2026 Balkan Tour: 12-Day Scenic Mountains, Lakes & Coastline

Arrival in Tirana
Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Tirana, the vibrant capital, is a lively mix of colorful buildings, Ottoman and Italian architecture, and modern urban life.

Free Time & City Tour
You’ll have free time to rest or explore the city on your own until 17:00, when we regroup for a guided city tour.

Tirana is a city of contrasts, where Ottoman, Italian, and communist architecture blend into a colorful and dynamic atmosphere. We’ll explore the city’s key landmarks in a slow paced walking tour.

Overnight in Tirana
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps visiting a local café or strolling through the bustling city center to soak in the unique atmosphere of Tirana.

Discover Durrës: Albania’s Ancient Seaside City

After breakfast, we leave Tirana and make our way to Durrës, one of the oldest cities in Albania and a vibrant coastal hub along the Adriatic Sea. Known for its blend of history and beachside charm, Durrës offers a perfect mix of culture and relaxation.

Highlights in Durrës:

Roman Amphitheatre – the largest in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Venetian Tower & City Walls – reminders of Durrës’ medieval past.

Seaside Promenade – enjoy a peaceful walk along the Adriatic coast, lined with cafés and sea views.

You’ll have free time to explore, enjoy a coffee by the sea, or simply soak in the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Journey to Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

In the afternoon, we continue toward Berat, one of Albania’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Famous for its perfectly preserved Ottoman architecture and hillside houses overlooking the river, Berat is a photographer’s dream and a treasure for history lovers.

Upon arrival, we’ll take a leisurely walking tour through the charming old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, known for their traditional white stone houses stacked along the hillsides — the reason behind Berat’s nickname, City of a Thousand Windows.

Evening in Berat:
The evening is free for you to wander the cobbled streets, enjoy local cuisine, or relax in one of the city’s traditional guesthouses.

Departing Berat

After breakfast in Berat, we begin our journey south toward Albania’s beautiful coastline. Leaving behind the stone houses and hilltop views of the “City of a Thousand Windows,” the scenery gradually shifts into vineyards, olive groves, and Mediterranean landscapes.

Visit Vlorë

Our first stop is Vlorë, the city where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. We take a relaxed walk along the seaside promenade and enjoy the coastal atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the journey.

Wine Tasting Experience

On the way, you’ll have the chance to stop at a local winery to taste regional Albanian wines, a pleasant and authentic introduction to the wine culture of southern Albania.

Riviera Coastal Drive

From Vlorë, we follow the iconic Albanian Riviera road, known for its dramatic cliffs, panoramic viewpoints, and stunning blue waters. The coastal scenery becomes increasingly striking as we approach the southern Riviera.

Arrival in Sarandë

By late afternoon, we arrive in Sarandë, the Riviera’s lively seaside hub. The evening is free to explore the waterfront, enjoy dinner by the sea, or simply relax and take in the views.

Departing Sarandë

After breakfast, we leave the coastal town of Sarandë and begin our journey inland toward one of Albania’s most atmospheric UNESCO cities.

Arrival in Gjirokastër

Entering Gjirokastër, often called the “Stone City,” you’ll notice its distinctive Ottoman-era houses, stone rooftops, and dramatic hillside setting.

Exploring the Old Bazaar

We walk through the historic bazaar, where cobbled streets, traditional shops, and centuries-old architecture create a setting full of charm and authenticity.

Visit Gjirokastër Castle

Dominating the city from above, Gjirokastër Castle offers panoramic views of the Drino Valley. Inside, you’ll explore fortifications, historical exhibits, and stories that reveal the city’s rich past.

Evening in Gjirokastër

The evening is free to enjoy at your own pace, whether discovering local cuisine, wandering through stone alleys, or relaxing in this beautifully preserved UNESCO town.

Leaving Gjirokastër

After breakfast, we depart Gjirokastër and head deeper into southern Albania, traveling through a landscape of mountains, valleys, and traditional villages.

Stop in Përmet

Our journey brings us to Përmet, a town known for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and the Vjosa River flowing right alongside it. We take time to explore the town’s peaceful center and enjoy the scenery that makes Përmet one of Albania’s greenest and most inviting destinations. Depending on the day’s flow, you may also have time to visit the nearby thermal springs for a relaxing break surrounded by nature.

Scenic Drive to Korçë

Continuing north, we travel through winding mountain roads and rural landscapes as we make our way toward Korçë. The changing scenery—from river valleys to highland views—makes this one of the most scenic drives of the journey.

Arrival in Korçë

By late afternoon, we arrive in Korçë, a city known for its cultural heritage and elegant architecture. After settling in, you have free time to explore the old town, visit the Cathedral, or stroll along Korçë’s charming pedestrian boulevard.

Evening in Korçë

The evening is yours to enjoy the city’s cozy cafés, traditional restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere before resting for the next day’s adventures.

Departing Korçë

After breakfast, we leave Korçë and journey toward the tranquil lakes of eastern Albania. The drive takes us through gentle hills and scenic countryside, offering glimpses of rural life along the way.

Visit Lake Prespa

Our first stop is Lake Prespa, a peaceful destination shared with North Macedonia and Greece. Known for its crystal-clear waters and rich birdlife, the area provides an ideal spot to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of Albania’s lesser-visited landscapes.

Arrival in Pogradec

Continuing along the route, we reach Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid. This charming lakeside town is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the promenade, enjoying panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mountains.

Evening in Pogradec

The evening is free to relax by the lake, sample local cuisine, or simply unwind in the calm and picturesque environment before continuing your journey the next day.

Departing Pogradec

After breakfast, we leave Pogradec and drive along the scenic shores of Lake Ohrid, enjoying the tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes as we cross into North Macedonia.

St. Naum Monastery

Our first stop is St. Naum Monastery, a 10th-century site on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid. Surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, it’s a peaceful place to explore historic frescoes, the church, and riverside surroundings.

Ohrid Lakeside Town

Continuing along Lake Ohrid, we arrive in the town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take time to walk through the cobbled streets, visit historic churches, and enjoy the vibrant lakeside promenade.

Vevčani Village

On the way to Skopje, we stop briefly in Vevčani, a picturesque village known for its colorful fountains, natural springs, and unique local culture. It’s an ideal spot for photos and a short walk before reaching the capital.

Skopje City Tour

By afternoon, we arrive in Skopje. We explore the city’s highlights on a guided tour, including the old bazaar, Stone Bridge, and key monuments. Skopje’s mix of Ottoman heritage and modern architecture provides a fascinating insight into North Macedonia’s history and culture.

Evening in Skopje

After the tour, the evening is free to enjoy a riverside café, stroll along the Vardar River, or relax in the city before overnight.

Morning Departure from Skopje

After breakfast, we leave Skopje for a short drive to Matka Canyon, a stunning natural reserve just outside the city. The canyon is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful surroundings.

Explore Matka Canyon

At Matka Canyon, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake, visit the medieval St. Andrew’s Monastery tucked into the cliffs, or hike along scenic trails that reveal breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.

Drive to Tetovo

After exploring Matka, we continue to Tetovo, a town famous for its cultural diversity and striking architecture. Tetovo’s Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija) stands out with its intricate colors and patterns, offering a unique insight into local heritage.

Return to Skopje

By afternoon, we head back to Skopje. The evening is free to relax, explore any remaining city sights, or enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants before concluding the day.

Departing Skopje

After breakfast, we leave Skopje and head west toward Kosovo, traveling through scenic mountains and river valleys.

Visit Prekaz

Our first stop is Prekaz, a village of great historical significance. Known as the home of legendary KLA fighters, it offers insight into Kosovo’s recent history and the resilience of its people.

White Drin Waterfall

Next, we visit the White Drin Waterfall, one of Kosovo’s most spectacular natural attractions. The waterfall drops into a clear pool surrounded by lush forests — a perfect spot for photos and a short nature break.

Pristina Stop

We continue to Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, where you can briefly explore key landmarks, stroll the vibrant streets, or enjoy refreshments before heading south to Prizren.

Prizren City Tour

By late afternoon, we arrive in Prizren, a city renowned for its Ottoman-era architecture and charming old town. On the guided tour, we explore cobbled streets, historic mosques, the riverside promenade, and the iconic Prizren Fortress, enjoying panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.

Evening in Prizren

The evening is free to relax, sample local cuisine, or wander the lively old town before overnight in Prizren.

Departing Prizren

After breakfast, we leave Prizren and drive northwest toward Albania, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way.

Stop in Shkodra

We stop in Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest cities. You can stroll through the historic center, visit the riverside promenade, and take in views of the surrounding mountains before continuing to Montenegro.

Budva City Tour

By afternoon, we arrive in Budva, a coastal gem on the Adriatic. On the tour, we explore the medieval old town, walk along the picturesque streets, visit the historic citadel, and enjoy the vibrant seaside promenade.

Evening in Budva

The evening is free to relax, enjoy local cuisine, or stroll along the beaches before overnight in Budva.

Departing Budva

After breakfast, we leave Budva and drive along the scenic Adriatic coast toward Kotor, enjoying dramatic coastal views along the way.

Kotor City Tour

In Kotor, we explore the UNESCO-listed old town with its medieval streets, historic churches, and charming squares. You can walk along the fortified walls or admire the stunning Bay of Kotor from panoramic viewpoints.

Visit Cetinje

Next, we continue to Cetinje, the historic royal capital of Montenegro. Here, we visit key landmarks such as the Cetinje Monastery, former royal palaces, and museums, learning about Montenegro’s rich history and culture.

Return to Budva

By late afternoon, we return to Budva. The evening is free to relax on the beach, enjoy the promenade, or explore more of the old town before overnight.

Departing Budva

After breakfast, we leave Budva and drive south along the Adriatic coast, enjoying scenic views as we enter Montenegro’s southern region.

Visit Stari Bar

Our first stop is **Stari Bar**, an ancient fortified town with ruins dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. You can explore the old walls, historic churches, and charming streets while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Ulcinj Stop

Next, we continue to **Ulcinj**, a coastal town known for its beaches and old town. We explore the historic center, stroll along the seaside promenade, and take in views of the Adriatic before leaving Montenegro.

Arrival in Tirana

By late afternoon, we cross into Albania and arrive in **Tirana**, the vibrant capital. The evening is free to relax, explore the city, or enjoy dinner in one of its lively restaurants before overnight.