11 Days | Albania + Montenegro + Croatia

Treasures of the Adriatic

A limited-series Journey from the Albanian Riviera to Berat, the Bay of Kotor and Dubrovnik, hosted by Mark Story and limited to just ten guests.

  • Max 10 guests
  • Limited series
  • Hosted by Mark Story
  • Premium coastal hotels
  • No large buses

Limited Series

Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, paced for atmosphere.

This Journey is designed for travelers who value atmosphere and pacing as much as sightseeing: coastal Albania, soulful Berat, cinematic Kotor and a golden Dubrovnik finale, with an optional Hvar Island and Split extension.

The 11-day core

Begin on Albania's Riviera, turn inland to Berat, follow the coast to Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and finish in Dubrovnik with a farewell aperitif overlooking the Adriatic.

Optional extension

Add Hvar Island and Split for a 4-night Croatia extension featuring Hvar wine, island leisure, Diocletian's Palace and Split's old-town rhythm.

11 DaysLimited series
Albania to CroatiaRoute
Max 10Small group
4 Countries/RegionsAdriatic arc
Premium HotelsCoastal character
From $11,779Per person

What makes this Journey different?

The Adriatic, without the big-bus blur.

This Journey is not built as a rushed checklist. It is relaxed, immersive and elegant, with minimal hotel changes and a maximum of ten guests.

Limited to ten

A smaller group creates room for personal hosting, boutique hotels and more flexible coastal travel.

Hosted by Mark Story

The September 12, 2027 departure is presented as hosted by Mark Story from beginning to end.

Privately guided

Historical tours use local English-speaking guides, with Discovery Walks in each destination.

Premium coastal travel

Comfortable vehicles, scenic transfers and thoughtfully paced routing replace large-bus machinery.

Transparent pricing

City taxes and gratuities are included, excluding the Tour Captain gratuity.

Extension-ready

Hvar Island and Split extend the Croatia story without overloading the core Journey.

Journey at a glance

Four chapters along the Adriatic.

The Journey begins in Dhërmi after arrival into Tirana, then moves to Berat, Kotor and Dubrovnik. The optional Croatia extension adds Hvar and Split.

Chapter 1 | 2 nights

Dhërmi

Albanian Riviera, Old Dhërmi, Ionian Sea, coastal viewpoints, welcome dinner and relaxed beach time.

Chapter 2 | 2 nights

Berat

World Heritage atmosphere, Ottoman quarters, Berat Castle, Gorica, Mangalem and the Onufri Icon Museum.

Chapter 3 | 3 nights

Kotor

Bay of Kotor, medieval lanes, Venetian maritime history, coastal drives and optional mountain villages.

Chapter 4 | 3 nights

Dubrovnik

Old Town, Mount Srđ, limestone streets, Adriatic views, leisure and a farewell aperitif.

Printable Journey Guide

Keep the limited-series route close.

Download a printable guide with the Albania, Berat, Kotor and Dubrovnik chapters, hotel collection examples, Hvar and Split extension notes and booking reminders.

Download Printable PDF

Daily itinerary

The Adriatic story, day by day.

The itinerary unfolds in four clean chapters plus the optional Hvar and Split extension.

Adriatic coastline at sunset

Chapter 1 | Days 1-2

Albanian Riviera

Arrive into Tirana (TIA) and transfer to Dhërmi, where Albania's coastal chapter opens with Riviera atmosphere, Ionian views, Old Dhërmi and a relaxed first rhythm.

  • Day 1: Arrival transfer, Dhërmi Discovery Walk and welcome dinner overlooking the Ionian Sea.
  • Day 2: Old Dhërmi, sea-view viewpoints, Orthodox churches, coffee and local pastry tasting, Monastery of St. Mary and an open afternoon.
Historic Adriatic town

Chapter 2 | Days 3-4

Berat

Leave the coast for Albania's soulful interior, where white Ottoman homes, castle walls and lived-in history define Berat's calm.

  • Day 3: Scenic journey to Berat, Discovery Walk and welcome dinner with regional Albanian flavors.
  • Day 4: Berat Castle, Mangalem and Gorica quarters, historic bridge, Onufri Icon Museum and free time.
Bay of Kotor coastal mood

Chapter 3 | Days 5-7

Kotor & Montenegro

The landscape shifts to Montenegro's fortified bays, Venetian maritime history and mountain-meets-sea drama.

  • Day 5: Coastal journey to Kotor, hosted lunch stop, Discovery Walk and dinner beside the Bay of Kotor.
  • Day 6: Private exploration of medieval Kotor, fortress walls, gates, bay views and harbor culture.
  • Day 7: Leisure day or optional mountains and villages excursion through Njeguši and Lovćen National Park.
Dubrovnik and the Adriatic

Chapter 4 | Days 8-11

Dubrovnik

Cross into Croatia for the cinematic finale: Dubrovnik's walls, limestone streets, Mount Srđ, leisurely coastal time and a final Adriatic toast.

  • Day 8: Into Croatia, Dubrovnik Discovery Walk from Pile Gate and welcome dinner.
  • Day 9: Guided Old Town, ancient walls, medieval passageways, Republic of Ragusa stories and Mount Srđ views.
  • Day 10: Leisure in Dubrovnik or optional coastline, hidden coves or Elafiti Islands by boat, followed by farewell aperitif.
  • Day 11: Breakfast and departure from Dubrovnik, or continue to the Croatia extension.

What's included

Hosted care from coast to coast.

Included elements feature Tour Captain hosting, privately guided historical tours, Discovery Walks, arrival transfer, luggage handling, coastal travel, hand-picked hotels, city taxes and distinctive Adriatic dining with premium beverages.

Max 10 guests

A deliberately intimate format for personal pacing and boutique coastal properties.

Private guiding

Local guides in historic settings, from Berat and Kotor to Dubrovnik.

No large buses

Premium vehicles and scenic transfers keep the travel experience flexible and coastal.

Clear inclusions

City taxes and gratuities included, excluding Tour Captain gratuity.

Hotel collections

Boutique coastal character.

Deluxe hotel examples are listed throughout the route, with similar properties used where needed. Exact assignments may vary by departure.

Dhërmi hotel setting

Dhërmi

Beyond - A Luxury Boutique Hotel, Dhërmi or similar, selected for Adriatic elegance and sea-view coastal atmosphere.

Berat hotel setting

Berat

Hotel Colombo Berat or similar, with boutique properties selected for atmosphere and relaxed elegance.

Kotor hotel setting

Kotor

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, Hotel Forza Mare or similar, with dramatic bay and mountain views.

Dubrovnik hotel setting

Dubrovnik

Hotel Excelsior or similar, with panoramic coastal views and deep-blue Adriatic water.

Extension examples include Palace Elisabeth, Hotel Adriana-Hvar Spa Hotel or Hvar Heritage Hotel on Hvar; Heritage Hotel Antique Split or Cornaro Hotel in Split.

Dates & prices

2027-2028 limited small group.

Prices are per person in US dollars based on two guests in a room. International airfare is not included. Deposit is $1,000 per person. Solo supplement for a private double room for solo use is $4,979.

2027 departure Limited to 10 guests
Sep 12-22
Deluxe: $11,779
Classic: N/A
with Mark StoryInquire here
2028 departure Limited to 10 guests
May 25-Jun 4
Deluxe: $11,979
Classic: N/A
AvailableInquire here

Deposit and solo supplement

A $1,000 per person deposit applies. The solo supplement for private double-room occupancy across the boutique coastal hotels is $4,979.

Is this Journey right for you?

Best for curious Adriatic travelers.

This is a limited, small-format Journey for travelers who want emerging coastal places, premium hotels and curated experiences handled without feeling over-scheduled.

Right for you if...

  • You want Albania, Montenegro and Croatia in one elegant Adriatic route.
  • You value small groups, boutique hotels and private guiding.
  • You want the itinerary handled without a rushed big-bus feeling.
  • You may want to extend to Hvar Island and Split.

Not ideal if...

  • You prefer well-trodden Western Europe only.
  • You want a large group with the lowest possible price point.
  • You dislike scenic drives or hotel changes.
  • You need a very low-walking itinerary with no old-town stone streets.

Frequently asked questions

A few clarifying details.

Key practical details for the limited-series Adriatic Journey.

Where does the Journey begin?

Fly into Tirana, Albania Airport (TIA). The tour begins with transfer toward Dhërmi on the Albanian Riviera.

Where does it end?

The core Journey ends in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The optional extension continues to Hvar Island and Split.

How many guests are on tour?

This Limited Series Tour features a maximum of ten guests.

Is the Hvar and Split extension included?

No. It is presented as an optional 4-night extension after Dubrovnik.

How active is the tour?

Now Journey sightseeing is leisurely, often about 45 to 90 minutes of walking per day, with flexibility where possible.

Is this a bus tour?

No. The Journey emphasizes premium vehicles, scenic transfers, comfortable coastal travel and no large buses.

Ready to begin?

Ready for the Adriatic few travelers really know?

Start with a proposal or chat with a Now Journey Designer. We can discuss the 2027 Mark Story departure, the 2028 date, solo occupancy or the Hvar Island and Split extension.

No obligation. Just a conversation about your Journey.