9-Nights Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District - National Geographic Signature from $11,599

G Adventures: Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District

Day 1: Tirana
Arrive at any time, and welcome to Albania's capital! After a welcome briefing, in the evening head out with your CEO on a brief orientation walk to get to know Tirana a little better. Walk through Skanderbeg Square and see the Et'hem Bey Mosque, famous for the clock tower that is the symbol of the city. Enjoy an optional dinner out and take the rest of the evening to relax with new friends.

Day 2: Tirana
There is no better way to get to know a country than to dive head first into their cuisine. Connect with your fellow travellers and learn about the local specialties with an immersive cooking class this morning, ending with a well-deserved and delicious lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day for yourself to explore the city or explore museums, like Bunk'Art 1 or 2 which are located in underground nuclear bunkers.
Tirana is known for it's colourful Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet era architecture. Skanderbeg Square acts as the city's focal point, surrounded by pastel buildings. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.
Day 3: Tirana/Berat
Head from Tirana to Berat today with a stop in Kruje along the way. Stretch your legs with a walk around town, one of the most historically significant villages in the country. Nestled in the foothills of the Albanian Alps, this little village is steeped in history and is the epicentre of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. Explore the small centre, roam around one of the country's oldest bazaars, and climb to the Krujë Castle. Upon arrival in Berat, head out with your CEO on a walking tour of the city and the Berat Castle, then enjoy the rest of the evening free.
Berat is known as the "Town of a Thousand Windows", due to the large windows found on old, decorated houses overlooking the town.
Day 4: Berat/Himarë
Transfer to Himarë today with a stop at the Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area. Check out the natural beauty of the wetlands and coastal lagoons and see an old Byzantine monastery before experiencing authentic Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the surrounding landscape and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to the beautiful beach town of Himarë. After settling into the hotel, set off on a walk with your CEO to explore the old town before an optional dinner out with the group and free evening.

Day 5: Himarë
Enjoy a free day to explore more of the town or just relax on the beach.
The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian times, these ancient structures are revered as vital historical landmarks. The old town surrounds the castle and the Spilea coastal area serving as both a tourist hub and an economic centre.
Day 6: Himarë/Corfu
Head down the coast to the town of Sarandë to catch the ferry to Greece, and the island of Corfu. Transfer to the hostel and settle in with time to relax before heading out in the evening for an optional farewell dinner and a Big Night Out at a couple of bars with your new friends on this Greek Island paradise.

Day 7: Corfu
Enjoy a full free day in beautiful Corfu to do as much or as little as you please. Hit up one of the local beaches, explore some of the nearby villages or maybe rent a sea kayak. In the evening head out for an optional dinner with the group to sample some of the delicious local flavours, made from fresh and local ingredients.

Day 8: Corfu
Start your day by exploring Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history, charm, and Venetian elegance. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful neoclassical buildings, uncover hidden squares and lively cafes, and soak up the timeless beauty of this enchanting town. Whether you're browsing local boutiques, visiting historic landmarks, or simply enjoying the vibrant morning atmosphere, this cultural journey is the perfect start to your day.In the evening, lace up your hiking boots for the Agios Gordios Sunset Hike. This scenic trail offers stunning views of the island bathed in golden light as the sun sets over the sea. And for those craving an extra thrill, there’s a cliff jumping opportunity at sunset—an unforgettable experience for the adventurous! Get ready for a perfect blend of natural beauty, adrenaline, and epic views.

Day 9: Corfu
Take advantage of a full day in paradise to bask in the glory of everything that the island of Corfu has to offer. Take an optional boat tour, rent a kayak or visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island. Otherwise relaxing at the hostel or at one of the local beaches is always a great option too.

Day 10: Corfu/Meteora
Think planes, trains, and automobiles, only a private bus, a short local transfer, a ferry, and a public bus working together to take you to the town of Kalambaka, in the heart of Meteora. Upon arrival, head out on a hike to the mountaintop monasteries amidst stunning rock formations and landscapes. Return to Kalabaka for the rest of the evening and relax for the evening.
Six monasteries reside atop the impressive cliffs of Meteora and research shows evidence of early human settlements dating back 50,000 years. This natural and manmade landmark provides once in a lifetime views that will take your breath away.
Day 11: Meteora/Athens
Travel south by bus to Athens today, arriving in the afternoon. After settling into the hotel, visit Shedia, a G Adventures—supported café where you will have a drink and learn about the mission of this incredible place. Later, head out on a CEO-led highlights walk of Athens and lay your eyes on some of the famous landmarks and ancient monuments and then finish off the day with a Big Night Out in the lively Plaka neighborhood.

Day 12: Athens
Enjoy a free day in Athens to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; choose to visit iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora, or check out some museums like the new Acropolis Museum, or the National Archaeological Museum. In the evening head out with the group for an optional dinner out at a local restaurant to sample the fantastic Greek cuisine.

Day 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: Íos
Today is all about beaches, swimming, and living out those Greek Island bucket-lists. In the morning, the group embarks on the Best of Beaches Tour of Ios. 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 and try snorkelling at Neverbay. Take advantage of free time this evening to stroll through town before dancing the night away at an island nightclub and bar!

Day 17: 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 18: Santorini
Depart at any time.