Western Balkans Uncovered
Experience Overview
Be the star of your own historical epic as you walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame in Dubrovnik, explore the 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. Hang out in some of Europe’s most atmospheric and lesser known Old Towns, cruise around Lake Ohrid, and explore boutiques in Tirana. You’ll check out regional hot spots and experience a hefty dollop of cultural hospitality on this immersive 12-day journey.
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 World Heritage-listed architecture 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 with the freshest local ingredients.
- Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
- Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2963
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: WMKK
Starts: Skopje, Albania
Finishes: Dubrovnik, Albania
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,060 ($338 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Skopje. If you arrive early in North Macedonia's capital city, you may like to step back in time with a visit to the Daut Pasha Hamam or explore the 30 mosques, innumerable caravanserais, and hammams that fill the winding streets as a testament to Skopje’s Ottoman past. Discover the statues and grand monuments the city has become famous for, like the massive statue of Alexander the Great on horseback in the centre of Macedonia Square, or stroll past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths, and neo-classical buildings, sampling gozleme and baklava along the way. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6pm welcome meeting and afterwards you may like to head out together to a local bar or restaurant to celebrate the start of your adventure.
Optional Activities:
- Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam (60 MKD)
- Skopje - Iconic Stone Bridge - Free
- Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre (300 MKD)
- Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
- Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross (120 MKD)
- Skopje - City Museum - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River, 15 kilometres southwest of the city. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves, and over 70 species of endemic butterflies. Explore the canyon's sights by boat or take one of the many nature walks in the canyon, or up to the tracks that hug the ridge high above the valley. When you arrive back in Skopje, the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city your way. Get lost in the narrow lanes of Caršija, Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood, or take in the stone bridge over the river Vardar. Perhaps 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.
Included Activities:
- Matka Canyon - Boat Ride
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out on a day trip to historic Prizren – Kosovo’s second biggest and arguably most beautiful city. Prizren was spared from destruction in the 1999 conflict and is filled with traditional handicraft shops and Ottoman charm. When you arrive, you’ll meet up with a local guide and take a tour of the city. Starting alongside the Bistrica River, walk the Old Town, taking in the cobbled Shadervan Square and the Old Stone Bridge. See famous mosques and the abandoned Serbian Orthodox churches, which stand as sombre reminders of the ethnic divisions that still simmer under the surface. After, sit down for a group lunch of traditional Kosovan favourites like pies, flija (layered crepes served with sour cream and butter), stuffed peppers, sarma (grape or vine leaves stuffed with grains and minced meat) and kebab. In the late afternoon, return to Skopje.
Included Activities:
- Prizren - Walking tour with a local guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, board your private transport to Lake Ohrid and enjoy the scenery during the drive. Europe’s oldest lake, and one of the oldest human settlements in the world, Ohrid has a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. 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 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 around the old bazaar area and enjoy free time to explore on your own.
Included Activities:
- Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Embark on a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, ringed by mountains, attractive villages and beaches, and take in the views of the town and the surrounding scenery. At 34 kilometres long, 14 kilometres wide, and over 300 metres deep, all shared between Albania and North Macedonia, there’s plenty to explore. The afternoon is free for you to discover the area your way. There are many churches and monasteries to visit, but one of the most popular is the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town, overlooking the lake. Past the church you can wander around to the back of town, exploring the old walls and fortress, and admiring the views of the lake. Lying on the shores of the lake, with well-kept grounds that are home to peacocks, the Sveti Naum Monastery is also a great option. Tast Samoil’s Fortress stands on the top of Ohrid Hill and overlooks the town, while a 2,000-year-old Roman theatre was uncovered near the Upper Gate – in summer it’s still used for concerts and performances.
Included Activities:
- Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Ohrid - St Jovan Church (150 MKD)
- Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum (150 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take it slow as we cross the border into Albania and continue to the remote and rarely visited town of Berat, a gem of a town that was lucky to escape destruction during communist times. 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 is 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. In the evening enjoy 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.
Included Activities:
- Berat - Castle Visit
- Berat - Walking tour with a local guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, transfer to Tirana. Learn how the Alps in the rugged north are considered so fierce they're called 'accursed', while the south has one of Europe’s least known and most beautiful coastlines. With its unique mixture of cultures and customs, Tirana is filled with mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture, and the medieval atmosphere of the Balkans. On arrival, embark on a guided tour to get your bearings in Albania’s capital which is compact and ideal to explore on foot. Filled with architectural influences from Italy and Turkey, upgrades have been made all over town, such as new parks and wide pavements, a process that's still on-going. If the weather is good, you may like to take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for breath-taking views of the city below.
Included Activities:
- Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - National Art Gallery (200 ALL)
- Tirana - Sky Tower (400 ALL)
- Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car (1000 ALL)
- Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery (500 ALL)
- Tirana - National History Museum (700 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, take a half-day trip to the mountain village and former Albanian capital of Kruja. Kruja was the last stronghold of Skanderbeg's (the national hero of Albania) army until the Ottomans took over the entire country. Pay a visit to the fortress and enjoy some free time to explore the citadel and famous bazaar area. On your return to Tirana, you may like to visit the National History Museum which has a giant mosaic on its facade that represents the development of Albania's history. The main sight in Tirana is the 1821 Et'hem Bey Mosque, right on the city's main square. Closed under communist rule, the mosque resumed as a place of worship in 1991, a reopening that was considered a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Take a look at the frescoes outside and in the portico that depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art.
Included Activities:
- Kruja - Fortress Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfasting, you’ll head off for Kotor – a picturesque medieval town located on the fjord of the same name. Along the way, stop at Fishte for an unforgettable lunch at a local Albanian farm. You’ll enjoy organic produce, fresh meat and wild fish that’s prepared on-site, among the gorgeous midday views of the farm surrounding you. After swapping stories with the locals, continue on to Kotor, where you’ll enjoy a free evening to walk the streets lit up at night, find a good bar to sit and people watch or head to a restaurant for dinner – your leader will know all the best spots.
Included Activities:
- Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day to take in Kotor, Montenegro’s fortified town wedged between soaring mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters. This 5th-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. Its winding alleyways are the ideal spot to mingle with the locals. Check out the 12th-century Cathedral, the South Gates, and the Armoury Square. Later, perhaps take a cruise on the Kotor Fjord – the longest fjord south in Scandinavia – and visit an island with a church that's almost as big as the island itself. In the evening the city walls are lit up and provide a beautiful night-time view.
Optional Activities:
- Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord (40 EUR)
- Kotor - Maritime Museum (5 EUR)
- Kotor - Fortress (3 EUR)
- Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (4 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you will be transferred to picture-perfect Dubrovnik. The main pedestrian promenade, once a shallow sea channel, is now paved with glistening white limestone, in stark contrast to the warm red terracotta roofs. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful city. Join your leader for a walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame and gaze out over monasteries with cloistered gardens, fine baroque churches with copper domes, and the sparkling waters below.
Included Activities:
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
- Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your Western Balkans trip comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Dubrovnik, we recommend you stay a little longer. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your agent at the time of booking.
Optional Activities:
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum (10 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace (13 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence (4 EUR)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ilke - Traveled, September 2023
Had a great time! Fun people, interesting itinerary. No stress, good balance between included activities and things you can explore on your own. And we could count on Marija, our leader, to point us towards the best food (and todos) in the area! Don't forget to bring a raincoat, as yes it rains in the Western Balkans!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Judith - Traveled, September 2023
As a basic introduction to the Western Balkans it’s an excellent trip. It will make you want to go back to explore their deep cultural history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Scott - Traveled, September 2023
This is an excellent tour for those looking to expand their knowledge of a very complex part of the world. We had an exceptionally talented guide in Vladimir. While still only scratching the surface of this incredible region, there is now a desire to come back and see much more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Valerie - Traveled, September 2023
Really enjoyed this trip. Nice mix of cultural activities and walking. Our tour guide Dina was terrific. I highly recommend this trip. I think the trip could be extended to include Bosnia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Nikki - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic trip! A great way to see the Balkans.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Amber - Traveled, August 2023
I loved exploring the Balkans with Intrepid. It was so cool to see that area of the world, and the people were so friendly. Dijana was an amazing tour guide and really added to the quality of the trip. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2023
Emil - Traveled, August 2023
Balkans are a region still flying under the radar, but becoming more and more popular as they develop and rise their quality of life. It was really interesting to find out about the history of the Ex Yugoslavia and the communist party in Albania, which I wasn't really aware of. Generally speaking the experience has been great, more for the people I've meet, but also Ohrid and Dubrovnik were really amazing spots. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Nikki - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic trip! A great way to see the Balkans.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Jaclyn - Traveled, August 2023
Our tour guide was amazing and we visited many gorgeous locations. The pacing was off--three nights in Skopje was too many. Do not expect "comfort" level accommodations. While I'm happy I took this trip, it was not worth the high price and I do not feel I received value for my money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Sarah - Traveled, August 2023
The Western Balkans are bursting with breathtaking panoramic views from the many fortresses and mountains as well thought provoking historical stories. Our guide led us through the countries with a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of humour to ensure we all had the best time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Paul - Traveled, August 2023
Great introduction to the western Balkan’s culture food people and history. Highly enjoyable and recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Steven - Traveled, July 2023
An opportunity to discover the history of the Western Balkans and experience the local culture
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Kirsten - Traveled, July 2023
Lovely trip around the Balkans/ Adriatic Coast with a good mix of historical sites, stunning coastlines and great restaurants
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Craig - Traveled, July 2023
A great experience. And the highlight would be albania. Such a unrated country and will be a great tourist destination in the near future Met great people and made fantastic memories with people similar to me Would definitely recommend seeing this part of the Balkans before it becomes a tourist mecca
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2023
Gavin - Traveled, June 2023
This is an amazing trip for anyone who does not know much about the Balkans. You travel to a lot of hidden gems and there are lots of great surprises along the way. Dusan is an exceptional guide who exceeded expectations on this trip for everyone. Do not miss out on this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Lane - Traveled, June 2023
Whether or not you have ever considered a trip the the Balkans before, take this as your sign to put it at the top of your list. The cultures, sights, and experiences are worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2023
Stephen - Traveled, May 2023
This is a super trip to a little know part of the world. There are few tourists, so you can personally interact with the locals. Nice hotels and great local food. The people in these countries appreciate your being there. Dijana was one of the best tour leaders I have ever had. She went out of her way to be responsive to the group and do everything possible make sure everyone had a good time. It was the little extras, like providing picnic at Kruja, and having beverages and snacks on our boat trip that made a real difference.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2023
Jasmine - Traveled, May 2023
This trip ticked the boxes of being less touristy than other European locations deeply interesting history, stunning natural landscape, and a little bit adventure based. I absolutely loved exploring somewhere new! What made the trip was our incredible tour leader, Dora, who went above and beyond to care for the group - suggesting extra activities and fabulous foodie spots along the way. She really is a very special Intrepid tour leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, May 2023
I recommend this trip highly, as well as our Guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Wendy (Gwendolyn - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent way to see the Western Balkans and discover the history and hidden gems of the area. Great leader, Fun group, great leader and lots of laughter. Don' t miss out on this incredible part of the world. Would highly recommend Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2023
Theodore - Traveled, April 2023
Amazing tour. Learned so much about these 4 countries and the hardships they endured prior to freedom. Tour leader was excellent and I am so glad I did this trip when I did -- construction and development everywhere -- won't be the same in future years. Go NOW!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Jasmin - Traveled, September 2022
Wonderful trip to a beautiful region of the world that deserves to be explored. I highly recommend this tour, particularly for those who haven't been to the Balkans. You won't regret it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2022
Kathleen - Traveled, July 2022
This is an excellent itinerary. You learn a lot about the Balkans, visiting five countries in all, but you never feel that you are rushed through a location. It offers a nice mix of city, country, mountains, beach, culture, hiking and swimming (Adriatic Sea and Lake Ohrid). Accommodations were charming small hotels with all amenities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2022
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
