik, sightseeing and attractions
Day 7-10 Tirana, Albania – Durres – Kruja
Day 10 Depart (or option to extend your trip to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini)

Days Details
1&2 Split, sightseeing and attractions The city of Split is built around the remains of the Diocletian Palace that dates back to the Roman era. Wander inside and take in Peristil Square where you can see an original Egyptian sphinx that was brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian. Relax at many of the al fresco bars and restaurant that line the seafront, or hang out with the locals at the beach at Bacvince. For an afternoon away from the city buzz, Marjan is the perfect destination. This hilly nature reserve offers trails through fragrant pine forests, scenic lookouts and ancient chapels. Or wander along the seafront of Marjan continuing on to the Sustipan peninsula on the south western point of Split’s harbour. Get active with a full day white-water rafting on the rapids of the stunning Cetina River. Under the watchful eye of an experienced leader you will paddle along the fast-flowing river, passing through swatches of glorious Croatian countryside. Swim in the clear river waters, and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Split.
3 & 4 Hvar, sightseeing and attractions Hvar Island is a beautiful spot with fairytale Venetian architecture, a waterfront promenade that is fringed by palm trees, and centuries old walls. Built by the Venetian Doges in the 13thcentury, Hvar Town is a maze of cobblestone streets and sunny squares bordered by al fresco cafes and restaurants. Must-sees are the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the Clock Tower and the Arsenal – they all flank the main square, with a picturesque backdrop of terracotta-roofed houses and tiny streets that cover the hill behind. Stroll around the town in the evening and take in the views and enjoy an ice-cream sold by a local slasticarna, the Croatian equivalent of the Italian gelateria. Wander around the harbour and marvel at the expensive looking yachts that line the dock. And explore the smaller outlying villages suchas Stari Grad and Jesla and their pretty lavender fields, and Vrboska and Brusje with their impressive wineries.
5-7 Drubrovnik, sightseeing and attractions Dubrovnik is easy to explore on foot. Its paved town centre is enclosed in fortress-like 13thcentury stone walls – stretching almost 2 kilometres around the old town, the walls offer stunning rooftop and city views out to the turquoise blue Adriatic Sea. Founded in the 7thcentury, for a time the city was a serious rival for Venice in terms of maritime trade, and in 1991, two out of every three buildings were damaged during the bombardment of the Yugoslav War. Since them the buildings and walls have been restored to their former glory and represent one of the most beautiful and solid fortress systems in the Mediterranean. Visit the 14thcentury Franciscan monastery that houses a treasury full of sacred art and artifacts, as well as one of the oldest working pharmacies in the world that dates back to 1317.
7-10 Tirana – Durres - Kruja Discover Albania's compact capital strolling through the city. Absorb Turkish and Italian influences in the city of Tirana and head to the Et'hem Bey Mosque to admire intricate frescoes. Perhaps get adventurous on a rafting or hiking excursion, or take a more relaxed approach with an afternoon sojourn through the National History Museum. It’s the largest museum in Albania and holds most of the country’s archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg’s massive sword. Climb to the top of Rr. Elbasanit – the views over thecity and surrounding mountains are excellent. Visit the Martyr’s Cemetery while you are here where some 900 partisans who died in WWII are buried. Skanderbeg Square is the best place to start witnessing Tirana’s daily life. And behind the National Art Gallery you will pass the 6m high walls of the Fortress of Justinian, the last remnants of a Byzantine-era castle. A short bus journey or drive from Tirana takes you to Durres – once Albania’s capital. The Amphitheatre at Durres is one of the largest in the Balkans and has an estimated seating capacity of 20,000. The public baths close-by date from the 2ndcentury AC and you can see the remains of an acqueduct about 15km long that was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Kruja is not far from Tirana. It was here that Skanderbeg – Albania’s hero (his forces defended Kruja from the Ottomans) - was born. Kruja’s houses appear to sit in the lap of a mountain, and an ancient castle juts out to one side with the massive Skanderbeg Museum jutting out of the castle itself. Visit the museum to see exhibits of Skanderbeg’s struggle against the Ottomans.
10 Depart (or option to extend your trip to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini)

€ 2,000 per person	(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
Price Per Person in Twin Sharing Accomodation
(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
All rates mentioned are an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis, and are based on a minimum of 6-9 adults travelling together. Rates are subject to change based on the number of passengers and the time of year. (Flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches & dinners, personal expenses not included. There may be some itinerary activities not included also – please ask). Inclusions : - Traditional ,Boutique or Heritage accommodation where possible or Quality accommodation (on a twin-sharing basis) in centrally located 4*Hotels . -Meals – breakfast in all destinations - Internal Travel by rail - ferries - coach as applicable -Guided sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary as applicable -All arrival and departure transfers -Entrance and excursion costs as indicated Travel is based on private coaches with Local guides . You do have the option of Independent travel .Get in Touch to discuss on how we could tailor the trip to suit you .

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High Season

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The weather is hot and sunny, the water is warm, and millions of people flock to the coast to soak up the sun and take a break from routine.. During the spring months, the flowers are blooming and the landscape is verdant, while autumn days are mild and clear before the winter rains.

Those wanting to travel earlier in the season can visit some of the more southern destinations as well as the larger Mediterranean islands. Cyprus and Malta are lovely in April, with warm days and pleasant nights. Late March through April is also an ideal time to visit Morocco, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey.

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Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.

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