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?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Arrive in Tirana. The Albanian capital is one of the most dynamic of the Western Balkans and surprises many first-time travellers with its lively restaurant, bar, and cafe scene worth discovering by both day and night. For those arriving on time our Leader pla...
This morning, we drive a short distance to the base of the Dajti Express cable car, which is the longest cableway in the Balkans. Our 15-minute journey takes us almost to the top of Mount Dajti at around 1,049 metres. From here, we'll hike to the summit of Tujani for ...
After breakfast, we leave Tirana and start driving towards Elbasan town and through the valley of Shkumbin crossing the border into North Macedonia and stopping in the small resort of Struga on the lake Ohrid. The town's cut in half by the Black Drim River that fl...
This morning, we take a boat ride to Saint Naum, an imposing sight on one of the lakes peninsulas, close to the Albanian border. The monastery of Saint Naum is surrounded by sandy beaches and inside we find impressive frescoes. We enjoy some free time here; perhaps yo...
After an early breakfast, we take the road towards Kosovo with a first stop in Matka Canyon, one of the most beautiful places to visit in North Macedonia, known for its stunning natural scenery, with towering cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal clear lakes. Matka Canyon ...
This morning, our Tour Leader takes us around Pristina and in Old Pristina, you'll be able to see a 26-metre-high clock tower in the central bazaar area, which reminders stall holders and shoppers when it's time for prayer. The city's oldest mosques are found in this ...
Today, we 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 stop and take a hike to a nearby lake. The walk to the lake covers five kilometres and will take around five hours...
This morning, we visit the beautiful 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 continue our drive through the town of Junik, where w...
This morning, we stroll down the narrow cobbled streets of Prizren and around the Shadervan area 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 hea...
Today, we leave Kosovo and return to Albania. The drive is quite scenic, and we make a first stop in Gjakova one of the most charming city in Kosovo where we visit the Ottoman Bazaar. It may seem slow-paced today, but Gjakova was once a major trading hub. During the O...
Valbona is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys of Albania. Today, we hike to the side Kukaj Valley, making our way through forest towards alpine pastures that offer stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. We will have a picnic lunch and later ...
Today, we leave the Valbona Valley and head for Shkoder. Depending on the time of year and the ferry schedule, we either take a scenic ferry ride across Lake Koman or drive on the National Road through the scenic mountain landscape. Your Leader will advise on the ...
After breakfast, we start our drive to the Adriatic Sea towards Durres. En route, we stop in Lezha to visit Skandarberg memorial. Skanderbeg was an Albanian nobleman and military commander who led a rebellion and successfully resisted the Ottoman Empire for 24 years. ...
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Durres. There are no activities planned today, so you are 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 would like an...
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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
Gwen
Oct 2023
Undiscovered Balkans
Itinerary was excellent- the perfect blend of culture, nature and history with e...
Al
Sep 2023
Undiscovered Balkans
The itinerary is well designed, packed with a vari...
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May 2024
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Alkan-was an excellent tour leader and guide and ensured the group had a wonderful experience!
Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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- Breakfast : 13
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- Lunch : 1
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