Discover the Balkans in 7 Days: A Cultural Journey

You meet the group near Kotor Castle and begin the journey in one of the Adriatic’s most striking old towns. We start with a guided walking tour of Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by centuries of maritime trade and Venetian rule. As we walk through narrow stone streets and quiet squares, the mix of Balkan and Mediterranean influences becomes clear. Above the town, fortress walls climb steeply into the mountains, while glimpses of the bay appear between the buildings. 

After the tour, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the old town. In the afternoon, we drive along the coast to Budva and check in at Hotel Admiral (or similar). The rest of the day is free. You may explore Budva Old Town, visit the Citadel Fortress, step inside the Church of St. Ivan, or simply enjoy the seaside atmosphere. 

Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant. 
Overnight at Hotel Admiral in Budva (or similar). 

After breakfast, we leave Montenegro and cross into Albania, heading toward Shkodra, the cultural heart of northern Albania and the gateway to the Albanian Alps. On arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour through the city, discovering historic streets, Italian-influenced architecture, and the relaxed rhythm of local life. 

Lunch is at Restaurant Tradita (or similar), where we sample traditional Albanian dishes. In the afternoon, we continue to Kruja, a historic town set against dramatic mountain scenery. We visit Kruja Castle, once the stronghold of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, explore the Old Bazaar with its wooden shops and handmade crafts, and visit the Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg National Museum. 

In the evening, we travel to Tirana and check in at Hotel Dynasty (or similar). 
Dinner is served at Dynasty Restaurant (or similar). 
Overnight at Hotel Dynasty in Tirana (or similar). 

After breakfast, meet your local guide at the hotel for a guided tour of Tirana, Albania’s capital and a city that has transformed rapidly in recent decades. We explore the main boulevard, Skanderbeg Square, and key landmarks that reflect the city’s journey from communist isolation to a lively, creative capital filled with color and street art. 

Lunch is at Kazerma e Cerenit (or similar), a former military building turned restaurant, where traditional Albanian food is served in a unique setting. 

In the afternoon, we visit Bunk’Art 1, a vast Cold War bunker converted into a museum. Walking through its underground corridors offers a powerful insight into Albania’s communist past. 

Later, enjoy free time in the city center. You may relax in one of Blloku’s cafés, browse small shops, or simply observe daily life. 
Dinner is at Juvenilja Castle (or similar), known for its relaxed castle-style ambiance. 
Overnight at Hotel Dynasty in Tirana (or similar). 

After breakfast, we travel east toward Ohrid, crossing into North Macedonia and passing through rural landscapes and small villages. We stop briefly along the way for coffee. 

Lunch is enjoyed at Kaneo Letna Bavcha (or similar), a lakeside restaurant overlooking Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest lakes. After lunch, meet a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its deep religious and cultural history. 

We visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dramatically above the lake, Samuel’s Fortress with panoramic views, the Ancient Theatre, and the Old Bazaar, where local artisans sell handmade jewelry and Ohrid pearls. 

We then check in at Hotel Belvedere (or similar). The evening is free to explore the old town, stroll along the lakeside, or relax. 

Overnight at Hotel Belvedere in Ohrid (or similar). 

After breakfast, we continue to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. A short stop is made along the way for refreshments. 

Lunch is at Restaurant Pelister (or similar), located near Macedonia Square. In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a guided tour of Skopje, a city shaped by many empires and constant change. 

We explore the Old Bazaar, one of the largest Ottoman markets in the Balkans, cross the historic Stone Bridge, visit Macedonia Square, see the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and explore Daut Pasha Hamam, a former Ottoman bathhouse now used as an art gallery. 

After the tour, check in at Hotel Macedonia Square (or similar). The rest of the day is free to explore or walk along the river. 

Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant. 
Overnight at Hotel Macedonia Square in Skopje (or similar). 

After breakfast, we travel to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Meet your local guide in front of the NEWBORN Monument, a symbol of the country’s independence. 

During the guided tour, we visit Mother Teresa Square, the National Library of Kosovo with its distinctive architecture, and the Imperial Mosque, dating back to the Ottoman period. 

Lunch is at Thana & Redon (or similar), known for its modern approach to local cuisine. In the afternoon, we stop at Prishtina Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the Balkans, with free time for shopping and souvenirs. 

In the evening, we return to Skopje for a farewell dinner at Distrikt Bar & Kitchen (or similar). 

Overnight at Hotel Macedonia Square in Skopje (or similar). 

After breakfast, enjoy free time to relax, take a final walk through Skopje, or sit for one last coffee in the Old Bazaar. Transfers to Skopje International Airport are arranged according to flight details.