The Adriatic and Beyond Experience

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.

Multiple countries
Apr - Oct
14 nights

From $2,443.16pp $2,874.54pp

BOOK TODAY $855.11 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

June 2024
16 - 30 Jun 2024
From $2,874.54pp
July 2024
14 - 28 Jul 2024
From $2,874.54pp
August 2024
11 - 25 Aug 2024
From $2,874.54pp
September 2024
8 - 22 Sep 2024
From $2,874.54pp
22 Sep - 6 Oct 2024
Early Bird Save $431.38
From $2,443.16pp $2,874.54pp
October 2024
6 - 20 Oct 2024
From $2,874.54pp

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Lake Koman River Ferry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRIP OVERVIEW

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

James

The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James

ILIJA

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

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Shkodra

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

  • Breakfast
  • Airport pick-up

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Rozafa Castle Visit
Day 2 Take the Lake Koman Ferry Ride to Valbona

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

  • Breakfast
  • Lake Koman Ferry Ride

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Hiking
Day 3 Hike to the village of Theth

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

  • Breakfast
  • Valbona - Theth Hike
  • Packed lunch
  • Traditional dinner

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Kulla Tower Visit
  • Catholic Church Visit
  • Grunas Waterfall Hike
Day 4 Hike into Montenegro through the mountains

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

  • Breakfast
  • Theth - Plev Hike

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Spa activities
Day 5 Travel around Kolasin

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

  • Breakfast
  • Visit and entry to Moraca Monastery
  • Biogradsko Lake visit
  • Tour and tasting at a local honey farm

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Rowing
  • Quad-biking
Day 6 Visit the Black Lake via the Tara Canyon

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

  • Breakfast
  • Visit and entry to Black Lake
  • Visit and entry to Dobrilovina Monastery

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Lake Jablan Hike
  • Zip-lining
  • Mountain-style dinner
Day 7 Outdoor activities day in Izlazak

Optional activities in the ‘great outdoors’ including white water rafting, hiking, swimming and horse riding. Mountain style dinner and accommodation at Izlazak.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • White Water Rafting
  • Canyoning
  • Piva Lake Boat Trip
  • Mountain-style dinner
Day 8 Travel to Sarajevo

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

  • Breakfast
  • Sarajevo Walking Tour

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Visit to The Tunnel of Salvation
  • Visit to the First World War Museum
Day 9 Visit to Vrelo Bosne

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

  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Vrelo Bosne

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Skakavac Waterfall Visit
  • Handcrafting Class
  • Visit to the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track
Day 10 Travel to Mostar

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

  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Lukomir
  • Mostar Walking Tour

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Lunch at Lukomir
Day 11 Travel to Kotor

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

  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Kravice Waterfall

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Mountain-style dinner
Day 12 Free time in Kotor

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

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Yachting
  • Kayaking
  • Paragliding
Day 13 Free time in Kotor

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

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Perast Half-Day Trip
  • Visit to Sveti Stefan
  • Hopping
Day 14 Free time in Kotor

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

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Budva Day Trip
Day 15 Travel to the airport

Transfer to Podgorica airport for your flight home.


INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Airport Drop-off

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.

Shkoder

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
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
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

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
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
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
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

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

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 

TRIP LOCATION

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.


DID YOU KNOW
  • With an area of 5,019 square miles, Montenegro is the 10th smallest country in Europe
  • The oldest tree in Europe is said to live in Montenegro and is over 2,000 years old
  • The name Bosnia comes from the Indo-European word “Bosana”, which means water
  • Perhaps the world's most famous Albanian is Mother Theresa, the Catholic nun who worked for decades in the slums of India.

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

TRIP TIPS

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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!


tips image

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.


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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.


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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.


TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • ALL TRANSFERS
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
    • 1 night in Shkodra
    • 1 night in Valbona
    • 1 night in Theth
    • 1 night in Kolasin
    • 1 night in Katun Vranjak
    • 2 nights in Izlazak Ethno Village
    • 2 nights in Sarajevo
    • 1 night in Mostar
    • 4 nights in Kotor Old Town
  • MEALS
    • All breakfasts
    • 1 packed lunch in Theth
    • 1 dinner in Theth
  • ACTIVITIES
    • Lake Koman River Ferry Ride
    • Valbona - Theth hike
    • Theth - Plav hike
    • Entry to Lovcen National Park
    • Visit and entry to Moraca Monastery
    • Tour and tasting at a local honey farm
    • Entry to Durmitor National Park
    • Visit to the Black Lake
    • Sarajevo Walking Tour
    • Visit to Vrelo Bosne
    • Visit to Lukomir
    • Mostar Walking Tour
    • Visit to Kravice Waterfall
  • THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
  • UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE

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.

LONDON TO PODGORICA
  • TUI (Gatwick)
  • Ryanair (Stansted)
MANCHESTER TO PODGORICA
  • TUI

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your trip in a few easy steps.

1

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Once you’ve chosen the dates you’d like to travel on using our availability calendar all you need to do is head over to the booking page and fill in the enquiry form. 

2

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

We will get back to you answering any questions you might have and confirming availability. If all is good, we can hold the places for you for 48 hours while you book your flights. Please note that this stage does not represent a guarantee of the booking. 

3

BOOKING FORM

Once you have made your necessary arrangements, we will send you a booking form you will need to fill in with your details and any other relevant information.

4

PAY FOR YOUR TRIP

As you fill in the booking form, you will also be asked to make the payment through a secure link; if you are travelling in less than 8 weeks, the payment will be paid in full, otherwise only a 35% deposit will be taken.

5

FINAL CONFIRMATION

Shortly after you pay, you will receive a confirmation invoice, followed by a personalised itinerary and digital booklet. All you need to do now is write the dates in your diary, prepare your packing list and look forward to your next adventure!

6

NOTES

Please note deposit is non-refundable. The balance will only be refundable if you cancel with more than 8 weeks in advance. More information about the cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. We highly suggest getting insurance before you travel to avoid any problems. Our personal recommendation is using True Traveller.