From CAD $3,416 Was CAD $4,270
Guarantee
Kleine Gruppe
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Get your heart racing on an active trip across four countries, showcasing some of the best of the Western Balkans. Hike through the Dinaric Alps from Italy through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Watch the sunset on an evening hike in Blidinje Nature Park and spend a day exploring Sarajevo at your own pace. Take a scenic ferry trip to Koman, follow the Valbona-Theth trail and see glacial lakes as you wander through Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. With history, culture, nature and adventure combined, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Highlights
- Hike one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges and discover the history, culture and landscapes of not one, not two, but four southern European countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.
- Embark on a scenic trail to the highest and most remote village in Bosnia – Lukomir. Here, you’ll meet the locals, learn about their way of life and share lunch, laughs, local cheese and, of course, Bosnian coffee.
- Stay overnight in the fairytale-like Theth – one of the wonders in the Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. Maybe swim in the Blue Eye of Theth or Grunasi Waterfall and cool off in your scenic surrounds.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durmitor National Park and take in the panoramic views across glacial lakes and pine forests as you hike.
- Take a ferry across Komani Lake. Cruise across the turquoise waters, framed by towering mountains and look for wild birds like kingfishers and grey herons.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3271
Tour Type: Kleine Gruppe
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMXH
Starts: Split, Albania
Finishes: Tirana, Albania
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Guesthouse (1 night),Pension (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3416 (CAD $311 /day)
Itinerary
Zdravo! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Split with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander along the waterfront, grab a gelato or visit the Old Town, where ancient Roman architecture sits among modern museums, shops and traditional homes. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant and try local dishes like pasticada (slow-cooked beef stew) or black risotto (seafood risotto with squid ink).
Optional Activities:
- Split - Fish Market - Free
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery (12 EUR)
- Split - Ethnographic Museum (3 EUR)
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (10 EUR)
- Split - City Museum (4 EUR)
- Split - Gallery of Fine Arts (5 EUR)
- Split - Archaeological Museum (8 EUR)
- Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along the way, stop at Blidinje, where you’ll have some free time to explore before setting off on a hike this afternoon through the Dinaric Alps. Starting at Vitlenica point, you’ll hike to Hajducka Vrata (Outlaw’s Gate) with an experienced mountain guide and your local leader by your side. Take a break at the scenic plateau on Cvrsnica Mountain before continuing. After sunset, if the weather is good, you can sit back, relax and stargaze from the Alps!
Included Activities:
- Blidinje Nature Park: Hajducka Vrata guided night hike
- Blidinje Nature Park: guided stargazing on Cvrsnica Mountain
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Relax with a free morning in Blidinje before you travel to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. When you arrive, you’ll have the day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe learn about the city's history at the Sarajevo Museum, explore the Old Town, walk across the Latin Bridge or look for the Sarajevo roses – memorials made from the marks on the pavement where mortar shells exploded during the 90s. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Sarajevo - Despica House (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - War Tunnel (10 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs (15 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum (5 BAM)
- Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library (10 BAM)
- Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (8 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Jewish Museum (5 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (3 BAM)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel to Umoljani, where you'll set off on your next hike in the Bjelasnica Mountain area – host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Follow a loop trail that passes through Bosnia’s highest and most remote village, Lukomir – known for its old stone houses and traditional dress. Here, maybe meet the locals and share lunch or a cup of Bosnian coffee. Discover the region's rich history, culture and architecture before returning to Umoljani Village for the night.
Included Activities:
- Bjelasnica mountains guided hike
- Lukomir village visit
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Umoljani, as you drive to Zabljak – the main town within Durmitor National Park and the highest city in the Balkans. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in town, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe get your bearings with a leisurely walk, visit the Crno Lake (Black Lake) or swim in the glacial lakes.
Optional Activities:
- Durmitor National Park - Tara Canyon sunset hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, as you'll hit the mountains today! Strap on your boots and start the hike from the main entrance of Durmitor National Park. When you arrive, join your leader through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of pine forests and mountains traversed by rivers and dotted with glacial lakes. Your final climb of the day will get your heart rate up and lead you to one of the best viewpoints overlooking Tara Canyon. When you reach the top, rest, relax and soak up those views! After the hike, travel to your next destination, Gusinje – a small village on the border of Montenegro and Albania.
Included Activities:
- Durmitor National Park - Lake Trail guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, set off on a hike along the ridge of the mountains. Walk the trail around Prokletije Mountain to the Popadija and Talijanka peaks, where you’ll have a front row view of the towering Karanfili peaks in the distance. Take in the panoramic views of the Grbaja Valley below before heading back to town. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Prokletije Mountains guided hike: Karanfili peaks
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, cross the border into Albania – the fourth and final country of your adventure. Along the way, stop in Theth – one of the wonders of the Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. With narrow country roads, cows and horses in fenced fields and small stone buildings, Theth’s landscape is like a fairytale. When you arrive, maybe head out for a swim in the Grunasi Waterfall or simply unwind and settle into your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Lace up your walking shoes for today’s hike through the Accursed Mountains. As you walk, take in the views over the pine-dotted valley below and snow-capped alps above. After a day on your feet, head to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley, where you’ll sit down to an authentic Albanian dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
- Albanian Alps: Theth to Valbona guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out on a scenic boat ride to Koman. As you cruise, take in the surrounding landscape of mountains that dive directly into the turquoise waters of the lake. Halfway through, stop for some refreshments and maybe dive into the cool water, before continuing to Koman. When you arrive, join your local leader on a short orientation walk around the country’s capital. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe head to a local restaurant for one final dinner with your newfound travel friends.
Included Activities:
- Fierza to Koman picturesque private boat trip
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - National Art Gallery (200 ALL)
- Tirana - National History Museum (700 ALL)
- Tirana - Sky Tower (400 ALL)
- Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery (500 ALL)
- Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car (1000 ALL)
- Kruja - Ethnographic Museum (300 ALL)
- Tirana Local Guide- half day (60 EUR)
- Apollonia Roman Ruins Archaeological Site (600 ALL)
- Et'hem Bey Mosque - Free
- Kruja Castle (500 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, your Balkan hiking adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Tirana, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Hee-ok - Traveled, August 2023
Hiking trails were better than I expected in challenge wise. I came after hiking of 119km and over 4500m elevation over 5 day period before coming for this trip. Dispite some adjustment at the end the trip, my friends will love the trails we've done.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
Emma - Traveled, August 2023
This trip is definitely an adventure - the scenery is incredible and while the hiking can be challenging (especially in the heat) the views are always worth it. Ivan (our guide) is one of the best. If you’re looking for something a bit different put this on your list - you won’t be disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Alana - Traveled, August 2023
Hiking Via Dinarica was such a beautiful adventure - the combination of the stunning alps, the wonderful women on this tour, our extremely knowledgeable and dependable tour guide Bashkim, and the hospitality and generosity of the Balkan people has made this a trip of a lifetime. Highly recommended, and forever grateful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Shova - Traveled, July 2023
I really enjoyed the Hiking- the Balkans: via Dinarica. It was definitely challenging but equally rewarding and fun. The accommodation locations, history, cultural and dining experience were out of the world for me. Highly recommended to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Lou - Traveled, July 2023
This is a unique region to visit and should be on people's bucket list.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2023
Wasim - Traveled, July 2023
The hikes should have started in the morning. More hikes and destination in Croatia. Wild horse activity should be taken out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Christopher - Traveled, July 2023
A fantastic trip led by Ivan that showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania. While physically challenging (particularly in 30 degree heat!), the views were worth it and the Day 1 hike to Devil's Gate, the Three Peaks hike in Gusinje and the Theth-Valbone hikes are particular highlights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Martin - Traveled, July 2023
Highly recommended! The hikes go through beautiful and relatively quiet routes. Our guide (Bashkim) is passionate and extremely knowledge, meaning we learned lots about the area. The cities we visited are fascinating and have delicious food. A great escape from normal life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
Jonathan - Traveled, June 2023
What an amazing trip , 4 beautiful countries , Bashkim was a brilliant guide , full of knowledge and a pleasure to be with . Trip was well organised and I met some amazing people from all over the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Johan Rickard - Traveled, June 2023
I can warmly recommend this trip to anyone loving mountains - you will get an unforgettable insight into the stunning scenery of the countries of the Western Balkans. I was on the very first trip that took place, and it was a unique experience being the guinea pig! There are some tweaks needed to the timings of things to ensure a smooth flow, but I have full confidence that the Intrepid team will make this trip even better for future groups.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Fiona - Traveled, July 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations in terms of scenery, variety of hikes and itinerary. The rest day was great to do some exploring and relax the pace a little. You won't be disappointed! I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Kevin - Traveled, June 2024
Would love to do another Italian tour with Vincenzo
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, June 2024
Hiking the Dolomites with Intrepid was a fabulous and unforgettable trip. Based in a wonderful hotel, it was made easy for us to experience different highlights of the Dolomites every day. The guide (Vincenzo) was excellent in every way and great fun! Highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2024
Ricky - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was magical. Dobbiaco is an absolute fairy tale heaven of a town. The hikes were inspiring. Every moment of this trip was marvelous, I would stay in town and do it again if I could!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2024
Ian - Traveled, July 2023
Do it. This was a challenging and highly rewarding trip Very well led. Glorious scenery. Lots to learn and enjoy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Lee - Traveled, June 2023
Absolutely amazing experience and worth doing. ( I would do it again). It does require a certain level of fitness as some hiking is steep and intense. The views are worth the hard work in my opinion. You really get a feel of achievement. The tour guides are brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Lawrence - Traveled, June 2023
Our guide was very knowledgeable with the country and the area. But the timing of activities are a bit off which impacted overall experience. Places visited are beautiful and very scenic. I had a good time throughout the trip. I’m a happy traveler and have done many intrepid tours in the past and already booked/paid one for September. But I will probably choose another tour company if I’m given a choice. Their customer service/back office is seriously lacking a common courtesy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
- Traveled, August 2023
This proved to be a very challenging and rewarding trip for those who opted to tackle every hike. The Balkans were new to most of us, and many spots (the drive through the national park in Montenegro in particular) were truly beautiful. Meals and accommodations were sometimes limited but generally sufficient, and the trout this pescatarian was served virtually every evening was exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
Hazel - Traveled, June 2024
Loved this trip. Our leader Vincenzo was so enthusiastic it was infectious. The hikes were beautiful and not too difficult there was no pressure to take part and you could always make time for yourself. I feel recharged and enthused after spending time in the beautiful mountains. The hotel is well located and the transport around is easy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Suzanne - Traveled, June 2024
The dolomites sell themselves, stunning scenery at every turn, a magical place which will steal a piece of your heart. Matteo our tour leader is exceptional at his job, going above and beyond to create the most wholesome experience, with him and the group I was with, it made for the best week, forging friendships for life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
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