Classic Balkans: Bosnia & Herzegovina to Albania - 20 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• What age do I need to be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and there is no single supplement. Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, though these may be smaller than double-occupancy rooms.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000). We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Some tours with adventure activities may require extra coverage.

• Is tipping customary on this trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general guideline is 10% for wait staff, and €1-2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. If you feel your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, a tip of €6-8 per person, per day is appreciated.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include: Dubrovnik to Trebinje transfer and winery visit; in Sarajevo, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum, Gallery 11/07/95, and a Graffiti Art Tour; in Kotor, the Maritime Museum, sea kayaking, and city exploration; and in Shkodër, the Site of Memory and Memorial Museum, and a Venice Art Mask Factory visit.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include a farm-to-table dining experience and apiary visit in Trebinje, seeing Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls, exploring the history of Mostar and Sarajevo, a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor, visiting Perast, spending two nights in eco-lodges in Montenegro's mountains, hiking to a shepherd outpost in Albania, driving along the Albanian Riviera, and visiting Ali Pasha Castle.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, boats, and walking.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect?

  You will stay in hotels for 17 nights and eco-lodges for 2 nights. Accommodation in Europe is typically in older, family-run hotels that may have smaller rooms/bathrooms and may not always have elevators or air conditioning, but they offer clean, safe, and central locations.

• What meals are included?

  The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What are the rules regarding conduct on the trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated and will result in expulsion from the trip. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly prohibited.

• What should I know about currency and credit cards?

  Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, but you must remember your PIN. ATMs are generally available, but it's best to have a combination of Euros and cards, as cards may not always work. Be aware that fees may apply to credit card purchases. Always carry enough funds to avoid inconveniences.

• What safety and security information is important for LGBTQ+ travelers?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Your CEO can also show you where you can get your laundry done.

• Who will lead the group on this tour?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides in specific areas.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. For specific details on combo tours or any included flights, please consult your booking agent.

• How can I subscribe to your newsletter?

  You can subscribe to our adventure travel e-newsletter for news, trip information, and contests at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn about our community impact initiatives.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  In case of dire need, first contact our local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. You can also reach our Sales team via toll-free numbers for North America (1 888 800 4100), UK (0344 272 0000), Germany (0800 365 1000), Australia (1 300 796 618), New Zealand (0800 333 307), or +1 416 260 0999 for other regions. Hours of operation can be found on our contact us page.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control require a change to our planned route.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, though these may be smaller than double-occupancy rooms in European hotels.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and required to participate. It must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is strongly recommended. Please ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, recommendations range from €3-5 per day. For the CEO, €6-8 per person, per day is a guideline if you felt they did an outstanding job.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include a Dubrovnik to Trebinje Transfer and Winery Visit; in Sarajevo: National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum, Gallery 11/07/95, Sarajevo Graffiti Art Tour; in Kotor: Kotor Maritime Museum, Sea Kayaking, Kotor City Exploration; and in Shkodër: Site of Memory and Memorial Museum, Venice Art Mask Factory.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include a visit to a 5th generation women-run apiary and local farm for a farm-to-table dining experience, seeing the spectacular Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls, delving into Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo, a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor and Perast, spending 2 nights at eco-lodges in the mountains of Montenegro, immersing yourself in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost, and driving along the spectacular Albanian Riviera to visit the Ali Pasha Castle.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Transportation will include private vehicles, boats, and walking.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. Your CEO can amend itineraries for safety reasons. During free time, use your own judgment for optional activities. In cities at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis. Water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel as soon as possible, requesting to speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you cannot reach your leader, refer to the provided emergency contact details.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive impact through travel by supporting local communities. They help community-owned businesses (supporting Indigenous people, empowering women, granting youth employment, and protecting the environment) by integrating them into tour itineraries. 100% of your donation to Planeterra goes directly to these projects.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of larger city hotels at the start and finish) and eco-lodges. Accommodation standards will vary; some may not have elevators, air-conditioning (fans can be requested), or English-speaking staff. They are typically locally-run, with traditional character and in central locations, offering clean, safe, and simple lodging.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 19 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws, risking the group. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for travellers. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is strictly against our philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member for drug possession or utilizing paid sex workers.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry, and your CEO can also show you where to get laundry done.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Accommodation will be in hotels for 17 nights and eco-lodges for 2 nights.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  In a dire emergency, first call the tour operator Local Office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Emergency contact numbers are available for North America (toll-free: 1 888 800 4100), UK (0344 272 0000), Germany (0800 365 1000), Australia (1 300 796 618), New Zealand (0800 333 307), and outside these regions (+1 416 260 0999).

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides.