Unseen Balkans: Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia
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DURATION : 8 days
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START & FINISH in Skopje
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GROUP SIZE: 12 – 25 ppl
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INTERESTS: Culture & History; Food & Drinks
SEPT 13, 2025 – SEPT 20, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,150 / GBP £980 / USD $1310
Single Room Supplement: EUR €270 / GBP £228 / USD $305
*Please, note that the primary pricing is in Euros (€), but payments in GBP (£) or USD ($) are also available, with exchange rates subject to market fluctuation.
Discover some of the most colouful bazaars in the Balkans — in Skopje, Peja, and Krujë.
Visit historic and natural UNESCO sites – Lake Ohrid, and three amazing monasteries in Kosovo.
Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal in Albania’s countryside.
Discover one of Europe’s least explored nations, where locals greet you with a genuine smile!
“I didn’t know much about Istria before this trip, but it turned out to be a hidden gem. The combination of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious local food and wines made it an unforgettable experience.”
~ John D.
Discover the Balkans' Best Kept Secrets
Tour Highlights
Old Towns & Bazaars
Discover quaint towns and some of the most charming bazaars in the Balkans — in Skopje, Peja, and Krujë.
A Cluster of UNESCO Sites
Visit Lake Ohrid, the Patriarchate of Peć, Gracanica, and Visoki Decani monasteries in Kosovo.
Albania Farm-to-Table Experience
Learn about local farm produce and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal in Albania’s countryside.
Day 1: Welcome to Skopje, North Macedonia
Check-in your conveniently located hotel in Skopje before meeting your Tour Host and fellow travelers over a delicious welcome dinner. Get your first taste of Macedonian cuisine and hospitality, setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
Welcome Dinner | Hotel Premier or Similar
Day 2: Discover Prizren, Kosovo's Historic Capital
The day begins with a visit to Kosovo’s Gracanica Monastery, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its exquisite frescoes and its significance as a center of Serbian Orthodox spirituality.
After lunch, proceed to Prizren and take a guided tour in the quaint town, known for its charming Ottoman-era architecture and its picturesque setting along the Bistrica River. Prizren is known as a center of filigree craft and an excellent place to shop for jewellery. Enjoy the evening on your own.
Driving time: ~3 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Adler Hotel or Similar
Day 3: Country Roads and Kosovo's UNESCO Sites
Today, set off for a journey through Kosovo’s beautiful countryside. Begin with a visit to two remarkable UNESCO-protected religious sites – the Pec Patriarchate and the Visoki Dečani Monastery. After lunch, explore the fully-restored old bazaar of Peja before continuing to Prizren for a leisurely afternoon. Overnight in Prizren.
Driving time: ~3.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Adler Hotel or Similar
Day 4: Kruje and Albania's Rustic Flavours
Today, venture into the heart of Albania’s countryside and visit a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll learn about local farming practices. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch made with fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, head to Kruje, Albania’s medieval capital, and explore the historic fortress with a guided tour. The afternoon offers free time to stroll through the charming Ottoman-era bazaar and watch the sunset – one of the most spectacular experiences here. Overnight in Kruje.
Driving time: ~4 hrs | Breakfast, Farmhouse Lunch | Hotel Panorama or Similar
Day 5: Tirana and Albania's Communist Past
This morning, depart for Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Learn about the country’s layered and controversial communist past as you explore the centre on a guided walking tour. Visit Skanderbeg Square, and perhaps go underground in a bunker-turned-museum from the Cold War era – an optional activity. Enjoy free time for lunch in the city center. In the afternoon, depart for North Macedonia and settle in your hotel in Ohrid. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Driving time: ~4,5 hrs | Breakfast | City Palace Hotel or Similar
Day 6: Ohrid, Europe's Oldest Lake
Spend the day discovering Ohrid Town and Lake, inscribed as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town, exploring landmarks such as the Church of St. John at Kaneo, the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, and the National Workshop For Handmade Paper. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with traditional houses and artisan shops or take an optional boat trip across the tranquil waters of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and most biodiverse lakes. Overnight in Ohrid.
Driving time: ~0,5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | City Palace Hotel or Similar
Day 7: Skopje and Matka Canyon
In the morning, depart Ohrid and head back to Skopje. En route, visit the stunning Matka Canyon, known for its breathtaking scenery and turquoise waters. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of Skopje, exploring its rich history and landmarks such as the Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, and the grand Macedonia Square. Gather for a memorable farewell dinner and celebrate the end of the journey with your Tour Host and fellow travelers.
Driving time: ~3 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner | Hotel Premier or Similar
Day 8: Goodbye, Dear Travellers
Your tour comes to an end – it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and tour host. Take some time to explore Skopje’s Bazaar or perhaps the scenic cable car to Mount Vodno, or begin your onward journey. See you next time!
Breakfast & Goodbyes
INCLUSIONS
What's included
- 7 nights in 4-star or boutique stays throughout the tour
- Daily breakfast
- 5 lunches and 2 dinners (not including drinks)
- Professional Tour Host throughout the tour
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned coach (not including airport transfers)
- Admission to iconic cultural sites: Pec Patriarchate, National Paper Workshop, all monasteries described in the itinerary
- Countryside farm-to-table experience
EXclusions
Not included
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visas and passport fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Bevarages and meals outside of those described
- Gratuities for Driver, Tour Host and Local Guides: for guidelines, please click here
Reserve Your Place
Limited spots available. To book yours, we request an initial deposit of €200, with the balance due 30 days before departure. For details, visit our Terms & Conditions .
DATES & PRICES:
Sept 13 – Sept 20, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,150
Single Room Supplement: EUR €270
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you enjoy exploring hidden gems and secret destinations, this tour is for you. Kosovo and North Macedonia remain among Europe’s least explored destinations, while Albania is just gaining attention. Expect a relaxed pace with a touch of rustic charm. The fitness level is moderate, with walks through city centers, markets, and some uphill fortresses—comfortable shoes and a love for exploring on foot are a must.
Is this an English-speaking tour?
The tour is in English. For special experiences, a local guide may speak in their native language, but we’ll provide translation into English.
What kind of hotels are included?
We aim to select unique accommodations, either in rustic countryside settings or, when in a larger city, comfortable four-star hotels located near key sites so you can easily enjoy your free time.
What is the group size?
Our typical group size is between 12–25 participants. This range offers enough people to socialise and connect, but not so many that you feel lost in a crowd.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Many of our participants are solo travellers, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others. You can choose to be paired with another solo traveller (subject to availability) or opt for a single room supplement.
Are Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia safe to visit?
As long as you take the usual travel precautions, such as staying aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and exchanging currency in official offices, there’s nothing to worry about! In reality, your biggest concern may be getting aorund the slippery cobbles of old towns in case it rains. These Balkan countries offer warm hospitality, where locals are genuinely excited to welcome and chat with visitors — something harder to find in more tourist-heavy spots.
What are the visa requirements?
Visa requirements for Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia depend on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including those from the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia, generally do not need a visa for short tourist stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period). While these are the general guidelines, it is essential to confirm the visa requirements with your local authorities, as rules may change. Travellers from certain countries may need to apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa before arrival.
Please, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. We recommend consulting your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.
Should I carry cash or rely on card payments in Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, but we ask that you inform us at the time of booking to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.
What should I bring for this tour?
For the tour, we recommend bringing comfortable clothes for comfort during the day, a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, perhaps a hat, and sunscreen. Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and a spirit of exploration – we want you to enjoy every moment of the experience!
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is flexible, and partial refunds may be available. For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for such cases.
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