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Explorer

Western Balkans Uncovered

12 Days | Venture through the original kingdoms of Eastern Europe

4.7

Excellent

84 reviews

12 days

Start

Skopje, North Macedonia

Finish

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Trip Code

WMKK

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi, Public Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

From £2,877(12 days)

Trip Informations

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.

Why you’ll love this trip

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 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 olive groves and vineyards.

Is this trip right for you?

We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage at times, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs and across cobblestones.

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. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.

This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Itinerary

Venture through the original kingdoms of Eastern Europe

DAY 1
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60
Skopje - Iconic Stone Bridge - Free
Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre - MKD300
Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD120
Skopje - City Museum - Free
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
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 (doughnuts soaked in syrup), 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Skopje - Walking tour with local guide + Local Market visit & Food tasting
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 3
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 4
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Lake Ohrid - Boat Cruise
Optional activities
Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150
Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150
DAY 5
Day 5 • Berat
This morning, travel across the border of Albania and continue to the 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Berat - Castle Visit
Berat - Walking tour with a local guide
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 6
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 traditional winery for a 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Roshnik - Wine tasting in a traditional winery
Roshnik - Village visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 7
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide
Optional activities
Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200
Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700
Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400
Dajti Mountain Cable Car Ride - ALL800
Tirana - Bunk'Art 2 Bunker Exhibition Visit - Free
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, depending on road conditions and the traffic into Tirana.
DAY 8
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 Albania's history. After, maybe explore the frescoes 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 – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 9
Day 9 • Tivat
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Tivat – a small town in the Bay of Kotor. It may be a long journey, but you’ll make some stops along the way, like a wine tasting and farm-to-table lunch. Your winery visit and tasting in Fishte will be a great opportunity to try some local wines in the Albanian countryside. Sit back, relax and take in the scenery with local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared onsite with the freshest ingredients. 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Tivat - Leader led Orientation Walk
Fishte - Winery Visit and Tasting
Fishte - Farm to Table Lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours, depending on the border crossing into Montenegro.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Kotor / Tivat
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Kotor - Day trip
Kotor - Walking tour with local guide
Optional activities
Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Dubrovnik
This morning, travel to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, your leader will provide you with a Dubrovnik Pass, which allows access to many sites around the town, including the famous city walls, which were used in the filming of 'Game of Thrones'. The rest of 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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Dubrovnik Card including access to City Walls
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours, depending on the border crossing into Croatia.
DAY 12
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.
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR149
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (from) - EUR30
Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR30

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi, Public Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Included activities

Skopje - Walking tour with local guide + Local Market visit & Food tasting

Ohrid - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Lake Ohrid - Boat Cruise

Berat - Castle Visit

Berat - Walking tour with a local guide

Roshnik - Wine tasting in a traditional winery

Roshnik - Village visit

Tirana - Walking tour with a local guide

Tivat - Leader led Orientation Walk

Fishte - Winery Visit and Tasting

Fishte - Farm to Table Lunch

Kotor - Day trip

Kotor - Walking tour with local guide

Dubrovnik Card including access to City Walls

Optional activities

Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam - MKD60

Skopje - Iconic Stone Bridge - Free

Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre - MKD300

Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free

Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - MKD120

Skopje - City Museum - Free

Ohrid - St Jovan Church - MKD150

Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum - MKD150

Tirana - National Art Gallery - ALL200

Tirana - National History Museum - ALL700

Tirana - Sky Tower - ALL400

Dajti Mountain Cable Car Ride - ALL800

Tirana - Bunk'Art 2 Bunker Exhibition Visit - Free

Kotor - Fortress - EUR3

Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4

Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5

Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40

Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free

Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10

Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR149

Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (from) - EUR30

Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13

Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4

Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR30

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Saturday Apr 17, 2027

Wednesday Apr 28, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Apr 24, 2027

Wednesday May 05, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,877

Wednesday May 05, 2027

Sunday May 16, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday May 08, 2027

Wednesday May 19, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday May 15, 2027

Wednesday May 26, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday May 22, 2027

Wednesday Jun 02, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Jun 05, 2027

Wednesday Jun 16, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Jun 19, 2027

Wednesday Jun 30, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Jul 17, 2027

Wednesday Jul 28, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Aug 14, 2027

Wednesday Aug 25, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Aug 21, 2027

Wednesday Sep 01, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Aug 28, 2027

Wednesday Sep 08, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,877

Saturday Sep 04, 2027

Wednesday Sep 15, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,965

Saturday Sep 11, 2027

Wednesday Sep 22, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,965

Wednesday Sep 15, 2027

Sunday Sep 26, 2027

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£2,965

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Reviews (84)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Kate

Oct 10, 2026

Brilliant trip around the Western Balkans with a huge variety of experiences- boat trips, sea swimming, incredible architecture (from 13 century frescoes to 1960’s Brutalism), and delicious farm to plate lunches. A great trip!

Nicola

Oct 10, 2026

Intrepid’s Western Balkans trip is a fascinating overview of a region where change is occurring rapidly. The chance to visit inland Albania with stunning scenery but vestiges of the old communist regime contrasts with progress made in North Macedonia, Montenegro and Croatia. It is travel at its best.

Jessica Mae

Sep 27, 2026

If you’re still thinking about whether or not you should do this trip, go for it! Levente was an awesome Tour Leader who managed to connect so well with 9 people in a short span of time - we all loved and appreciated him! This experience with Intrepid blew my expectations - I’d happily recommend Intrepid to friends and family. Intrepid really stands out compared to other group tour companies I’ve tried.

Micah

Sep 27, 2026

Intrepid is worth every dollar. They actively practice responsible traveling, support locals, and they have an exceptional team who make you feel comfortable and confident across every stage: from planning your holiday to experiencing your holiday. Their customer service is excellent, their itinerary is thoughtful and caters to all groups, and their onsight tour leaders have been wonderful. I am ABSOLUTELY booking with Intrepid again.

Wendy

Sep 16, 2026

We greatly enjoyed our Western Balkans trip. Highlights included the beautiful Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia & Berat in Albania. Contacts between the regional areas & capital cities in these countries added variety. As farmers ourselves, we lived the inclusion of Agritourism visits near Berat & to Fishte Farm in Albania - so interesting to learn of the efforts of local agriculture to meet the challenges of the booming tourism demands. Well done Intrepid for supporting these efforts. Montenegro & Dubrovnik both fascinating & extraordinary places. Whilst these places are certainly impacted by mass tourism - this trip did still enable us to experience & enjoy them. Accommodation & food was good everywhere as were the people. Loved it!

Adriana

Jul 05, 2026

Mark

Jul 03, 2026

Western Baltic is a fantastic mix of four countries with many options to choose if you wish. We enjoyed a small group with lots of fun and adventure along the way. It was simply terrific!!

Hazel

Jul 03, 2026

Great trip, small numbers made for good group interaction and travel. Great guide, Beautiful country, great lead walks and extras. Enjoyed

Samuel

Jun 12, 2026

Great trip with so many unique, including experiences from a winery to a local farm. very well paced, allowing to get to know a place a bit more

Nicola

May 27, 2026

Vivid and engaging introduction to the history, culture and food of the Balkans

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