Literally and metaphorically speaking, the Balkans are a peninsula in Southeast Europe that lies between the East and the West. It has always been a site of conflict between the most powerful empires due to its exceptional strategic area. As a result, the Balkans have a rich history and a vast cultural heritage.
This journey will be an enriching experience, a full week of travelling in time, following the traces of Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Ottomans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. By listening to the history of each place and visiting the most prominent monuments, you will be able to understand the wide diversity of the region and how the region’s history has affected culture and development. After all, for lovers of nature and activities in them, you have a lot of opportunities to enjoy them.
Before you go on an impressive trip through five countries and six towns, they will kindly meet you and share their history with you! Prepare your passports for the marks of North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina!
Experience the highlights of Skoplje – the capital of North Macedonia, a town that was inhabited 300 years before Christ; Prizren in Kosovo – one of the oldest cities as well as the second most populous city and municipality of Kosovo; Shkodra in Albania – one of the most ancient sites in the Balkans with roughly 2,200 years of recorded history; Plav and Žabljak, with the amazing mountains Prokletije and Durmitor in Northern Montenegro; Sarajevo – the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a place where east meets west!
Skopje & Sarajevo, or by arrangement (Google Map)
According to the itinerary
You are going to discover remnants of the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Slavs, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians during your trip. You will encounter historical and cultural sites such as old towns, fortifications, archaeological sites, palaces, and museums. You will also see monuments of the three main religions in the Balkans: churches, monasteries, and cathedrals serve as places of worship for the Orthodox and Catholic people, while mosques are the endowments of the Ottoman rulers.
You will also have the opportunity to visit places of exceptional beauty, both cultural and natural: Sharr Mountains (Šar Planina) – the highest mountain in North Macedonia; Kaljaja Fortress – a fortress on the hill above Prizren from the 4th or 5th century; Rozafa Castle – known as Shkodër Castle, rises impressively on a rocky hill; Skadar Lake – the largest lake in the Balkans; Prokletije: – mountain range whose name refers to untouched wilderness, inaccessible peaks, terrifying lochs and mysterious lakes; National Park Durmitor with Tara River Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world; Sarajevo – landmarks of the old quarter, Baščaršija…
Highlights of the tour:
This incredible journey throughout the Western Balkans begins with a drive from Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, to Prizren, the second-most populous city in Kosovo. Stop at the magnificent Šar Planina (Sharr Mountains) to visit the National Park on this route, with a short break in Prevalla – a ski resort and touristic village. The National Park Sharr/Šar is simply amazing when it comes to its untouched nature. Breathtaking views of mountain slopes, innumerable river flows, and a beautiful natural environment.
Before departing for this tour, we hope you had some time to delight in all that this fascinating capital of North Macedonia offers its visitors. If you haven’t yet, get in touch with us to add more nights, activities, or day trips to the itinerary before they’ve been fully booked.
We check into the lodging when we arrive in Prizren, and we are also free to explore the city on our own or book anything else from our optional activities.
Free time. Overnight.
Included activities:
Journey from Skopje to Prizren via Sharr Mountains
Visit to the Sharr Mountains National Park—Prevalla Village
Optional activities:
Without optional activities (only on request)
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Prizren
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse or similar
Meals: No meals today.
Note: The drive lasts a little more than 2,5 hours and about 110 kilometers. A planned short break of about 30–60 minutes on the Sar Mountain in the village of Prevalla.
This day is planned as a free day, so you can spend it as you want. Prizren offers a wide range of activities, most of which are located inside the town borders and are easily explored on foot. Kosovo’s historic capital, Prizren, is the second-biggest city in the country and an ancient city with a remarkable Balkan heritage. The city is close to the Albanian border and enjoys a stunning setting in the Šar Mountains’ foothills. Here are the Prizren highlights: Kalaja Fortress, Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Ottoman Stone Bridge, Our Lady of Ljeviš – Serbian Orthodox Church, Shopping at ABI Çarshia…
We can book you some interesting tours, depending on your interests. We heartfully recommend taking the relaxed three-hour guided tour covering the historical region of Prizren, which includes museum entry fees. Prizren offers plenty of trekking opportunities due to its mountainous location. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and exploring the natural world must visit Sharr Mountains National Park. It’s just a short drive from Prizren—roughly an hour—to experience breathtaking scenery and escape the city.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Historical Prizren Tour, a 3-hour guided tour (including ticket prices to museums)
Optional activities:
Hiking adventure in Sharr Mountains from 75 €
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Prizren
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse or similar
Meals: breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are not included. (Drinks NOT included)
We head to Shkodër, which is situated on the shores of Skadar Lake and is considered to be the most picturesque and oldest city in Albania. The city, which is also the center of Albanian Catholicism, is a significant cultural and economic hub of the nation and a shining example of how several religions can coexist in harmony.
Some visitors think that Shkodër, with its narrow streets, ancient houses surrounded by stone walls, and modern structures, truly represents the true spirit of Albania. Built in the third century B.C., the fortress of Rozafa is the most popular site for sightseeing in Skoder.
The Lead Mosque, with its many domes, is located behind the castle. The largest Roman Catholic sanctuary in Skoder, the Cathedral of Saint Stefan, and the Franciscan church, Ruga-Ndre-Mjeda, are worth seeing. Skoder is so proud of the Mother Teresa statue, and that their country gave the world this saint!
We check into the lodging when we arrive in Shkodër and are also free to explore the city on our own or book anything else, from a wide range of our optional activities.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Journey from Prizren to Shkodër
Rozafa Fortress Tour – guided tour (including ticket prices to the fortress)
Optional activities:
Shkodra City Tour – guided walking tour from 20 € p/p
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Shkodër
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse or similar
Meals: breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are not included. (Drinks NOT included)
Note: The drive lasts a little more than 3 hours and is about 190 kilometers.
Today is a free day with a lot of choices for optional activities. Discover Shkodër’s abundant natural beauty, lively culture, and rich heritage. Experience a day tour of Lake Koman and the villages of Theth and Valbona.
Rozafa Fortress is the most impressive sight in town to enjoy the spectacular views over the city and Lake Shkodra. Confirm any other bookings related to our wide range of optional activities. It’s your choice.
Nestled between Lake Shkodra, the shoreline, and rising mountains, this ancient city is one of the most picturesque in all of Europe. Shkodër, with its Old Town and its pastel-painted buildings that evoke a particular Italian ambience, is arguably the most attractive urban center in Albania. We suggest booking our guided Shkodra City Tour to explore all that this amazing city has to offer.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Without included activities
Optional activities:
Shkodra City Tour – guided walking tour from 25 € p/p
Rozafa Fortress Tour – guided tour from 25 € p/p
Kruja & Durres day trip with lunch – from 110 €
Day tour of Theth & Blue Eye – from 130 €
Shala River & Komani Lake day tour – from 150 €
Albanian Alps & Theth Village day tour w/ lunch – from 110 €
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Shkodër
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse or similar
Meals: breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are not included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, your Balkan adventure continues to Montenegro, the fourth country on the tour, and Mount Prokletije, one of the country’s five national parks. Discover Prokletije, also known as the Balkan Alps, a unique, huge mountain range full of unspoiled natural beauty and attractions, one of the most uncovered and rather mysterious sights in Montenegro. Prokletije covers the territory of the three countries of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo.
Stunning views of Prokletije, as well as their true wealth of flora and fauna, are a real draw for tourists and hikers. Between Mount Visitor and Prokletije is Plav Lake, a glacial lake at a height of 906 m above sea level. Glacial lakes, rivers, large and small streams, springs and sources of drinking water, underground aquifers, and mountain ponds make up the hydrography of this mountain. Keep the day enjoying the Plav Lake, or book one of the attractive optional activities.
We check into the lodging when we arrive in Plav, and we are also free to explore the place on our own or book anything else, from our optional activities. Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
The journey from Shkodër to Plav in Montenegro
Visit Plav Lake
Optional activities:
Prokletije Hiking Tour – from 75 €
Mountain biking tour on Prokletije – from 95 €
Horseback riding tour on Prokletije – from 95 €
Jeep Safari Prokletije – from 120 €
Mountain biking Hrid Lake – from 95 €
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Plav – Mount Prokletije
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse, hut or similar
Meals: breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are not included. (Drinks NOT included)
Note: The drive lasts a little more than 2,5 hours and is about 120 kilometers.
Enjoy this moment in time. Prokletije National Park in Montenegro is the most gorgeous spot where you can go hiking. Peaks rise straight to the sky, and chamois roam among rocky outcrops. Wander with them if you’re feeling adventurous.
Hike the slopes of Mt. Bogićevica (2204 m) and Hridsko Jezero (Hrid Lake), situated at an altitude of 1970m above sea level. Hrid Lake is a small glacial lake, but its uniqueness lies in its elevation as one of Montenegro’s highest lakes, if not the highest. Rugged mountain peaks encircle it; in Montenegrin, a “craggy rock” is known as a “hrid.”
Nestled in magnificent mountain scenery with unique rock formations and high pine and spruce trees, the lake is hidden under the steep cliffs of Hridski Krš and Mount Bogićevica. A legend says that the lake was created by the Gods, as a hidden bathing place for fairies where they could bathe, unseen by humans. The name “Fairy Lake” is still used for the lake in the Albanian-speaking area. Free time, dinner, and overnight.
Included activities:
Hiking Mt. Bogićevica and Hridsko Jezero (Hrid Lake)
Optional activities:
Mountain biking tour on Prokletije – from 95 €
Horseback riding tour on Prokletije – from 95 €
Jeep Safari Prokletije – from 120 €
Mountain biking Hrid Lake – from 95 €
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Mount Prokletije
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse, hut or similar
Meals: breakfast and lunch box included. Dinner is not included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, around seven o’clock in the morning, you’ll check out of the accommodation and travel along Tara Canyon to Žabljak town and Durmitor National Park. The highlight of this tour will be in UNESCO-protected areas. Before we get to Žabljak, we explore the Đurđevića Tara Bridge in the famous Tara Canyon to take pictures and walk along this architectural masterpiece. Walk along the bridge and enjoy the view from the iconic Đurđevića Tara Bridge, an incredible work of engineering that includes five arches and rises 172 meters above the river.
(Optional 1) A real treat for the greatest lovers of extreme adventures. Experience Extreme Zipline, a flight of 1050 m across the world’s second-deepest canyon at speeds that range up to 120 km/h! This adrenaline-filled zipline is classified as one of the fastest in Europe.
(Optional 2) Enjoy unforgettable whitewater rafting Šljivansko – Žugića Luka through the famous Canyon Tara River, which is Europe´s deepest canyon and the second deepest in the world, after Grand Canyon in the USA. Or why not do both options? See prices below.
Once you’ve enjoyed sightseeing and some thrilling at the picturesque Đurđevića Tara bridge, drive up to Žabljak in Durmitor National Park to soak up its breathtaking scenery.
Our planned walk will take us around the popular Black Lake, a glacial lake situated within the National Park Durmitor, and the town of Žabljak.
Free time, dinner, and overnight.
Included activities:
The journey from Plav to Žabljak and Durmitar Mountain
Sightseeing of Đurđevića Tara Bridge
Visit Black Lake in National Park Durmitor
Optional activities:
Rafting Tara, Šljivansko & Žugića Luka– 59 € (Only on request)
Extreme ZipLine – Canyon Tara – 40 € (Only on request)
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Žabljak
Accommodation on a BB basis in 1/2 rooms in a stylish 3-star hotel, guesthouse, hut or similar
Meals: breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are not included. (Drinks NOT included)
Note: The drive lasts a little more than 3 hours and is about 160 kilometers
After breakfast, around seven o’clock in the morning, you’ll check out of the accommodation, and the Balkan adventure will continue to the fifth country of this tour. It’s Bosnia and Herzegovina! There, you will see the magnificent city of Sarajevo, where the East and West admirably converge! Rafting on the Tara River is something we will enjoy at Šćepan Polje before we get to Sarajevo. A delicious breakfast, including local dishes like amazing milk cream (kajmak), cheese, prosciutto, hot doughnuts (vreli uštipci), honey, and milk, is waiting for you before the rafting tour.
The rafting ride starts at Brštanovica through the famous canyon Tara toward Šćepan Polje and lasts 3–4 hours (depending on the water level) with breaks for photography, swimming, and refreshment. Stops with short breaks on the most beautiful rapids and waterfalls. This part of the canyon has the biggest and most attractive rapids. You will see beautiful landscapes and experience 21 of the 50 exciting cascades. The river is at a 2–4 volume level on the international scale of river categorization. This means that the water level varies depending on the season.
Upon your rafting adventure, begin lunch with a tasty salad served with delicious meats such as roasted lamb, veal, chicken, or fish. Of course, we will also take care of you who are vegetarians or vegans; just when booking, please inform us.
After lunch and rest, we return to our vehicle and continue to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you will check into your lodging. Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
We sincerely hope that your vacation with us was great! You are always welcome to come back.
Goodbye! Do vidjenja!
Included activities:
The journey from Žabljak to Sarajevo
Rafting Tara, Brštanovica – Šćepan Polje
Optional activities:
Zipline Piva Lake – 35 €
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Without accommodation today
Meals: Breakfast & lunch are included in the rafting tour. Dinner not included. (Drinks NOT included)
Note: The drive from Žabljak to Šćepan Polje lasts about 1.5 hours and is about 75 kilometers;
The drive from Šćepan Polje to Sarajevo lasts a little more than 2 hours and is about 100 kilometers
