Embark on an unforgettable Balkan tour that will take you through some of the most fascinating destinations in Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Macedonia. This tour will be an incredible opportunity for you to discover this region’s rich history and culture while experiencing the beauty of its natural landscapes. You will have the chance to explore ancient landmarks, world-renowned cities, stunning national parks, and quaint villages that have preserved their traditional way of life. From Montenegro’s pristine beaches to Kosovo’s rugged mountains, this tour promises to be an authentic and immersive experience.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Explore historical towns and cities
Sail on Lake Koman
Journey through time on mountain roads
Enjoy local local food and wines
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
11
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Tirana
Day 2
Explore Tirana
Explore the charming town of Kruja by visiting its must-see attractions. Start your journey by strolling around the bustling Ottoman bazaar, where you can find an array of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Albanian delicacies.
Afterwards, go up to the majestic Medieval Fortress, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the fortress, you can visit the Historical Museum of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, and learn about his heroic battles against the Ottoman Empire.
To immerse yourself further in Albanian culture, head to the ethnographic museum located within the fortress. Here, you can discover the traditional way of life of the local people and see a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient costumes, handicrafts, and agricultural tools.
As the day ends, indulge in a delicious dinner and spend a cozy night in Kruja, surrounded by history and culture.
Day 3
Shkoder, Budva and Kotor
The itinerary for today involves transferring to the beautiful city of Shkodra. Once there, you will enjoy some sightseeing, including a visit to the magnificent Rozafa fortress and a stroll along the charming city promenade. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Montenegro, where we will visit the lovely city of Kotor in the afternoon. During our visit to Kotor, admire the stunning St. Tryphon Cathedral and the historic town gates, Pima and Drago Palaces. In the evening, we will transfer to Budva, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 4
Dubrovnik and Mostar
This morning, transfer to Dubrovnik, where we’ll visit the old town and take a walking tour covering various exciting sites. The tour will include stops at the Old Town, Pila Gate, Onofrio Great Fountain, Rector Palace, Franciscan Monastery, and the Stradun promenade.
In the afternoon, continue our journey to Mostar city, where you’ll visit famous landmarks and attractions. We will start by visiting the Crooked Bridge, the Tara and Halebija Towers, the Public Turkish Bath (hammam), the Clock Tower, the Metropolitan Palace, the Karadjoz–Beg Mosque, and the Old Market.
After a day of touring, we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in Mostar.
Day 5
Sarajevo
Transfer to Sarajevo, followed by a full-day tour of the city. The tour will cover several interesting spots in the city, including the town hall, Old Bazaar, Old Coppersmith market, Orthodox church, Roman Cathedral, Latin Bridge, and the War Tunnel Museum. You’ll be able to explore Sarajevo’s rich history and culture while visiting these places. Later in the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and rest comfortably in Sarajevo.
Day 6
Ostrog and Shkoder
Today will take you through the picturesque Hum Border Crossing. As you walk through this scenic mountain road, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. Don’t forget to stop en route to visit the famous Ostrog Monastery, a true wonder of nature and human ingenuity. This awe-inspiring monastery is carved almost entirely into the side of a steep mountain cliff and is considered the crown jewel of Montenegrin spirituality. Take your time to explore this architectural masterpiece and soak in the peaceful ambience that surrounds it.
After you visit Ostrog Monastery, you’ll continue your journey towards Shkodra in Albania. You’ll cross the Han i Hotit border and arrive in time for dinner.
Day 7
Lake Koman and Prizen
Firstly, you will be transferred to Koman Dam, board a ferry, and embark on a three-hour sailing adventure in Koman Lake. During this scenic journey, you will be surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of the Drini River Valley, canyons, waterfalls, and awe-inspiring rock formations.
After the ferry ride, you will be transferred to Prizren to embark on a walking tour of the Old Town. The walking tour will take you through the city’s heart, where you will explore the historical Ottoman bridge, the enchanting water fountain, and the unique mosques and orthodox churches.
Finally, you will end your day with a delicious dinner and overnight stay in Prizren.
Day 8
Skopje
Explore the charming city of Prizren, located in Kosovo – a country renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Prizren is often called the cultural capital of Kosovo and is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The town boasts a fantastic mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture that will captivate your senses.
Prizren is also famous for its gastronomy and wines, known for their unique taste and quality. You can indulge in traditional local cuisine and explore handicraft shops offering traditional souvenirs and memorabilia.
After exploring Prizren, you will be transferred to Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the various attractions of Skopje. You can visit the Old Bazaar area, a vibrant and bustling marketplace that offers a glimpse of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The Fortress Kale is another must-visit attraction that provides a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Other popular attractions in Skopje include St. Spa, Daut Pasha Hamam, Stone Bridge, the railway station and the memorial house of Mother Teresa. Depending on your preference, you can explore these landmarks on foot or by car.
Finally, you will enjoy a delectable dinner and spend the night in Skopje, where you can unwind and rejuvenate yourself before embarking on your next adventure.
Day 9
Ohrid
Today, journey to Ohrid. In the evening, you’ll take a walking tour of the Ohrid old town, a UNESCO World cultural site. During the tour, you’ll explore some of the fascinating highlights of the town, including the Ancient theatre, the old city fortifications, St. Clement Church, Plaoshnik Site, St. Sophie Cathedral, and the main promenade that is filled with a delightful array of shops, bars, and dining venues. This tour is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of Ohrid and discover the town’s captivating beauty.
Day 10
Tirana
You’ll be going on a transfer to Albania, where you’ll spend your day exploring Tirana’s beautiful city. Get ready for a panoramic city tour that will take us to some of the most amazing places in the city, including the famous Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Palace of Culture, Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard, and the Mother Teresa Square.
During our tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture some stunning photos and learn about the history and culture of the city. After a day filled with adventure and excitement, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in the charming city of Tirana. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Day 11
Tirana
Today includes a visit to the National Historical Museum in the morning, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the country with the help of knowledgeable guides. After the museum tour, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city and its surroundings. Whether you want to indulge in local cuisine, visit nearby attractions, or take a relaxing stroll, the choice is yours.
Day 12
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Albania is a beautiful country to visit all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you love warm weather and swimming, then the best time to visit Albania is during the summer months from June to August. The temperatures can get quite hot, but you can cool off by swimming in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, the spring and fall seasons are the best times to visit. April, May, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and sightseeing without the summer crowds. Winter in Albania is cold and snowy, but it can be a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports. The Albanian Alps offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and the cities are less crowded during this time of year. Overall, Albania is a great destination to visit any time of year, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences.
Albania experienced chilly weather in January, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C. The country's northern parts are usually the coldest, while the coastal areas are relatively milder. The weather is generally cloudy, and there is a chance of rain or snowfall, particularly in the mountainous regions. It's advisable to wear warm clothing, especially if you plan to visit the country this month.
February in Albania is still chilly, with average temperatures ranging between 2°C to 12°C. The country's northern parts remain the coldest, while the coastal areas still experience relatively milder temperatures. The weather can be cloudy, and there is still a chance of rain or snowfall, especially in the mountainous regions. Carrying warm clothing is essential to ensure you stay comfortable during your visit.
In March, the weather in Albania starts to warm up, but temperatures still range between 4°C to 14°C on average. The northern regions may experience colder temperatures, while the coastal areas remain milder. The weather can still be cloudy, and occasional rain or snowfall may occur in the mountainous regions. Packing layers of clothing to stay comfortable during your visit is advisable.
In April, the weather in Albania continues to warm up, with average temperatures ranging between 8°C to 19°C. The coastal areas remain mild, while the northern regions may still experience colder temperatures. However, the weather is generally sunny, with occasional rain showers. Packing layers of clothing to stay comfortable during your visit is still recommended.
The weather in Albania during May is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 24°C. The coastal areas can be slightly cooler, while the interior regions may experience hotter temperatures. Packing light clothing and sunscreen to stay comfortable during your visit is advisable. However, occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat's always a good idea.
In June, the weather in Albania tends to get warmer, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C. Like May, the coastal areas can be slightly cooler, while the interior regions may experience hotter temperatures. Packaging light clothing and sunscreen to stay comfortable during your visit is recommended. However, occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. Overall, the weather in Albania during June is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
July is typically the hottest month in Albania, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. Coastal areas may be slightly more relaxed, while the interior regions may experience higher temperatures. Packing light, breathable clothing and sunscreen is recommended to stay comfortable during your visit. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. Despite the potential for rain, July is a great time to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities in the warm weather.
August is also a warm month in Albania, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. The coastal areas may be slightly more relaxed, while the interior regions may experience higher temperatures. Packing light, breathable clothing and sunscreen is recommended to stay comfortable during your visit. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. Despite the potential for rain, August is also a great time to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities in the warm weather.
Albania experienced cooler temperatures in September, with an average high of 27°C and a low of 16°C. The coastal areas may be slightly warmer, while the interior regions may be cooler. It's recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so getting an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. September is a great time to visit Albania for those who prefer milder weather and fewer crowds.
The average temperature in Albania during October is cooler than the previous month, with an average high of 22°C and a low of 11°C. The coastal areas may still have slightly warmer temperatures, while the interior regions may be cooler. It's recommended to bring warmer clothing, such as a sweater or light jacket, for the cooler evenings and early mornings. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so it's always a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat. October can be a great time to visit Albania for those who enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.
In November, the weather in Albania begins to cool down even further. The average high temperature is around 16°C, while the average low is 6°C. Packaging warmer clothing such as a coat, hat, and gloves is essential for the colder temperatures. Rainfall is still possible, so it's also a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Despite the cooler weather, November can still be a great time to visit Albania for those who prefer fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere.
In December, Albania experiences even cooler weather than in November. The average high temperature is around 13°C, while the average low is 3°C. Packaging warm clothing such as a coat, scarf, and gloves is vital to stay comfortable in the chilly temperatures. Rainfall is also possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea. Despite the colder temperatures, December can still be an excellent time to visit Albania for those who enjoy winter activities and fewer crowds.
Add on’s
This Balkan itinerary has many add-on holiday options; for example, you could head to Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania. These are great add-ons to a tour of the Balkans due to their rich history, unique culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Bulgaria boasts ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast. Serbia offers a mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Romania is famous for its stunning Carpathian Mountains, medieval castles, and charming villages.
Want a quote on a trip like this?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you
