Croatia to the Greek Islands: Zagreb Nights & Santorini Views

Hey you, heads up: this three-week adventure is anything but your typical European backpacking trip. Kicking off in Croatia, you’ll soak up Zagreb’s nightlife in exclusive clubs, wander Dubrovnik’s picture-perfect old lanes, and soak up the scenery of Plitvice Lakes and the island of Hvar. Next, you’re off to Greece for some island hopping! You’ll lounge it up on the beaches of Ios, sip wine overlooking the white-walled homes in Paros, and see the best sunsets ever in Santorini.

Day 1 Zagreb
Welcome to Croatia’s capital – where river meets mountain and old meets new. Arrive at any time and for your first night out, head to one of Zagreb’s many trendy bars or beer halls with your CEO and group for drinks and a good time.

Day 2 Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore Zagreb on an orientation walk before transferring to Plitvice for the night.

Day 3 Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split
Explore the terraced lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park, then travel to Split for an orientation walk upon arrival. Tonight, enjoy a Big Night Out with the group!

Day 4 Split
Enjoy a guided walk of Diocletian's Palace. The rest of the day is free, opt to visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Bol, head to Trogir or the ancient ruined city of Solin, or experience the nightlife once the sun goes down.

Day 5 Hvar/Split
Take a morning ferry to Hvar. Upon arrival, opt to enjoy the beach, visit the Hvar Fortress, or enjoy an island-hopping boat cruise that stops at secluded coves around the Pakleni Islands. Return to Split in the evening.

Day 6 Split/Dubrovnik
Travel to Dubrovnik. Enjoy an optional night on the town with the group.

Day 7 Dubrovnik
Enjoy a free day for exploration.

Day 8 Dubrovnik/Kotor
Cross the border into Montenegro and go hiking or visit Lake Skadar.

Day 9 Kotor
Take the day to explore the city of Kotor or the beaches of Herceg Novi. Opt to take a day trip to the beautiful nearby village of Perast.

Day 10 Kotor/Tirana
Check out all that the capital of Albania has to offer on an included orientation walk.

Day 11 Tirana/Saranda
Travel through the Albanian countryside to coastal Saranda, stopping along the way to explore towns and local sights. Stop for lunch in the historic centre of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and opt to visit the Gjirokastër Fortress. Arrive early to Saranda with plenty of time to enjoy the Ionian Sea.

Day 12 Saranda/Corfu
Take a late afternoon ferry across the border to the island of Corfu. Enjoy an orientation walk in the old town of Kerkyra, then enjoy free time to hit the beach and the clubs in the evening.

Day 13 Corfu
Free time to hit the beach and the clubs. Opt to explore the island by horseback, visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island, or relax on one of its many beautiful beaches.

Day 14 Corfu/Athens
Hop on a morning flight to Athens, then take a free afternoon to explore Greece's capital city. Tonight, enjoy a Big Night Out with the group!

Day 15 Athens
Enjoy a free day to explore Athens and partake in any of the optional activities you didn't have a chance to try out yesterday. Maybe visit the National Archaeological Museum, or Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and of course the, Acropolis and Parthenon. In the evening maybe opt for a bike tour to watch the sunset.

Day 16 Athens/Páros
Travel by ferry to the Paros, an island of beautiful villages surrounded by picturesque nature and views of the Mediterranean. Head out on an orientation walk starting at the port town of Paroikla with its white cube-shaped houses. Wander past churches, the Venetian Castle on the hill and the Archaeological Museum. Afterwards, take advantage of free time to visit the many restaurants, cafes, and shops along the old town’s main streets.

Day 17 Páros
Set off on a half-day tour to see more of the island of Paros. Visit the inland village of Lefkes surrounded by hills, pine forests, and olive groves. Then, travel to the resort town of Naousa and Kolymbithres Beach with the clearest water and coolest rock formations you could use for sunbathing. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring, walk on the beach, grab a bite to eat, and relax in this paradise that offers you a Greek island experience without the crowds.

Day 18 Páros/Íos
Hop on a ferry to your next island destination today and enjoy a small lunch onboard. Upon arrival at Ios the group will enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO of Chora which is the main and only real village of Ios. Wander around admiring the little cube house with the flat roofs and the narrow stone paved winding labyrinth of streets. Afterwards you’ll have free time to visit some of the bars and restaurants for some food and drinks, lounge on the beach, or climb to the highest point on the island for panoramic views of Ios. It’s truly unforgettable, especially during a colorful sunset.

Day 19 Íos
Today is all about beaches, swimming, and living out those Greek Island bucket-lists. The group will embark on the Best of Beaches Tour of Ios midmorning. The trip is four hours and you’ll visit seven different beaches along the island. Lunch is included and you’ll have opportunities to swim, try snorkelling at Neverbay. In the evening take advantage of free time to stroll through town or dance the night away at an island nightclub and bar.

Day 20 Íos/Santorini
Spend the morning in Ios. In the afternoon jump on the ferry to the island of Santorini. Upon arrival the group will enjoy a CEO guided caldera walk. The walk is just under 11km and will take you along the rim of the caldera between Fira and Oia. Afterwards, you have the option of attending dinner with the group for your final night in Santorini.

Day 21 Santorini
Depart at any time.