Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica - 11 Days

From £2,155£196 per day Save 15%

Who is this trip for

Age range

15 - 99

Start / End

  • Split
  • Tirana

Physical rating

4/5

Group size

1 - 12

Meals included

13

Highlights

  • Stay overnight in the fairytale-like Theth – one of the wonders in the Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. Maybe swim in the Blue Eye of Theth or Grunasi Waterfall and cool off in your scenic surrounds.
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durmitor National Park and take in the panoramic views across glacial lakes and pine forests as you hike.
  • Take a ferry across Komani Lake. Cruise across the turquoise waters, framed by towering mountains and look for wild birds like kingfishers and grey herons.
  • Embark on a scenic trail to the highest and most remote village in Bosnia – Lukomir. Here, you’ll meet the locals, learn about their way of life and share lunch, laughs, local cheese and, of course, Bosnian coffee.
  • Hike one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges and discover the history, culture and landscapes of not one, not two, but four southern European countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.

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Summary

Get your heart racing on an active trip across four countries, showcasing some of the best of the Western Balkans. Hike through the Dinaric Alps from Italy through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Watch the sunset on an evening hike in Blidinje Nature Park and spend a day exploring Sarajevo at your own pace. Take a scenic ferry trip to Koman, follow the Valbona-Theth trail and see glacial lakes as you wander through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. With history, culture, nature and adventure combined, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Split

    Zdravo! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Split with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander along the waterfront, grab a gelato or visit the Old Town, where ancient Roman architecture sits among modern museums, shops and traditional homes. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant and try local dishes like pasticada (slow-cooked beef stew) or black risotto (seafood risotto with squid ink).

  • Day 2

    Blidinje Nature Park

    After breakfast, travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along the way, stop at Blidinje, where you’ll have some free time to explore before setting off on a hike this afternoon through the Dinaric Alps. Starting at Vitlenica point, you’ll hike to Hajducka Vrata (Outlaw’s Gate) with an experienced mountain guide and your local leader by your side. Take a break at the scenic plateau on Cvrsnica Mountain before continuing. After sunset, if the weather is good, you can sit back, relax and stargaze from the Alps!

  • Day 3

    Sarajevo

    Relax with a free morning in Blidinje before you travel to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. When you arrive, you’ll have the day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe learn about the city's history at the Sarajevo Museum, explore the Old Town, walk across the Latin Bridge or look for the Sarajevo roses – memorials made from the marks on the pavement where mortar shells exploded during the 90s. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.

  • Day 4

    Umoljani

    This morning, travel to Umoljani, where you'll set off on your next hike in the Bjelasnica Mountain area – host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Follow a loop trail that passes through Bosnia’s highest and most remote village, Lukomir – known for its old stone houses and traditional dress. Here, maybe meet the locals and share lunch or a cup of Bosnian coffee. Discover the region's rich history, culture and architecture before returning to Umoljani Village for the night.

  • Day 5

    Durmitor National Park

    Say goodbye to Umoljani, as you drive to Zabljak – the main town within Durmitor National Park and the highest city in the Balkans. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in town, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe get your bearings with a leisurely walk, visit the Crno Lake (Black Lake) or swim in the glacial lakes.

  • Day 6

    Durmitor National Park / Prokletije Mountains

    Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, as you'll hit the mountains today! Strap on your boots and start the hike from the main entrance of Durmitor National Park. When you arrive, join your leader through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of pine forests and mountains traversed by rivers and dotted with glacial lakes. Your final climb of the day will get your heart rate up and lead you to one of the best viewpoints overlooking Tara Canyon. When you reach the top, rest, relax and soak up those views! After the hike, travel to your next destination, Gusinje – a small village on the border of Montenegro and Albania.

  • Day 7

    Prokletije Mountains

    After breakfast, set off on a hike along the ridge of the mountains. Walk the trail around Prokletije Mountain to the Popadija and Talijanka peaks, where you’ll have a front row view of the towering Karanfili peaks in the distance. Take in the panoramic views of the Grbaja Valley below before heading back to town. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner.

  • Day 8

    Theth

    This morning, cross the border into Albania – the fourth and final country of your adventure. Along the way, stop in Theth – one of the wonders of the Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. With narrow country roads, cows and horses in fenced fields and small stone buildings, Theth’s landscape is like a fairytale. When you arrive, maybe head out for a swim in the Grunasi Waterfall or simply unwind and settle into your accommodation for the night.

  • Day 9

    Valbona / Accursed Mountains

    Lace up your walking shoes for today’s hike through the Accursed Mountains. As you walk, take in the views over the pine-dotted valley below and snow-capped alps above. After a day on your feet, head to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley, where you’ll sit down to an authentic Albanian dinner with your group.

  • Day 10

    Tirana

    After breakfast, head out on a scenic boat ride to Koman. As you cruise, take in the surrounding landscape of mountains that dive directly into the turquoise waters of the lake. Halfway through, stop for some refreshments and maybe dive into the cool water, before continuing to Koman. When you arrive, join your local leader on a short orientation walk around the country’s capital. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe head to a local restaurant for one final dinner with your newfound travel friends.

  • Day 11

    Tirana

    After breakfast, your Balkan hiking adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Tirana, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (8 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Pension (1 night)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 1

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 25

    from £2,155
  • May 26

    from £2,410
  • Jun 26

    from £2,500
  • Jul 26

    from £2,410
  • Aug 26

    from £2,410
  • Sep 26

    from £2,600
  • May 27

    from £2,410
  • Jun 27

    from £2,410
  • Jul 27

    from £2,410
  • Aug 27

    from £2,410
  • Sep 27

    from £2,410
  • Save 15%
    Sun 14 Sep 2025 > Wed 24 Sep 2025
    6+ spaces of 12 left
    £2,535Best offer£2,155
    Solo Room from +£400

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.59 out of 5)
Based on 61 reviews
  • Such an amazing experience! As a 23-year-old solo female traveller, I felt so safe and had the best time! The walks are beautiful and get the heart rate up. My favourite part of the whole experience is that you truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Some nights, you are staying in small pensions that are stand-alone in the countryside with lovely hosts and are in places where you don't hear any English being spoken around you. The only uncertainty is the group that you are with; however, as it is a hiking holiday, despite age differences, people usually have similar personalities and interests. I would highly recommend!

    Amelia Aug, 2025 Verified
  • This trip was an unforgettable adventure that exceeded my expectations. The challenging hikes through Montenegro were made truly special by our guide, Tamara, who turned hiking over landmarks into memorable stories. Complemented by fantastic food and functional accommodations, it’s a perfect journey for any fit, experienced traveler.

    Stefan Jul, 2025 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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