Albania to the Adriatic

In the morning, our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel in Tirana, so make sure you arrive in the city at least one night before your tour begins. We’ll meet our local guide and dive into the city's culinary delights, starting with Byrek for breakfast—a traditional Albanian pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach.

Next, we’ll visit the Çam bazaar, established by the Çam community from Northwestern Greece, where you'll find goods ranging from clothing to kitchenware and have the chance to practice your bargaining skills. Our guide will lead us through favourite neighborhoods, revealing culinary treasures, including a traditional dessert at a local pastry shop.

We’ll explore Tirana’s alleyways and vibrant street markets, filled with fresh produce, and immerse in the local coffee culture at a cozy café with traditional Albanian coffee.

Stroll through Tirana's colourful neighbourhoods, then visit the Bicycle bazaar for second-hand treasures. At the New Bazaar, enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch of "Qofte" (meatballs) with freshly baked bread or bread with Albanian Gjize (cottage cheese) for vegetarians. We’ll also taste Albanian Raki, a local favourite.

Our final stop is BUNKART, a fascinating museum in a former Cold War nuclear bunker, converted in 2014. Discover the history of the Albanian communist regime and daily life during that time through a compelling video exhibition.

Tirana - Kruje (Albania) - Prizren (Kosovo). Our first destination today is Kruje, a historic city symbolising Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Perched on rocky terrain 560 metres above sea level, Kruje’s Medieval Old Bazaar, one of the largest in the Balkans, offers the perfect place to purchase souvenirs such as carpets and jewellery. The Kruje Castle, built in the 5th century A.D., sits atop a rocky hill, with hidden paths once used by locals to exit the castle discreetly during sieges.

Next, we cross into Prizren, often called the cultural capital of Kosovo, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and architectural blend of Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. The town’s river, flowing beneath numerous bridges, adds to its charm. In August, Prizren hosts Dokufest, a renowned short film festival. Wander through the medieval streets, visit the filigree shops to see traditional metalwork, and admire the Sinan Pasha Mosque, famous for its arabesque colours and patterns. The fortress on the hill offers a panoramic view of the town. You will have free time to explore, and we will overnight in Prizren.

Prizren - Gjakove - Decan - Rahovec - Prizren. After breakfast, we will continue our tour towards Gjakove, home to Kosovo’s oldest and largest bazaar. Although it was destroyed during the Balkan Wars, World War II, and the Kosovo War, the bazaar has been lovingly restored to its original state. It’s a charming place to enjoy a meal or browse stores selling traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.

Next, we’ll visit the Monastery of Decan, renowned for its striking white colour. Still home to Orthodox monks who produce fresh organic food, including cheeses, the monastery was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. It’s famous for its frescoes depicting 14th-century life and the Palaeologan Renaissance, which transformed Byzantine painting.

Before returning to Prizren, we’ll drive through the Rahovec Valley, the heart of viticulture in the region. Evidence suggests grape cultivation here dates back over 2,000 years to Illyrian times. The vineyards, nestled on gentle hillsides between 350 and 520 meters above sea level, provide the perfect environment for producing high-quality wines. Every September, Rahovec hosts an annual wine festival celebrating the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Prizren - Shkoder (Albania). Our first destination today is one of the premier slow food agro-tourism farms in the Balkans. We will explore the farm, learning about its history and its impact, having created over 400 jobs. Specialising in regional organic products, the farm also repurposed old communist-era buildings to store locally made goods. You will have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch or purchase fresh produce directly from the farm.

In the afternoon, we will head to Shkoder, one of Albania's oldest cities, located near the largest lake in the Balkans. The oldest walls of Shkoder Castle date back to the 1st millennium BCE, and the Roman historian Livy recorded it as the capital of Illyrian King Gentius, who opposed the Romans in 168 BC. We will visit Rozafa Castle, which offers stunning views of the lake and where three rivers meet before flowing into the Adriatic Sea. The city’s Venetian-influenced architecture and its handmade Venetian masks are highlights, especially if visiting during the February carnival festival. Strategically positioned, Shkoder has long been a vital trading hub

Shkoder - Sveti Stefan (Montenegro) - Budva - Kotor - Montenegrin Riviera. Our first stop today is Budva, Montenegro. Before we arrive, we’ll pause at a viewpoint near Sveti Stefan, a former fishing town located on a small island off the coast. The island is now an exclusive residential resort, inaccessible to the public, but remains a stunning sight from the coast—perfect for a photo. We will then continue our journey to Budva, a popular destination known for its beaches, scenic landscapes, and distinct old architecture. The city is divided into New Budva, with modern buildings, shopping centres, and restaurants, and Old Budva, which features the historic centre, including St. Ivan Church, the Church of St. Mary, and the medieval charm of the old town, all of which we will explore.

Our second destination is Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is renowned for its maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, originally designed to confuse invaders and now defining the town’s character. Many of Kotor’s historic buildings and churches have plaques detailing their construction dates and purposes. We will visit Saint Luke's Church, a local symbol of unity. We will spend the night near the Montenegrin Riviera.

Montenegrin Riviera - Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina). Today, our journey continues to Mostar, where we’ll visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 16th century. We’ll wander through the Old Bazaar, alive with colourful streets and vibrant energy. Scattered throughout Mostar are stones inscribed with “Don’t Forget,” poignant reminders of the city’s history. Mostar blends old and new, with beautiful mosques, bustling Turkish bazaars, and cobbled alleyways. In the afternoon, you’ll have leisure time to explore this magnificent UNESCO site at your own pace.

Mostar - Sarajevo - Mostar. Today, we’ll explore Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, beginning with a walking tour through the city’s uneven terrain. Evidence of the Yugoslav War is still visible in the form of bullet holes and cannon marks. Our tour will take us back to Sarajevo’s origins in the medieval Bosnian Kingdom, as we explore its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian areas. The vibrant markets, bazaars, mosques, churches, and synagogues reveal why Sarajevo is often called the real European Jerusalem. A visit to the Latin Bridge is essential, as it was here that WWI was ignited. The bridge is named after its connection to the "Latinluk," the Catholic quarter during Ottoman times. Sarajevo is also famous for its delicious meat dishes and desserts.

Mostar - Dubrovnik/Split (Croatia). This is the final day of our Balkan adventure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the rich history and culture of this part of the world. Our tour leader will take you to the Croatian border, where our local representative (driver) will shuttle you to your hotel in Dubrovnik or Split. Safe travels!