Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer

15 Days | Travel through the valleys, towns and mountainscapes of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

4.9 out of 5 based on 41 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $4,190
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It’s hard to find a patch of Europe that as secluded as this one. Hard, but not impossible. Among the rugged mountains and green fields of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia there are plenty of shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches – what’s lacking is crowds. It’s taken decades for the Balkans to wipe away memories of conflict and communism, but (amazingly) they’ve emerged strong and smiling. From hip cafes in Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 15-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.

Trip overview

Map of Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer including Albania, Macedonia, Republic Of and Kosovo
Start
Tirana, Albania
Finish
Tirana, Albania
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
North Macedonia (Macedonia), Kosovo, Albania
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSX
This trip generates 23.68 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore the remote northern reaches of Albania and take one of the world’s best boat trips with a cruise through the mountainous corridors of Lake Koman
  • Experience daily life in the Valbona Valley with a stay at a local guesthouse. Clink glasses with the locals in the village and hike the rugged valley passes.
  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction – nobody would want to let it go.
  • Kososvo is rich in history and contrasts. Step back in time and learn about the infamous Battle of Kosovo on a day trip to the Field of Blackbirds, before embracing the modern culture thriving in Prishtina, Europe’s youngest capital.
  • Lose yourself in Tirana, the Albanian capital full of a revitalised urban energy, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Weather in this part of Europe can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. On the other hand, the weather in the mountains can be cold and wet throughout the year. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

Map of Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer including Albania, Macedonia, Republic Of and Kosovo

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights)

Activities
  • Lake Koman - Private boat ride
  • Valbona Valley - Village Tour
  • Valbona Valley - Tea House
  • Dečani Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Rugova Valley - Hike including Lunch
  • Gjakova - Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order
  • Gjakova - Hadumi Mosque
  • Prizren - Kalaja Fortress Visit
  • Kosovo Polje - Field of the Battle of Blackbirds & Tomb of Sultan Murat
  • Prishtina - Day Trip
  • Gracanica - Gracanica Monastery
  • Prishtina - Bear Sanctuary
  • Skopje - Matka Canyon visit and Boat Ride
  • Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
Add on activities
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery - ALL500
  • Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car - ALL1000
  • Shkoder - Rozafa Castle - ALL400
  • Prizren - House of the Albanian League of Prizren - EUR1
  • Prizren - Church of Our Lady of Ljevis - EUR3
  • Prizren - Church of the Holy Saviour - EUR2
  • Prizren - Sinan Pasha Mosque - Free
  • Prizren - Halveti’s Tekke - Free
  • Prizren - Day Trip to Sharr Mountains National Park (Black Lake) - from - EUR180
  • Prizren - Day Trip to Rahovec with Wine Tasting & Lunch - from - EUR60
  • Prishtina - Ethnographic Museum - Free
  • Prishtina - Sultan Fatih Mosque - Free
  • Prishtina - Kosovo Museum - EUR2
  • Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD100
  • Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
  • Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre - MKD300
  • Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
  • Skopje - City Museum - Free
  • Skopje - Archaeological Museum - MKD300
  • Matka Canyon - Boat Ride - MKD400
  • Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
  • Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
  • Kruja - Day Trip - ALL900
  • Kruja - Skanderbeg Museum - ALL500

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Days 3&4. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 41 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Susan · Traveled September 2023
This was an epic adventure with a great mix of time spent in cities and nature, and such a range of experiences. Made even better by our guide, Kafu, who was a joy to spend time with. I learned so much about the history of the region and the way that people live there today.
Review submitted 14 Oct 2023

Jennifer · Traveled September 2023
This was a fascinating trip which really took us off the tourist trail and gave an excellent flavour of the region. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the itinerary was a good mixture of cities and more rural areas. There was a good amount of inclusions and plenty of opportunity for additional activities. The food at the homestay in Valbona was excellent - my absolute favourite! It was made all the better by our charismatic leader Kafu, who went above and beyond in making the trip such a brilliant experience.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023

Jodell · Traveled September 2023
Great itinerary and great leader! Nice mix of city and natural scenery.
Review submitted 12 Oct 2023

Marielle · Traveled September 2023
This is an amazing trip to an incredible beautiful part of the world. The people are kind and hospitable and the nature is amazing!
Review submitted 13 Oct 2023

Laura · Traveled September 2023
Do not miss out on booking this trip . I have the feeling that these amazing places will not be the same in a few years time. Friendly, kind , welcoming people. Delicious fresh local food. Jaw dropping scenery. I felt safe at all times. If you’re lucky enough to have Sando ( best trip leader of all time) looking after you then you’ve hit the jackpot. We loved every minute with our wonderful Intrepid family.
Review submitted 05 Oct 2023
Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
From
NZD $4,190