Trip Highlights
Trip Highlights
paddle along croatia’s stunning adriatic coastline
explore the historic towns of kotor and budva in montenegro
kayak through the serene waters of lake skadar
discover albania’s hidden architectural gems
experience locally sourced cuisine and family-owned accommodations
enjoy a guided exploration of unesco world heritage sites
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Croatia
Welcome to Dubrovnik! Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodations and enjoy free time to explore the historic old town with its baroque buildings, marble streets, and medieval stone walls. Savor Mediterranean culture, restaurants, and shops before a restful evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dubrovnik
Day 2 Transfer to Lopud
After breakfast, meet your guide and take a 45-minute ferry ride to the island of Lopud. Upon arrival, check into a family-owned bed and breakfast. Enjoy a brief instructional kayak meeting before paddling 4.5 miles across the island’s coastline, passing cypress parks, citrus gardens, and palm trees. Conclude with a sunset near Sunj beach and dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Paddling Distance: 7.5 km
Ferry Time: 45 min
Accommodation: Family-Owned B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Kayaking: Sunj – Kolocep - Sunj
Start the day with breakfast, then kayak to Kolocep, an island blanketed in pine forests with ancient churches. Paddle along steep cliffs and rock formations, stopping for a swim in the Blue Cave if conditions allow. Lunch is at a renowned local restaurant known for its fresh seafood. Return to Sunj beach and walk back to Lopud for a relaxing evening.
Paddling Distance: 15 km
Accommodation: Family-Owned B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Kayaking: Sunj – Lopud – Sudjuradj – Lopud
Enjoy breakfast before kayaking to Sipan, the largest island in the Elafiti archipelago. Visit the historic summer villa of a 16th-century shipowner, explore vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards. Have lunch at a local farm before returning to Lopud for sunset.
Paddling Distance: 13 km
Accommodation: Family-Owned B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Dubrovnik – Kotor - Kayaking - Budva
Take the ferry back to Dubrovnik, then drive to Kotor, Montenegro. Kayak through the scenic bay past historic churches and limestone mountains. Explore Kotor’s old town before heading to Budva, a cultural gem on the Montenegrin coast. Settle into the hotel and explore or swim.
Ferry Time: 45 min
Driving time: 4 hr 45 min
Paddling distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Budva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Border Crossing and on to Krujë
Drive to Albania, stopping in Shkodra to visit Rozafa Fortress with panoramic views of Lake Shkodra. Continue to the hilltop town of Krujë, where you’ll tour the historic castle, central to Skanderbeg’s resistance against the Ottoman Turks.
Accommodation: Hotel in Krujë
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Albanian Riviera
Drive through scenic landscapes toward Llogora and enjoy lunch before continuing to Dhërmi. Begin an 8-mile kayak journey along the stunning coastline, finishing in Himara.
Paddling Distance: 12.5 km
Driving Time: 3 hr 30 min
Accommodation: Hotel in Himara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Qeparo and Saranda
Paddle toward Qeparo, stopping to explore Ali Pasha Fortress. Enjoy lunch before driving to Saranda, a vibrant coastal town.
Paddling Distance: 13.5 km
Driving Time: 1 hr
Accommodation: Hotel in Saranda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Butrint and Gjirokastër
Kayak from Ksamil to Butrint Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, drive to Gjirokastër, Albania’s historic stone city, for an afternoon tour of its fortress and ethnographic museum.
Paddling Distance: 9.5 km
Driving Time: 1 hr 50 min
Accommodation: Hotel in Gjirokastër
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Tirana the Capital
Enjoy breakfast before driving to Tirana. Stop for lunch at a vineyard en route before a city tour of Albania’s dynamic capital. Spend your final evening exploring.
Driving Time: 4 hr
Accommodation: Hotel in Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Depart Albania
Enjoy breakfast and some free time before transferring to the airport or extending your travels.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel Arrangements
Getting to Croatia
Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik, Croatia, which is easily accessible from major international airports. The primary airport serving the region is Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV). Several airlines offer flights to Dubrovnik from North America and Europe, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, KLM, and United Airlines. Many travelers from the U.S. and Canada connect through European hubs such as Frankfurt, London, or Istanbul before reaching Dubrovnik.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Croatia: As a Schengen Zone country, U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
Montenegro: U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Australian citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Albania: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Australian travelers.
For other nationalities, check visa requirements through the respective consulates before travel.
Border Crossings to Montenegro and Albania
During the trip, you will cross land borders from Croatia into Montenegro and from Montenegro into Albania. Border crossings are straightforward, but delays can occasionally occur during peak travel times. Please have your passport ready and ensure that you receive the necessary entry stamps at each border.
Packing List
Kayak Packing List
Overview
The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming sea kayak tour in Turkey. Please use this list and you will have what you need. Of course, feel free to amend it with your favorite travel items too!
Gear Provided by Sea Kayak Adventures
Sea Kayak Adventures provides all necessary equipment for your selected tour. Since this is a hotel-based sea kayaking tour, the gear includes all the necessary equipment for kayaking including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), paddles, and kayaks. Your other luggage will be transported between each night’s hotel in the trip vehicle.
Luggage Recommendations:
Sea Kayak Adventures trips are best enjoyed if you travel light. We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do check a bag, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or would be hard to replace, with you in your carry-on.
We recommend packing in one soft sided, roll-on (ideally a non-hard-sided version) or duffle luggage that meets carry-on requirements. Alternatively, if you must have a checked bag; make sure your personal item is packed with your “hard to replace items.”
We also recommend bringing one small day pack. This dual-purpose pack can serve as your personal item during your flights as well as your day pack for hikes during the tour. Outside zippered pockets are nice and allow you to organize your travel gear. Carry medications, travel documents, important personal items and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane.
Kayak Packing List:
Essential Items
Passport – must be valid for at least six (6) months after arrival
Photocopy of passport stored in a Ziplock bag and saved as a digital copy on your phone
Copy of air tickets with ticket numbers stored separately
Credit and/or Debit/ATM card with international access (notify your bank of travel plans)
Cash in local currency for small purchases, taxis, and tips
USD, CAD, or Euros for gratuities
Travel watch or phone with an alarm
Money belt or concealed passport carrier
Phone with an international plan or SIM card option
Travel outlet adaptors compatible with European plugs
Clothing
Lightweight, quick-drying clothes for kayaking
Two pairs of long, lightweight pants
One pair of shorts
Swimsuit
Rash guard for sun protection and warmth
One sarong (optional, useful for changing and lounging)
Two to three synthetic or wool short-sleeve shirts
Two to three long-sleeve shirts with SPF protection
One lightweight base layer (long-sleeve synthetic shirt or merino wool t-shirt)
One medium-weight fleece or wool layer
One windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket
Underwear (quick-drying preferred)
Wide-brim, tie-on sun hat
Three pairs of light synthetic or merino wool socks
Sturdy trail shoes or running shoes
Sandals with ankle straps for kayaking and walking
Casual clothing for pre/post kayaking activities
Lightweight shoes for town visits
One to two tops for casual wear
Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
Pajamas
Additional Gear
10L dry bag for personal essentials while paddling
Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Small daypack or waist pack for hikes
Reusable 1L or larger water bottle
Water filtration system (LifeStraw, Grayle, Steripen, or Sawyer Squeeze)
Buff or bandana for sun protection
Lightweight travel towel
Beach towel or extra sarong
Snorkel and mask (optional)
Waterproof case for phone and valuables
Backup battery pack for charging electronics
Binoculars or monocular (optional)
Glasses or contacts if needed
Polarized sunglasses
Reusable bags for organizing wet or dirty items
TSA-accessible lock for luggage security
Toiletries and First Aid
Travel-sized toiletry kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, etc.)
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 20-50
Pre-moistened toilettes or shower wipes
Personal medications and prescriptions
Heavy-duty skin lotion for sun exposure
Small squeeze bottle of hand sanitizer
Reading List
Balkan Ghosts by Robert Kaplan (1993)
History/Political Analysis
A journalist’s exploration of the deep-rooted ethnic conflicts in the Balkans, offering vital insights into the region’s past and present. This is a fascinating read that we highly recommend for all our travelers visiting the Balkans.
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West (1940)
Travel/Memoir
A monumental journey through pre-World War II Yugoslavia, blending history, culture, and personal reflection. This book is quite a tome and was written in a span of just weeks. Highly insightful in terms of understanding the history and character of the Balkans.
Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andrić (1962)
Historical Fiction
A classic novel chronicling the history of a Bosnian bridge and the diverse lives connected to it over centuries. While this book takes place in Bosnia, it's an applicable read for Albania, as both regions were occupied by the Ottomans from around 1300-1800.
Accursed Mountains by Robert Carver (1996)
An adventurous story as the author travels by foot, mule, horse, and bus through Albania. A mix of thrill and history.
High Albania - Queen of the Albanian Highlands by Edith Durham (1909)
Written with British wit and humor, Edith Durham provides fascinating insight into this colorful region with its troubled past.
“A tremendous sense of honor, justice, and humor. Her verve and funniness make her irresistible.” – The New York Review of Books
Broken April by Ismail Kadare (1998)
For those who love novels while also learning about local culture, this is a somewhat dark story set in the early 20th century in the Albanian plateaus.
Concise History of Albania by Bernd J. Fischer, Oliver Jens Schmitt (2022)
For history buffs, this takes you through the entire history of Albania from its storied past to its more recent experience with authoritarianism, war, and communism.
Pillars of Hercules by Paul Theroux (1995)
Travel Writing
A personal and insightful journey around the Mediterranean, including stops in the Adriatic region.
The Balkan Kitchen: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of the Balkans by Irina Janakievska (2024)
Culinary
A collection of traditional Balkan recipes alongside cultural anecdotes and personal stories, providing a flavorful introduction to the region's diverse cuisine.
Helpful Links
U.S. Passport Information
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
Everything you need to know about applying for or renewing a passport before your trip.
Croatia National Tourism Board
https://croatia.hr/en-gb
Official tourism site with information on destinations, activities, and travel tips for exploring Croatia.
Montenegro Travel Guide
https://www.montenegro.travel/en
Detailed insights on Montenegro’s natural beauty, culture, and adventure activities.
Albania Tourism Official Website
https://albania.al/
Government-run tourism site covering Albania’s historical sites, outdoor adventures, and local culture.
Schengen Visa and Entry Requirements
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/
Guidance on visa requirements, border entry policies, and Schengen Zone travel rules for non-EU travelers.
Terms & Conditions
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.