Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece

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. Stay: Hostel 365 for U Dubrovnik

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. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

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 walk to the San Giovanni Fortress. Grab some fun group photos with your CEO as you stand atop the city and 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. Stay: Old Town Kotor Hostel (B)

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 to 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! Stay: Hotel Kruja (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Kruja (B)

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. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

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. Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

A day all yours to relax in paradise. You can visit St Spyridon Cathedral, boasting the highest bell tower in the Ionian Islands. Witness remnants of a different way of life at the Paleokastritsa Monastery, where the monks also cultivate olives and press their own oil. (insider tip, it’s sold at the gift shop). You’re welcome. Then, indulge your vacation side swimming or lying in the warm sands of the chill and soothing Paleokastritsa Beach. It sits at the end of a long inlet with high rock walls offering natural privacy on both sides (the exact kind of beach we like best). Or maybe walk out to the end of a narrow jetty off the southern edge of the Kanoni Peninsula for a chance to see the Vlacherna Monastery before treating yourself to some beach hopping at Canal d’Amour, Mirtiotissa, and Issos beaches. Your friends back home will wish they came too! Stay: Pink Palace Hotel (B)

While it’s hard to not be sad when you leave the island life behind, we have a feeling where you head next will make you do a happy dance. Travel to Kalambaka, the town next to Meteora via public bus and enjoy free time to explore the magnificent Monasteries. Perched on insanely high cliffs there are six still available for visiting. They were built on these immense natural pillars and hill-rounded boulders and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight. See as many as you can and try not to succumb to a fear of heights. In the evening, you may want to relax in your hostel, play some games as a group, and show off those epic photos you took. Stay: Hotel Edelweiss (B)

Wave “antio sas”(that’s good-bye in Greek) to Meteora and Kalambaka as the group heads to Delphi on a private bus. Once you arrive you’ll have time to grab some lunch before joining your CEO to visit the Delphi Archaeological Site. Afterwards, take advantage of free time to view the exhibits at the museum, and snap some photos of the Temple of Apollo. Temples, and Gods, and Greek Mythology, oh my! Stay: Hotel Castri Delphi (B)

Sit back, relax, and think about the wonderful times you’ve already had as you transfer from Delphi to Athens. Head out on a CEO led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on famous landmarks before visiting Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place. In the evening let loose on your final night! Grab some cool beverages as a group and let those good times roll. Stay: Hostelworld Bedbox Hostel Athens (B)

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going. It’s your choice and you don’t have to go home just yet. Right? (B)