Original
Explorer
Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
5
Excellent
100 reviews
15 days
Start
Tirana, Albania
Finish
Tirana, Albania
Trip Code
ZMSX
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights)
From £2,459(15 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Explore the remote northern reaches of Albania and take one of the world’s best boat trips with a cruise through the mountainous corridors of Lake Koman.
Experience daily life in the Valbona Valley with a stay at a local guesthouse. Clink glasses with the locals in the village and hike the rugged valley passes.
Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction!
Step back in time and learn about the infamous Battle of Kosovo on a daytrip to the Field of Blackbirds, before embracing the modern culture in Prishtina – Europe’s youngest capital.
Lose yourself in the Albanian capital of Tirana, full of revitalised urban energy, and join the locals for a coffee and some people-watching.
Is this trip right for you?
Weather in this part of Europe can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. On the other hand, the weather in the mountains can be cold and wet throughout the year. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you’ll be expected to carry your own bag, and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag.
Weather in this part of Europe can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. On the other hand, the weather in the mountains can be cold and wet throughout the year. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you’ll be expected to carry your own bag, and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag.
Itinerary
Travel through the valleys, towns and mountainscapes of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia
It’s hard to find a patch of Europe as secluded as this one – among the rugged mountains and green fields of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, you’ll find shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches. Lacking in tourist crowds, it’s taken decades for the Balkans to wipe away memories of conflict and Communism, but (amazingly) they’ve emerged strong and smiling. From cool cafes in Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 15-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.
Inclusions
Meals
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights)
Included activities
Lake Koman - Private boat ride
Valbona Valley - Village Tour
Valbona Valley - Tea House
Dečani Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Rugova Valley - Hike including Lunch
Gjakova - Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order
Gjakova - Hadumi Mosque
Prizren - Kalaja Fortress Visit
Kosovo Polje - Field of the Battle of Blackbirds & Tomb of Sultan Murat
Prishtina - Day Trip
Gracanica - Gracanica Monastery
Prishtina - Bear Sanctuary
Skopje - Matka Canyon visit and Boat Ride
Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
Optional activities
Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery - ALL500
Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car - ALL1000
Shkoder - Rozafa Castle - ALL400
Prizren - House of the Albanian League of Prizren - EUR1
Prizren - Church of Our Lady of Ljevis - EUR3
Prizren - Church of the Holy Saviour - EUR2
Prizren - Sinan Pasha Mosque - Free
Prizren - Halveti’s Tekke - Free
Prishtina - Ethnographic Museum - Free
Prishtina - Sultan Fatih Mosque - Free
Prishtina - Kosovo Museum - EUR2
Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD120
Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre - MKD300
Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
Skopje - City Museum - Free
Skopje - Archaeological Museum - MKD300
Matka Canyon - Boat Ride - MKD400
Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
Kruja - Day Trip - ALL900
Kruja - Skanderbeg Museum - ALL500
Dates and availability
Starting
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Days 3&4. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Reviews (96)
5 stars
92
4 stars
4
Jacqueline
Jul 27, 2025
3 countries that were unique in food, culture and landscapes. An incredible time had. So many opportunities to explore nature and eat the most incredible food.
Jessica
Jul 26, 2025
This is an incredible trip and 100% recommended to everyone! Great combo of urban and rural locations; lots of history and politics; and an amazing trip leader! Definitely recommend some time before or after to explore Albania more.
Jennifer
Jul 15, 2025
I’d like to thank Daniel for his professional leadership and guidance. Daniel has made a great trip even better by his friendliness and eagerness to explain details of the places we visited to such an extent I’d be open to revisiting some of these areas
Callum
Jul 05, 2025
An incredible trip with a fantastic group, exploring age-old and new cultures. The food was fantastic, the accommodation nice, but the best part of the tour was undoubtedly Kafu, our leader, whose local knowledge we all benefited from immensely. He was also so kind and caring with me in two separate medical incidents. Count your blessings if you go on this trip and get Kafu!
David
Jul 04, 2025
I suspect this part of Europe is being discovered. I almost want to keep it for myself! I could have easily spent another week. There is so much history and each country quite different from one another. Everyone we interacted with were so friendly too. I know I will show some of my friends pictures of the mountains and lakes and some of them are going to say, “And this is where?”
Kerryn
Jul 04, 2025
This trip offers an insight into three very different but similar countries with rich histories and tragic pasts. Kafu was an incredible person to lead the trip and share his lived experiences. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this trip and how much I learnt. June/July is very HOT travelling here and you'll probably spend more than you think but it's worth every cent. Food is amazing too.
Sally
Jul 03, 2025
This was an excellent trip giving an excellent overview of the region's history. Magnificent scenery. Excellent food. Kafu was a professional leader. Highly recommend this trip.
Lauren
Jun 26, 2025
I highly recommend this trip to a less-touristed and entirely magical part of the world. Our leader Bajram/Kafu was a superb guide to his country (Kosovo) and to the region. He provided much insight into the political and historical complexities and contemporary challenges and opportunities in this region. Bajram/Kafu shared his love of people, language, culture, and place with us and facilitated many special local experiences that we will treasure. The boat ride, hotel, and wine tasting at the Monastery in Ohrid were hi-lights. Visiting Kosovo was so special. The local people across all 3 countries were welcoming, kind and caring and keen to help us explore their beautiful countries. The nature, animals, and scenery were stunning. You will not regret booking this breathtaking trip.
Maree
Jun 22, 2025
This was my first Intrepid trip and it exceeded my expectations. The itinerary, accommodation, catering, transport and helpfulness of our tour guide made this trip easy and very enjoyable. The mix of people from different parts of the world also helped to make this a fabulous trip. I will use Intrepid again.
Anne
Jun 22, 2025
These three countries are so worth a visit. The countryside is spectacular. The cities and history fascinating. The hikes, boat trips and swimming in Lake Ohrid were highlights. Kafu, our tour leader was exceptional and the camaraderie, the fun, the laughter that we shared as a group will stay with me.
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