Classic Balkan Trek

Here are a few more details to help you before you start your trip - where it starts, how to get there, visa information and a few other handy hints. If you would like to hear the views of past passengers or meet fellow travellers, then log-on to Chatabout our online forum and get all the info you need to plan your adventure.

Optional Activities

These activities are designed to enhance your trip experience, they locally operated, as our comrades know their city better than we. They do cost you extra, but you're guaranteed of getting the best value for your money.

Gallipoli ½ day tour – This is a must in order to take in the whole legacy of Gallipoli. An expert local Guide will take you around the beautifully preserved national monument that has become Gallipoli. The tales and legends as well as the sights will move you even if you were not directly connected with the war.

Meteora Monastries – entrance fees to at least one of the cliff top monasteries €2

Acropolis entrance €10

Dubrovnik – Wall walk €10

Day 1: Istanbul to Gallipoli

We leave the Turkish metropolis and head to the Greek Acropolis.  Our first night is in Gallipoli, a place made famous by the brave ANZACS of 1915. We arrive around midday allowing you time to trace all the relevant landmarks whilst we set up camp here. This is your chance to visit this historical site without the crowds and hustle, so take your time. Visit the lone pine cemetery and the beach landing point so you can witness firsthand what our ANZACS faced back in 1915.

Day 2: Gallipoli to Thessaloniki

After the moving experience of Gallipoli we head across the border to Greece, stopping to visit Kavala and its impressive Roman aqueduct then on to Thessaloniki. It's well known that you can eat some of the best Greek food here, its nightlife is second to none and its white sandy beaches are awesome so time to party on and enjoy some local interaction.

Day 3: Thessaloniki to Meteora to Athens

A historical day at the cliff monasteries of Meteora. This ancient site features monasteries perched on cliffs dating back to the 9th Century. The Holy Trinity monastery was featured in the James Bond movie 'For Your Eyes Only' and today is a UNESCO listed site. After an enthralling visit we head to Athens and spend the evening in the plaka right below the Acropolis. Like a village within the city, we can eat Greek specialities and try some of the local ouzo.

Day 4: Athens

A free day to explore the Greek capital, from which sprang pretty much everything that Western Civilisation is based on. There many ancient monuments but the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon dominate the city. Tonight we get together for some dinner and drinks on a rooftop bar.

Day 5: Athens to Parga

We depart Athens and head north to Croatia via Parga. Parga boasts not only a bubbling party scene but some great beaches and touches of Greek mythology. Old Poseidon, the God of the Sea liked this part of the world. We will arrive in the afternoon; enjoy a swim and a relaxed evening in our resort.

Day 6: Parga to Durres

We head over the border into Albania and the port city of Durres. Albania is an up and coming European player and with beaches and history to back up its claims. Our drive today will take us through rural Albania with a chance to get to know the local culture a little better before spending the night on the coast and those unspoilt beaches. The sunsets here are fabulous and the local Albanians are willing to please as tourism is just beginning here.

Day 7: Durres to Budva

After a morning swim and breakfast we continue our journey north into Montenegro and the town of Budva. Set directly on the Med, Budva has the best beach culture in the Balkans. You will be amazed at the blue stone churches and the historic old city. The Balkans are unrivalled for beauty and today this will become very apparent.

Day 8: Budva to Dubrovnik to Split

Our day takes us into Croatia and Dubrovnik. This city is legendary for its well preserved stone walls, great seafood and is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. We arrive into Dubrovnik around mid morning and will stay until mid afternoon so ample time to walk the walls, have a swim and tuck into some fresh seafood for lunch. The last leg of this amazing journey takes us to Split and the Diocletian Palace. Tonight we'll orientate you around the old city and delve into some excellent Dalmatian food and nightlife.

Day 9: Split

Tour finishes on check out.