Operated by G Adventures

Classic Balkans: Trebinje to Tirana

From

CAD 4,199

Duration

14 days

Countries

Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Activity

easy

The adventure

This adventure shows off the absolute best of the Balkans — and throws in a few surprises you didn’t even know you needed. Start your journey in Trebinje, one of Bosnia’s most intriguing cities, where the old town’s charm will have you hooked right from the start. From there, it only gets better: think walled villages, UNESCO treasures, and even a 4x4 trip into Montenegro's back-country. Seriously, do we need to go on? Packed with cultural gems and natural wonders, this trip is pure magic from start to finish.

At a glance

Duration

14 days

Route

Trebinje → Tirana

Countries

Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Activity level

easy

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Gorgeous mountain landscape under a dramatic cloudy sky, ideal for travel and nature themes.

Your journey through

Albania, Montenegro & Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Day 2Today is all about local flavoursTrebinje

Trebinje

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon.

Day 3Head out of Trebinje in the morning by…

Trebinje

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the spectacular Kravica waterfall and carry on to the lesser-visited Koćuša Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Čitluk for the night and cap off the day with dinner at a winery, paired with their locally produced wines.

Day 4Immerse yourself in history today by visiting…

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 5Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today. Ascend the Mount Trebević for the best views of the city and visit the Abandoned Bobsled track which provides a glimpse into the city’s complex history. Explore the vibrant Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious meal and a great introduction to the city.

Day 6Take advantage of a free day to get…

Take advantage of a free day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes.

Day 7Depart from Sarajevo after breakfast for the drive…

Depart from Sarajevo after breakfast for the drive into Montenegro with a stop at Bileća to stretch the legs and have a bite to eat. Arrive to Kotor in the afternoon and check into the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Day 8Hop on a boat from Kotor's port area…

Hop on a boat from Kotor's port area and set off on a scenic ride in the Bay of Kotor, seeing a number of small islands and historical sites before arriving to the town of Perast. Spend some time exploring and wandering Perast's old town before returning to Kotor around midday. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or for optional activities like museum visits or sea kayaking.

Day 9Travel south from Kotor to the coastal seaport…

Travel south from Kotor to the coastal seaport town of Budva. Visit the old town on a walk with your CEO then continue inland to visit the striking Ostrog Monasteray, perched high on a mountain cliff face, offering great views from the top. After lunch, pass through Durmitor National Park's rugged landscape and stop at Black Lake for a stroll. Then drive towards Zabljak, a serene natural haven with diverse terrain and forest shade - our stop for the night.

Day 10Head out after breakfast and drive…

Head out after breakfast and drive to a hidden gem of natural beauty in Montenegro, Biogradska Gora National Park. Spend most of the day in the park, walking with the CEO around the lake and taking in the pristine forest and mountain scenery. After lunch in the park enjoy a bit of free time to rent a boat, a bike or a kayak to further explore the area. In the late afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Kolasin for the night, with an included dinner at our accommodation.

Day 11Get picked up at the hotel…

Get picked up at the hotel in the morning by 4x4 vehicles for an unforgettable adventure. Head off-road and explore Montenegro's incredibly beautiful back country while traversing rugged terrain through mountains and forest. After lunch, take a bus south to the capital city of Podgorica and set off on a a walking exploration of the old town, once a medieval stronghold. Enjoy an optional final dinner out with the group in the old town or near the hotel.

Day 12Depart Podgorica and cross into Albania

Depart Podgorica and cross into Albania, reaching the beautiful natural scenery of Theth National Park. Explore the area with your CEO, walking through meadows full of wildflowers surrounded by mountain peaks, and marvel at the 25m high Grunasi Waterfall, cascading from a limestone cliff. In the afternoon continue to the city of Shkodër and check into the hotel, with the rest of the evening free to relax.

Day 13Set off this morning on a guided walking…

Set off this morning on a guided walking tour of Shkodër to see some of the main sights and to learn a bit about the city's history. Starting from the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge, walk to the old town and take in the panoramic views from Rozafa castle. Shkodër's cultural heritage is on full display through its historic architecture and monuments. The rest of the day is free to explore, visit museums or relax at a cafe or at the hotel.

Day 14Travel south from Shkodër this morning and stop…Tirana

Tirana

Travel south from Shkodër this morning and stop in the small mountain town of Kruje. Explore the city on foot learn a bit about its fascinating history and significance since Roman times. After time for lunch, continue driving south to the city of Tirana, Albania's capital, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 5pm.