12-Day Balkan Tour
The grand tour of the Western Balkans — twelve days across Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro, from the Adriatic and Ionian coasts to UNESCO cities, lakes, canyons and mountains.
What makes it special
- Tirana, Durrës & UNESCO Berat
- Albanian Riviera, wine tasting & Sarandë
- Gjirokastër 'Stone City' & Vjosa River
- Lake Ohrid, St. Naum & Skopje
- Matka Canyon & Tetovo's Painted Mosque
- White Drin Waterfall, Pristina & Prizren
- Budva, UNESCO Kotor, Bay of Kotor & Cetinje
Your journey, day by day
- 1
Day 1 — Arrival in Tirana
Arrive at Tirana International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After time to settle in, join an afternoon walking tour of Albania's capital — the lively centre with its Ottoman, Italian and communist-era architecture. Evening free. Overnight: Tirana (Albania).
- 2
Day 2 — Tirana → Durrës → Berat
Travel to Durrës on the Adriatic coast — Roman Amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and ancient city walls — then continue to UNESCO-listed Berat, the 'City of a Thousand Windows', exploring the Mangalem and Gorica quarters. Overnight: Berat (Albania).
- 3
Day 3 — Berat → Vlorë → Albanian Riviera → Sarandë
Travel to Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, then along the Albanian Riviera with a local wine tasting, dramatic cliffs and panoramic viewpoints, continuing south to the Ionian resort of Sarandë. Overnight: Sarandë (Albania).
- 4
Day 4 — Sarandë → Gjirokastër
Travel inland to the 'Stone City' of Gjirokastër — Ottoman-era stone-roofed houses, the historic Bazaar and Gjirokastër Castle, with panoramic views over the Drino Valley. Overnight: Gjirokastër (Albania).
- 5
Day 5 — Gjirokastër → Përmet → Korçë
Continue through the mountains of southern Albania to Përmet on the Vjosa River, with a possible thermal-springs stop, then on scenic mountain roads to Korçë and its historic centre and pedestrian boulevard. Overnight: Korçë (Albania).
- 6
Day 6 — Korçë → Lake Prespa → Pogradec
Travel towards the peaceful Lake Prespa region and on to Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid, with a relaxing walk along the lakeside promenade. Overnight: Pogradec (Albania).
- 7
Day 7 — Pogradec → St. Naum → Ohrid → Vevčani → Skopje
Enter North Macedonia along Lake Ohrid to St. Naum Monastery, then UNESCO-listed Ohrid's streets, churches and promenade. Continue via the spring village of Vevčani to Skopje for a guided tour of the Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge. Overnight: Skopje (North Macedonia).
- 8
Day 8 — Skopje → Matka Canyon → Tetovo
Visit Matka Canyon with its dramatic cliffs and clear waters — optional boat ride, St. Andrew's Monastery or a scenic hike — then Tetovo and its colourful Painted Mosque, returning to Skopje. Overnight: Skopje (North Macedonia).
- 9
Day 9 — Skopje → Prekaz → White Drin → Pristina → Prizren
Travel into Kosovo via Prekaz and the scenic White Drin Waterfall, then the capital Pristina, and on to historic Prizren — old town, Ottoman architecture, riverside and Prizren Fortress. Overnight: Prizren (Kosovo).
- 10
Day 10 — Prizren → Shkodër → Budva
Cross towards Montenegro with a stop in Shkodër, Albania, then continue to the Adriatic coast and Budva — medieval old town, citadel and seaside promenade. Overnight: Budva (Montenegro).
- 11
Day 11 — Budva → Kotor → Cetinje
Travel the Adriatic coastline to UNESCO-listed Kotor and the spectacular Bay of Kotor, then Cetinje, the historic royal capital, visiting Cetinje Monastery and former royal sites before returning to Budva. Overnight: Budva (Montenegro).
- 12
Day 12 — Budva → Stari Bar → Ulcinj → Tirana
Follow the southern Montenegrin coast to Stari Bar and Ulcinj, then cross back into Albania and continue to Tirana, arriving late afternoon and completing your Balkan grand tour. Tour ends: Tirana (Albania).
Inclusions
- Hotel accommodation for the full tour (comfortable 3–4★ hotels or boutique properties)
- Breakfast included daily
- Airport pickup
- All transportation during the tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel, road taxes and city taxes
- English-speaking local tour guide
- Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Guided sightseeing
- Water during transfers
Exclusions
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Lunches
- Dinners (except with the dinner-inclusive package)
- Optional activities unless specifically stated
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Booking & Payment
- A 50% pre-payment of the total tour amount is required to confirm the booking.
- The remaining 50% balance must be paid 50 days before the tour starting date.
- A tour is confirmed only after you receive an Instant Confirmation or a confirmation email from our team, once pre-payment has been received.
- At booking we require full passenger details for each traveller: First name and Last name (as per passport), Date of Birth and Passport Number.
Cancellation Policy
- 41 days or more before the tour start date: 100% of the pre-paid amount refunded (transaction/payment processing fees are non-refundable).
- 31 days before the tour start date: 50% of the total tour amount is charged.
- Less than 21 hours before the tour start: 100% of the total tour amount is charged.