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.
A 13-day journey through Albania’s wild landscapes, hidden springs and timeless towns, blending adventure, nature and culture off the beaten path.
Landscapes from Another Planet: Hike across the Albanian Alps, cross high passes between Theth and Valbona and explore Mars-red canyons, emerald springs, river caves and glacial lakes untouched for millennia.
Wild Waters & Hidden Wonders: Cruise jade-green Koman Lake, soak in natural thermal pools, swim in secluded canyon pools and discover secret coves along the Vjosa Wild River.
Life at the Edge of the Map: Stay in remote mountain guesthouses, share home-cooked meals with locals, taste fiery raki and explore UNESCO towns and ancient fortresses far beyond the tourist trail.
Activities
Description:
Arrive in Albania’s vibrant capital, where we greet you at the airport and take you to your centrally located hotel. Rest from your journey or, if you arrive early, enjoy a gentle introduction to the city, perhaps a coffee in the trendy Blloku district or a short walk among colorful street murals. This day is about settling in and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We start with Tirana’s mix of Ottoman relics, communist architecture and lively modern neighborhoods. Later, we trade the city for nature with a hike to Lake Bovilla’s panoramic ridge, where turquoise waters meet limestone cliffs. We picnic in the fresh mountain air before returning to Tirana for a special dinner inside a repurposed military base, a unique blend of history and gastronomy.
Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Our day begins in Kruja, home of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, where we explore the fortress and browse the centuries-old bazaar. Continuing north, we reach Shkodra for a visit to Rozafa Castle, perched above a stunning lake-and-river landscape. As the sun sets, we head to an agritourism farm to enjoy a traditional meal with a view over the city and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation in Shkodra Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We journey deep into the Albanian Alps, stopping in the riverside village of Tamara before reaching Lepushe. Here, a guided hike takes us through flower-filled meadows, pine forests and dramatic peaks. Evening brings a cozy dinner in a family-run guesthouse, where warm hospitality and hearty mountain dishes await.
Accommodation in Lepushe Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
After a refreshing hike in Lepushe, we make our way to Theth, one of Albania’s most picturesque villages. We explore its iconic stone church and learn about highland traditions before relaxing with a home-cooked dinner in the fresh alpine air.
Accommodation in Theth Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
A scenic hike leads to the Blue Eye of Theth, a dazzling turquoise pool surrounded by forest and rock. The rest of the day is for easy exploration of Theth’s rustic charm, ending with a warm meal and mountain serenity.
Accommodation in Theth Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
This is Albania’s most famous hiking route, an unforgettable trek across high passes between Theth and Valbona. With breathtaking views and stories shared by your guide, the journey is as enriching as it is beautiful. The day ends with a well-earned dinner in Valbona’s peaceful valley.
Accommodation in Valbona Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
A relaxed start in Valbona is followed by a speedboat ride across Koman Lake nicknamed the “Thailand of Europe” for its jade-green waters and sheer cliffs. Back in Tirana, we toast the day with a guided raki tasting, sampling this beloved Albanian spirit.
Accommodation in Tirana Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We explore Holta Canyon, a hidden gem with Mars-like rock walls and emerald pools perfect for swimming. Later, we head to Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows,” to wander its historic districts before a traditional dinner.
Accommodation in Berat Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
The Osumi Canyons offer a day of adventure, wading, hiking and marveling at their sheer rock faces and hidden waterfalls. In the afternoon, we head to Vlora, a coastal city where the Adriatic meets the Ionian.
Accommodation in Vlora Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
We visit icy springs and waterfalls before exploring Gjirokastra’s UNESCO-listed stone streets. The day ends in Vjosa Wild River National Park, where we explore Langarica Canyon and bathe in the natural thermal pools of Benja.
Accommodation in Permet Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
In one of the Vjosa’s most remote stretches, we discover caves you can swim into, strange rock formations and untouched nature, before heading to a glacial lake high in the Gramoz Mountains and a hidden cave that straddles the border between Albania and Greece. By evening, we reach Korça, known for its culture and brewery.
Accommodation in Korca Option 1 (Can be change upon request)
Activities
Description:
Our final day we relax by Lake Ohrid before returning to Tirana for departure.
Daily breakfast is included, plus selected lunches and dinners with local specialties
Expert Tour Guide: English-speaking, present throughout the trip
Entrance fees to listed attractions, monuments and museums
Transportation by private eco-friendly vehicles throughout the itinerary
Private airport transfers in Albania
24/7 in-country support
International flights to/from Albania
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not explicitly mentioned (e.g., some lunches and dinners in cities where free time is provided)
Extra activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary
Tips for guides, drivers and hosts (optional but appreciated)
Start Location: Tirana, Albania
End Location: Tirana, Albania
Group Size: Small group (max 12–16 travelers)
Tour Type: Guided / Active / Cultural Immersion
Accommodation:
Boutique hotels & authentic mountain guesthouses
Best Season: May– October
Transportation:
Private air-conditioned vehicles
Boat trip on Koman Lake
Meals Included:
Daily breakfast
Selected lunches and dinners (see Inclusions)
Tirana: Capital city, colorful streets, Ottoman and communist-era landmarks.
Kruja Castle & Bazaar: Historic fortress and traditional market of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.
Rozafa Castle (Shkodra): Hilltop fortress with panoramic lake and river views.
Tamara & Lepushe: Mountain villages in the Albanian Alps.
Theth: Iconic alpine village with Theth Church and Blue Eye of Theth.
Valbona Valley National Park: Famous alpine trekking destination.
Berat Castle & Old Town: UNESCO “City of a Thousand Windows.”
Holta Canyon: Red rock walls and emerald pools.
Osumi Canyons: Known for swimming, rafting, and unique rock formations.
Vlora: “City of Independence,” where Adriatic meets Ionian.
Gjirokastra: UNESCO “Stone City” with medieval fortress.
Uji i Ftohte & Tepelena: Natural springs and waterfalls.
Benja Thermal Pools & Langarica Canyon: Natural hot springs in Permet.
Book now pay when you want , use Klarna to get monthly low payments starting from 70 euro per month
A 20-day journey from Croatia to Greece, rich in coastlines, heritage and flavors, ending in Thessaloniki.
The Balkans, a magical journey through history, nature and the true spirit of Southeast Europe.
Explore the heart of the Balkans in 14 days, from Albania to Greece, discovering UNESCO treasures, hidden gems and stunning