What To Expect
Day 1: Day 1 - MOTHER TERESA AIRPORT / SHKODER
Meet with the guide at Tirana Airport. Depart for the ancient town of Shkoder in northern Albania, a few kilometers from the Montenegro border. Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 2: Day 2 - SHKODRA / FERRY / VALBONA /
07.00 – Early breakfast in the hotel
08:00 – Drive to Lake Koman
Arrive at the ferry terminal to board the ferry to enjoy the Drin River valley. The boat trip on Lake Koman is considered one of the most breathtaking natural experiences in the Balkans. Created in the 1980s as a hydroelectric reservoir, the lake winds through deep gorges and towering mountains, offering landscapes often compared to the famous fjords of Norway.The ferry ride lasts approximately 2 hours aboard a local boat or ferry. As the boat navigates through narrow canyons and steep cliffs, passengers are surrounded by stunning, untouched nature.The emerald-green waters contrast beautifully with the dramatic rock formations and lush greenery of the mountains. This is more than just transportation—it’s a fully immersive journey. The boat passes by remote villages, accessible only by water, where locals wait at tiny docks to board or disembark.
Arrive in Fierza. Time for lunch in a small restaurant by the lake. Continue to the Valbona valley. Visit the National Park of Valbona valley that extends for about 8000 hectares through breathtaking landscapes of the Albanian Alps in the midst of lush forests, waterfalls and crystalline torrents. Dinner and overnight in Valbona.
Day 3: Day 3 – VALBONA NATIONAL PARK / RRUGOVA / PRIZREN / (104 km – 2h h approx.)
After breakfast at the hotel depart for the national Park of Rrugova in Kosovo. Leaving Valbona, the road winds through the stunning mountainous landscape, offering breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and traditional alpine villages along the way.
As you continue, you enter the Rrugova Valley, a dramatic and scenic area known for its deep gorges, karst cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The valley is a paradise for nature lovers, with opportunities to see local wildlife, traditional stone houses, and enjoy the serene atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The road through Rrugova is both thrilling and picturesque, often hugging cliff edges with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
After exploring Rrugova, the journey continues south towards Prizren, one of Kosovo’s most charming and historic towns. As you descend from the mountains, the landscape gradually opens into rolling hills and cultivated fields. Upon arriving in Prizren, you are greeted by a vibrant town rich in Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural landmarks such as mosques, churches, and the historic Kalaja Fortress overlooking the town. Prizren is known for its lively atmosphere, traditional cafes, and a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical heritage.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Visit the city, center of the Kosovar culture. Exploration of the old town, its Ottoman bridge, fountain, its mosques and Orthodox churches. Visit of Sinan Pasha Mosque: Built in 1615, this is one of the most beautiful mosques in Kosovo, with its elegant minaret and richly decorated interior. The Stone Bridge (Ura e Gurit): An iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge that connects the two sides of the old town.. Visit of the city. Dinner and overnight in Prizren
Day 4: Day 4 - PRIZREN / SHKODER
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Shkoder. Lunch in a local restaurant.City tour. In the city center, the visit continues with a walk through Shkodër’s historic streets, where Ottoman-era architecture, old churches, and mosques reflect the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Highlights include the Lead Mosque, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases the history of Albanian photography.
Shkodër is also known for its lively atmosphere and local craftsmanship, so visitors can explore the pedestrian streets, local markets, and artisan shops, sampling traditional foods and souvenirs. The city’s rich cultural life and proximity to Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans, make it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic Albanian experience.
Dinner and overnight in Shkoder.
Day 5: Day 5 – SHKODER / KOTORR / BUDVA
Breakfast in hotel. The trip will continue along the wonderful Montenegrin coast where lush pine walls coast a transparent turquoise sea. Continue to Kotor. Visit of the city with a local guide. Nestled within the spectacular Bay of Kotor, often referred to as the southernmost fjord of Europe, Kotor is a perfectly preserved medieval town, protected by UNESCO for its historical and cultural significance. Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town, surrounded by impressive Venetian walls. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, dating back to 1166, one of the oldest and most important Roman Catholic monuments in the region. See the Clock Tower, charming squares, palaces, and churches that reflect the town’s rich history under Venetian rule.
From the nearby Perast, embark on a scenic boat trip across the Bay of Kotor to the famous Our Lady of the Rocks Island (Gospa od Škrpjela). Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island, built over centuries by local sailors who laid rocks and sunken ships to create the foundation. The legend says that in 1452, sailors found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the sea and vowed to build a church on that spot. Every year on July 22nd, locals still celebrate the “Fašinada” tradition, dropping stones into the sea to maintain the island. Explore the charming 17th-century Catholic church, richly decorated with Baroque art, votive silver plates, and a stunning painted ceiling.
Arrival in the old town of, Budva. Visit of the old city. Accommodation in hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Day 6 – : BUDVA / CETINJE / TIRANA
Breakfast in hotel. Visit of the old city of Budva. Continue to Cetigne, located at the foot of the Lovćen Mountains, Cetinje is the historical and cultural heart of Montenegro. Known as the “City of Kings”, it served as the country’s royal capital for centuries and remains a symbol of Montenegrin identity, history, and spirituality. Visit the former royal residence of King Nikola I, Montenegro’s last monarch. The palace is preserved with original furniture, personal belongings, weapons, royal uniforms, and diplomatic gifts, offering a glimpse into the royal family’s lifestyle at the turn of the 20th century.
During the visit to Cetinje, the local guide will share fascinating stories about what life was like during the time of Tito’s Yugoslavia, offering personal insights into daily life, society, and how people experienced that era in Montenegro.
The guide will also explain how life has changed since the breakup of Yugoslavia, touching on topics such as:
• The transition from socialism to a market economy.
• Montenegro’s path to independence (2006) and its current political and economic situation.
• How traditions, values, and lifestyles have evolved from the Yugoslav period to today.
This personal and historical perspective allows visitors to better understand the complexities of the Balkans, going beyond monuments and landscapes to gain a deeper cultural and social appreciation of modern Montenegro.
Continue to Tirana. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Day 7 TIRANA / BERAT / TIRANA
Breakfast in hotel. Depart to Berat, followed by time for lunch. Berat is called the “city of a thousand windows”, divided into an “upper town” of 14th century origin, rich in Byzantine churches; and a “low town”. adorned with numerous ancient mosques. Its famous districts are the Castle, Mangalemi, and Gorica. Even today, its citadel is inhabited by more than a thousand families. There are countless places of interest in and around the Castle, including early Christian churches, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the many mosques built in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.
• The group will join a unique cooking experience in the heart of Berat, one of Albania’s most charming UNESCO-listed cities. Welcomed by a local family in their traditional home, they will learn how to prepare some of the most authentic Albanian dishes, using fresh ingredients from the local market or directly from their garden.
• Together with the hosts, they will make traditional recipes such as Byrek (savory pie), Tavë Kosi (lamb with yogurt), or Qifqi (rice balls typical of the region). While cooking, they’ll discover the secrets of Albanian cuisine, its strong connection to family traditions, and its Mediterranean influences.
• At the end of the class, enjoy the meal you have prepared, accompanied by homemade wine or raki, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, sharing stories, laughs, and flavors of Berat.
Transfer to Tirana, the lively and colorful capital of Albania, where history, culture, and modern life blend together in a unique atmosphere. The city tour takes you through Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, surrounded by important landmarks such as the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower.
Stroll along the main boulevard to admire the Italian-era architecture and the remnants of the communist past, including the iconic Pyramid of Tirana. Explore the trendy Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite, now a vibrant area full of cafes, restaurants, and street art.
During the visit, you will also learn about the country’s complex history, from Ottoman times to the communist regime, and its transformation into the dynamic and youthful capital it is today. A stop at the Bunk’Art museum can offer a deeper understanding of Albania’s recent past.
The tour ends with some free time to enjoy a coffee in one of Tirana’s lively squares
Farewell dinner with live music with Balkan music and dancing night. Accommodation at 4* hotel in city center
Day 8: Day 8: Tirana - Mother Teresa Airport
Breakfast at hotel and free time in Tirana. Depart to the airport.
