Join us as we take you on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Adriatic Coast, traveling through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and ending in magical Venice, Italy. This guided tour was packed with epic nature, charming historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and plenty of hilarious travel moments.

In this episode, we share why choosing a guided tour was the best decision for this multi-country trip, including how we navigated different currencies, terrains, and local customs. We also spill travel tips, funny stories, and can’t-miss highlights from each destination. If you’re thinking about exploring the Balkans or the Adriatic, this episode is your ultimate guide!

Where we went along the Adriatic Coast:

• Albania – Underrated gems and Cold War history in Tirana
• Montenegro – National parks, medieval towns, and stunning mountain scenery
• Croatia – Coastal cities, Game of Thrones sites, and breathtaking waterfalls
• Slovenia – Fairy-tale lakes, caves, castles, and Alpine beauty
• Venice, Italy – Iconic canals, charming bridges, and delicious food

Highlights of Albania Include:

• Tour of Albania's capital, Tirana – Skanderbeg Square, Cold War nuclear bunkers, Berlin Wall relic, Stalin statue, and National History Museum
• Stop in Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest cities, en route to Montenegro

Highlights of Montenegro Include:

• Visit stunning Kotor, a medieval walled city on the bay (UNESCO site)
• Visit to Moraca Monastery (1252 AD)
• Explore Biogradsko National Park – one of Europe’s last virgin forests
• Marvel at the Tara Bridge over Europe’s deepest canyon
• Hike around Black Lake in Durmitor National Park – a glacial wonder
• Tour Podgorica, including the King’s Palace

Highlights of Croatia Include:

• Cave bar sunset in Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik Walking Tour – City Walls, Old Town, and Game of Thrones filming locations
• Walk the iconic Dubrovnik City Walls
• Sunset boat cruise and dinner on St. James Beach
• Tour Split and Diocletian’s Palace, a living Roman palace
• Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park – 16 cascading lakes in vibrant hues of blue and green (UNESCO)

Highlights of Slovenia Include:

• Explore Postojna Caves, Europe’s largest show cave
• Stay lakeside at Lake Bled, enjoy the famous Bled Cream Cake at the original Park Hotel
• Row a Pletna boat to Bled Island, climb the 99 steps, and ring the wishing bell
• Visit stunning Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake, surrounded by the Julian Alps
• Visit Bled Castle, perched on a 400-ft cliff with sweeping lake views

Highlights of Venice Include:

• Early morning exploration with no crowds – Rialto Bridge & St. Mark’s Square
• Visit the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica
• Indulge in Nino’s Chocolate Shop, gelato at Gelatoteca Suso, and delicious pizza and lasagna
• Getting lost strolling the endless canals and alley ways

We experienced the Adriatic Coast on a guided tour, and all our hotels were included. However, if you plan to visit on your own, to make your travel planning easier, we have included a link for you to find your hotel accommodations with ⁠Expedia⁠ here.

To further help you plan, be sure to check out additional activities, tours and things to do via ⁠⁠Viator⁠⁠ in whatever city or destination you desire.

If you're looking for a flight deals to the Adriatic Coast region , or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for ⁠⁠⁠Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠⁠ ⁠to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you!

Since this is an international trip, make sure you can stay connected and access internet and data on the cheap with ⁠Airalo⁠. Airalo is an E-Sim instant download that allows you to avoid the high costs of accessing internet and data with your home country cell provider while traveling internationally.

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