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18-Day Adriatic and Balkan Adventure: Ksamil to Sarajevo via Gjirokaster, Kotor, Dubrovnik & Mostar

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Day 1: Arrival & Beach Relaxation

Ksamil, Albania on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Mare Blu

Enjoy a fresh breakfast of local pastries and coffee right by the seaside, perfect to start your Ksamil adventure.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Ksamil Beach Visit

Spend your morning relaxing on the stunning white sandy beaches and swimming in the clear Ionian Sea waters. Open all day.
Free, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Joni

Savor fresh seafood including grilled fish and calamar, accompanied by Albanian wines.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Butrint National Park

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient ruins of a Greek-Roman city, open from 8am to 7pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Limani Restaurant

Dine on a terrace overlooking the sea, enjoying Mediterranean dishes with fresh local ingredients.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Beach & Village Strolls

Ksamil, Albania on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Vila Gjeçi

Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet featuring Albanian cheeses and fresh fruits.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Island Hopping by Boat

Take a short boat trip to nearby Ksamil Islands for snorkeling and sightseeing, trips run till late afternoon.
EUR15, 4h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Limari Tavern

Enjoy traditional Albanian grilled meats and fresh vegetables in a cozy setting.
EUR12, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Saranda Day Trip (optional)

Short drive to Saranda to explore the promenade and shops; open all day.
EUR5 transport, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Guvat Restaurant

Taste local dishes like fërgesë or seafood pasta with a sea view ambiance.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 3: Final Ksamil & Departure

Ksamil, Albania on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before checkout and departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisure at Mirror Beach

Spend your morning relaxing at the less crowded Mirror Beach, ideal for swimming and photos.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sofia Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine before heading to Gjirokaster.
EUR12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Gjirokaster

Drive or take a shuttle to Gjirokaster, journey approx 2h30m, check into accommodation.
EUR20 transfer, 2h30m

4:00pm

Gjirokaster Old Town Walk

Explore the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed Ottoman town, absorbing its unique historical atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kujtimi

Sample traditional dishes such as qofte (meatballs) and local wines in a rustic setting.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Sights

Gjirokaster, Albania on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Kalemi

Start with a rich breakfast buffet emphasizing Balkan specialties.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Gjirokaster Castle

Visit this imposing fortress featuring museums, panoramic views, and the old prison; open 9am-6pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Makrinari

Enjoy Albanian stews and fresh salads in a garden setting.
EUR12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ethnographic Museum

Explore the museum housed in a traditional Konak, offering insight into regional culture and history.
EUR3, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Kotor

Depart for Kotor, Montenegro (approx 3h drive), check into hotel upon arrival.
EUR30 transport, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Galion Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood with a marina view in the heart of Kotor's Old Town.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kotor Old Town Exploration

Kotor, Montenegro on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffe del Mare

Light breakfast featuring local pastries and espresso near the Kotor harbor.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Kotor Old Town

Delight in exploring narrow streets, medieval walls and historic churches. Open all day.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Scala Santa

Enjoy traditional Montenegrin cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local wine.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Climb to Kotor Fortress

Challenge yourself with a scenic hike up to the Fortress of St. John for breathtaking views. Hike takes 1.5hr one way.
EUR3 donation suggested, 3h30m

6:00pm

Coffee & Pastry Break at Old Town

Relax in one of the cozy cafes before dinner, such as Caffe Pasa.
EUR6, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Galeb Restaurant

Savor Mediterranean fare with a focus on seafood in elegant surroundings.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Bay Cruise & Leisure

Kotor, Montenegro on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the included breakfast before a day on the Bay of Kotor.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Bay of Kotor Boat Tour

Take a half-day boat cruise visiting Our Lady of the Rocks island and Perast, open daily 9am-5pm.
EUR25, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Perast

Try local specialties like black risotto at a waterfront restaurant in the charming town of Perast.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kotor & Leisure

Stroll the waterfront or rest at your hotel.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cesarica

Enjoy fresh fish and traditional Montenegrin dishes in a casual setting.
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Dubrovnik

Kotor, Montenegro to Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your morning with a convenient breakfast before hitting the road.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Dubrovnik

Travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia (approx 2h), check into accommodation on arrival.
EUR20 transport, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Proto Restaurant

Enjoy top-quality Dalmatian seafood in a historic setting near the city walls.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Dubrovnik Old Town Walk

Explore iconic sights such as the Stradun, Onofrio’s Fountain, and Rector's Palace; open all day.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

City Walls Walk

Walk the famous city walls for panoramic views; open 8am-7pm, entrance fee applies.
HRK200 (~EUR27), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taj Mahal

Enjoy Bosnian inspired flavors in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Elafiti Islands Excursion

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast ready for your boat tour to the islands.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Elafiti Islands Boat Tour

Day trip to the Elafiti Islands, with swimming and sightseeing, tours operate 8am-4pm.
EUR35, 7h0m

4:30pm

Return & Relax

Unwind at your accommodation or stroll the Old Town streets.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pantarul

Savor contemporary Croatian cuisine focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cultural Museums & Leisure

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Breakfast offering sea views with pastries and espresso.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Maritime Museum

Visit Dubrovnik’s Maritime Museum showcasing the city's seafaring history, open 10am-6pm.
HRK40 (~EUR5.50), 1h0m

11:30am

Franciscan Monastery & Pharmacy

Explore one of Europe's oldest pharmacies and beautiful monastery architecture, open 9am-7pm.
HRK50 (~EUR7), 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishta

Specializes in vegetarian and vegan Dalmatian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Leisure & Shopping

Spend afternoon wandering boutiques and enjoying cafes.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant 360

Fine dining with a Michelin star and spectacular views over the city walls.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 10: Travel to Mostar

Dubrovnik, Croatia to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before departure for Mostar.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Mostar

Cross the border and drive approx 2h30m to Mostar, check into hotel.
EUR20 transport, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Šadrvan

Try Bosnian specialties like cevapi and burek near the old bridge.
BAM20 (~EUR10), 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Old Bridge (Stari Most)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and its charming cobbled lanes; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Karađoz Bey Mosque

Visit this well-preserved Ottoman mosque with beautiful interiors; open till sunset.
BAM5 (~EUR2.50), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tima Irma

Experience authentic Bosnian cuisine in a historic setting.
BAM25 (~EUR12.50), 1h30m
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Day 11: History & Culture

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Bristol

Enjoy a plentiful breakfast buffet with local and continental options.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

War Photo Exhibition

Gain deep insight into the Bosnian War through powerful photographic displays, open 10am-6pm.
BAM10 (~EUR5), 1h0m

11:00am

Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque

Climb the minaret for incredible views of Stari Most and Mostar Old Town; open 9am-6pm.
BAM5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lagero

Enjoy modern Bosnian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative presentation.
BAM20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Blagaj Tekke Visit

Take a short drive to Blagaj, visiting the Dervish monastery by the Buna spring, open till 6pm.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sadrvan

Another chance to enjoy Bosnian cuisine in a lovely atmosphere with live music.
BAM25, 1h30m
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Day 12: Travel to Sarajevo

Mostar to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure to Sarajevo.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Sarajevo

Journey to the capital Sarajevo, approx 2h30m drive, settle into accommodation.
BAM30 transport (~EUR15), 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Buregdzinica Sac

Taste traditional Bosnian burek and other pastries in downtown Sarajevo.
BAM10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Baščaršija

Wander the old bazaar featuring shops, mosques and cafés; open all day.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Sebilj Fountain

Iconic wooden Ottoman fountain in the heart of Baščaršija, great for photo ops.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Inat Kuća

Dine in a historic Ottoman house, enjoying authentic Bosnian dishes.
BAM30, 1h30m
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Day 13: Historic Sites

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before starting to explore Sarajevo.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Considered one of the most important Islamic structures in the Balkans; open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918

Discover Austro-Hungarian period history including the assassination that sparked WWI; open 9am-5pm.
BAM10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dveri

Try hearty Bosnian dishes like stuffed peppers and chicken paprikash.
BAM20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tunnel of Hope

Visit this historic tunnel museum symbolizing Sarajevo’s resistance in the 1990s siege; open 9am-6pm.
BAM10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Cable Car Ride to Trebevic

Take a short ride up to Trebevic mountain for scenic views and hiking options; cable car open 9am-8pm.
BAM15, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Avlija

Enjoy rustic Bosnian cuisine in a cozy courtyard setting.
BAM25, 1h30m
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Day 14: Art & Leisure

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

View contemporary and traditional art, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm.
BAM8, 1h30m

11:30am

Latif Savic Street & Boutiques

Explore artistic shops, galleries, and cafes offering a modern Sarajevo vibe.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Karuzo

Fine dining with international and local fusion dishes.
BAM30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Leisure & Spa Time

Relax with a spa experience or café time at your hotel or nearby wellness center.
EUR40 spa treatment, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mala Kuhinja

Tuck into creative Bosnian fusion cuisine at this highly rated intimate restaurant.
BAM25, 1h30m
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Day 15: Final Day in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final hotel breakfast to fuel your day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Vrelo Bosne Park

Take a taxi or drive to this beautiful park at the source of the River Bosna, perfect for a morning stroll.
BAM2, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at To Be Or Not To Be

Enjoy stylish café food with a scenic view over Sarajevo rooftops.
BAM20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping for Souvenirs

Visit Baščaršija market for last-minute souvenirs like copperware and local crafts.
Free to browse, 2h0m

4:30pm

Coffee Break at Café Barometar

Enjoy the vibe and relax with a good coffee before dinner.
BAM5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Mala Stanica

Celebrate your journey with traditional Bosnian dishes paired with local wines in a warm atmosphere.
BAM30, 2h0m
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Day 16: Departure Day

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before final preparations for departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Sarajevo Airport

Depart to Sarajevo airport for your flight home.
BAM20 transport (~EUR10), 30m
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