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 67 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $3,235
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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), Albania, Kosovo
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 28 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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

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

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 67 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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Leon · Traveled August 2024
The Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia Explorer trip is a fantastic way to experience the history, culture and natural wonders of this part of the Balkans. Our fellow Intrepid travellers and our fantastic tour leader Kafu helped in making it a wonderful trip.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Doug · Traveled August 2024
An excellent well-rounded trip of some lesser-known destinations. The tour was a good pace, which allowed for plenty of free time. All the hotels were well located. Kafu was an excellent enthusiastic leader and helped a friendly and fun group to gel well.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Sarah · Traveled August 2024
An amazing trip to fabulous countries that have a wealth of diversity and culture. Take this trip and you won't be disappointed.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Jane & Leon · Traveled August 2024
A great way to experience the culture, history and natural beauty of 3 similar but uniquely different countries, with our fantastic tour leader Kafu. Be prepared for lots of walking, good food, amazing scenery, swimming in a lake, history lessons and good fun with like minded travellers.
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

Jo · Traveled August 2024
A great holiday where we learnt so much about all three countries. Our Tour Leader, Kafu was informative, organised, inclusive and was very approachable. We had a great group with lots of laughs and fun. Thank you so much 🙏
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024
Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
From
USD $3,235