Self-Launched: Dubrovnik to Athens — Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Ancient Greece
12 days · Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece
G Adventures charges £1,450
No-markup version: ~£597 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A 12-day self-launched version of G Adventures' Roamies hostel-based run from Dubrovnik to Athens. You'll trace the Adriatic coast from Dubrovnik through Kotor Bay, cross into Albania for Lake Skadar and Tirana, ferry out to Corfu for island time, then hop through mainland Greece for the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, the ruins of Delphi and a finish under the Acropolis. Instead of a private vehicle and CEO, you'll ride intercity buses, the Saranda–Corfu ferry and Greek regional trains, and book the same highlights (Blue Cave boat trips, Delphi ticket, Meteora monasteries) via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct. Hostels throughout keep you near the crowd you'd get on a group tour, at a fraction of the price. All costs are rough backpacker estimates in GBP and exclude international flights.
Day-by-day
Arrive Dubrovnik & Old Town orientation
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fly or bus in (Dubrovnik airport shuttle — Platanus — runs to Pile Gate or Gruz bus station, ~£7). Check into a hostel inside or just outside the walls (Old Town Hostel / Hostel Angelina area). Late afternoon, walk the Stradun, the Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Lovrijenac Fort from outside — the big-ticket walls ticket (≈£30, or Dubrovnik Pass if you want walls + museums) is best done early on Day 2 before you leave. Grab dinner in one of the konoba side streets off the Stradun (budget: £10–14) and meet other travellers in the hostel kitchen/bar.
🚌Airport shuttle from DBV ~£7; everything else on foot
🛏Hostel dorm in/near Old Town, ~£22/night
- →Self-guided Old Town walk: Stradun, Franciscan Monastery, Cathedral
- →Lovrijenac Fort viewpoint
- →Cheap konoba dinner in the old town backstreets
Dubrovnik → Kotor Bay & Perast, evening in Kotor
Kotor, Montenegro
Hit the City Walls early (book the Dubrovnik Pass online via GetYourGuide or direct — cheaper than buying at the gate) before a late-morning bus. Take the Croatia Bus / Arriva coach Dubrovnik → Kotor (~3 hrs, £18–25, book on GetYourGuide/FlixBus/Arriva online a few days ahead in summer). Alternatively, hop off at Herceg Novi and do the coastal bus. On arrival, drop bags and take the public bus or taxi to Perast (~20 mins, £2–4) for the baroque waterfront and the boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks (small motorboat from Perast quay, ~£4). Back in Kotor at dusk, wander the UNESCO Old City, St Tryphon's Cathedral and the Clock Tower square.
🚌Intercity bus Dubrovnik–Kotor ~£18–25 (book ahead); local bus/taxi to Perast
🛏Hostel dorm in Kotor Old Town, ~£18/night
- →Dubrovnik City Walls walk (Dubrovnik Pass)
- →Perast waterfront & Our Lady of the Rocks boat
- →Self-guided Kotor Old City highlights
Kotor fortress sunrise hike + free afternoon
Kotor, Montenegro
Set an alarm — the classic Ladder of Kotor hike up to San Giovanni Fortress (entrance ≈£8) is best started before 7am to beat both the heat and the crowds; allow 1.5 hrs up. Back down for breakfast, then a free afternoon: the Cat Museum (£2), St Nicholas' Church, sea kayaking in the bay (€20 / ~£17 via Kotor kayaking operators or GetYourGuide), or a shared boat trip to the Blue Cave (half day, ~£30–35). Easy, social hostel evening.
🚌On foot; optional taxi to kayak/boat departure points ~£5
🛏Hostel dorm in Kotor Old Town, ~£18/night
- →Ladder of Kotor sunrise hike to San Giovanni Fortress
- →Cat Museum
- →Sea kayaking in Kotor Bay (optional, ~£17)
- →Blue Cave boat trip (optional, ~£30–35)
Kotor → St Stefan → Lake Skadar → Tirana
Tirana, Albania
The longest travel day. Take a morning bus Kotor → Bar or Kotor → Ulcinj, then a connecting bus to Shkodër/Tirana (total ~£15–20, 6–7 hrs including changes) — or, simpler, book a shared minibus transfer through a hostel or GetYourGuide that stops at St Stefan viewpoint en route. Whichever you choose, break the journey at St Stefan viewpoint (the postcard island-resort photo) and Lake Skadar — the Virpazar side has the boats and birdlife, a short detour from the Bar–Shkodër road. Arrive Tirana late afternoon; do a self-guided loop of Skanderbeg Square, the Piramida and Bunk'Art 2 if time allows, or save them for tomorrow.
🚌Buses/self-arranged shared minibus Kotor–Bar–Lake Skadar–Tirana, ~£15–20 total
🛏Hostel dorm near Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, ~£12/night
- →St Stefan viewpoint photo stop
- →Lake Skadar / Virpazar walk and boat view
- →Evening self-guided walk of Skanderbeg Square
Tirana free day
Tirana, Albania
Enjoy one of Europe's best-value capitals. Join a free walking tour (tips-based, meet at Skanderbeg Square) or book the Bunk'Art 1 history museum (£4) for Albania's communist past. Hunt down byrek and tavë kosi in the New Bazaar, ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car (£5 return) for ridge walks above the city, or day-trip to the mountains around Bovilla Reservoir if you want a hike. Cheap craft beer on the Blloku strip in the evening.
🚌Local buses ~£2; cable car £5 return
🛏Hostel dorm near Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, ~£12/night
- →Free walking tour of Tirana (tip-based)
- →Bunk'Art 1 or 2 museum (~£4)
- →Dajti Ekspres cable car (~£5)
- →New Bazaar food stalls
Tirana → Saranda → ferry to Corfu
Corfu, Greece
Bus down the Albanian Riviera to Saranda (furgon/coach, ~5 hrs, £10–13, or an organised minibus on GetYourGuide including the Llogara Pass stops). If you leave early, squeeze in the Lëkurësi Castle viewpoint and Mirror Beach before the afternoon ferry. Saranda → Corfu ferry runs daily in summer (~1 hr, £18–25 one-way with Sarris Cruises or Finikas — book direct or via Klook); passport control at both ends. Arrive Corfu and settle into a hostel in Corfu Town or near Gouvia/Kavos for £20–25/night, then drinks with new roommates.
🚌Coach to Saranda ~£11; ferry Saranda–Corfu ~£20 one-way
🛏Hostel dorm in Corfu Town or Gouvia, ~£22/night
- →Albanian Riviera coastal drive
- →Lëkurësi Castle viewpoint / Mirror Beach (time permitting)
- →Saranda–Corfu ferry crossing
Corfu: Corfu Town & island options
Corfu, Greece
Local bus or shared taxi into UNESCO-listed Corfu Town: the Liston, the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), St Spyridon and the laundry-strung alleys of the Campiello. Optional add-ons bookable on GetYourGuide or direct: the Achilleion Palace (£8), an olive-oil tasting at a family estate (~£20), a honey/beekeeping visit, or a boat trip to Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island (£8). Evening: Bus or taxi back and out in Corfu Town's bars, or a beach bar on the west coast.
🚌Local city bus ~£1.50 each way; taxi £10–12
🛏Hostel dorm in Corfu Town or Gouvia, ~£22/night
- →Corfu Town old quarter & Old Fortress
- →Achilleion Palace (~£8)
- →Olive oil tasting (~£20, optional)
- →Vlacherna Monastery / Mouse Island boat (£8, optional)
Corfu beaches, monasteries & Paleokastritsa
Corfu, Greece
Take the green KTEL bus to Paleokastritsa (~45 mins, £2) for the monastery (free, olive oil sold at the gift shop) and the sheltered twin bays — rent a kayak (£10) or just swim. Alternative: taxi to Kanoni peninsula and walk the jetty for Vlacherna Monastery views, then beach-hop Canal d'Amour, Mirtiotissa and Issos by local bus. Keep it slow — this is your rest day in the itinerary.
🚌KTEL local buses ~£2–4 each way
🛏Hostel dorm in Corfu Town or Gouvia, ~£22/night
- →Paleokastritsa Monastery & beach
- →Kanoni peninsula / Vlacherna jetty
- →Beach-hopping by local bus (optional)
- →Kayak hire (~£10, optional)
Corfu → Kalambaka / Meteora
Kalambaka, Greece
A long transit day. Take the morning ferry back to Igoumenitsa (£12–15, 1.5 hrs), then the KTEL intercity bus Igoumenitsa → Ioannina → Trikala → Kalambaka (total ~£20–25, 6–7 hrs with changes; check ktelbus.com schedules a day ahead). Alternatively fly Corfu–Athens and bus up, but the overland route is far cheaper. Arrive Kalambaka in the evening, check into a guesthouse (£20–25), and eat at a taverna under the rock pillars.
🚌Ferry to Igoumenitsa ~£13 + KTEL buses to Kalambaka ~£22
🛏Guesthouse dorm/private in Kalambaka, ~£22/night
- →Ferry crossing back to mainland
- →Evening view of the Meteora pillars from Kalambaka
Meteora monasteries → Delphi
Delphi, Greece
Meteora early: the KTEL local bus loops the monasteries from Kalambaka (€3 day pass) or hire a scooter/e-bike (£15). Six monasteries remain; Great Meteoron and Varlaam are the essential pair — entry is €3 each and shoulders/knees must be covered. Aim to be back in Kalambaka for an afternoon bus toward Delphi: KTEL Kalambaka → Trikala/Lamia → Amfissa/Delphi (~£18–22, 4.5–5 hrs). Overnight in the village of Delphi (£22–28); the ruins are 10 minutes' walk from most guesthouses.
🚌Local Meteora bus €3; intercity buses to Delphi ~£20
🛏Guesthouse in Delphi village, ~£25/night
- →Meteora monasteries — Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Holy Trinity (~£3 each)
- →Kalambaka to Delphi scenic overland transfer
Delphi Archaeological Site → Athens
Athens, Greece
Open the day at the Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum (combined ticket €12 / ~£10, book on GetYourGuide or buy at the gate if you're early) — the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the stadium and the Charioteer in the museum. Mid-afternoon bus to Athens (KTEL Livadeia/Athens, ~3 hrs, £14–18). Check into an Athens hostel in Monastiraki/Plaka (£20–25), then a self-guided highlights walk: Syntagma, the changing of the guard, Plaka lanes, and the illuminated Acropolis from Areopagus Hill — free. Optional: stop at Shedia Home café (the social enterprise G Adventures supports) for a drink.
🚌KTEL bus Delphi–Athens ~£16; Athens metro €1.20
🛏Hostel dorm in Monastiraki/Plaka, Athens, ~£22/night
- →Delphi Archaeological Site & Museum (~£10)
- →Self-guided Athens highlights walk
- →Acropolis view from Areopagus Hill
- →Drink at Shedia Home café (optional)
Acropolis & depart Athens
Athens, Greece
Book the Acropolis and Parthenon ticket online in advance (€20 in summer / €10 off-season, ~£17 — GetYourGuide or hhticket.gr) and go at opening time (8am) to dodge the heat and queues. Combine with the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch nearby (~£8 or covered by the combined €30 Athens ticket). Then metro to the airport (€9, 40 mins) for your flight home, or keep going — a ferry to the islands is only £35.
🚌Athens metro to airport €9
🛏—
- →Acropolis & Parthenon (pre-booked, ~£17)
- →Temple of Zeus & Hadrian's Arch
- →Plaka last-minute souvenir wander
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£597 | £1,450 |
| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £853 per person (59%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£597
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched: Dubrovnik to Athens — Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Ancient Greece cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £597 per person for 12 days in Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £1,450 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £597 — a saving of roughly £853 (59%) per person.
How long is the Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece trip?+
This itinerary runs 12 days, covering 12 day-by-day stops through Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a backpacker, culture, beaches trip through Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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