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Peregrine Travel Centre

Western Balkans Uncovered

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Western Balkans Uncovered

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Description

Be the star of your own historical epic as you walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame in Dubrovnik, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture of Montenegro’s Kotor and stroll down hidden alleyways that have existed since ancient times. This adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania to create the perfect blend of old and new. Cruise around Lake Ohrid, indulge in a wine tasting in Roshnik and visit a local market in Skopje, all on this 12-day adventure through the Western Balkans.

Trip Name
Western Balkans Uncovered
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
  • Admire the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
  • Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site by your friendly local hosts.
  • Indulge in local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey) or lokum (Turkish delight) during your visit to the local market in Skopje.
  • Visit a traditional winery in Roshnik Village. Learn about the region’s historic wine-making practices while you enjoy a tasting with views of beautiful olive groves and vineyards.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Skopje
Zdravo! Welcome to North Macedonia. Your adventure starts in Skopje with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Daut Pasha Hamam or see the statues and monuments of the city – the massive statue of Alexander the Great on horseback is in the centre of Macedonia Square! Or, maybe stroll past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths and the neo-classical buildings that line the streets. After your meeting, maybe head out to a local bar or restaurant to celebrate the start of your adventure with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Skopje
This morning, set off on a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of Carsija – Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood. Then, continue to a local market with your local leader. As you walk around, stop at a few stands to taste some local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey), tulumba (similar to churros), or lokum (Turkish delight). This afternoon is free for you to explore Skopje at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museum of the City of Skopje, which is housed in the old Railway Station, and learn the story behind the building’s clock.
Day 3 - Lake Ohrid
After breakfast, travel to Lake Ohrid – Europe’s oldest lake and one of the oldest human settlements in the world. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years and having historical excavations dating back to Neolithic times, the town remains under the radar for visitors. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your local leader around the old bazaar area, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own.
Day 4 - Lake Ohrid
Embark on a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by mountains, villages and beaches. At 34 km long, 14 km wide and over 300 m deep, this lake is shared between Albania and North Macedonia. The rest of today is free for you to discover the area your way. Maybe explore Tast Samoil’s Fortress or visit one of the many churches and monasteries like the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town.
Day 5 - Berat
This morning, travel across the border of Albania and continue to the remote and rarely visited town of Berat. When you arrive, learn about the city on a guided walking tour before climbing up to the still-inhabited fortress for fantastic views over town. In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time to mingle with locals at the park or at the city’s many cafes. The warmth of the Albanian people is infectious, and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of raki (or three). Tonight, sit down for a traditional Balkan dinner with your group, featuring dishes like stuffed peppers, cheese and spinach pies, hearty meat dishes, and plenty of grilled and fresh veggies.
Day 6 - Roshnik / Berat
Today, head to Roshnik for a daytrip – a small village near Berat known for its vineyards, traditional architecture, wine production and agritourism. When you arrive, visit a local traditional winery for a wine tasting. The rest of today is then free for you to explore the countryside at your own pace. This afternoon, maybe hike to the nearby Tomorri Mountain or simply relax among the olive groves and discover the region’s history.
Day 7 - Tirana
After breakfast, travel to Tirana. As you drive, take in the surrounding landscape and discover why the Alps in the rugged north are considered so fierce they're called 'accursed', while the south has one of Europe’s least well-known and most beautiful coastlines. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour to get your bearings in Albania’s capital and explore the mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and medieval atmosphere this city is known for. If the weather is good, maybe take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for panoramic views of the city below.
Day 8 - Tirana
Today is a free day. Maybe visit the 1821 Et'hem Bey Mosque or walk through the National History Museum, which has a giant mosaic on its facade that represents the development of Albania's history. After, maybe explore the frescoes (art) outside and in the portico, which depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – you leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 9 - Tirana to Tivat
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Tivat – a small town in the Bay of Kotor. Along the way, stop at a local Albanian farm in Fishte for lunch made with organic produce, fresh meat and wild fish. After swapping stories with the locals, continue to Tivat. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk through the streets with your leader before maybe sitting down to dinner at a local restaurant in town.
Day 10 - Tivat to Kotor
This morning, set off on a daytrip to Kotor – Montenegro’s fortified town wedged between soaring mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters. When you arrive, join a licensed guide on a walking tour of Kotor and learn about this 5th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The rest of today is free to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe hike to the Fortress of Kotor, visit the Ostrog Monastery or explore the Maritime Museum. Later, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try mussels buzara (mussel stew) or octopus salad before travelling back to Tivat for the night.
Day 11 - Dubrovnik
This morning, travel to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, you’ll be given so called Dubrovnik Pass, which allows access to many sites around the town including famous City Walls that surround the Old Town. These walls were used in the filming of ‘Game of Thrones’. The day is free for you to explore Dubrovnik as you please. Maybe check out the Franciscan Monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. Maybe visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. Tonight, you could find a local restaurant for dinner and celebrate the last night of your trip with your group.
Day 12 - Dubrovnik
As there are no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 4,024-
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 5,030-
16-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 5,130-
23-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 5,030-
20-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 5,030-
18-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 5,030-
08-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 4,535-
22-08-202602-09-2026AUD $ 5,030-
29-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 5,030-
05-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 5,230-
12-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 5,130-
16-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 5,030-
26-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 5,690-
03-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 5,030-
17-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 5,215-
24-04-202705-05-2027AUD $ 5,215-
05-05-202716-05-2027AUD $ 5,215-
08-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 5,215-
15-05-202726-05-2027AUD $ 5,215-
22-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 5,215-
05-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 5,215-
19-06-202730-06-2027AUD $ 5,215-
03-07-202714-07-2027AUD $ 5,215-
17-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 5,215-
31-07-202711-08-2027AUD $ 5,215-
14-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 4,965-
21-08-202701-09-2027AUD $ 5,215-
28-08-202708-09-2027AUD $ 5,215-
04-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 5,215-
11-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 5,215-
15-09-202726-09-2027AUD $ 5,215-
18-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 5,215-
25-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 5,215-
02-10-202713-10-2027AUD $ 5,215-
09-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 4,965-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi

Map

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