Dubrovnik to Tirana - 8 Days

Dubrovnik (Croatia) - Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina). In the morning, at about 7 AM you will be picked up by our representative from your hotel in Dubrovnik, so make sure you arrive in the city at least one night before your tour begins.

Our journey starts as we travel to Mostar, where we’ll visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 16th century. We’ll wander through the Old Bazaar, alive with colourful streets and vibrant energy. Scattered throughout Mostar are stones inscribed with “Don’t Forget,” poignant reminders of the city’s history. Mostar blends old and new, with beautiful mosques, bustling Turkish bazaars, and cobbled alleyways.

We'll also visit the Blagaj Monastery, situated just outside the city at the foot of a cliff, with stunning blue waters in front. Blagaj, an Ottoman-era town in Herzegovina, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the impressive source of the Buna River. In the afternoon, you can enjoy some free time to further explore Mostar, this magnificent UNESCO site.

Mostar - Sarajevo - Mostar. After breakfast, we will drive from Mostar to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today's itinerary includes exploring some ruins in Sarajevo, which involves walking on uneven terrain. Reminders of the Yugoslav War, such as bullet holes and cannon marks, are still visible throughout the city.

Our tour will delve into the origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We will explore the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian districts of Sarajevo, with their vibrant markets, bazaars, mosques, churches, and synagogues, showcasing why the city is often called the European Jerusalem.

We'll also visit the Latin Bridge, where we will learn how World War I was sparked right here in Sarajevo. The bridge earned its name because it connected the right bank of the Miljacka River with the city's Catholic quarter, known as "Latinluk" during Ottoman times.

Sarajevo is renowned for its delectable meat dishes and desserts. You'll have some free time to sample traditional cuisine and explore the old town at your leisure. Afterwards, we will return to Mostar for an overnight stay.

Mostar - Kotor (Montenegro) - Montenegrin Riviera. Today, we travel from Mostar to Kotor, Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets in the old town, deliberately designed to confuse invaders and give the city its unique character. As we wander, we’ll pass historic buildings and churches, each with plaques detailing their construction dates and original purposes. We will visit Saint Luke’s Church, a symbol of unity for the locals. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to discover this stunning UNESCO site at your own pace. We’ll spend the night near the Montenegrin Riviera.

Montenegrin Riviera - Budva - Sveti Stefan - Shkoder (Albania). Today, our first stop is Budva, Montenegro, renowned for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and historic charm. The town is split into two parts: the modern New Budva, with its contemporary buildings, shopping centres, and lively restaurants, and the historic Old Budva. In Old Budva, we’ll explore the charming historical centre, where we’ll visit sights like St. Ivan’s Church, the small church of St. Mary, and other medieval wonders.

As we journey towards Albania, we’ll stop near Sveti Stefan, a once quaint fishing village now transformed into an exclusive resort. Though the island is no longer accessible, the view from the coast is breathtaking and perfect for a photograph.

After crossing the border, we’ll arrive in Shkoder, Albania, a city steeped in over a thousand years of history. The ancient Shkoder Castle, dating back to the 1st millennium BCE, once served as the capital of Illyrian King Gentius, who fought against the Romans in 168 BCE. We’ll visit Rozafa Castle, which offers spectacular views of the lake and the convergence of three rivers into the Adriatic Sea.

Shkoder’s architecture reflects Venetian influence, and if you're visiting in February, you may experience the vibrant carnival festival. The city is also renowned for its handmade Venetian masks. With its strategic location, Shkoder has long been a vital trading hub, blending the cultures of different civilizations

Shkoder - Prizren (Kosovo). Our first destination today is the premier slow food Agro-tourism spot, one of the best slow food locations in the Balkans. We’ll tour the farm, learning about its history and how it has created jobs for over 400 people in the surrounding area. Specialising in the collection, processing, and preservation of regional organic products, the farm has also repurposed old communist-era buildings into storage for locally-made goods. You’ll have leisure time to enjoy a traditional lunch or purchase fresh products directly from the farm.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Prizren, often regarded as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Known for its rich history, stunning nature, religious diversity, and culinary delights, Prizren has been shaped by its role as a crossroads for the Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, reflected in its unique architecture. The river weaves through the old town, flowing under many charming bridges. If visiting in August, you’ll experience Dokufest, one of the world’s most renowned short film festivals. We’ll wander the streets lined with elegant medieval houses, visit the filigree shops to witness expert metalsmithing, and admire the Sinan Pasha Mosque, with its intricate arabesque colours and patterns. The view from the fortress on the hill offers a breathtaking panorama of this remarkable town. You’ll have free time to explore Prizren at your leisure.

Prizren - Gjakove - Decan - Rahevoc - Prizren. After breakfast, we will continue our tour towards Gjakova, home to Kosovo’s oldest and largest bazaar. Although it was destroyed during the Balkan Wars, World War II, and the Kosovo War, the bazaar has been lovingly restored to its original state. It’s a charming place to enjoy a meal or browse stores selling traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.

Next, we’ll visit the Monastery of Decani, renowned for its striking white colour. Still home to Orthodox monks who produce fresh organic food, including cheeses, the monastery was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. It’s famous for its frescoes depicting 14th-century life and the Palaeologan Renaissance, which transformed Byzantine painting.

Before returning to Prizren, we’ll drive through the Rahovec Valley, the heart of viticulture in the region. Evidence suggests grape cultivation here dates back over 2,000 years to Illyrian times. The vineyards, nestled on gentle hillsides between 350 and 520 meters above sea level, provide the perfect environment for producing high-quality wines. Every September, Rahovec hosts an annual wine festival celebrating the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Prizren - Kruje (Albania) - Tirana. Today, after breakfast, we depart Prizren and head towards Kruje, Albania a historic city that symbolises the Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century. Set on rocky mountainous terrain at 560 meters above sea level, Kruje sits on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain.

We will stroll through the narrow streets and wooden houses of Kruje’s Medieval Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest in the Balkans. This is a perfect spot to shop for souvenirs, from typical items to unique, handmade pieces like carpets and jewellery.

Next, we’ll visit the Castle of Kruje, built in the 5th century A.D. and strategically perched atop a rocky hill. The tour leader will guide us along hidden paths once used by locals to leave the castle unnoticed during sieges. You’ll then have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch, shop for souvenirs, or simply admire the charm of this remarkable city, before we make our way to Tirana, where we will spend the night.

Today, we embark on an authentic journey through Tirana, experiencing its hidden gems, bustling markets, and rich history with a local guide.

We start with a traditional Albanian breakfast of Byrek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach, before heading to the Cam Bazaar, a lively market founded by the Albanian Cham community. Here, we browse a variety of goods, from clothing to kitchenware. Along the way, we explore local culinary delights, including a visit to a pastry shop to sample traditional Albanian desserts.

Wandering through Tirana’s vibrant alleyways and street markets, we take in the city’s energy before pausing to experience Albania’s coffee culture at a cozy café, enjoying authentic Albanian coffee. We then explore the Bicycle Bazaar, a hidden spot offering second-hand treasures from clothes to furniture.

Next, we arrive at the New Bazaar, a paradise for food lovers. Over lunch, we indulge in Qofte (grilled meatballs) with fresh bread, while vegetarians can enjoy Gjizë (cottage cheese) with bread. To complete our meal, we sample Raki, the famous Albanian spirit.

Our journey concludes at BUNK'ART, a former nuclear bunker built for Enver Hoxha during the Cold War. Once a secret, it has been transformed into a powerful museum, offering immersive exhibits on Albania’s communist past and life under the regime. Our tour ends at approximately 18:00 - 19:00.