Western Balkans Uncovered

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Description

Summary

Starts
Skopje
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
15 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the Western Balkans, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Skopje to the serene shores of Lake Ohrid, through the charming towns of Kosovo and Albania, and finally to the stunning coastal city of Dubrovnik. Discover ancient monasteries, medieval fortresses, and bustling bazaars, while savoring the rich flavors of Balkan cuisine. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and free time to immerse yourself in the local culture. Join us for an adventure that promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this captivating region.

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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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Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Skopje, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Arrive early to explore the city's Ottoman heritage, including the Daut Pasha Hamam and the bustling streets filled with mosques and caravanserais. Marvel at the grand statues and monuments, such as the iconic Alexander the Great statue in Macedonia Square. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers for a welcome meeting, followed by an optional group dinner to kick off your adventure.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Explore Matka Canyon and Skopje

  • Skopje
  • Matka
  • More
  • Stone Bridge
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Square „Macedonia“
  • Kuršumli An
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Embark on a day trip to the stunning Matka Canyon, a natural wonder just outside Skopje. Discover medieval monasteries and caves, or take a boat ride along the Treska River. Return to Skopje for an afternoon of exploration, wandering through the atmospheric Caršija neighborhood or visiting the historic Stone Bridge. Consider a visit to the Museum of the City of Skopje to delve into the city's past. The evening is yours to enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Discover Prizren, Kosovo

  • Skopje
  • District of Prizren
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  • Arabati Baba Teḱe
  • Popova Šapka
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Travel to Prizren, Kosovo's charming city, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant culture. Join a local guide for a tour of the Old Town, including Shadervan Square and the Old Stone Bridge. Explore the city's mosques and churches, reflecting its diverse history. Enjoy a traditional Kosovan lunch with your group, sampling local delicacies. Return to Skopje in the late afternoon, where you can relax or continue exploring the city at your leisure.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Lake Ohrid

  • Ohrid
  • More
  • Ohrid City Park
  • Plaoshnik
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Set off for Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk through the old bazaar area, soaking in the local atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring Ohrid at your own pace, visiting its historic churches and enjoying the serene lakeside views. Accommodation will be provided in a comfortable hotel (or similar) in Ohrid, where you can unwind after a day of discovery.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Cruise on Lake Ohrid

  • Ohrid
  • More
  • Kitino Fort
  • Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
  • The Bay of Bones
  • Ethno Museum
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Embark on a scenic cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by majestic mountains and charming villages. Visit the iconic Sveti Jovana Kaneo Church, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. Explore the historic Samoil's Fortress and the ancient Roman Theatre, still in use for performances today. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or continue exploring the area's rich cultural heritage. Accommodation will be at a local hotel (or similar) in Ohrid.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Cross into Albania - Berat

Day 6: Cross into Albania - Berat

  • Berat Castle
  • More

Cross the border into Albania and journey to the enchanting town of Berat, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Join a guided walking tour to learn about the town's history before ascending to the inhabited fortress for panoramic views. Spend the afternoon mingling with locals in the park or at a café, experiencing the warmth of Albanian hospitality. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Balkan dinner with your group, featuring local specialties. Accommodation will be in a cozy hotel (or similar) in Berat.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Discover Tirana

  • Tirana
  • More
  • Dajti
  • More

Travel to Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, where a blend of cultures and architectural styles awaits. Join a guided tour to explore the city's highlights, including its Ottoman influences and modern developments. If the weather permits, take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for breathtaking views of the cityscape. Accommodation will be in a comfortable hotel (or similar) in Tirana, where you can relax and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Visit Kruja and Explore Tirana

  • Tirana
  • Kruje
  • More
  • Et'hem Bej Mosque
  • Fortress of Justinian
  • House of Leaves Museum
  • More

Take a half-day excursion to Kruja, a historic village and former capital of Albania. Visit the Kruja Fortress and enjoy free time to explore the citadel and bazaar. Return to Tirana for an afternoon of exploration, with optional visits to the National History Museum and the Et'hem Bey Mosque. Accommodation will be in a centrally located hotel (or similar) in Tirana, allowing you to experience the city's vibrant nightlife.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Journey to Kotor via Fishte

  • Kotor
  • Tirana
  • More

Depart Tirana and head towards the picturesque town of Kotor in Montenegro. En route, stop at Fishte for a delightful lunch at a local farm, where you'll savor organic produce and freshly prepared dishes. Continue your journey to Kotor, where you'll have a free evening to explore the charming streets, enjoy a drink at a local bar, or dine at a recommended restaurant. Accommodation will be in a cozy hotel (or similar) in Kotor.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Free Day in Kotor

  • Kotor
  • More
  • Kotor Fortress
  • Dog Garo
  • Nikola Djurkovic Square
  • More

Enjoy a leisurely day in Kotor, a medieval town nestled between dramatic mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Explore the winding alleyways, visit the 12th-century Kotor Cathedral, and admire the South Gates and Armoury Square. Consider taking a cruise on the Kotor Fjord or visiting a nearby island with a historic church. In the evening, witness the city walls illuminated against the night sky. Accommodation will be in a charming hotel (or similar) in Kotor.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Transfer to Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • More
  • Franjo Tuđman Bridge
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Travel to the stunning city of Dubrovnik, renowned for its medieval architecture and breathtaking coastal views. Join your tour leader for a walk along the iconic city walls, offering panoramic vistas of the old town and the Adriatic Sea. Explore the charming streets, visit historic sites, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Accommodation will be in a comfortable hotel (or similar) in Dubrovnik, where you can unwind and savor the city's beauty.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik - Departure day
  • More

Your unforgettable journey through the Western Balkans concludes today in Dubrovnik. With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart at your convenience. We recommend extending your stay to further explore this captivating city. Additional accommodation can be arranged upon request. Safe travels!

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