Dubrovnik to Santorini

Wind your way down through some of Mediterranean Europe’s most charming towns, beaches and islands on this journey from the Adriatic to the Aegean. Start off with a tour of Dubrovnik’s enchanting walled city before heading south along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to Montenegro. Venture off the tourist trail for a taste of old-time Balkans in Albania and Macedonia, take time out in provincial Syros, and then eat, drink and sunbathe your way through the good times on offer in Mykonos and Santorini. A region of breathtaking scenery, legendary history and ever-enticing cuisine, this journey through Eastern Europe serves up a slice of the Mediterranean with a Balkans backdrop. The Balkan Peninsula and the Greek Islands are ruggedly beautiful and mountainous. This makes for a gorgeous backdrop, but it also means plenty of steep steps. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find this region's topography very demanding.The main means of transportation in the Greek Islands is by public ferry. These ferries transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry while it is in motion. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.Each season has it’s benefits and drawbacks. Summer temperatures in the Balkans and the Greek Islands can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat, especially as much of the transport and accommodation we use will not have air conditioning. The weather in cooler months like April can be unpredictable and many businesses will be closed, but the major sights are far less crowded. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.This trip spends limited time in Dubrovnik and Santorini at the start and end of the trip respectively. You may want to consider arriving a few days earlier to make sure you are not missing out on everything that Dubrovnik has to offer. And as Santorini is a beautiful island which warrants some extra time an extension of your stay is highly recommended. Ask your travel agent or Intrepid representative for help booking additional accommodation (subject to availability).On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.We have had reports of travellers being pickpocketed on public transport in Athens. Please be careful with your valuables while travelling on the metro or the bus.