Balkans Best Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Northern Greece in 20 Days
A 20-day journey from Croatia to Greece, rich in coastlines, heritage and flavors, ending in Thessaloniki.
This 12-day trip reveals Albania’s wild beauty, rich traditions and stunning landscapes, from mountains to turquoise seas, with stops in North Macedonia and Corfu.
Three Worlds in One Journey: From Albania’s wild mountains and Riviera beaches to North Macedonia’s lakeside heritage and Corfu’s elegant UNESCO Old Town, experience the Balkans and Ionian at their most captivating.
Immersive Local Encounters: Taste honey fresh from the hive, stay on family farms, soak in thermal springs, and enjoy traditional feasts from alpine villages to coastal towns.
From Turquoise Seas to Alpine Air: Cruise Koman Lake and the Shala River, swim in Ksamil’s crystal waters, wander Ionian islands and ascend into Llogara National Park for panoramic views.
Activities
Description:
Your adventure begins the moment you land in Tirana. We head north to Kruja, where Albania’s history springs to life in the shadow of Skanderbeg’s fortress. You’ll wander its cobbled bazaar, alive with the scent of leather and the shimmer of handmade crafts, before climbing to the castle for panoramic views. A short drive leads to Sari Salltik, a peaceful mountain sanctuary tucked into the rock. By evening, you’ll be in Shkodra, one of Albania’s most vibrant and historic cities. After checking in, the city invites you out, broad boulevards lined with cafés, music drifting in the air, and locals enjoying the evening light.
Accommodation in Shkodra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Wake in Shkodra and set off for Koman Lake, often called the “Thailand of Europe.” The boat ride is a feast for the senses, emerald waters hemmed in by towering cliffs, reflections of forests shimmering in the morning sun. We’ll follow the Shala River to a secluded spot where the water is so clear you can see the pebbles on the bottom. By afternoon, we return to Tirana, where you can settle in, enjoy a casual dinner, or take an evening stroll through the city’s buzzing streets.
Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Today we journey east to Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes. First stop: Lin, a tranquil lakeside village with roots in prehistoric times. We pause in Pogradec before crossing into North Macedonia to explore Ohrid, cobblestone lanes, ancient churches and the gentle sparkle of the lake at your side. In the afternoon, we head to Korca, the “city of serenades,” where the old bazaar hums with charm.
Accommodation in Korca Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We begin with a sweet encounter, meeting a local beekeeper to learn about this ancient craft and tasting fresh honey. In Voskopoja, once a cultural hub, you’ll find centuries-old churches adorned with remarkable frescoes. The mountain village of Dardha offers another layer of charm with stone houses and fresh mountain air. By evening, we reach Leskovik and your agritourism stay by the Vjosa River, where nature’s soundtrack will lull you to sleep.
Accommodation in Farma Sotira
Activities
Description:
Wake to the gentle sounds of farm life—horses, sheep and rabbits roaming freely. The drive to Permet is one of the most scenic in the Balkans, ending at Benja’s thermal pools, where warm mineral waters bubble beneath a medieval stone bridge. Optionally, you can raft the wild Vjosa River before heading to Gjirokastra, the “Stone City,” where Ottoman architecture and winding lanes transport you back in time.
Accommodation in Gjirokastra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Spend the morning wandering Gjirokastra’s slate-roofed streets, exploring its fortress and old bazaar. Lunch at “Grandpa’s” is a feast of traditional flavors served with pride. In the afternoon, we descend toward the Ionian coast, pausing at the Blue Eye, a natural spring so deep and vividly blue it feels almost unreal, before reaching Saranda.
Accommodation in Saranda Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
History and leisure share the stage today. We start at Butrint, where Greek temples, Roman baths and Venetian towers stand in a lush lagoon setting. In the afternoon, the turquoise waters and white sands of Ksamil call for relaxation. As night falls, join an Albanian Night celebration of music, dance and culture.
Accommodation in Saranda Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
A short ferry ride carries us to Corfu, where Venetian, French and British influences shape its architecture and atmosphere. We wander the Old Town’s winding alleys, admire Spianada Square and walk the elegant Liston promenade. The evening is yours to enjoy Greek island hospitality.
Accommodation in Corfu Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We set sail for a full-day adventure, swimming in the Caribbean-blue waters of Antipaxos and marveling at the ethereal Blue Caves of Paxos. By late afternoon, we return to Corfu for a relaxed evening.
Accommodation in Corfu Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We return to Albania’s coast, tracing the Riviera through olive groves and secluded bays. In Borsh, the beach stretches for kilometers, while Qeparo charms with stone houses and quiet lanes. Porto Palermo Castle, a romantic fortress by the sea, adds a touch of history before we arrive in Himara.
Accommodation in Himara Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Begin the day with a dip in Himara’s calm waters before visiting Dhermi, one of the Riviera’s most beautiful villages. We then ascend into Llogara National Park, where sweeping views of the coastline unfold below. Meeting the friendly deer that roam here is an unforgettable bonus. Our day ends in Vlora.
Accommodation in Vlora Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
On your final morning, soak in the coastal energy of Vlora, walk its lively promenade, or visit the Independence Monument before your transfer to Tirana Airport.
Accommodation in boutique hotels and authentic guesthouses, chosen for comfort and local character
Expert Tour Guide: English-speaking, present throughout the trip
Entrance Fees & Tickets: All museums, castles, monasteries and national parks listed in the program
International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks not included in meals, tips)
Optional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Tour Name: 12 Days Albania, The Last Wild Jewel & Its Balkan, Ionian Gems
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Start Location: Tirana, Albania
End Location: Tirana, Albania
Group Size: Small group (max 10–14 travelers)
Tour Type: Guided / Cultural Immersion / Nature & History
Accommodation:
Boutique hotels
Best Season: May– October
Transportation:
Private air-conditioned vehicles throughout the tour
Ferry crossings (Koman Lake, Corfu)
Meals Included:
Daily breakfast
Selected traditional lunches and dinners (as per itinerary)
Tirana: Capital city with lively streets, markets and cultural landmarks.
Kruja Castle & Bazaar: Fortress of Skanderbeg and traditional market.
Sari Salltik Cave: Mountain sanctuary with panoramic views.
Shkodra: One of Albania’s oldest cities, cultural hub of the north.
Lin Village: Lakeside settlement with prehistoric roots.
Pogradec: Albanian lakeside town on Lake Ohrid.
Ohrid (North Macedonia): UNESCO Old Town, ancient churches and lakeside promenade.
Korca: “City of Serenades” with historic bazaar.
Voskopoja: Historic mountain village with centuries-old churches.
Dardha: Alpine stone village.
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