Highlights
Balkan capitals - Walk through history in three vibrant capitals Tirana, Skopje and Pristina. Valbona Valley - Soak in the scenery on a hike in the dramatic alpine valley, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains. Lake Ohrid - Explore the peaceful lake and mountain setting, boasting many cultural monuments including the Saint Naum Monastery.
Itinerary
Discover a lesser-known side of Europe on the Undiscovered Balkans tour, a 14-day exploration through Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. Perfect for experienced travelers who prefer easy-paced journeys with a cultural focus, this trip uncovers a rich tapestry of history, landscapes, and local traditions.
Wander the vibrant streets of Tirana, Skopje, and Pristina, soaking up the unique blend of Ottoman and Communist-era influences. Venture into the wild beauty of the Valbona Valley, where hikes offer panoramic views of the jagged Accursed Mountains. Explore the serene landscapes around Lake Ohrid, famous for its cultural landmarks, including the evocative Saint Naum Monastery.
Along the way, enjoy intimate experiences like sipping mountain tea with farming families and visiting local wineries, bringing you closer to everyday life in the Balkans. All accommodations, transport, and meals are included for a seamless journey.
The USP of this tour package is its focus on authentic, off-the-beaten-track encounters—delivering a true taste of Balkan hospitality and heritage. For travelers eager to go beyond the tourist trail, this trip offers an eye-opening, rewarding adventure.
day 1Join trip in Tirana
Our tour starts today in Tirana, the colourful capital of Albania. Having emerged from its Communist past in the early 90's, Tirana's vibrant arts scene, café culture, diverse architectural styles and intriguing landscapes create a rich tapestry of styles; offering a great introduction to Modern Albania. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tirana at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tirana International Airport (TIA), which is around a 40-minute drive from our hotel. Please look out for your driver, who will be waiting outside the terminal in the arrivals area holding a branded sign. You'll need to exit through the doors on the left hand side when you exit the baggage claim area. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information on the morning of day two. Tirana is easy to navigate on foot, so if your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head out and explore. The House of Leaves, a museum dedicated to secret surveillance and the headquarters of Albania's secret service throughout the Cold War, is an intriguing stop. If you're into markets, check out Pazari i Ri, an open-air market where you can buy everything from fresh produce to local specialities such as byrek, baklava and honey. Whilst in Albania, we'll have the chance to try the country's delicious cuisine, which is a mix of Turkish, Greek and Italian influences, such as byrek - a spinach and feta stuffed filo pie and barbequed lamb with hearty vegetables such as griddled aubergines, peppers and courgette. Along the coast, there'll be the chance to try some fresh seafood, simply prepared to let the natural flavours of the sea take centre stage. Albania is also home to some excellent local wines and refreshing regional beers, such as Birra Korca, perfect for an evening toast.
day 2Cable car up Mount Dajti and free afternoon in Tirana
day 3Border crossing to North Macedonia and drive to Lake Ohrid
day 4Explore Lake Ohrid and Saint Naum Monastery
day 5Explore Matka Canyon, discover Skopje and drive to Pristina
day 6Walking tour of Pristina, visit the splendid Monastery of Gracanica and continue to Peja
day 7Explore the Peja Highlands and the church complex of Peja Patriarch
day 8Visit the Decani Monastery on the way to Prizren
day 9Wine tasting in Rahovec and visit to a Serbian enclave village
day 10Discover Gjakova and drive to the Valbona Valley in Albania
day 11Alpine hike in the scenic valley and meet a local shepherd's family
day 12Scenic journey to Shkoder
day 13Drive to Durres via Skanderbeg tomb, enjoy the evening by the Adriatic Sea
day 14Trip ends in Durres
What's Included
Customer Reviews
Trip notes need updating Guide really knowledgeable and driver really helpful with the luggage
Irena, our tour leader was amazing. She had everything organized and went out of her way to insure everyone was taken care of and we had a lot of fun with her. Her knowledge of the regions was superb. Tony our driver was fantastic. Always had a smile and squeeze our mini bus into the tightest of spaces.
Great tour visiting lots of sights with a very knowledgeable tour guide
Excellent holiday where every part of the itinery was met. Very good fellow passengers.
A fascinating and varied trip covering key destinations in north Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Hotels were comfortable, although we hadn't appreciated the challenges faced by those living in the Valbona Valley, which was an absolute highlight with stunning scenery. Our guide had an amazing depth of knowledge and shared this with us every day. Just a little more detail about day to day practicalities would be useful, but this didn't take away from his evident passion and enthusiasm about his home country.
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