Southern Europe: Montenegro, Corfu & Medieval Fortresses

Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening. After your Welcome Meeting, set out on a walk through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. See Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, a Franciscan Monastery, and feel the vibrant energy of this Unesco protected walled city.

Included Experiences

• Dubrovnik Orientation Walk With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO around the city of Dubrovnik. Walk with your CEO and explore Dubrovnik old town, walk from the gate via main street called Stradun to the end. See Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, and Franciscan Monastery. All visits are from outside with no entrance fees included.
• 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.

Pull out those travel journals and cross another country off your bucket-lists today because it’s time to leave Croatia behind and give some love and attention to Montenegro. All of the boxes will be checked today, beautiful sites, quaint villages, and your first glimpse of Kotor Bay, a unique fjord of the Adriatic. You’ll check out the historic village of Perast. Think marvellous buildings, postcard-like churches, and a romantic waterfront that seems to feature in every painting of European sailing towns. Rest of the day you get to hang out with your super cool and fun CEO. They will take you on a highlights walk of UNESCO protected Kotor and show you places like the Old City, St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the famous Clock Tower. Don’t let the fun end here! Make a plan and keep hanging out and see if your CEO can accompany you to a few hole in the wall places that will make your time here truly unique.

Included Experiences

• Perast Visit: Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.
• Kotor City Exploration: Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Amazing views and a magical experience are on the menu for today. It all starts as the sun rises over the land on a morning hike up the Ladder of Kotor. Grab some fun group photos with your CEO as you revel in the views. The rest of the day belongs to you. Explore, bop around, and experience Kotor as you wish. Even if that means laying low at the hostel with a few friends, we won’t judge, in fact, the best moments often happen when you least expect them. Cat lovers rejoice! Because Kotor has their very own Cat Museum you can visit. Not feeling an afternoon of felines? That’s ok, walk into the impressive interior of St. Nicholas’ Church, hop on a boat and visit Our Lady of the Rocks, or book an excursion to Blue Cave for a bucket-list worthy swim spot.

Included Experiences

• The Ladder of Kotor Hike: Hikers looking to get their adrenaline pumping should strap on their boots and head toward the Krstac Pass, standing 940m (3,083 ft) above the Old City. There's no better compliment to an increased heart rate than incredible views, and that's exactly what you'll get here. Be prepared with a camera and lots of water.

Optional Experiences

• Donji Stoliv Hike: Follow a less challenging hike along the fjords lining the northern border, enjoying amazing views of the bay along the way, before coming upon the quaint fishing village of Donji Stoliv. This hike is mostly flat and is best enjoyed during the day.
• The Ladder of Kotor Hike: Hikers looking to get their adrenaline pumping should strap on their boots and head toward the Krstac Pass, standing 940m (3,083 ft) above the Old City. There's no better compliment to an increased heart rate than incredible views, and that's exactly what you'll get here. Be prepared with a camera and lots of water.
• Kotor Maritime Museum: At the Maritime Museum, explore the history, culture and living artifacts that connect modern Kotor with its centuries-old naval traditions. Learn about the Boka Marines, a fraternity of sailors and navigators who helped shipbuilding flourish in the Balkans.
• Sea Kayaking: Head out by sea kayak to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Start just outside the Old Town walls and explore the coast. Stop at a beach bar for a break or a swim.
• Kotor - Tivat Inland Tour: Tour the twin cities of Kotor and Tivat, with visits to the town of Cetinje and Lovcen National park. This tour is a perfect chance to explore inland and experience all the varied environments and historical architecture Montenegro has to offer. Tour includes all transportation and tickets.

Another day, another dollar. Just kidding, it’s free to make awesome memories with your friends and it’s guaranteed that you will as you travel along the Montenegrin coastline towards Tirana, Albania. Make a pit stop overlooking St Stefan, part island, part luxury resort. It’s a great place to get out, stretch those legs and pretend you have just arrived on your private yacht like most guests do. From there you’ll get to visit Dolphin-shaped Lake Skadar on the border of Albania and Montenegro. Explore the area surrounded by steep mountains, island monasteries, and crystal-clear waters by foot. Finish the day in Tirana with a half day guided walking tour through the streets featuring Skanderbeg Square!

Included Experiences

• St Stefan Overlook Visit: St Stefan is a fortified village that dates back to the 15th century. The island has a unique setting of cobbled lanes, lush courtyards, and unbeatable views of the sea. This part luxury resort, part island, has been referred to as one of Europe's most luxurious hotels. Stop at a lookout point here to stretch those legs and take in the scenery.
• Lake Skadar National Park: Take a visit to the breathtaking Lake Skadar National Park. A short bus ride from Kotor, this dolphin-shaped water body is the largest lake in the Balkan region, and is one of the richest bird habitats in Europe.
• Guided Walking Tour of Tirana: Walk through the streets of Tirana with a local guide. Visit Skanderbeg Square and experience Albanian hospitality.

The day is yours! Take advantage of free time and get to know Tirana. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, this city hardly ever makes travel bucket lists. Tirana boasts a wide range of optional activities that are guaranteed to charm you. Opt to hike through national parks in the area, or maybe explore history museums that unveil Tirana's turbulent past. Check out food markets full of local cuisine and sweets while you admire the local landmarks of this special place.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Today, Tirana is the cultural, political, and entertainment center of Albania. While remnants of the city's Ottoman, Italian, and communist past are still present, Tirana is still becoming a modern European metropolis. See for yourself during your free day exploring. Choose to visit the Skanderbeg Square, where the National History Museum, the National Library, City Hall and the Et’hem Bej Mosque all reside. Or walk the Murat Toptani street in search of places to browse for keepsakes of your time here. Don't forget to grab some lunch at a traditional Albanian restaurant.

It’s no secret that travelling is exhausting! Build up that energy with breakfast in the hostel then drive along the coastal route to Saranda known fondly as the “Albanian Riviera”. Strap those sea legs on as you catch the ferry from Saranda to the island of Corfu where once you arrive you’ll have free time to grab a drink, explore Corfu, and laugh it up with your pals at the hostel.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Free Time: Hang out in Corfu tonight. Grab some drinks, find a fun place to eat, and plot out tomorrow's adventure.

Optional Experiences

• Lekuresi Castle: If you are looking to get a glimpse into Ottoman history, take a visit to Lekursi Castle. Built in the 16th century by Sultan Suleymani, this complex was designed to protect the city from coastal invaders. The site now offers visitors an interesting place to take an afternoon stroll, while taking in panoramic views of Corfu and Ksamil islands in the distance.
• Mirror Beach Visit: Take a taxi south to Mirror Beach, a secluded natural bay. If you are looking for some quite time in paradise (read: turquoise waters and limestone cliffs), this is the place.
• Bay Visit: Take a walk along the town's horseshoe shaped beach. Grab a scoop of ice cream, rent a paddle boat, or try the catch of the day at a seaside restaurant,

Wake up in paradise and know that the choice is yours today and there’s nothing holding you back! Take a taxi and explore the UNESCO-listed town, wander by the laundry swaying in the sea breeze and search for a place to grab lunch and a cocktail or two. Searching for something more exciting and unique? Chill out on an olive oil tasting experience, or learn about bees and honey production in Corfu. Looking for more adventure? Visit an ancient monastery on steep cliffs overlooking the azure waters. Want to just relax? Lay out beachside working on your tan and swimming in the refreshing waters. Turns out you really can’t go wrong on this Greek island. Tonight, opt to go out with the group to Corfu Town and hit up some of the best nightlife spots. The transfer to and from the hostel is included if you choose to go.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Free time in Corfu today! Plenty of time to do as you please and discover some hidden gems.

Optional Experiences

• Achilleion Palace, Museum and Gardens: Marvel at Queen Sissi of Bavaria's tribute to Greek mythology at the Achilleion Palace, 30 minutes south of Corfu. Built in 1890, the palace grounds are filled with marble statues, delicate fountains and beautifully landscaped gardens that overlook the coastline. Used as a set for the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only", this splendid sanctuary is worth the drive out of town.
• Archaeological Museum Corfu: See some of the amazing artifacts housed at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, including relics excavated from the ancient city of Corfu, Cassiope, the Gorgon pediment and The Lion of Menecrates. While small, this museum is a great place to see local artifacts and get a sense of the area’s history.
• Mon Repos Beach: Take a walk on this beach to discover more of the beautiful Kanoni peninsula.
• Palaio Frourio: Climb up this fortress (which also happens to been constructed out of the remains of a Byzantine castle) and be rewarded by a spectacular 360 view of Corfu.
• Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis was built in 580 BC and is the first known example of a Doric temple built with stone. Though many of the temple's preserved columns have been transferred to a nearby museum, the ruins are still considered a milestone of Greek architecture.
• Hiking Corfu: Stretch your legs and explore the picturesque island of Corfu on foot. Your CEO will be happy to help with planning a hike!

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading south for some good times and epic views in Greece.