WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
Travel from the remote villages of Albania to the sparkling waters of Kotor, passing through Bosnia. Natural beauty and adventure in one.
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Lake Koman River Ferry
This beautiful, picturesque, 3 hour boat journey takes you from Koman to Fierze. Enjoy the turquoise water, passing mountains and narrow canyons as drift towards your final destination.
Trekking
The trails are comparable to any in the world. Remote, authentic and crowd free, the perfect trip to get away from it all and enjoy the tranquility of the out doors. One of the free regions where it's quicker to walk than drive!
Remote Villages
The lack of accessibility, ensures the remote villages remain authentic and part of one of the most undiscovered places in Europe. Ask about the blood feuds and sworn virgins, some of which still exist!
Outdoor activities
If you like the great outdoors then Montenegro will not disappoint with the abundance of water and mountains. With many activities available such as hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, yachting and rafting.
The Landscape
The landscape in Montenegro is simply breathtaking. It's coastline is known for beauty but arguably the inland mountain scenery is even more spectacular with its array of lakes and National Parks.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is a city of contrast. From mosques to Catholic churches, European-like old town cobbled streets and markets reminiscent of Turkish bazaars, all is set against a mountain backdrop.
Bay of Kotor
"Most beautiful encounter between land and sea" according to Lord Byron and it's hard to argue. The bay and its charming venetian towns are best seen from the water by speed boat or yacht, luckily we can organise both!
Kotor Old Town
The venetian, fortified town of Kotor offers all the beauty of Dubrovnik but without the prices or the crowds, not to mention it's unique walls which offer unbeatable views of the bay for those prepared to scale it!
“Travelling through majestic mountains, lush countryside, skirting emerald,,crystal clear lakes and enjoying boat rides to islands from the pretty coast of Perast, all ensured that time was filled with rich and memorable experiences.”
Angela M. - Guest
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Your trip begins in one of the least explored countries in Europe. With its gorgeous mountains and ancient history, Albania awaits you. Twenty centuries of history in Skhodra with a clash of East and West through religion and culture, combined with Albanian authenticity is making a remarkable mixture. Skhoder with its lake will surely stun you. A scenic bus drive and a ferry trip later, you’ll be in Valbona Valley. Just stargazing for two nights in Valbona and Theth at 700 meters altitude with virtually no light pollution. A hike over the Valbona pass, a waterfall in Theth and trekking over the magnificent Alps to walk back into Montenegro. Next, you’ll be travelling along the stunning Tara canyon visiting another beautiful monastery and the amazing Tara bridge, which you'll have the option to zipline across. The following two nights you will spend at an ethno village, on the bank of yet another canyon, enjoying delicious food, engaging in outdoor activities such as white water rafting, or simply resting – not too many places are better than Rudinice. For the following leg of the trip you will travel over to Bosnia, where history unravels in Sarajevo and Mostar. Lastly, the coastline of Montenegro awaits. Don't miss the chance to see the view from the ancient fortress, and also to visit Perast islands – one of them man-made so that a beautiful church could be built on it.
YOUR EXPERTS
James
The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James
ILIJA
The Thinker - Meet Ilija
NEED TO KNOW
| DESTINATION | Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia |
| DURATION | 14 nights |
| GROUP SIZE | 12 people |
| ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
| AIRPORT(S) | Podgorica |
| FLIGHTS | For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section. |
| VISA | UK, EU & US not required |
| VACCINATIONS | No |
Arrival in Podgorica (capital of Montenegro) followed by an airport transfer into Albania to Shkodra, known as the city of birds and bicycles. Here, you’ll check-in to a traditional Albanian guesthouse which is a museum in itself and has an incredible authentic restaurant with local cuisine and entertainment. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the crumbling ruins of Rozafa Castle.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Early morning transfer to the ferry port for the magical Lake Koman Ferry Ride journey. Arrive in beautiful Valbona, check in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day enjoying the serene mountain setting and the fresh traditional food listening to the locals talk about the legends of the blood feuds and sworn virgins. For those eager for some exercise they can hike up to one of the local stans which offer stunning views of the mountain scenery.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Morning transfer to the start of the Valbona – Theth hiking trail. You’ll trek through the Valbona Pass over to the remote village of Theth led by a local boy whose horse will carry your bags. The trek lasts approximately 5 – 6 hours. On arrival in Theth you’ll check in to the welcoming guesthouse and enjoy a traditional evening meal.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Early morning drop-off at the start point of the trek across the mountains into Montenegro. The trek lasts approximately 6 – 7 hours. You’ll be collected at the end point of the trek and transferred to Kolasin where you’ll check in to your accommodation for some well-deserved spa/pool time.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
The day will be spent in and around Kolasin. Your guide will take you the 14th-century Moraca Monastery, Montenegro's first line of defense during the Ottoman rule. After that, travel to the Biogradsko Lake, Montenegro's first national park. In the afternoon, before being taken to the top of the mountain for your eco-lodge stay at the shepherd's huts you will have the opportunity to learn all about bees in our local honey farm visit.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Transfer along Europe’s longest and deepest gorge, the Tara Canyon. Visit the Monastery of St. George. Stop and admire the immense Tara Bridge. Visit and entry to the Black Lake. A walk around the amazing Black Lake or the optional guided hike through Durmitor National Park with a picnic lunch in the mountains. Travel to the rural village of Trsa. Drive through the dramatic Piva Canyon. Mountain style dinner and accommodation at Izlazak Ethno Village.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Optional activities in the ‘great outdoors’ including white water rafting, hiking, swimming and horse riding. Mountain style dinner and accommodation at Izlazak.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
After breakfast, you'll be taken on a journey across the border to Sarajevo where East meets the West, creating one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe. On your walking tour which also provides samples of local delicacies, you'll hear all about it - from the ancient times, all the way to the recent civil war. Evening stroll through the city's promenade, the famous Bas Carsija is a real treat, culturally and gastronomically.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
We start the day by visiting the spring of Bosna river, a small paradise half an hour away from the city. There are walking and biking paths through the endemic forest with springs and small waterfalls creating the perfect scenery fora relaxing morning. If you are a romantic soul, a horse carriage ride is available with swans and ducks gracefully gliding alongside. After returning to Sarajevo just in time for lunch, you can liaise with your guide about the other optional activities, such as visiting the 100 metres tall Skakavac waterfall.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
In the morning, you'll be taken to Lukomir, a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The scenic village is located at 1500 metres altitude, but even more interestingly, , this picturesque village is keeping their traditional way of living since the 15th century, making it an ethno museum in its own right. After a hearty lunch, you'll be taken to Mostar where the walking tour will get you acquainted with city's landmarks.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Before crossing the border to Montenegro, you'll stop at one of the most beautiful nature parks in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Kravice Waterfall. There will be enough time for a walk, a few photos, lunch, and for swimming for the adventurous ones. After crossing the border you'll check into your accommodation in the center of the Old Town in Kotor. As the night falls on the UNESCO protected city, you can organize your free time in the Bay with your guide for the last 3 days of your trip.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day at your leisure. Additional activities include half a day on a yacht, sea-kayaking, walking tours, paragliding and visits to Perast, Budva and/or Sveti Stefan. Enjoy Kotor Old Town, explore the crumbling city walls, or go beach hopping along the Adriatic Coast. You could even make a day trip to Dubrovnik.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day at your leisure. Additional activities include half a day on a yacht, sea-kayaking, walking tours, paragliding and visits to Perast, Budva and/or Sveti Stefan. Enjoy Kotor Old Town, explore the crumbling city walls, or go beach hopping along the Adriatic Coast. You could even make a day trip to Dubrovnik.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Day at your leisure. Additional activities include half a day on a yacht, sea-kayaking, walking tours, paragliding and visits to Perast, Budva and/or Sveti Stefan. Enjoy Kotor Old Town, explore the crumbling city walls, or go beach hopping along the Adriatic Coast. You could even make a day trip to Dubrovnik.
INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Shkoder
Shkoder Albania
Shkoder's hotels are generally located centrally to the main boulevard which is great for people-watching. Our hotel choices are rich in character.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Tradita, Alis Hotel or similar
Valbona
Valbona Albania
Valbona stretches along the river, there is an abundance of basic but clean guesthouse accommodation, we have selected the best for you.
Typical Accommodation: Rezidenca Guesthouse, Villa Dini or similar
Thethi
Thethi Albania
With the village of Thethi being so small you are within walking distance of everything so you are well located whichever guesthouse you stay in.
Typical accommodation:Margjeka Guesthouse, Villa Gjecaj or similar
Kolasin
Podgorica Montenegro
The mountain town of Kolasin is the perfect base for visiting the nearby national parks and taking advantage of the hiking and biking trails.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Aurel, Hotel Terminus or similar
Biogradska Gora
Biogradska Gora Montenegro
Around 30 minutes from Kolasin, set on the outskirts of Biogradska Gora National park are some stunningly located, remote Ethno Villages.Typical Accommodation:Vranjak, Goles Etno Villages or similar
Pluzine
Pluzine Montenegro
Close to Pluzine and its limestone lakes are family-run Ethno villages which allow you to experience authentic hospitality and be close to nature.
Typical Accommodation: Izlazak, Montenegro Etno Villages or similar
Sarajevo
Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina
You will be staying in the colourful heart of Sarajevo, from where you will be able to explore its cobbled streets and bask in the history.
Typical Accommodation: Hotel Ovo malo duše or similar
Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Besides the Stari Most bridge, Mostar is a charming little town where the Ottoman, Mediterranean and Western European cultures meet.
Typical Accommodation: Muslibegovic House or similar
Kotor
Montenegro
All our chosen accommodation is based either in the old town or nearby. You can also upgrade to apartments with a shared pool, ideal for families.
Typical Accommodation: Monte Cristo, Villa Duomo or similar
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
Combining the sunny-lazy vibe of the Mediterranean region with the natural beauty of the Balkans and a vast history, the Adriatic countries pack everything in one... or three, in this case. Starting with the undiscovered gem of Albania. It boasts both rugged landscapes peppered with jagged mountains and traditional villages along stretches of sandy coastline and green pastures. In contrast is Magical Montenegro, home to one of Europe’s most enticing stretches of coastline. With some of the most striking mountain scenery on the continent and countless other spectacular gems, Montenegro is a country of incredible beauty and diversity. Going inland, Bosnia revels in the mountainous landscape dominated by the Dinaric Alps. The past influences of the Romans and Greeks, combined with the Ottoman and Catholic, fusion to create a unique and diverse culture which still stands today in the region's general architecture still present in all three countries.
FAST FACTS
| CAPITAL | Podgorica |
| POPULATION | 0.62 million |
| CURRENCY | Euro |
| TIME DIFFERENCE | UTC+01:00 |
"An adventure through this breathtakingly beautiful region does require some patience as the locals are very laid back meaning their timekeeping isn't the best, to say the least!"
Ilija - Untravelled Paths
Kotor Old Town Walls
If ascending the old town walls, don't miss the church and very local "cafe". About 3/4 of the way up you'll need to climb through a whole in the wall so keep a look out or you'll miss it!
Fitness
The trekking route is intermediate level so all but the seasoned walker will find parts challenging, so a good level of fitness is required to ensure you enjoy the experience.
Clothing
No matter what time of year you travel, make sure you bring warm clothes as the temperature can drop sharply in the mountains especially in Spring and Autumn.
Additional Night - Dubrovnik
In order to maximize your time in the Adriatic region, we recommend opting for an additional night in Dubrovnik, the real-life location of Game of Thrones' King's Landing.
As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Podgorica with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
We can also cater for surrounding airports, although there would be an additional charge. For Tivat Airport the price is 80 Euros in total and Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia it is 80 Euros each way. Please note these prices are for the vehicle not per person and would be paid for locally.
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
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