balkans guided tours

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Featured Balkan Tours

Balkan trip: a 13-day heritage and scenery – balkan experience, sofia's historic walking highlights tour, spiritual heritage of bulgaria: rila monastery & boyana church - bulgaria trips.

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Hvar island: blue and green caves boat adventure, discover your next adventure.

• One-Day & Half-Day Tours Quick trips to discover local highlights.
• Multi-Day Tours Extended journeys for deeper immersion.
• Balkan Tours Explore the vibrant diversity of the Balkans.
• Pilgrimage and Religious Tours Spiritual journeys to sacred destinations.
• Culinary Tours Savor the flavors of regional cuisines.
• Family Adventures Tours Fun-filled explorations for the whole family.
• Special Offers Exclusive travel deals.
• Private Transfers Convenient and comfortable transport options.

Uncover the Magic of the Balkans – Go on unforgettable Balkan trips

Unforgettable adventures await you on our Balkan tours! From Croatia’s beautiful landscapes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hidden gems and the natural wonders of North Macedonia, experience the rich culture of Serbia, the charm of Montenegro, and the history of Albania and Slovenia. Balkland offers you different Balkan tours where you will get to know the Balkans as it is. Rich in various tastes, natural landscapes, and the best hospitality!

“ The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step „

Explore balkland tours and travel packages.

Explore our travel packages for a seamless and unforgettable experience. From detailed itineraries to helpful tips, we’ve got everything you need. Embark on a journey with Balkland, where each keyphrase guarantees extraordinary adventures in the heart of the Balkans.

Dubrovnik Sunset Kayaking Adventure

Discover Dubrovnik from the sea with our sunset kayak tour. Enjoy Lokrum Island, cave snorkeling, and breathtaking city vistas at dusk.

Novi Sad & Petrovaradin: Cultural Heart of Serbia Tour | Serbia Trips

Embark on a journey to Novi Sad and Petrovaradin, exploring Serbia's rich culture, history, and wine.

Sarajevo Journey: Tunnel of Hope & Cable Car Tour – Bosnia Trips

Must-See in Sarajevo: Walk Through the Tunnel of Hope and Admire the Roses, Unveiling Historical Resilience and Natural Beauty.

Explore Hvar's Blue and Green Caves: Dive into crystal waters, uncover hidden beaches, and relax in Palmižana Bay.

Our Qualities

What does Balkland offer at Balkan trips?

Good organization.

A good road means a good organization. With our organization, you don’t have to worry about accommodation, food, transportation! We stand behind you as a dedicated companion on every Balkan trips!

We cover 10 Balkan countries

Balkland allows you to visit and feel the charms of 10 countries in the Balkans. Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Romania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia await you to visit their beautiful landscapes and taste their most delicious food!

Different types of travel throughout the Balkans

The Balkans is a landscape of possibilities! Embark on Balkan Tours with your friends, experience Family Adventures with your loved ones, or Balkan food on Culinary Tours.

Your Smart Travel Guide to Balkan Adventures

Experience the Best of the Balkans with our Blogs.

Tour of the Balkans: Why Visit Zagreb?

Experience the charm of Zagreb on your tour of the Balkans.

Why You Should Travel to Balkans for Your Next Vacation

Plan your travel to the Balkans today for an unforgettable experience!

Balkan States Tour Through the Most Beautiful National Parks

Explore the most beautiful national parks of the Balkans!

Tour Balkan Countries With Balkland

Have you ever wanted to visit the unreal nature of the Balkans and try Balkan food rich in various flavors? With Balkland you can do just that! Our Balkan trips are unforgettable, diverse, and full of new adventures. Discover all our Balkan tours and pilgrim tours and choose the best one for you!

Why go on Balkan trips with Balkland?

With Balkland you always travel safely. We have provided transportation, hotels, and adventures throughout the Balkans for you, which are above all safe. The safety and security of our passengers is our priority!

Our Balkan trips are adapted to families, newlyweds, and corporate groups; with us, you can find tours that completely suit you!

Balkland was founded by foreign travelers and lovers of the Balkans, so every trip to the Balkans with us is diverse. Tour Balkan countries with us And you will experience all the beauties of the Balkans, from irresistible food to natural beauties.

Balkland FAQ

Is it safe to travel to the Balkans?

The Balkans are a very safe place to visit today. More than 30 years ago, the war that took place in the Balkans ended, and today the Balkans is one of the safer travel destinations.

Is it cheap to travel in the Balkans?

Yes. Compared to many Western European countries, traveling in the Balkans is often more budget-friendly, offering affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options.

Why is Balkan food popular?

Balkan cuisine is popular due to its rich flavors, diverse influences, and use of fresh, local ingredients. The combination of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Slavic culinary traditions contributes to the unique and delicious dishes.

What is the most popular Balkan food?

Ćevapi, a type of grilled minced meat, is widely popular across the Balkans. Other favorites include Burek, a pastry with meat or cheese, and Ajvar, a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread.

Is the Balkans safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, many parts of the Balkans are safe for solo female travelers. All the locals are friendly and ready to help you if you get lost or need help. Since you are still in a foreign country, we recommend that you do not go out late at night alone and keep your personal belongings safe.

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Balkans tours

Whether you dream of gazing at the pristine blue waters of the Adriatic in Slovenia, sipping traditional Turkish tea with locals, or stroll along the cobblestone streets on the island of Naxo, you’ll love our guided tours of the Balkans.

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We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest-free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

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What our travelers say about our Balkans tours

Why go on a guided tour of the balkans.

The history Formerly one country known as Yugoslavia, the Balkans dissolved into 11 independent nations in the 1990s. Today, you'll find unique history, culture, and food to experience in every land.

The wine The Balkans are the fifth-largest producer of wine in the world, and this region is well known for bold, interesting reds. Be sure to visit the Zivanovic Wine Cellar in the wine region of Sremski Karlovci in Timisoara, Romania—their honey and wine are indescribably delicious.

The views Lakes, seas, landscapes, and incredible architecture put a tour of the Balkans on the top of many photographers’ to-do lists. Have you ever heard of Lake Ohrid? It’s on the border of Macedonia and Albania, and it has some of the most incredible views in Europe.

Travel tips for Balkan trips

The Balkans make up the easternmost peninsula in Europe and include the countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania, and parts of Greece and Turkey.

Some of the most iconic landmarks you can visit on tours of the Balkans include:

• The People’s Palace in Romania
• Nis Skull Tower in Serbia
• “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania
• Mostar’s Old Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• The Blue Mosque in Istanbul
• Dubrovnik’s fortified walls in Croatia

While peak travel time for the Balkans tends to be in the summer, we believe the best time for Balkans tours is the shoulder seasons—April to June and September to November. During these times, the weather tends to be milder, and you’ll find fewer crowds. Check out 5 reasons to travel in the off-season .

When you choose one of our Balkans tour packages, you’ll go with knowledgeable guides, free time to explore, and all the benefits of traditional group travel, too. Learn more about the Go Ahead Tours difference .

Travel inspiration

Find travel tips, trip planning advice & more from our team of travel experts!

See the latest from our travelers @goaheadtours

Balkan Tours

Discover the full beauty of the Balkan countries with ease, thanks to Balkan Tales .

Say goodbye to language barriers, infrastructural difficulties, and bureaucratic obstacles – our perfectly planned small group private tours have got you covered. We take care of everything, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the journey through multiple Balkan countries.

Here’s what you can expect from a Balkan Tales tour:

• A personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences;
• Private transportation and a local guide for the duration of your trip;
• Guided tours of the cities and landmarks you visit;
• All attractions, activities, and guide fees included;
• Handpicked accommodation options that we have tested and selected.

Our mission as a licensed tour operator is to provide you with an immersive and unforgettable experience of the Balkans. We strive to showcase the region’s unparalleled natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture in the most pleasurable and meaningful way possible. Let us take you on a journey that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Balkans..

The itineraries you see below are simply examples of what we can do for you.

Discover What Sets Our Tours Apart

Exceptional Accommodations Upon request, we curate a selection of accommodations ranging from charming family-owned establishments to luxurious 5-star chain hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay tailored to your preferences.

Personalized Itineraries Want to pause for a photo? Craving a snack? Need a break? Your desires dictate the pace, making every tour a truly personalized experience.

Engaging Local Guides Our friendly, knowledgeable guides are not only passionate about their work, but also have genuine local insight. They’re always eager to go the extra mile to make your experience unforgettable.

Tailored Experiences Whether you’re drawn to breathtaking nature, captivating historical sites, or immersive local encounters, simply let us know your preferences and we’ll design a tour that reflects your unique interests.

Flexible Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations Begin and end your tour at any location you choose. There’s no need to return to your starting point, allowing for seamless travel arrangements.

Transportation: We use spacious minivans and 8+1 vans with A/C.

Every tour organized by Balkan Tales is personalized to your tastes, interests and personality – a tour only you can go on!

More itineraries

Albania and North Macedonia Greece and Albania Bosnia – Montenegro – Albania Bosnia and Montenegro Serbia to Bosnia Serbia – Croatia – Montenegro – Bosnia

Serbia and Montenegro Montenegro – Albania – North Macedonia Montenegro and Albania Croatia and Montenegro Croatia – Montenegro – Bosnia Croatia Slovenia Bosnia Montenegro Croatia and Bosnia

Croatia and Slovenia Croatia and Serbia Croatia Bosnia Serbia Romania, Bulgaria and Greece Bulgaria and Romania Romania and Serbia

Experience Balkan Tales : Personalized Tours Year-Round

Getting a quote for your tailor-made tour with Balkan Tales is simple and hassle-free.

Reach out to us via email, detailing your vision for the trip, or complete our questionnaire to help us understand your preferences.

We’ll craft a customized itinerary uniquely designed for you, which can be revised and adjusted until you’re completely satisfied with the plan.

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• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia

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Custom Travel to The Balkans: Bulgaria & Romania Tours

Customized tour itinerary, licensed local tour, increased flexibility, safety and confidence, choose your travel destination to select from our current balkan tours.

Travel To Romania

Travel To Bulgaria

Travel To Bulgaria & Romania

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Why Choose Us?

Boutique travel agency.

We are Vlad and Zoe Trestian – the owners and managers of Balkan Trails. Vlad is Romanian, Zoe is Bulgarian – we have first hand, local knowledge of the countries our tours explore.

We have been working in the travel industry in Eastern Europe since the late 1990s. In 2009, we decided to set up Balkan Trails as a family-owned and managed tour operator company. When trusting us with your travel experience, you will be dealing directly with one of us. Zoe or Vlad will be your single point of contact, so you’re always talking to an expert who has an overview of all details related to your tour.

We understand traveling is personal and individual, and no two travelers are alike. That is why the majority of our Bulgaria and Romania tours are based on customized itineraries. Your tour is exactly that: YOURS. Just let us know when you’d like to arrive and depart, what your interests are, the type of hotels you prefer, and we’ll take care of the rest.

We work with a small number of hand-picked, licensed guides. They all have solid experience and speak excellent English. During your time with them, you will get an insider’s perspective on the country, its people, and its culture. They are also the ones who will help you interact with locals – meeting locals is key to truly understanding a country.

Being a small, family-run business and working with a small number of carefully selected guides, also means we are only able to manage a limited number of Balkan tours each year. And that’s OK. Our focus is not organizing lots of “just OK” tours. We are here to create memorable travel experiences. And those do come in limited numbers.

Get in touch today. We’re really looking forward to showing you our part of the world.

Vlad and Zoe Trestian

What Our Clients Say

Over the last 20 years, we have helped many travelers discover our part of the world: the Balkan Countries. These days, a large percentage of our new bookings come from referrals from former clients  – a solid testimony to the quality of our services. This is what some of our past customers have to say about their travel experience in the Balkans with us:

Judy & Jerry Curnow

Leslie Snyder and friends

Jennifer W.

Linda Brolly Hathaway

Jeff & Joan Jacobson

Are you interested in learning more about romania & bulgaria check out our blog .

Bulgaria Travel Guide – the most memorable landmarks and must-see destinations

Unique travel experiences – 5 of the most interesting attractions in Romania’s Mountains

Top 5 easiest Bulgarian cooking recipes

Complete travel guide of visiting Plovdiv

Unique travel experiences – The Danube Delta, Europe’s largest and best-preserved delta

Travel guide Romania – the most memorable landmarks and must-see destinations

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Treasures of the Balkans

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Marvel at the Balkans: A 16-Day Guided Tour including Romania, Croatia & Bulgaria

Explore the former Communist headquarters of Romania in Bucharest, see Bulgaria’s Roman ruins in Sofia and marvel at Bosnia’s Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo. After exploring the medieval city of Brașov, take the mountain roads to the Transylvanian border and join a private visit of Bran Castle after hours - better known as Dracula’s haunted abode in Bram Stoker’s infamous novel, followed by private dinner. Delve into the myths and legends before adventuring onwards to Mostar, where a Local Expert guides you through the city’s iconic sights ahead of a Sarajevo Dine at Home experience. Sit down with a Sarajevan family for a feast of local delicacies, traditional Bosnian coffee and tales of local life before your adventure ends in Belgrade. 

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Start Bucharest, Romania. End Belgrade, Serbia.

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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNSECO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Amazing adventures in Europe’s wildest corner

We’re the UK’s go-to activity holiday specialists in the Balkans. Our range of small group adventures will take you well and truly off the beaten path to some of Europe’s most beautiful and lesser known places. 

Each trip has been handcrafted with our extensive local knowledge and thoroughly tested for awesomeness. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, yoga or swimming, we guarantee an unforgettable escape that will leave you wanting more.

From family-friendly active holidays to cross-border kayaking expeditions, and foodie tours to  lakeside painting retreats , we’ve got something for every type of traveller. 

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Amazing adventures in Europe’s wildest corner! We’re the UK’s 1st activity holiday specialist for the Western Balkans; also at @undiscoveredmontenegro

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Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Balkans

Go off the beaten track with a self guided adventure of Balkans. Travel and experience the freedom of creating a holiday on your own terms. With 323 tours lasting from 1 days up to 23 days, fulfil your wanderlust and set off on your own adventure!

250+ Self-Guided tour packages in Balkans with 562 reviews

Syros, Mykonos, Tinos & Athens Tour - 9 Days - Premium

"Our recent island hopping adventure was an absolute dream come true, filled with stunning landscapes and rich culture." Patrick, traveled in April 2024

In-depth Cultural Family

Explore Athens, Mykonos & Santorini & stay at 4* hotels (3 inclusive activities)

"Great hotels, great comunication." AGUILAR, traveled in May 2024

• €50 deposit on some dates

Explorer Beach Family Historical +1

Best of Greece (15 days) Athens & 4 Islands in 15 days (Self-Guided)

"A dream come true to say the least! Visiting 4 islands was wonderful although we wish we could have had a few more days at each." Joan, traveled in May 2024

Syros, Mykonos, Tinos & Athens Tour - 9 Days - Standard

"Amazing trip, very well organized and such a relief to have someone waiting for you at the airports and ferry ports." Nicholas, traveled in September 2019

Explorer Beach Family

11 Day Tour in Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos: A Greek Islands Hopping Tour

"We corrected the problem by buying tickets on a later trip to Mykonos on another ferry line." Thomas, traveled in April 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates

15 Day Tour of Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Crete the Best of the Cyclades

"The trip was perfectly planned out and we loved all of our drivers/ guides. We highly recommend Tour Radar!" Terry, traveled in March 2022

Greek Island Explorer Tour

"Accommodations, meals, and planned activities were great as stated." Michael, traveled in September 2018

Hiking & Trekking Family

Self – Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days

Authentic Greek Islands

"We were very happy that we booked our trip with Wingbuddy, that was an awesome experience." MARIA, traveled in March 2024

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer +1

Charms of the Cyclades

"We had a dream vacation! Very well organized!" JOELLE, traveled in June 2023

Explorer Family Self Drive Historical +1

Highlights of Croatia with Plitvice, Self-Drive (Multi country)

"The most beautiful places in Croatia selected, plus Mostar - the absolute highlight for us." Ulrich, traveled in July 2022

Hiking & Trekking Mountain Hikes Explorer +2

Self-Guided Hiking: Alpe Adria Trail - 8 Days

"The accommodation was a lovely guesthouse just in front of the river, we Had a large clean Room with wooden furniture." Olga, traveled in May 2017

In-depth Cultural Family Sightseeing +1

Croatia Island Hopping: Croatia Countryside and Island Hopping 2024 - from Zagreb (10 days)

"Everything was fantastic. Elite Travel is superb. The hotels were great and the guides were superb." Angela, traveled in October 2023

Bicycle Family

4 in 1 road biking/cycling adventure Balkan express: Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

9 Day Gems of Greece

What people love about self-guided tours in balkans.

Our recent island hopping adventure throuhh Syros, Mykonos and Tinos islands was an absolute dream come true, filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture and unforgettable moments. Travel Zone took care of all the nitty gritty aspects and we didnt have to worry about anything.

Everything was excellent. The hotels, excursions, transfers to every location and the customer service. Communication was very effective. I highly recommend Tourradar.

There were some issues with arranging the trip but once that was resolved everything was great. The hotels were all different -- but very nice with concierge services that were very helpful with bus schedules, restaurant suggestions, etc. The transportation to and from the airports and ferries was also great. The ferries were a bit of a challenge but the ferries themselves were very comfortable. We visited over Greek Easter so that was an added delight -- the candle lighting in Syros was amazing, Dot Travel at the Seabreeze Hotel in Crete was also great with helping us to arrange two guided tours and bus schedules for travel on our own, We are older, 79 and 81, so really enjoyed the freedom to plan what we wanted to do each day. It was a great adventure,

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PEAKS OF THE BALKANS SELF GUIDED TOUR

Experience the best of Kosovo, Montenegro & Albania with the Peaks of the Balkans self guided tour. This 192-km trail explores remote, wild mountainous regions, reaching up to 2300 m. Despite historical barriers, the trek is now popular worldwide, offering a must-do adventure for hikers.

Peaks of the Balkans trail is a 192-km cross-border trekking trail through the Accursed Mountains of Albania , Kosovo, and Montenegro. Considering the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, especially during the communist period, it was impossible to move across these places. No longer. Nowadays, the trek has become very popular and people around the world are coming to visit this very remote area.

Considered a must-do for any avid hiker, the trail’s difficulty levels range from easy to moderate+, demanding a good level of physical fitness and the appropriate mountain equipment.

The Peaks of the Balkans self guided tour is a trekking route spanning Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania, covering around 200 km. The itinerary begins in Albania, but you have the flexibility to choose your starting and ending points when booking.

PEAKS OF THE BALKANS SELF GUIDED TRAIL

DAY 1 Meet your fellow travelers in Shkoder and drive to Thethi National Park.

Meet and greet with the driver in Shkoder, followed by a scenic drive towards Theth, passing through the beautiful Valley of Boga, the gate to the Albanian Alps.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Thethi National Park, and note that your Peaks of the Balkans self guided trail both starts and ends in Theth. Dinner is included.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Lunch, Dinner Drive: 2hrs 10min.

DAY 2 Hike from Theth to Valbona via Spectacular Valbona Pass

Today our trail heads towards spectacular Valbona Pass. It's not a particularly hard walk and is one that is attempted by many first-time mountain walkers. For the next couple of hours, the trail climbs slightly more steeply towards higher ground and we walk over a pass known as Valbona Pass. After several hours hiking uphill, you can stop at the Zefi’s housing for a hot mountain tea.

Resuming our hike for another 45-min, we continue ascending to the Valbona col (1792m) where we have outstanding views of the Albanian Alps and the Valley of Valbona.

After lunch, you make you way down to the valley. Of course, you can choose whether to independently continue our walking down on the main wide dried up riverbed road or take a bus to avoid it. All meals included.

Trek : 16.3Km; Uphill: 1040m, Downhill: 945m; Maximum altitude: 1759m; Time: 6-7hrs Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 Hike up the epic and remote “Prejsllopi Pass” trail. Overnight in Cerem

After a hearty breakfast and a cup of hot mountain tea with honey, you will start ascending the steep zig-zag trail to the epic and remote Prejsllopi Pass. Having several hours of hiking, you'll reach the highest point of your today’s trek (2000m) as you hike a series of switchbacks over a pass that offers outstanding views of the snowcapped peaks of the Alps Range in every direction.

After crossing the border and thrusting into Montenegro, we will stop for lunch at Bori Pass, a flat spot with grass, a meadow for many shepherds from Cerem and Vuthaj.

Note: On this trail, optional is climbing Zla Kolata (2534m) peak; the highest peak in Montenegro.

Trek : 13.5Km; Uphill: 1150m, Downhill: 870m; Maximum altitude: 2150m; Time: 7-8hr Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Trek from Cerem to Doberdol, a vast alpine pasture

Today’s hike is a relatively long hike with lots of ups, downs and mostly is into the forest. This day involves a transfer hike from Çerem to Doberdol, a remote shepherd’s village accessible only by mule tracks and populated only during the summer time by shepherds. From Çerem, the hike climbs up to the Montenegrin border, passes the beautiful summer shepherd’s village of Balqin, and continues through the Gashi valley (protected area) to the shepherd’s village of Dobërdol.

Trek : 15.6Km; Uphill: 1025m, Downhill: 440m; Maximum altitude: 1922m; Time: 6-7hr Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 Hike Doberdol to Milishefc via Three Border Point

This is a long trail which involves a hike from the remote shepherd’s village of Dobёrdol to another less remote shepherd’s village in Kosovo (Milishevc).

After an early breakfast, today's hike begins through bilberry covered meadows of Dobërdol in the direction of the mountain ridge, which forms the border between the three countries. The highlight of this trail is the magical Triple peak 2266m, with a view of the Albanian Alps behind where we walked days before. After a photo brake you walk slowly through a beautiful alpine meadow to Milishefc. All meals included.

Trek : 18.2Km; Uphill: 990m, Downhill: 1015m; Maximum altitude: 2236m; Time: 7-8hrs Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 Trek from Milishefc to Rugova Camp – transfer to Reka Allages

The interesting transfer hike to Reka e Allagёs begins with an ascent to the Lumbardhi ridge, a vantage point which offers breathtaking views towards the surrounding mountains and Milishevc. It then continues with a steep descent to Rugova Camp/Restorant Gryka Hotel before continuing up along gravel roads to Reka e Allagёs.

At the Camp, there is a good restaurant, Restorant Gryka, – very good local fish – you can relax before a short transfer to Reka Allages.

Trek : 11.8Km; Uphill: 607m, Downhill: 1430m; Maximum altitude: 2136m; Time: 5-6hrs Difficulty: Moderate/ Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Drive: 15min

DAY 7 A great trek leads us to the summit of Hajla peak 2403m

The hike starts with an ascent northwest through the meadow behind Mustafa’s guesthouse. After walking a few hundred meters, we reach a meadow with beautiful views towards Reka e Allagёs and the surrounding mountains. From here, we have great views of the mountains, as well as the top of Guri Kuq which marks the highest peak in the Rugova mountains.

After about three hours of gradual ascent, we reach Era's hut where we have a break before reaching the top. Well rested, we begin a challenging but relatively short hike to the summit 2403m. On reaching the top of the Hajla 2403m, we stay high and contour around to the other side, enjoying spectacular views as we go.

After relaxing on the top, we enjoy a good descent to the beautiful village of Drelaj.

Trek : 15.8Km; Uphill: 1020m, Downhill: 1320m; Maximum altitude: 2403m; Time: 7-8hrs Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 Trek from Kuqishte to Babino Polje through two glacial lakes

Today’s trek starts with an early breakfast before we head off on our first full day of trekking. A short transfer from the guesthouse to the starting point. This is a relatively long hike which passes the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. It goes through beautiful mountain areas with many water sources, glacial lakes, and mountain passes featuring breathtaking views. After passing the lakes we go gradually up to Lugu i Shkodrёs for a very beautiful landscape.

Trek : 15.8Km; Uphill: 1140m, Downhill: 1050m; Maximum altitude: 2276m; Time: 7-8hrs Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Drive: 20min

DAY 9 Babino Polie – Plav. Explore the old town of Plav

This is a long transfer hike from Babino Polje to Plav. The hike ascends up from beautiful Lake Hrid and finishes at the city of Plav. After breakfast, you set out on beautiful lake Hrid Jezero for a cool swim in the middle of a forest

The mostly off-trail route passes through typical patches of forest with panoramic views of the Prokletije including the Albanian Alps off in the distance.

Trek : 20.4Km; Uphill: 607m, Downhill: 1190m; Maximum altitude: 2048m; Time: 7-8hr Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 Hike to Vusanje via Bori Peak for the epic Accursed Mountain views

After another healthy breakfast to start your day, we trek to Vusanje for the last night in Montenegro. You hike through dense beech forest encountering flowering plants before reaching the open meadows of Bori ridge. The final approach to the high pass begins here with a steep ramp leading to the peak of Bori 2106m. At the top, the views of the surrounding peaks of the Accursed Mountains are spectacular. The trail then descends steeply and passes through a meadow then forest to Vusanje. All meals included.

Trek : 17.6Km; Uphill: 744m, Downhill: 1174m; Maximum altitude: 2098m; Time: 6-7hrs Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Drive: 25min

DAY 11 Walk overlooking the spectacular of Karanfili's massif

This trail is not officially in Peaks of the Balkans but it considers as the most beautiful views of the Albanian Alps/Prokletije. It is a daily hike which involves a transfer to the trailhead and back to the guesthouse.

Trek : 9.9Km; Uphill: 744m, Downhill: 960m; Maximum altitude: 2056m; Time: 6-7hr Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Drive: 35min both ways

DAY 12 Spectacular hike from Vusanje to Theth – Drive to Shkoder

Today’s hike into Prokletije National Park is certain to be a memorable one. This is a relatively long hike that crosses the border between Montenegro and Albania. A border military post, some bunkers, and the border crossing pyramid sign still remains by the crossing. The hike finishes in Theth, where it all started.

Transport from Theth to Shkoder is provided.

Note: We can also organize a local transport to avoid 4x4 drive – 5km walking – from Okol Village where you drive straight to Shkoder.

Trek : 21.2Km; Uphill: 1110m, Downhill: 1431m; Maximum altitude: 1734m; Time: 7-8hrs Difficulty: Moderate Meals : Breakfast, Packet Lunch Drive: 2hr 10min

Note: The Self guided Peaks of the Balkans trail can be adapted based on your requests: as many days as you want.  The classic route can be booked for a single traveller, two people, or up to 12. We can also adapt the trail from 5 days to 14 days hiking.

Albanian - English words

Peaks of the balkans map.

Customized tour

We can adapt the trail based on your requests: as many days as you want to hike, transport, local 4x4 transport, luggage transport as well as transport from and to Tirana, Podgorica etc.

Opening hours Telephone                         CET Mon-Fri : 08-20:00 Sat-Sun : 14-17:00

Opening Hours Chat Mon-Fri : 08-23:00 Sat : 10-18:00 Sun : 13-21:00

       Chat        +383 49 601 007         Say hello

Support 24/7

Nonstop support by phone and local staff around the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

- Transport from Shkoder to Theth and back - Private accommodation during the trek - All food during the hike - All land transport required by the itinerary - Border permits - GPX files and nonstop support

-  Hotels before or after the trek - Alcoholic beverages or soft drink - Tips for local staff - Luggage transport - Other transport not required by the itinerary

CONSIDER AS YOU BOOK UP

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Airline Tickets (Confirmation and Itinerary) & Passport

The unit of currency in Albania is the Lek (ALL). However, the Euro is accepted. The unit of currency in Kosovo and Montenegro is the Euro. Note: Buying Lek is possible only in Albania

ATM Availability (While Trekking)

• Bajram Curri (17Km away from Valbona)

LOCAL TIME: Time zone: GMT +1

ELECTRICITY: Electric supply and plugs: 220V, 50 Hz, two-pin round plugs.

• Western Balkans - Lonely Planet
• The Accursed Mountains - Robert Carver
• Kosovo: Gillian Gloyer - Bradt
• Albania: Gillian Gloyer - Bradt
• Broken April - Ismail Kadare
• High Albania - Edith Durham

Albania No visa is required for most nationalities, including UK passport holders, most other EU nationalities, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand.

Montenegro Check out if you need a visa to enter Montenegro .

Kosovo No visa is required for most nationalities, including UK passport holders, most other EU nationalities, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand.

Vaccinations

Kosovo - Albania - Montenegro

There are no specific health risks.

Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro

Self Guided

Walking In Albanian Alps

North Albania

Trail Running In Kosovo & Albania

Trail Running

BACKPACKING ADVENTURE IN ACCURSED MOUNTAINS

Please contact us if there are any questions:

• Balkans Tours
• Self-guided Tours

Balkans Self-guided tours and trips 2024/2025

The best self-guided and independent tours in Balkans. We currently offer 106 Balkans tours and trips that are self-guided with varying trip durations from 3 to 15 days. Self-guided and independent tours can be a great way to discover Balkans although potential risks associated with not having a guide always needs to be considered. See our guided tours to Balkans if you’ve decided the risks were too high.

106 self-guided tours in Balkans

• Starts Split, Croatia
• Ends Split, Croatia

Sailing Split - 8 days

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Shopping and Markets City sightseeing , Shopping and Markets , Cruise , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='16091'>+3 more
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle & Yacht
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,455
• Special Deal (35%): - US$ 509
• Total Price from: US$ 946
• Jun 22 10+ seats left
• Jun 29 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Croatia Sailing Adventure - 8 days

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & Adventure
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin & Ship Cabin
• Transport Boat & Yacht
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,325
• Special Deal (35%): - US$ 464
• Total Price from: US$ 861
• Jul 06 10+ seats left

• Starts Bucharest, Romania
• Ends Bucharest, Romania

Romania Cycle Explorer

• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Bicycle tours
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 23 10+ seats left

• Starts Athens, Greece
• Ends Athens, Greece

Ancient Greece on Foot

• Activities Walking tours
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus & Taxi

• Starts Venice, Italy
• Ends Venice, Italy

Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike

• Activities Bicycle tours & Family
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Ferry, Boat, Train, Private Vehicle & Bus

• Starts Zagreb, Croatia
• Ends Zagreb, Croatia

Best Of Croatia 11 Days, Self-drive

• Activities Art and architecture & Self-drive or vehicle rental Art and architecture , Self-drive or vehicle rental , Beach & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='34260'>+2 more
• Accommodation Resort & Hotel
• Transport Boat & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 6-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,372
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 206
• Total Price from: US$ 1,166
• Jul 03 Only 10 seats left
• Jul 04 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Thessaloniki, Greece
• Ends Thessaloniki, Greece

Escape To Thessaloniki, 3 Days

• Activities Art and architecture & Getaways and short breaks
• Transport Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 118
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 18
• Total Price from: US$ 100
• Jul 09 Only 10 seats left
• Jul 10 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Rome, Italy
• Ends Istanbul, Turkey

Rome Athens and Istanbul City Package

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Independent Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='38852'>+2 more
• Transport Flight, Bus, Coach, Boat, Ferry & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• Jul 04 10+ seats left
• Jul 11 10+ seats left

• Starts Mykonos, Greece
• Ends Mykonos, Greece

Island Hopping, Summer On The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, Crete

• Activities Beach
• Transport Boat, Taxi & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,169
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 175
• Total Price from: US$ 994
• Jul 18 10+ seats left
• Jul 19 10+ seats left

Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive

• Activities Self-drive or vehicle rental & Art and architecture Self-drive or vehicle rental , Art and architecture & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='34493'>+1 more
• Transport Boat, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 724
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 109
• Total Price from: US$ 615
• Jul 18 Only 10 seats left
• Jul 21 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Dubrovnik, Croatia

Adriatic Explorer from Dubrovnik Premium - 8 days

• Activities Luxury & Adriatic Cruise Luxury , Adriatic Cruise , Sightseeing Tours , Beach & National parks 'data-more-tripid='15849'>+3 more
• Accommodation Ship Cabin
• Transport Boat
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 291
• Total Price from: US$ 1,164
• Sep 21 10+ seats left
• Oct 19 10+ seats left

• Ends Kos, Greece

Discover The Greek Islands

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='39049'>+2 more
• Transport Ferry, Flight & Boat
• Jul 02 10+ seats left
• Jul 09 10+ seats left

Croatia Island Hopping, 15 Days

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Active and outdoor & Beach
• Transport Ferry & Boat
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,241
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 336
• Total Price from: US$ 1,905
• Jul 10 10+ seats left

• Starts Bohinj Lake, Slovakia
• Ends Bled, Slovenia

Walking in the Julian Alps

• Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Transport Bus & Boat

Balkans Self-guided Tour Reviews

Self-guided and independent tours.

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• Uk And Britain self-guided tours
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Balkans upcoming departures

• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• Spring 2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025

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14 Day Balkans Tour from Bucharest to Belgrade

14 days, 7 countries and 13 cities

Accommodation

13 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Visit several countries on this adventure-filled Balkan trip, where you’ll venture deep into the Carpathian Mountains, walk in the mythical footsteps of Count Dracula at Bran Castle in Transylvania and revel in the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations.

Looking to book in a group of 15 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

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Day by day itinerary

14 days itinerary trip from Bucharest to Belgrade visiting 7 countries and 13 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Bucharest, Braşov, Veliko Târnovo, Sofia, Skopje, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade

Discover  Budva and Kotor

Visit Bran Castle in Braşov, Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, the Church of Holy Nativity in Arbanasi, Sofia, Budva, Kotor, the War Tunnel in Sarajevo and Kalmegdan Fortress in Belgrade

View Peleş Castle in Sinaia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Sofia Church in Sofia, the Palace of Culture and the National Library in Tirana and Mostar's Stari Most

See the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Saturn Stadium
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center