Western Balkans Uncovered - 12 Days

From £2,245£187 per day Save 10%

Who is this trip for

Age range

15 - 99

Start / End

  • Skopje
  • Dubrovnik

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 12

Meals included

13

Highlights

  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
  • Admire the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
  • Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site by your friendly local hosts.
  • Indulge in local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey) or lokum (Turkish delight) during your visit to the local market in Skopje.
  • Visit a traditional winery in Roshnik Village. Learn about the region’s historic wine-making practices while you enjoy a tasting with views of beautiful olive groves and vineyards.

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Summary

Be the star of your own historical epic as you walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame in Dubrovnik, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture of Montenegro’s Kotor and stroll down hidden alleyways that have existed since ancient times. This adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania to create the perfect blend of old and new. Cruise around Lake Ohrid, indulge in a wine tasting in Roshnik and visit a local market in Skopje, all on this 12-day adventure through the Western Balkans.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Skopje

    Zdravo! Welcome to North Macedonia. Your adventure starts in Skopje with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Daut Pasha Hamam or see the statues and monuments of the city – the massive statue of Alexander the Great on horseback is in the centre of Macedonia Square! Or, maybe stroll past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths and the neo-classical buildings that line the streets. After your meeting, maybe head out to a local bar or restaurant to celebrate the start of your adventure with your fellow travellers.

  • Day 2

    Skopje

    This morning, set off on a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of Carsija – Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood. Then, continue to a local market with your local leader. As you walk around, stop at a few stands to taste some local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey), tulumba (similar to churros), or lokum (Turkish delight). This afternoon is free for you to explore Skopje at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museum of the City of Skopje, which is housed in the old Railway Station, and learn the story behind the building’s clock.

  • Day 3

    Lake Ohrid

    After breakfast, travel to Lake Ohrid – Europe’s oldest lake and one of the oldest human settlements in the world. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years and having historical excavations dating back to Neolithic times, the town remains under the radar for visitors. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your local leader around the old bazaar area, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own.

  • Day 4

    Lake Ohrid

    Embark on a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by mountains, villages and beaches. At 34 km long, 14 km wide and over 300 m deep, this lake is shared between Albania and North Macedonia. The rest of today is free for you to discover the area your way. Maybe explore Tast Samoil’s Fortress or visit one of the many churches and monasteries like the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town.

  • Day 5

    Berat

    This morning, travel across the border of Albania and continue to the remote and rarely visited town of Berat. When you arrive, learn about the city on a guided walking tour before climbing up to the still-inhabited fortress for fantastic views over town. In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time to mingle with locals at the park or at the city’s many cafes. The warmth of the Albanian people is infectious, and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of raki (or three). Tonight, sit down for a traditional Balkan dinner with your group, featuring dishes like stuffed peppers, cheese and spinach pies, hearty meat dishes, and plenty of grilled and fresh veggies.

  • Day 6

    Roshnik / Berat

    Today, head to Roshnik for a daytrip – a small village near Berat known for its vineyards, traditional architecture, wine production and agritourism. When you arrive, visit a local traditional winery for a wine tasting. The rest of today is then free for you to explore the countryside at your own pace. This afternoon, maybe hike to the nearby Tomorri Mountain or simply relax among the olive groves and discover the region’s history.

  • Day 7

    Tirana

    After breakfast, travel to Tirana. As you drive, take in the surrounding landscape and discover why the Alps in the rugged north are considered so fierce they're called 'accursed', while the south has one of Europe’s least well-known and most beautiful coastlines. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour to get your bearings in Albania’s capital and explore the mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and medieval atmosphere this city is known for. If the weather is good, maybe take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for panoramic views of the city below.

  • Day 8

    Tirana

    Today is a free day. Maybe visit the 1821 Et'hem Bey Mosque or walk through the National History Museum, which has a giant mosaic on its facade that represents the development of Albania's history. After, maybe explore the frescoes (art) outside and in the portico, which depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – you leader will have the best recommendations.

  • Day 9

    Fishte to Herceg Novi

    After breakfast, you’ll travel to Tivat – a small town in the Bay of Kotor. Along the way, stop at a local Albanian farm in Fishte for lunch made with organic produce, fresh meat and wild fish. After swapping stories with the locals, continue to Tivat. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk through the streets with your leader before maybe sitting down to dinner at a local restaurant in town.

  • Day 10

    Kotor to Herceg Novi

    This morning, set off on a daytrip to Kotor – Montenegro’s fortified town wedged between soaring mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters. When you arrive, join your leader on a walking tour of Kotor and learn about this 5th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The rest of today is free to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe hike to the Fortress of Kotor, visit the Ostrog Monastery or explore the Maritime Museum. Later, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try mussels buzara (mussel stew) or octopus salad before travelling back to Tivat for the night.

  • Day 11

    Dubrovnik

    This morning, travel to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, join your leader for a walk along the medieval city walls that surround the Old Town – thesewalls were used in the filming of ‘Game of Thrones’. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Dubrovnik. Maybe check out the Franciscan Monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. Maybe visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. Tonight, you could find a local restaurant for dinner and celebrate the last night of your trip with your group.

  • Day 12

    Dubrovnik

    As there are no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (11 nights)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 1, 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 £2,245
  • Oct 25

    from £2,670
  • Apr 26

    from £2,550
  • May 26

    from £2,615
  • Jun 26

    from £2,615
  • Jul 26

    from £2,550
  • Aug 26

    from £2,550
  • Sep 26

    from £2,715
  • Oct 26

    from £2,615
  • Apr 27

    from £2,550
  • May 27

    from £2,550
  • Jun 27

    from £2,550
  • Jul 27

    from £2,550
  • Aug 27

    from £2,550
  • Sep 27

    from £2,550
  • Oct 27

    from £2,550

Customer reviews & ratings

  • A wonderful trip full of local culture, history (ancient and recent) through a prism of magnificent scenery and experiences. I felt very priveleged to be part of this tour led by Saimir.

    Jennifer Oct, 2019 Verified
  • Western Balkans gave me a wonderful insight into the culture of the people who have struggled so much but they are resilient and have come a long way.

    Grietje Oct, 2019 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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