Balkan Discovery - Albania & Montenegro
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart for Tirana, Albania via Frankfurt.
Welcome to Tirana—Albania’s vibrant, ever-evolving capital! After check-in, enjoy a brief orientation tour and a scenic ride on the Dajti Mountain Cable Car, followed by some leisure time before dinner at the hotel.
Explore Tirana starting at Skanderbeg Square with its iconic statue. See the Clock Tower and Et’hem Bey Mosque, famed for rare Islamic frescoes. Stroll the 18th-century Tabak Bridge and visit Mother Teresa Square. Discover Albania’s history at Bunk’Art museums inside Cold War bunkers. Our Welcome dinner is tonight!
Begin at Spaç, the haunting ruins of Albania’s communist prison. Visit Rubik’s 12th-century cliffside monastery, steeped in faith and medieval art. Explore the Museum of the North—Info Kulla, celebrating northern Albania’s tribal culture and history. Lunch and dinner included.
Today, we visit Berat, the UNESCO “City of a Thousand Windows,” with its Ottoman houses and castle. Explore Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum’s religious icons. Then, enjoy a hands-on Albanian cooking class, crafting and tasting traditional dishes.
From Berat, we head to coastal Durrës to explore the ancient Roman amphitheater and stroll the Old Town’s seaside streets. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch at a local winery, then experience traditional folk music and dance. The day ends with a warm farewell dinner featuring a seven-course tasting menu celebrating Albania’s vibrant culture and cuisine.
A leisure day to explore Tirana or choose an optional full-day excursion: Albanian Riviera’s turquoise waters and cliffs, or North Macedonia’s charming lakeside town, Ohrid. Dinner is on your own—ideal for a cosy local spot or vibrant night in Tirana’s Blloku district.
From Tirana, we head to Kolašin with a stop in historic Kruja. Explore Kruja Castle and the Skanderbeg Museum, then browse the vibrant Ottoman bazaar. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Mrizi i Zanave. In the afternoon, cross into Montenegro for two nights in Kolašin, a peaceful mountain town in the wild alpine north.
Explore Biogradska Gora, one of Europe’s last ancient forests, with towering trees, glacial lakes, and pristine wilderness. Enjoy peaceful trails and a hearty traditional lunch in a rustic highland setting. Later, relax in Kolašin, an alpine town known for its fresh air and stunning mountain views—a perfect retreat for rest and tranquility.
Enjoy a scenic Skadar Lake boat ride through lush wetlands filled with wildlife. Savour local snacks en route, followed by a delicious lunch. Finish with a wine tasting at a nearby winery, sampling the region’s finest vintages. Then, check into our Budva hotel for the final four nights.
Begin with a guided walk through Kotor’s charming medieval streets. Cruise the shimmering Bay of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks Island to explore its church and maritime museum. End with a leisurely lunch in historic Perast, taking in stunning bay views and ancient architecture.
Savour smoked prosciutto and local spirits in Njeguši, then visit its mausoleum for panoramic Montenegro views. Explore Cetinje, the historic royal capital, on a guided walking tour blending tradition and charm. Finish with a cable car ride up Mount Lovćen, taking in sweeping mountain vistas and the Bay of Kotor coastline.
Enjoy a leisurely day in Budva. Relax on golden beaches, explore the old town or sip coffee by the Adriatic. Tonight, enjoy our farewell dinner and take in the panoramic views of Sveti Stefan Island and Budva’s historic old town.
Depart from Podgorica Airport, Montenegro via Vienna.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
