Balkans, Cairo & Beyond

Discover a richly rewarding Europe holiday combining an immersive Balkans guided tour with a destination-focused Mediterranean cruise through Greece, Egypt, Malta and Italy. Travel through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece on Collette's The Balkans, uncovering a captivating mix of historic cities, UNESCO-listed landmarks, dramatic scenery and authentic local experiences.

From Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik and Kotor to Tirana, Meteora and Athens, the land journey is filled with culture, cuisine and unforgettable moments. Your holiday also includes a 15-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Quest, sailing from Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia) and featuring ports such as Syros, Bodrum, Heraklion (Crete), Alexandria (Cairo), Valletta, Siracusa, Catania and Salerno.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2,300 flight credit per person
• 15 day The Balkans guided tour 
• 14 night Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Onward
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues plus select standard drinks, beers & wines, bottled water, soft drinks plus more
• 1 night stay in Athens pre cruise
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 01 Oct – 31 Oct 2026
Other travel dates available, surcharges may apply

Tour Includes:

• 8 handpicked accommodations
• 23 meals
• Guided sightseeing across the Balkans and Greece
• Historic cities, scenic coastlines and cultural encounters
• Private boat experience to Our Lady of the Rocks in Montenegro
• Visit one of the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora
• Local dining and regional culinary experiences
• Meaningful cultural moments in Sarajevo, Tirana and beyond

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Zagreb, Croatia

Arrive in Croatia’s fascinating capital city, Zagreb. Get ready to discover this modern metropolis with its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, and cobbled streets meant for strolling. Your day is free until tonight, when you gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Zagreb - Karanac

This morning, join a local guide on a walking tour of Zagreb’s highlights, from the main square to Upper Town. Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch on your own before the journey continues to the northeast corner of Croatia. Travel off the beaten path towards the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. Tonight, meet your local hosts for a delightful dinner accompanied by folk entertainment.

Day 3: Karanac - Osijek - Karanac

Immerse yourself in country life this morning, perhaps joining your hosts in preparing breakfast. Then join your local guide in the nearby city of Osijek, learning about its Roman and Ottoman history. Take free time to have lunch and explore the city centre on your own, marvelling at the architecture, museums, historic buildings, city parks, and monuments. This afternoon, find out how wine is made in this region – whilst enjoying a glass. Then, roll up your sleeves alongside locals to prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner.

Day 4: Karanac - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This morning, continue to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, where East meets West, and your home for the next two nights. Reminiscent of a European Jerusalem, experience a city shaped by its rich history and the coexistence of various religious sects. Perhaps you’ll join a guided stroll this evening to get acquainted with the area.

Day 5: Sarajevo

With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the First World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles. Free time means independent exploration of this historic city. During an Impact Moment, meet with a local siege survivor, who will uncover more of Sarajevo’s past. Spend time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, the site of the “Tunnel of Hope” that connected the besieged city to the outside world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Sarajevo on your own. Tonight, locals welcome you to their home for dinner. Enjoy regional favourites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone for a truly memorable evening.

Day 6: Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik, Croatia

This morning, on your way to Croatia, spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar on a guided walk before lunching on your own in the historic part of the city. This afternoon, be greeted by views of the Adriatic Sea when you arrive in Dubrovnik.

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s ancient streets share their history and timeless appeal during a tour of the city. Then, let the city continue to reveal itself to you because it’s your choice! Take a harbour cruise for magnificent views of Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls and visit Lokrum Island -OR- get a bird’s-eye view of the city by cable car, riding up to Srd Hill, a breathtaking vantage point to look over the Old Town below and the Adriatic Sea. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style.

Day 8: Dubrovnik - Kotor, Montenegro

It’s “Dovidenja” to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat* for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Complete your visit to Kotor with a locally guided tour before you settle in your hotel located within the historic walls of Kotor town.

Day 9: Kotor

Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 metres above sea level. Soak in the views from a cable car and get a tasty local lesson on the traditions of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialities. Learn more about Montenegrin history whilst visiting the royal town of Cetinje. Upon return, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor.

Day 10: Kotor - Shkodër, Albania - Tirana

Cross another border today and arrive in Albania! Get to know Shkodër, one of the most historic cities in the country. Admire mosques and churches on a guided stroll along the main pedestrian street and try some of the local cuisine. Continue your travel day on your way to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Explore its history and architecture on a locally guided tour whilst learning more about Albania’s intriguing past. Visit a former top-secret nuclear bunker, now a museum dedicated to the victims of one of most controlling communist regimes in Europe.

Day 11: Tirana

Today, explore Tirana as you wish. Perhaps you’ll decide to join an optional excursion to the coastal ancient city of Durrës, where the Roman Amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian stands as the city’s most prominent attraction. Join a local guide to see the historic city’s ruins, and later, get an introduction to the viticulture in the region whilst enjoying a wine tasting paired with local specialities at a prominent winery. No matter how you fill your day, experience the best of the local cuisine and a show of rich folk traditions during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Tirana - Gjirokastra - Kalambaka, Greece

Soak in the beauty of the countryside with its winding roads and stretches of green on your way to Gjirokastra in southern Albania. Perhaps one of the steepest cities in the world, explore its unique architecture and glorious history. After having some free time in this fascinating town join your local guide on a tour of Gjirokastra’s dominant castle on the hill. Cross into Greece, your last border on this travel journey. Arrive in Kalambaka** in the late afternoon in time to freshen up for dinner at the hotel.

Day 13: Kalambaka - Metéora - Athens

This morning, explore Metéora. Visit one of the remote monasteries*** situated in a unique landscape, where limestone rock “towers” extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks built their monastic community perched atop these rocks. Later, learn how Byzantine icons are created by visiting an icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka. Watch some of the process at this atelier, where icons are made using traditional methods. Spend some time on your own in this enchanting town before continuing your journey to Athens.

Day 14: Athens

Later this morning explore the sights of Athens on a locally-guided walking tour. From Syntagma Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, wander through the streets, soaking in the essence of this iconic city and savouring its charm and energy. Visit the new Acropolis Museum, considered one of the most important museums in the world, to trace the story of the ancient city. Located within a short walking distance of the Acropolis, the museum houses archaeological treasures from the Acropolis and offers wonderful views on the ancient site. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Athens on your own before joining your fellow travellers for dinner and to toast to the end of your journey.

Day 15: Athens - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today.

Cruise Itinerary

Date

Ports of Call

Arrival Time

Departure Time

17-Oct-26

Athens (Piraeus)

6:00 PM

18-Oct-26

Syros

8:00 AM

6:00 PM

19-Oct-26

Bodrum

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

20-Oct-26

Heraklion (Crete)

8:00 AM

10:00 PM

21-Oct-26

At Sea

22-Oct-26

Alexandria (Cairo)

6:00 AM

23-Oct-26

Alexandria (Cairo)

8:00 PM

24-25 Oct 26

At Sea

26-Oct-26

Valletta

8:00 AM

10:00 PM

27-Oct-26

Siracusa, Sicily

8:00 AM

10:00 PM

28-Oct-26

Catania (Sicily)

8:00 AM

4:00 PM

29-Oct-26

Salerno

8:00 AM

30-Oct-26

Salerno

4:00 PM

31-Oct-26

Rome (Civitavecchia)

6:00 AM

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 02-04-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.