DISCOVER THE BALKANS

Our glorious border-crossing adventure begins in the capital of Albania, one of the most underrated cities in Europe, and a true gem of the Balkans. Upon arrival in Tirana, make your way to the hotel at your own leisure. We’ll gather early in the evening for a friendly welcome meeting and dinner at a beloved local restaurant – the perfect setting for getting to know your fellow travelers.

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll gather the group for a local-led tour of Tirana. Marvel at the vast main plaza, Skanderbeg Square, as well as the historic Ethem Bey Mosque and the striking concrete Pyramid of Tirana. Your learnings will continue underground in the mesmerizing five-floor nuclear bunker created in 1978 by Albanian dictator ​​Enver Hoxha. Now known as Bunk’Art, it has been converted into a wonderful museum that tells the story of Albania during communist rule. Having quite literally journeyed into the underbelly of the city, we’ll change things up with a birds’ eye view on Dajti Mountain, via the most epic cable car ride in the Balkans. Having seen the city from a 1,200-meter vantage point, you’ll have lunchtime and the afternoon to explore Dajti National Park at your own pace. Whether you prefer a picnic with a view or hiking in the forest, just be sure to make it back in time for our transfer to the hotel!

Today we cross our first border, but not before seeing more of Albania. Heading southeast, our first stop is the historic city of Elbasan, which takes its name from the Ottoman Turkish word for fortress. You’ll walk the ancient city walls and explore the charming Ottoman-era Old Town before continuing east to Lake Ohrid. This spectacularly tranquil body of water is a Unesco World Heritage Site that straddles the mountainous borders of Albania and North Macedonia. We’ll begin with a guided tour of its namesake town – a city brimming with Macedonian history, including Samoil's Castle and Sveta Sofija Cathedral – before enjoying a short family-business boat tour on one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. The afternoon and evening are to be spent at your leisure, but we recommend taking advantage of the top-floor restaurant and terrace bar in our beautiful lakefront hotel. 

This morning we journey north through the North Macedonian countryside, stopping first in the pretty town of Tetovo. We’ll visit The Painted Mosque, a supremely easy-on-the-eye landmark that is totally unique to the region, before continuing our adventure to the capital, Skopje. After some free time for lunch we’ll pop out of the city to Matka Canyon, a stunning natural wonder unlike almost anything else in Europe. The best way to see it is by boat, so we’ll float down the Treska River on the hour-long trip to Matka Cave. We’ll be back in the city late in the afternoon, with our city-center hotel perfectly located for an evening exploring Skopje at your own pace. 

You’ll start the day with a tour of Skopje, a city teeming with cultural eclecticism and a youthful spirit, despite being built on historic foundations. You’ll discover the epic Stone Bridge that leads to Alexander the Great Square, which is covered in fascinating statues, none more domineering than of Alexander himself astride his steed and keeping a watchful eye over the city. Late morning we’ll cross the border into Kosovo – Europe’s most recently recognised nation, and the world’s second youngest country. We’ll spend the rest of today in its second city, Prizren, which you’ll tour with a guide before stopping at a local family’s house for some Turkish coffee, embellished in the traditional manner with some homemade rose syrup. 

This morning we’ll leave Kosovo behind and return to Albania, this time stopping in the north to explore Valbona Valley National Park. This remote and utterly spellbinding stretch of the Albanian Alps is rich in flora and fauna, as well as a passionate sense of cultural identity. You’ll embark on a guided hike in the park, stopping to enjoy the crystal clear waters of James Lake and a charming century-old mill. By afternoon you’ll have earned a good meal, so we’ll head for a hearty lunch in a local restaurant to refuel on traditional delicacies. Spend the rest of your afternoon enjoying the countryside at your leisure, before regrouping for dinner back at the hotel.

As we make our way southwest this morning, you’ll swap the roads for the rather more spectacular waters of the Drin River, as we catch the ferry from Fierze to Koman. The two-and-a-half hour journey weaves through the fjord-like valleys of northwestern Albania. From Koman we’ll hit the road to the quaint village of Fishtë, where you’ll visit a unique community farm for a delicious homemade lunch, followed or preceded by a tour of the farm and its impressive wine cellar. In the afternoon we’ll make our way to Lake Skadar, Southern Europe’s largest lake, which straddles the borders of Albania and Montenegro. You’ll get to enjoy it from a pretty special vantage point as we visit Rozafa Castle, a truly stoic fortification dating back as early as the 3rd century BC. Tonight we’ll stick to the Albanian side of the lake with a stay in the city of Shkodër.

This morning begins with a guided tour of Shkodër. Then it’s time to enter our fourth nation – Montenegro! We’ll cross the border but stick to Lake Skadar, heading to the charming village of Virpazar. This community is built around its easy access to the lake, so naturally we’re here for a scenic late-morning boat trip. We’ll wind down the river Virštica, past water lilies and long reeds, spotting multicolored birds darting above. Eventually things open up onto the lake itself, where panoramas become wide and epic, the vastness of the water and towering mountain backdrops dwarfing our little boat. Back on land we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, before heading west to our home for the night – the majestic coastal city of Budva. You’ll have a guided tour in the afternoon and plenty of time this evening to further wander the old town, or kick back with sunset on the beach.

We’ll continue our journey up the Adriatic Coast in the gorgeous Montenegrin city of Kotor, famed for its beautiful bay and Unesco-listed medieval old town, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved. You’ll have a guided tour, wandering down cobblestone alleys, climbing the ancient city walls and visiting St Tryphon Cathedral, the majestic Romanesque, twin-tower stone church which has been the heart of the city for over 850 years. After free time for lunch in Kotor, we’ll make our fifth and final border crossing of the trip, continuing along the Adriatic to Croatia’s most iconic city, Dubrovnik. You’ll have a free evening to settle in and introduce yourself to Dubrovnik in whatever way suits you best.

Our last full day is dedicated to one of the most enchanting cities in the world. Dubrovnik’s iconic orange rooftops, striking fortifications and picture-perfect coastal location has dazzled visitors for centuries, and of course become world-famous thanks to its starring role in Game of Thrones. An aptly fantastical city, with well-preserved city walls hiding a maze of narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards. Our Local Insider will take you to the prettiest, most historical spots in town, as well as a fair few GoT filming locations, of course. The tour includes a visit to the Franciscan Church and Monastery, which houses a small museum that paints a big picture of Dubrovnik’s long history. You’ll have a free afternoon before we reunite at a charming local restaurant for our final dinner as a group. Time to toast to ten magical days in the Balkans!

Five beautiful countries, 10 fascinating cities, two epic lakes, countless mountain backdrops and a healthy dose of sea air. Our all-encompassing Balkan adventure has come to an end, and while it’s sad to say goodbye, you’ll leave Dubrovnik with a heart enriched by unique cultural experiences, a camera roll that could drive any photographer to envy, and hopefully a few travel friends for life. Savor your final breakfast at the hotel to mark the end of our adventure, but not necessarily the end of yours…