Western Balkans Uncovered

12 days4.766 reviews
From
NZD $4,941

Venture through the original kingdoms of Eastern Europe

Be the star of your own historical epic as you walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame in Dubrovnik, explore the UNESCO 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. Cruise around Lake Ohrid, indulge in a wine tasting in Roshnik and visit a local market in Skopje, all on this 12-day adventure through the Western Balkans.

Map of Western Balkans Uncovered including Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Republic Of and Montenegro
Trip code: WMKK
Start
Skopje, North Macedonia
End
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Destinations
Croatia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro
Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights)
Days
12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
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
This trip generates 25 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

  • 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 UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town 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 by your friendly local hosts.
  • Indulge in local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey) or lokum (Turkish delight) during your visit to the local market in Skopje.
  • Visit a traditional winery in Roshnik Village. Learn about the region’s historic wine-making practices while you enjoy a tasting with views of beautiful olive groves and vineyards.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Western Balkans Uncovered including Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Republic Of and Montenegro

Inclusions and activities

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Included activities
  • Skopje - Walking tour with local guide + Local Market visit & Food tasting
  • Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Lake Ohrid - Boat Cruise
  • Berat - Castle Visit
  • Berat - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Roshnik - Wine tasting in a traditional winery
  • Roshnik - Village visit
  • Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Herceg Novi - Leader led Orientation Walk
  • Fishte - Local Agroturism Lunch
  • Kotor - Day trip
  • Kotor - Walking tour with local guide
  • Kotor Bay - Boat ride from Herceg Novi to Kotor around Kotor Bay
  • Leader - led orientation walk including City Walls

Optional activities
  • Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
  • Skopje - Iconic Stone Bridge - Free
  • Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre - MKD300
  • Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
  • Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD120
  • Skopje - City Museum - Free
  • Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
  • Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Dajti Mountain Cable Car Ride - ALL800
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit - Free
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Is this trip right for you?

  • We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage at times, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs and across cobblestones.
  • 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. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
  • We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage at times, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs and across cobblestones.
  • 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. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. 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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 .   66 reviews
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Traveled July 2025
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Western Balkans Uncovered
From
NZD $4,941