West Balkans in a week
Croatia, Montenegro and Albania highlights
Begin in Croatia’s iconic Dubrovnik, exploring the city’s old town walls and sailing or swimming in the Adriatic’s deep blue waters. Spend a day exploring Konavle Valley’s vineyards and seafood restaurants before travelling into Montenegro and the villages around Kotor Bay. Head into Albania and bike around the ancient city of Shkodra, taking in lake views before exploring the countryside and villages in the Drin Valley. Continue the nature theme with a day exploring Skadar National Park, where you can travel through fairytale villages and thick forests. Cross back into Montenegro at Lovcen National Park, where you can try ziplining and quad-biking, before ending back in Kotor Bay.
Key information
Destinations | Albania, Croatia, Montenegro |
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Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
Physical Level | Mild |
Season | April - November |
Suggested itinerary
Get lost in Dubrovnik’s magic
Day 1 in Dubrovnik
The jewel in Croatia’s crown, Dubrovnik might just be one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Explore the city’s ancient city walls and historic building, head up the hills to Mount Srd and dip your toes in the Adriatic Sea.
Take a day trip to Konavle Valley’s vineyards
Day 2 in Konavle Valley
Easily accessible from Dubrovnik, Konavle Valley is home to 33 villages and offers hiking, biking and horse-riding trails. However, it is the Valley’s growing wine scene that is attracting visitors, who come to sample Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with the region’s excellent food scene.
Cycle to the highlights of the Bay of Kotor
Day 3 in Bay of Kotor
Montenegro is a country full of beautiful views, but the Bay of Kotor’s waterfront might just be the best.
Spend a couple of days meandering through its towns, from the restored palaces of Perast to Kotor’s Venetian old town with sites including the three city gates, town square and clock tower, but the highlight is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Nowhere combines ancient history and stunning scenery better.
An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bay of Kotor's winding coastline offers ample opportunities for hikers and bikers, with quiet roads generally devoid of traffic. Head up to the observation deck at Tivat for panoramic views of the bay and hike the 1300 steps to the Kotor Fortress.
Explore pretty Shkodra and the Drin river by bike
Day 4–5 in Shkodra
Known to Albanians as the ‘city of bicycles’, Shkodra is a pleasant place to spend a couple of days pootling around. Look for the historic Rozafa Fortress for views over Lake Shkodra, visit its collection of quirky museums and enjoy the Old Town.
See pelicans at Lake Skadar
Day 6 in Lake Skadar National Park
Skadar is the Balkans largest lake, with two-thirds sitting in Montenegro and the rest in Albania.
A popular area for those seeking outdoor adventures, the surrounding national park is the perfect place to escape the heat of the city, with awe-inspiring mountains, island monasteries and pretty villages such as Virpazar.
The area is known for it's bird habitats and and you can look out for rare Dalmatian pelicans on the lake’s water – the world’s heaviest flying bird.
Get adventurous in Lovćen National Park
Day 7 in Lovćen National Park
Located in the Dinara Alps, Lovćen National Park incorporates a range of habitats with a variety of plant and animal species residing in the park.
Lovćen National Park is most famous for the towering mausoleum of St Peter at the Jezerski vrh peak, but it’s worth exploring the park adventure activities, from ziplining and quad-biking for thrill-seekers to hiking and cycling for the more sedate.
Return to Kotor and depart
Day 8 in Bay of Kotor
From Kotor transfer to Dubrovnik airport or extend your trip in the Balkans.
Where to stay
Classic
Apartments Lake View
Only 200 yards from Lake Skadar, this accommodation provides guests with independent air-conditioned apartments complete with fully equipped kitchen, dining area and balcony with lake views.
Classic
Hotel Marija
Within the city walls of Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hotel Marija is a traditional baroque building with a unique oakwood interior and warm, comfortable guestrooms. Only 100 yards from Kotor Bay's marina, this hotel is perfectly situated to explore the many restaurants and attractions of the lively city centre.
Superior
Hotel Vardar
Located in the main square of the UNESCO listed old town of Kotor, Hotel Vardar offers guests elegant rooms, a small gym, wellness centre complete with sauna and Turkish bath, and an outdoor terrace.
Deluxe
HUMA Kotor Bay
Located on the seafront of the historic town of Dobrota, in the heart of Kotor Bay, HUMA Kotor Bay provides guests a private beach area, stylish modern rooms, restaurant, beach club and an outdoor pool.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from €890pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.