Dubrovnik to Istanbul

29 days
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Small Group Tour
From Croatia’s blue seas and delectable cuisine, to Turkey’s epic history and whimsical East-meets-West culture, everything in the middle blends into a perfect mixture of exciting tradition and contemporary style. An adventure through the ages, laze on white sandy beaches, explore ancient historical ruins, visit quaint fairytale towns and hike through postcar...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Stroll through bustling Placa in Dubrovnik
    • Cruise the Kotor fjord
    • Explore the impressive Et’hem Bey Mosque in Tirana
    • Hike to Car Samoil’s Castle in Ohrid
    • Meander around picturesque Lake Prespa
    • Educate yourself in Ioannina’s wealth of museums
    • Hit the beach in Levkas
    • Take a history lesson in Athens
    • See the future in Delphi

What's this trip about?

    From Croatia’s blue seas and delectable cuisine, to Turkey’s epic history and whimsical East-meets-West culture, everything in the middle blends into a perfect mixture of exciting tradition and contemporary style. An adventure through the ages, laze on white sandy beaches, explore ancient historical ruins, visit quaint fairytale towns and hike through postcard-like scenery. Afterwards, dine on mousaka and kebabs with a hearty supply of vino, ouzo and riki for the ultimate gastronomic experience.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Albania
  • Greece
  • Croatia
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Turkey

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia, a place of sunshine, sand and scenery; home to chic cities, coastline, charming cobblestone towns, World Heritage sites, and a thriving food and wine scene. The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful white st...

Day 2 Kotor

Leave Dubrovnik behind and take a private transfer to Kotor on the Montenegrin coast (approximately 3 hours). This 5th-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. In...

Day 3 Tirana

After breakfast we will be transferred to Tirana, a drive of about 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic into Tirana. If you think you know Albania, think again. This addictive country has a myriad faces. In the rugged north, the Alps are so fierce they'...

Day 4 Kruja / Tirana

Today take a half-day trip to the mountain village and former Albanian capital of Kruja. Kruja was the last stronghold of Skanderbegs army until the Ottomans took over the entire country. There is plenty of time to explore the citadel and the famous bazaar area. Perha...

Day 5 Lake Ohrid

Travel by private bus to Ohrid in Macedonia, a drive of about 3 hours, situated on a lake with the same name. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around Ohrid, before embarking on a cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid to take in the views of the town and the surrounding scenery while afloat.

Day 6 Lake Ohrid

At 34km long, 14km wide and over 300 meters deep, and shared between Albania and Macedonia, vast Lake Ohrid is one of Europe's oldest lakes and there's plenty of it to explore. Today is free for you to discover the area. Possibly visit the Macedonian Orthodox Church o...

Day 7 Skopje

This morning hop onto public bus to Skopje, Macedonia's capital city. In Macedonia’s political and cultural centre, walk through Macedonia Square and sample gozleme and tasty baklava. Take a step back to Ottoman times with a visit to the Daut Pasha Hamam or journey th...

Day 8 Matka Canyon / Skopje

Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the mountains by the Treska River. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves and to over 70 species of endemic butterflies. There is the option to explore the canyon's sights by boat. One of the monast...

Day 9 Dihovo / Pelister National Park

A 3 hour public bus ride will take you to Pelister National Park, located in the Baba Mountain massif, a perfect location for a walk, and a beautiful landscape with views that go on for miles. Enjoy a great wine tasting experience at our homestay. The owner produces his own prize winning wine while trying many local delicacies including home baked bread, jams, salami...

Day 10 Ioannina

Take another private transfer across the border into Greece, and on to Ioannina. With astounding archaeological sites, islands of extreme beauty, bucolic villages and some of the greatest food you’ll ever consume, Greece should be on every traveller's list. This gem of the Aegean will satisfy your thirst for knowledge, lust for adventure, desire for partying and craving for cuisine. Opa!

Day 11 Ioannina

Discover the wonders of Ioannina while ambling through the city’s old town, castle district and along idyllic Lake Pamvotis. Located in the center of the town, Ioannina's castle was the heart of the Despotate of Epirus, and the maze-like layout of the old town's stree...

Day 12 Levkas Island

Take a private bus over the causeway to the island of Levkas (also known as Lefkada) on the Ionian sea. In the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite, there will be plenty of time to rest and relax on blue waters and white-sand beaches. Choose to follow the crowds to P...

Day 13 Levkas Island

Continue to explore the island further today as it is a free day. Perhaps try your hand at a challenging hike or mountain bike ride around the surrounding mountains, all of which will afford great views of the Ionian Sea and the rugged coastline.

Day 14 Athens

There's much to be seen in the ancient capital of Greece, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics, yet still retaining so much visible history. Named after the goddess of wisdom, Athens has a weighty history that spills out over the modern city, represented ...

Day 15 Athens

Today you'll have more time to explore Athens. As this is a combination trip, your leader and the composition of your group may change at this point. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. You're welcome to attend, as this is a grea...

Day 16 Athens

Spend more time in Athens to explore and discover the history this unique place has to offer, or you might like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day trips, such as 'Taste of Athens' or 'Markets, Ruins and Ancient Athens'. Many other options are available, including day trips to the Peloponnese peninsula, taking in ancient Epidavros and the ancient Corinthian canal.

Day 17 Delphi

Travel by public bus to Delphi (3hrs). Located on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, this modern town with it's ancient ruins overlook the Gulf of Corinth. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world and today is one of the country's most inspiring archaeol...

Day 18 Kalambaka / Meteora

Travel by public bus to Kalambaka (4.5hrs) After leaving your bags at the hotel we will embark on a short orientation walk of town where your leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. Then it's off to nearby Meteora, home to 14th century monaster...

Day 19 Meteora

Climb into the heavens, just like monks have done for centuries, to explore an ancient monastery precariously placed atop a 400-m-high rock formation. Enjoy some great views back over the town. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the scenic area around Meteora. Your leader will have suggestions at hand.

Day 20 Kastoria

It is a 2 hour bus ride to Kastoria. This medieval town is situated on the western shore of Lake Orestiada, in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains. Kastoria is full of interesting architecture, including old distinctive villas from the skin and fur trade times....

Day 21 Thessaloniki

After a 2,5 hour bus ride to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki, you will have some time to explore the second largest city in Greece. Walk along the waterfront to the White Tower, and take in the Byzantine churches and Roman ruins. This city comes alive in the evening with its lively cafe scene.

Day 22 Pella / Thessaloniki

The following day you embark on a day trip to Pella, the ancient Macedonian capital during the time of Alexander the Great. See the well defined city blocks and mosaic floors that are still visible today. In the centre of the city is the agora, built in the 4th centur...

Day 23 Chalkidiki Peninsula

The first thing you'll see when you arrive at the Chalkidiki Peninsula today is the azure blue of the sea and the green of the hills. Perhaps take a hike in the surrounding area and explore the countryside of this hidden beauty, or simply relax on the white sand of on...

Day 24 Chalkidiki Peninsula

Today is a free day for you to explore the area. There is the option to head into the hills where there are a multitude of hiking options, all of which afford glorious views across the sparkling blue Aegean Sea, the rugged coastline and the mountainous spine of the pe...

Day 25 Kavala

Kavala, also known as the cyan city, is the principal seaport of eastern Macedonia, and is located on the Via Egnatia, a 2nd century Roman road whose remains can still be seen today. The town centre is dominated by the huge 16th century aqueduct, which was still used ...

Day 26 Kavala

Today you will visit the excavations of the ruins of Philippi and its archaeological museum which showcases finds from the ancient settlement. Philippi was established by Philipp II of Macedon in the 4th century BC to control an important east-west route, but didn't f...

Day 27 Gallipoli

Today we travel to private bus to Turkey. Cosmopolitan cities brimming with modern delights, archaeological sites filled with ancient splendour, curious landscapes straight out of a storybook and picture-perfect coastlines frequented by the jet set… this is tantalisin...

Day 28 Istanbul

This morning we travel by public bus to the metropolis Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, so it will come as no surprise that this vast metropolis is home to a beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions, blending the i...

Day 29 Istanbul

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is a great deal to do in Istanbul we recommend allowing a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be able to assist.

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Dates & Availability

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Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Homestay (1 nt),Hotel (26 nts),

Transportation & Flights

Metro,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,

Transportation & flights

Metro,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi
Guides
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Visas for Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Greece are not required for passport holders of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. All other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities. Turkey requires nationals of Australia, Canada, the UK, the US and many European countries (such as Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands) to apply for an e-visa. Please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least a few weeks before you go to submit your application. A valid passport is sufficient for citizens of New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland for stays up to 3 months. All other nationalities please check with your nearest Turkish embassy.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. SCAMS Common scams operating in Europe include ploys to get you fined on the metro without a validated ticket. Ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket (have your ticket stamped). Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, steal your valuables. You may also come across players offering you to participate in the so-called "shell game". This is a scam and you will most certainly lose your money. ATHENS METRO We have had reports of travellers being pickpocketed on public transport in Athens. Please be careful with valuables whilst travelling on the metro or the bus.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Golden Horn Hotel - Istanbul
  • Hocapasa Mah. Istasyon Arkasi Sk. No 9
  • Sirkeci
  • Istanbul
  • Istanbul
  • TURKEY
  • Phone: +90 212 514 15 44
Trip ID
intrepid-ZMSTC

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