Zagreb to Athens: Monasteries & The Mediterranean

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. Stay: Hostel Swanky Mint

Explore Zagreb on an orientation walk before transferring to Plitvice for the night. Stay: Falling Lakes Hostel

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! Stay: Design Hostel One

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. Stay: Design Hostel One

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. Stay: Design Hostel One

Travel to Dubrovnik. Enjoy an optional night on the town with the group. Stay: Hi Hostel Dubrovnik

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. Stay: Hotel Leotar (B)

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. Stay: Continental Adventure Resort (B/D)

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. Stay: Hotel Tere (B)

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. Stay: Motel Vila Bijela (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Hecco (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Hecco (B)

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. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

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. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

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. Stay: Hostel Highlander (B/D)

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. Stay: Hostel Budva (B)

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. Stay: Hostel Budva (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Idea Signature Tirana (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Idea Signature Tirana (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Kaceli Berat (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Panorama Himara (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Panorama Himara (B/L)

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. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Enjoy a full free day in Corfu today to do as much or as little as you please. Hit up some of the local beaches, explore the nearby villages or maybe rent a sea kayak. In the evening head out for an optional dinner with the group to enjoy the delicious food made with fresh and local ingredients. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Start your day by exploring Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history, charm, and Venetian elegance. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful neoclassical buildings, uncover hidden squares and lively cafes, and soak up the timeless beauty of this enchanting town. Whether you're browsing local boutiques, visiting historic landmarks, or simply enjoying the vibrant morning atmosphere, this cultural journey is the perfect start to your day. In the evening, lace up your hiking boots for the Corfu Achilleion Sunset Hike. This scenic trail offers stunning views of the island bathed in golden light as the sun sets over the sea. And for those craving an extra thrill, there’s a cliff jumping opportunity at sunset—an unforgettable experience for the adventurous! Get ready for a perfect blend of natural beauty, adrenaline, and epic views. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Take advantage of a full day in paradise to bask in the glory of everything that the island of Corfu has to offer. Take an optional boat tour, rent a kayak or visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island. Otherwise relaxing at the hostel or at one of the local beaches is always a great option too. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

Think planes, trains, and automobiles, only a private bus, a short local transfer, a ferry, and a public bus working together to take you to the town of Kalambaka, in the heart of Meteora. Upon arrival, head out on a hike to the mountaintop monasteries amidst stunning rock formations and landscapes. Return to Kalabaka for the rest of the evening and relax for the evening. Stay: Hotel Edelweiss (B)

Travel south by bus to Athens today, arriving in the afternoon. After settling into the hotel, visit Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place. Later, head out on a CEO-led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on some of the famous landmarks and ancient monuments and then finish off the day with a Big Night Out in the lively Plaka neighborhood. Stay: Athens Hawks Hostel (B)

Depart at any time. Take final photos and say your goodbyes before heading on your way. (B)