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Peregrine Travel Centre

Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica

Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica

From $ 4,620 AUD

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Description

Get your heart racing on an active trip across four countries, showcasing some of the best of the Western Balkans. Hike through the Dinaric Alps from Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. Watch the sunset on an evening hike in Blidinje Nature Park and spend a day exploring Sarajevo at your own pace. Take a scenic ferry trip to Koman, follow the Valbona-Theth trail and see glacial lakes as you wander through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. With history, culture, nature and adventure combined, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Trip Name
Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
11
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Hike one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges and discover the history, culture and landscapes of not one, not two, but four southern European countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.
  • Embark on a scenic trail to the highest and most remote village in Bosnia – Lukomir. Here, you’ll meet the locals, learn about their way of life and share lunch, laughs, local cheese and, of course, Bosnian coffee.
  • Stay overnight in the fairytale-like Theth – one of the wonders in the Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. Maybe swim in the Blue Eye of Theth or Grunasi Waterfall and cool off in your scenic surrounds.
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durmitor National Park and take in the panoramic views across glacial lakes and pine forests as you hike.
  • Take a ferry across Komani Lake. Cruise across the turquoise waters, framed by towering mountains and look for wild birds like kingfishers and grey herons.

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 - Split
Zdravo! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Split with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander along the waterfront, grab a gelato or visit the Old Town, where ancient Roman architecture sits among modern museums, shops and traditional homes. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant and try local dishes like pasticada (slow-cooked beef stew) or black risotto (seafood risotto with squid ink).
Day 2 - Blidinje Nature Park
After breakfast, travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along the way, stop at Blidinje, where you’ll have some free time to explore before setting off on a hike this afternoon through the Dinaric Alps. Starting at Vitlenica point, you’ll hike to Hajducka Vrata (Outlaw’s Gate) with an experienced mountain guide and your local leader by your side. Take a break at the scenic plateau on Cvrsnica Mountain before continuing. After sunset, if the weather is good, you can sit back, relax and stargaze from the Alps!
Day 3 - Sarajevo
Relax with a free morning in Blidinje before you travel to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. When you arrive, you’ll have the day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe learn about the city's history at the National Museum, explore the Old Town, walk across the Latin Bridge or look for the Sarajevo roses – memorials made from the marks on the pavement where mortar shells exploded during the 90s. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 4 - Umoljani
This morning, travel to Umoljani, where you'll set off on your next hike in the Bjelasnica Mountain area – host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Follow a loop trail that passes through Bosnia’s highest and most remote village, Lukomir – known for its old stone houses and traditional dress. Here, maybe meet the locals and share lunch or a cup of Bosnian coffee. Discover the region's rich history, culture and architecture before returning to Umoljani Village for the night.
Day 5 - Durmitor National Park
Say goodbye to Umoljani, as you drive to Zabljak – the main town within Durmitor National Park and the highest city in the Balkans. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in town, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe get your bearings with a leisurely walk, visit the Crno Lake (Black Lake) or swim in the glacial lakes.
Day 6 - Gusinje
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, as you'll hit the mountains today! Strap on your boots and start the hike from the main entrance of Durmitor National Park. When you arrive, join your leader through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of pine forests and mountains traversed by rivers and dotted with glacial lakes. Your final climb of the day will get your heart rate up and lead you to one of the best viewpoints overlooking Tara Canyon. When you reach the top, rest, relax and soak up those views! After the hike, travel to your next destination, Gusinje – a small village on the border of Montenegro and Albania.
Day 7 - Gusinje / Prokletije mountains
After breakfast, set off on a hike along the ridge of the mountains. Walk the trail around Prokletije Mountain to the Popadija and Talijanka peaks, where you’ll have a front row view of the towering Karanfili peaks in the distance. Take in the panoramic views of the Grbaja Valley below before heading back to town. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 8 - Theth
This morning, cross the border into Albania – the fourth and final country of your adventure. Along the way, stop in Theth – one of the wonders of the Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. With narrow country roads, cows and horses in fenced fields and small stone buildings, Theth’s landscape is like a fairytale. When you arrive, maybe head out for a swim in the Grunasi Waterfall or simply unwind and settle into your accommodation for the night.
Day 9 - Valbona / Accursed Mountains
Lace up your walking shoes for today’s hike through the Accursed Mountains. As you walk, take in the views over the pine-dotted valley below and snow-capped alps above. After a day on your feet, head to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley, where you’ll sit down to an authentic Albanian dinner with your group.
Day 10 - Tirana
After breakfast, head out on a scenic boat ride to Koman. As you cruise, take in the surrounding landscape of mountains that dive directly into the turquoise waters of the lake. Halfway through, stop for some refreshments and maybe dive into the cool water, before continuing to Tirana. When you arrive, join your local leader on a short orientation walk around the country’s capital. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe head to a local restaurant for one final dinner with your newfound travel friends.
Day 11 - Tirana
After breakfast, your Balkan hiking adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Tirana, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 5,390-
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 4,895-
28-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 4,860-
05-07-202615-07-2026AUD $ 4,830-
19-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 4,620-
26-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 4,790-
30-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 4,860-
06-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 5,090-
13-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 4,990-
16-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 4,990-
20-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 4,860-
30-05-202709-06-2027AUD $ 5,035-
06-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 5,035-
13-06-202723-06-2027AUD $ 5,185-
20-06-202730-06-2027AUD $ 5,185-
27-06-202707-07-2027AUD $ 5,035-
04-07-202714-07-2027AUD $ 5,035-
18-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 5,035-
25-07-202704-08-2027AUD $ 5,035-
08-08-202718-08-2027AUD $ 4,795-
22-08-202701-09-2027AUD $ 4,795-
05-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 5,185-
08-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 5,185-
12-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 5,185-
19-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 5,185-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 night), Pension (1 night), Bungalows (2 nights), Homestay (1 night).

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry

Map

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