Venice to Athens: Culture & Coastline

First stop, Venice.

An Italian welcome: drop your bags and say ciao! to the like-minded group of explorers you'll be spending the next two and a bit weeks with. We've got a feeling you'll be the best of friends in no time.

Our first meal: pizza, pasta, risotto, gnocchi, bruschetta. Name us an Italian food that's not delicious (we'll wait). Tonight, get your first authentic taste of it during our welcome dinner. Buon appetito!

Later, your way: jet lag got the better of you? Head back to the hostel for a much-needed snooze. Or follow your stomach to the nearest gelato spot for an after-dinner treat. Stay: Meninger Venezia Mestre (or similar) (D)

Slovenia is calling.

Next stop, Lake Bled: this morning, swap canals and Renaissance masterpieces for the tranquil waters and lush green forests of Slovenia's Lake Bled. There'll be loads of time to soak it up (and soak in it if you fancy a dip) before you continue onto the country's enticing, although admittedly tricky to spell, capital.

Zdravo Ljubljana: after checking in, Ljubljana is yours for the taking. See the dragons along Zmajski most (they're the city's official symbol), stretch your legs in Tivoli Park or stroll to Ljubljana Castle for golden hour views. Stay: C-Punkt Hostel (or similar) (B)

A free day in Ljubljana to explore more? Count us in!

City strolls: wander through the winding streets of the city's old town, treating yourself to vibrant architecture and local homemade treats like potica (sweet and syrupy walnut-filled cakes). The artsy Metelkova district is also a must-see for street art fans. Fact: the murals get more vibrant and more wacky the deeper you explore.

Riverside bites: need to refuel? Grab a late lunch at a cafe along the river and people watch as you tuck into an artisan cheese and charcuterie board. Perfection! Stay: C-Punkt Hostel (or similar) (B)

Scoff your breakfast, we've got another country to get to.

Croatia's calling: today's a bit of a long travel day but it's broken up with a stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Expect to be wowed by jewel-toned waters and tumbling cascades as you get lost along meandering trails for an hour or two.

Later, your way: take it easy at your Zadar hostel tonight. Or go where the land meets the sea to witness The Sea Organ in action. Think: an experimental sound installation powered by the rolling waves. It's the original ASMR experience. Stay: HI Hostel Zadar (or similar) (B)

Zadar, it was nice. But fairytale Dubrovnik awaits...

Dubrovnik on foot: get acquainted with this stunning city on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Feast your eyes on views of Sponza Palace, Rector Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed old town. It's one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world and the perfect backdrop for your new profile pic.

Dinner plans: as the sun sets over the shimmering Adriatic, regroup for a delicious included dinner and chat plans for tomorrow's free day. Black risotto made from squid ink might be on the menu (and all over your t-shirt). Stay: Hotel Vis (or similar) (B/D)

Your day, your way in Dubrovnik.

Keep it action-packed: tackle the old town's two-kilometre-long defensive walls for epic vistas of crystal-clear ocean, terracotta rooftops and more than a few Game Of Thrones filming locations. Or why not test your rowing skills with a kayak trip to Lokrum? This lush island's not as far away from the harbour as it looks (pinky swear).

Or have a do-nothing day : spread out your towel and prepare to practice your breaststroke at one of the hidden swim spots nestled just below the city walls. Stay: Hotel Vis (or similar) (B)

Rise and shine – Croatia's close cousins, Bosnia & Herzegovina, are up next.

Mooch around Mostar: thought Dubrovnik was photo-worthy? Get your bearings of this equally as beautiful city on the Neretva River with your Trip Leader (including strolling over the iconic Stari Most bridge).

Sarajevo bites: after an afternoon wander through Sarajevo at your own pace, gather the group for an included dinner. Possible options on the menu: cevapi (barbecued mincemeat morsels), burek (stuffed filo pastry pie) and jabukovača (Bosnia's answer to baklava but with an apple twist. Yum!). Stay: Hotel City Boutique (or similar) (B/D)

Sarajevo is today's playground. Ready to jump in?

A blast from the past: breakfast is the only solid plan today before you're let loose on the city's streets. If you want to get more out of your visit (more facts and more history, we mean), there's an optional deep dive into the siege of Sarajevo on the cards. Follow a local guide past key sites – gaining insider knowledge about the fall of Yugoslavia and the longest siege to occur in modern warfare.

Evening chill: we won't lie – tomorrow's a big drive day as we cross the border into Montenegro. Meaning? You might want to grab a quick dinner and an early night so you're feeling fresh for the journey ahead (or not...). Stay: Hotel City Boutique (or similar) (B)

Zbogom, Bosnia – swap Sarajevo city vibes for dreamy Bay of Kotor views.

Shotgun the window seat: today's journey will be 100% worth it for that first glimpse of the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. Cue: dramatic mountains, bright blue waters and a string of tiny coastal towns that appear trapped in time.

Settle in: have a lazy evening at your central hotel (you deserve it). Or hit the cobblestones and get lost in Kotor's Old Town. We hear it's the place to try fantastically fresh seafood. Octopus salad, anyone? Stay: Hotel Porto Inn (or similar) (B)

Embrace (Kotor) bay living.

Get those steps in: explore Kotor at your own pace today – whether that's with an amble through its narrow streets or a hike up to Kotor Fortress for awesome panoramic views. Don't forget to say hi to all the resident cats, either. According to local legend, they're the saviours of the town. Meaning? Scratches behind the ears are 100% expected.

A speedy adventure: the best way to see the bay in all its glory? On the water, of course! Hop on an optional speedboat tour featuring stunning views and plenty of refreshing swim stops. The very definition of dreamy. Stay: Hotel Porto Inn (or similar) (B)

Grab those travel games and your favourite seat – we're heading to Albania!

Tungjatjeta , Tirana: a local guide will unlock this captivating capital's secrets during a walking tour. Prepare for industrial vibes, lush gardens, art galleries and churches galore.

An Albanian feast: you won't want to dawdle at your hotel too long this evening. Why? Because there's another included group dinner to get to featuring plenty of tasty Mediterranean bites. Stay: Hotel Metro (or similar) (B/D)

Tirana: let's see what you've got.

City wanders: head to Skanderbeg Square where the city's vibrantly-painted national buildings are sure to brighten your day (and your camera roll). Conquer your fear of heights and climb the Clock Tower for incredible views of the entire city. Or pick up a byrek (flaky, filled pastry) to go and take it easy with a lazy day spent sprawled out by the lake in Grand Park. Stay: Hotel Metro (or similar) (B)

Swap city buzz for riviera relaxation.

Post-coach ride swims : after journeying from the city to the coast, stretch your legs – and your arms – with a dip in the brilliantly blue ocean. It's the ultimate way to chill out and switch off.

Post-sunshine eats: swap those swimmers for something a little looser as you regroup for another included dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Hotel Vola (or similar) (B/D)

Up for a full day in blissful paradise? You've got it.

Beach days, your way: grab your kindle, find a shop that sells floatable donuts and hit the sand for a full day of relaxation. Do whatever feels good for you: afternoon naps, sea dives, stand-up paddleboarding. Speaking of which...

Test your balance: admire this scenic section of coastline from the water during an optional SUP adventure. Wobble – we mean paddle – your way from Kristal Beach and around the idyllic Ksamil Islands, stopping off for multiple swims and sunkissed selfies. Stay: Hotel Vola (or similar) (B)

Next stop: Greece, where mythology, democracy and your new favourite street food (gyros, obviously) collide.

Majestic Meteora: feel like an ancient god surveying their kingdom from this lofty UNESCO World Heritage site. You're not just here for the views, though. The scattering of Byzantine monasteries on Meteora's rocky summit definitely weren't built for easy access – but they're yours to explore for the afternoon. Stay: Famissi Hotel Kalambaka (or similiar) (B)

End things with a bang in the Greek capital.

An Athens afternoon: hop off the coach and plunge head first into ancient history. With a few hours to explore before dinner, you've got tonnes of time to climb the mighty Acropolis, explore the colourful streets of Plaka or wander the city's markets in search of last-minute souvenirs.

A proper Greek send off: as the sun drops over Athens' legendary skyline , gather for one last group dinner featuring heaps of yummy Greek goodies (and possibly a few enthusiastic opas!) Stay: Best Western Candia Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

One last brekkie before you say your goodbyes. It's been a blast!

The end of the road: after you've scraped the bottom of your yoghurt bowl and slurped the last of your coffee, it's time to end the adventure. Where the road takes you next is entirely up to you (but we'd recommend another Topdeck trip, naturally). (B)