Western Balkans Uncovered

12 Days | Venture through the original kingdoms of Eastern Europe.

4.7 out of 5 based on 23 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
GBP £2,495
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Western Balkans Uncovered including Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Republic Of, Montenegro and Kosovo
Start
Skopje, North Macedonia (Macedonia)
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
North Macedonia (Macedonia), Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia
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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
WMKK
This trip generates 22.83 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 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.

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 40C), 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 to 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

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

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Activities
  • Matka Canyon - Boat Ride
  • Prizren - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
  • Berat - Castle Visit
  • Berat - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide
  • Kruja - Fortress Visit
  • Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table dinner
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
Add on 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 - MKD100
  • Skopje - City Museum - Free
  • Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
  • Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
  • Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
  • Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
  • Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car - ALL1000
  • Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery - ALL500
  • Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4

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 out of 5 based on 23 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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Nikki · Traveled August 2023
Fantastic trip! A great way to see the Balkans.
Review submitted 08 Sep 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!
Review submitted 10 Sep 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.
Review submitted 08 Sep 2023

henrice · Traveled August 2023
An excellent introduction to the western Balkans . The trip offers a mix of culture and activity . Good balance of scheduled and optional activities. The itinerary is great and there’s sufficient time to see the highlights . Having tasted the highlights I will certainly come back to some of the countries visited
Review submitted 10 Sep 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.
Review submitted 19 Aug 2023
Western Balkans Uncovered
From
GBP £2,495