Western Balkans Uncovered

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Description

Summary

Starts
Skopje
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the Western Balkans, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of ancient cities, medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the Ottoman charm of Skopje and Prizren to the serene waters of Lake Ohrid, the rugged beauty of Matka Canyon, and the medieval splendour of Kotor and Dubrovnik, this tour is a feast for the senses. Enjoy traditional Balkan cuisine, meet warm-hearted locals, and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.

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Included

11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

EUROPEAN LEADERS:

Intrepid trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe.

We also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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Matka Canyon - Boat Ride

Prizren - Walking tour with a local guide

Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise

Berat - Castle Visit

Berat - Walking tour with a local guide

Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide

Kruja - Fortress Visit

Mrizi I Zanave - Farm to table Lunch

Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)

Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk

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PRIVATE VEHICLES:

Our private vehicles are locally sourced and are air conditioned and comfortable, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it.

Private vehicle , Taxi

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The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

EUROPEAN HOTELS:

Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially by American or Australian standards.

Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Hotel (11 nights)

hotel: 11 night(s);

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Destinations

Kruje - town in AlbaniaKruje
District of Prizren
The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
Aerial view of Samuel's Fortress and Plaosnik at Ohrid in North Macedonia.Ohrid
Panoramic view of Skopje town with Vodno hill in the background.Skopje
Tirana County - region in AlbaniaTirana
Matka - city in North MacedoniaMatka
Kotor -  in MontenegroKotor

Map

Attractions

Photo of aerial drone view at the monastery of Saint Naum on Macedonia.Monastery of Saint Naum
Photo of historical part of unesco listed town ohrid is located next to the ohrid lake and spread all over the hill with fortress of tzar samuel at the top.Ohrid City Park
Kotor Fortress, Kotor Municipality, MontenegroKotor Fortress
Photo of Mustafa Pasha Mosque, an old Ottoman Turkish mosque in the Bushi district of Skopje, Macedonia.Mustafa Paša
Photo of Kruje Castle and its fortress with the walls and mountains in the background, Albania.Castle of Kruja
Porat Dubrovnik, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPorat Dubrovnik
Museum of Contemporary Art, Centar, Skopje, Municipality of Centar, City of Skopje, Skopje Region, North MacedoniaMuseum of Contemporary Art
Kalaja e TiranësFortress of Justinian
Square Macedonia, Centar, Skopje, Municipality of Centar, City of Skopje, Skopje Region, North MacedoniaSquare „Macedonia“
Photo of part of Berat castle, Albania.Berat Castle

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Skopje

  • Skopje - Arrival day
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  • Mustafa Paša
  • Square „Macedonia“
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Welcome to Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia. If you arrive early, take a step back in time with a visit to the historical Daut Pasha Hamam and explore the city's Ottoman past. Marvel at the grand monuments, including the massive statue of Alexander the Great in Macedonia Square. Sample local delicacies like gozleme and baklava as you stroll past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths, and neo-classical buildings. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting, followed by a group dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Skopje and Matka Canyon

  • Skopje
  • Matka
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  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Square „Macedonia“
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Venture out to Matka Canyon, a stunning natural attraction nestled in the Suva mountains. Explore the canyon's medieval monasteries, caves, and diverse butterfly species. In the afternoon, return to Skopje and immerse yourself in the city's rich history at the Museum of the City of Skopje, housed in the old Railway Station. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Day Trip to Prizren, Kosovo

  • Skopje
  • District of Prizren
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After breakfast, embark on a day trip to the historic city of Prizren, Kosovo's second-largest city. Prizren is a treasure trove of traditional handicraft shops and Ottoman architecture. Take a guided tour of the city, exploring the cobbled Shadervan Square, the Old Stone Bridge, and the city's famous mosques. Enjoy a group lunch featuring traditional Kosovan cuisine. In the late afternoon, return to Skopje.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Lake Ohrid

  • Ohrid
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In the morning, travel to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in the world. This World Heritage site is a treasure trove of historic sites and religious monuments. Take an orientation walk around the old bazaar area and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Lake Ohrid

  • Ohrid
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  • Monastery of Saint Naum
  • Ohrid City Park
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Embark on a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid. Take in the stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Visit the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, explore the old walls and fortress, or simply relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Berat, Albania

Day 6: Journey to Berat, Albania

  • Berat Castle
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Travel to the picturesque town of Berat in Albania. Known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, Berat is a delight to explore. Take a guided walking tour of the city, visit the fortress, and enjoy the stunning views over the town. In the afternoon, mingle with the locals and experience the warmth of Albanian hospitality. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Balkan dinner with your group.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Transfer to Tirana

  • Tirana
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  • Fortress of Justinian
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After breakfast, transfer to Tirana, the capital of Albania. On arrival, embark on a guided tour of the city, exploring its unique blend of cultures and customs. If the weather permits, take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for breathtaking views of the city.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Day Trip to Kruja

  • Kruje
  • Tirana
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  • Castle of Kruja
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Take a half-day trip to the mountain village of Kruja, the former capital of Albania. Visit the fortress, explore the citadel, and enjoy some free time in the famous bazaar area. On your return to Tirana, you may wish to visit the National History Museum or the 1821 Et'hem Bey Mosque.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Journey to Kotor, Montenegro

  • Kotor
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After breakfast, head off to Kotor, a picturesque medieval town located on a stunning fjord. En route, stop at Fishte for lunch at a local Albanian farm, where you'll enjoy fresh organic produce and swap stories with the locals. Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy a free evening to explore the town's charming streets and vibrant nightlife.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Kotor

  • Kotor
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  • Kotor Fortress
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Enjoy a free day to explore Kotor, a World Heritage-listed city nestled between soaring mountains and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Take a cruise on the Kotor Fjord, visit the 12th-century Cathedral, and explore the South Gates and Armoury Square. In the evening, admire the beautifully lit city walls.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Transfer to Dubrovnik, Croatia

  • Dubrovnik
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  • Porat Dubrovnik
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Today, you will be transferred to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Known for its stunning architecture and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a must-see destination. Join your leader for a walk along the city walls and take in the breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik - Departure day
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Your Western Balkans adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned, and you're free to depart at any time. However, with so much to see in Dubrovnik, we recommend extending your stay. We are happy to assist with booking additional accommodation (subject to availability).

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