Undiscovered Balkans
Overview
Highlights
- Discover the history and incredible scenery of Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo
- Walk through the dramatic Valbona Valley surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains
- Explore Lake Orhid, this glistening lake boasting many cultural monuments including the Saint Naum Monastery
What's this trip about?
Itinerary
Our tour starts today in Tirana, the colourful capital of Albania and one of Europe's most underrated cities. Emerging from its cold communist past (the country spent decades under Stalinist rule), Tirana is becoming a not-so-hidden gem thanks to its vibrant arts scen...
This morning, we'll drive a short distance to the base of the Dajti Express cable car - the longest cableway in the Balkans. A 15-minute journey takes us almost to the top of Mount Dajti at around 1,049 metres/3,441 feet. From here, we'll hike to the summit of Tujani ...
After breakfast, we'll leave Tirana and drive towards Elbasan, through the valley of Shkumbin and crossing the border into North Macedonia before stopping in the small resort of Struga on the lake Ohrid (a journey of three hours). The town is cut in half by the Bla...
This morning, we'll take a boat ride to Saint Naum, an imposing monastery on one of the lake's peninsulas, close to the Albanian border. A spectacular sight, the Monastery of Saint Naum is surrounded by sandy beaches and inside you'll find incredible frescoes. We'll h...
After an early breakfast, we'll head towards Kosovo (a long day of driving, four-an-half hours in total). Our first stop will be at Matka Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in North Macedonia, known for its stunning natural scenery, with towering cliffs, deep go...
This morning, our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of Pristina and Old Pristina. In the central bazaar, you'll see a 26 metre/85-foot-high clock tower which reminds stall holders and shoppers when it's time for prayer - the city's oldest mosques are found in...
Today, we'll visit the highlands of Peja. Our day starts with an impressive drive through the dramatic Rugova Gorge to the alpine location of Boga, where we'll stop and take a hike to a nearby lake. The walk to the lake is graded as moderate and covers five kilometres...
This morning, we'll visit the Decani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Monastery was established in 1327 by the Serb King Stefan Decanski and is a superbly situated showpiece of Orthodox art. We'll continue our drive through the town of Junik, where we'l...
This morning, we'll stroll around the cobbled streets of Prizren to the Shadervan area where we'll find the city's main Ottoman influences, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Old Stone Bridge. We'll also be able to see the outside of the old hammam before headin...
Today, we'll leave Kosovo and return to Albania. We'll make a first stop in Gjakova, one of the most charming cities in Kosovo, where we'll visit the Ottoman Bazaar. It may seem slow-paced today, but Gjakova was once a major trading hub. During the Ottoman period and ...
Valbona is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Albania. Today, we'll hike to the side of Kukaj Valley, making our way through the forest towards alpine pastures that offer stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We'll have a picnic lunch an...
Today, we'll leave the Valbona Valley and head for Shkoder. Depending on the time of year and the ferry schedule, we'll either take a scenic ferry ride across Lake Koman or drive on the National Road through the scenic mountain landscape. Our tour leader will advis...
After breakfast, we'll start our two-hour drive towards the Adriatic Sea and Durres. En route, we'll stop in Lezha to visit the Skanderbeg memorial. Skanderbeg was an Albanian nobleman and military commander who led a rebellion and successfully resisted the Ottoman Em...
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Durres. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Durres at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airp...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
Oct 2024
Undiscovered Balkans
Although our leader was very personable and presented the trip as well as could be done, the timing of the series of events was poorly done and we also often arrived...
Nancy
Oct 2024
Undiscovered Balkans
We expected the Balkans to be more exotic which was our lack of research.The tour itself was good.The guide was able to explain a lot of interesting history and we s...
Pat
Oct 2024
Undiscovered Balkans
A great introduction to these 3 different countries in the Balkans area. A lot of ground was covered, some areas required more time, but hard to do when you are tryi...
Michael
Sep 2024
Undiscovered Balkans
Not the most exciting of trips but some amazing scenery in the north of Kosovo and Albania, alpine lakes and mountains, tree covered gorges and tremendous old orthod...
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