Dubrovnik to Montenegro, Kosovo & Albania

Dubrovnik (Croatia) - Kotor (Montenegro) - Budva - Montenegriu Riviera. In the morning, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Dubrovnik at approximately 7:30 AM, so make sure you arrive in the city at least one night before your tour begins. We will then drive to the border where we will meet the tour leader.

Our first stop today is Kotor, Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll navigate the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, which were deliberately designed in a maze-like fashion to deter invaders, a layout that now defines the city. Many historic buildings and churches feature small plaques indicating their dates of construction and original uses. We will visit Saint Luke’s Church, which holds great significance for the locals as a symbol of unity.

Later, we will head toward Budva, Montenegro, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, beautiful landscapes, and historic architecture. The city is divided into old and new sections. In New Budva, we'll find modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. Meanwhile, Old Budva is home to the historical center and notable sites such as St. Ivan Church, the small Church of St. Mary, and the medieval wonders of the old town, all of which are included in our tour. Overnight accommodation will be near the Montenegrin Riviera.

Montenegrin Riviera - Mirizi I Zanve Agro Tourism (Albania) - Prizren (Kosovo). Today, we cross the border into Albania before continuing to Kosovo. Our first stop is one of the top slow-food agrotourism farms in the Balkans. We’ll tour the farm, learning about its history and how it has created over 400 local jobs. The farm focuses on collecting, processing, and preserving fresh regional organic products and has repurposed old communist-era buildings to store its goods. After the tour, we’ll have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch or purchase fresh produce.

Next, we head to Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo. Known for its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, religious tolerance, and delicious cuisine, Prizren’s architecture reflects its status as a crossroads for the Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The river runs through the old town, crossing under numerous bridges.

In August, Prizren hosts Dokufest, one of the world’s most renowned short film festivals. We’ll explore the town’s streets, lined with elegant medieval houses. Prizren is famous for its filigree metalwork, and we’ll have the chance to visit the local shops to watch the artisans at work.

The Sinan Pasha Mosque, with its vibrant arabesque colours and patterns, is a must-see. The view from the fortress offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. We’ll enjoy a free afternoon in Prizren, spending the night there.

Prizren - Kruje (Albania) - Tirana. Today, we return to Albania and head to Kruje, a historical city symbolising Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Located in central Albania, Kruje sits 560 metres above sea level on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain. As we stroll through the narrow streets and wooden houses of the Medieval Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest in the Balkans, we’ll be transported through history. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, including traditional and unique handmade items such as carpets and jewellery. The Kruje Castle, built in the 5th century A.D., is strategically located atop a rocky hill, making it difficult for enemies to attack. Our tour leader will guide us along hidden paths once used by locals to leave the castle unnoticed during sieges. You’ll have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch, shop for souvenirs, or admire the city.

Later, we head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore the lively city on your own. Be sure to visit BUNKART, one of Tirana’s most fascinating museums, as well as Tirana Castle and the vibrant Blloku neighbourhood.

Tirana - Shkoder. Today, we’ll explore Tirana, the capital of Albania, with a local guide for an authentic experience. We begin at a hidden eatery known to locals, sampling Byrek, a traditional Albanian dish made from dough filled with cheese, meat, or spinach, for breakfast. Next, we visit the Cam Bazaar, established by the Albanian Cam community from Cameria (now part of north-western Greece), where you can shop for a variety of items and practice bargaining with local vendors.

With our local companion, we’ll uncover Tirana’s culinary gems in beloved neighbourhoods and enjoy a traditional dessert at a local pastry shop. We’ll explore hidden alleyways and vibrant street markets, where vendors offer fresh produce. Afterward, we’ll immerse ourselves in Albania’s coffee culture, enjoying traditional "Albanian coffee" at a cosy café with the locals.

The tour continues through Tirana’s picturesque neighbourhoods, where we’ll observe daily life and colourful buildings. We’ll stop at the Bicycle Bazaar, where second-hand goods and furniture are on offer, before heading to the New Bazaar for a traditional Albanian lunch. We’ll end the tour with a sample of Albanian Raki.

In the afternoon, we travel to Shkoder in north-western Albania, home to the largest lake in the Balkans. One of Albania’s oldest cities, Shkoder boasts a history stretching back thousands of years. The ancient walls of Rozafa Castle date to the 1st millennium BCE, and Roman historian Livy mentioned Shkoder as the capital of Illyrian King Gentius, who resisted the Romans in 168 BCE. We’ll visit Rozafa Castle for breathtaking views of the lake, where three rivers meet before flowing into the Adriatic Sea. Shkoder’s Venetian-influenced architecture and the city’s vibrant carnival in February are also highlights. Most Venetian masks are handmade here, and the city’s location has long been a hub for trade and cultural exchange. We’ll spend the night in Shkoder.

Shkoder - Dubrovnik (Croatia). After breakfast, you can enjoy some leisure time before beginning our journey back to Dubrovnik. Our driver will collect you from your hotel and drive you toward the Croatian border. This scenic route through Montenegro offers breathtaking views. At the border, our local driver will take you to your hotel in Dubrovnik. Safe travels!