Experience Overview
Montenegro and Albania might not be the first places that pop into your mind for a European adventure, but trust us — they're hidden gems you don’t want to miss. Picture walled cities, sparkling Adriatic bays, rugged mountains, and architecture that tells centuries of stories. Toss in unique local traditions, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable trip to this charming corner of the Balkans. Dive into these underrated treasures and get ready to crave your next adventure the moment you leave.
Highlights
- Set off on a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor and visit the old town of Perast
- Spend 2 nights at eco-lodges in the mountains of Montenegro and take a 4x4 excursion
- Marvel at the pristine natural scenery on an excursion to Biogradska Gora National Park
- Be immersed in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost
- Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera and visit the Ali Pasha Castle
Trip Details
Product Code: 20624
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Classic, Budget
Supplier Code: EMKT
Starts: Kotor, Montenegro
Finishes: Tirana, Albania
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër
- Kotor orientation walk
- Boat tour from Kotor to Perast
- Budva Old Town walk
- Visit Ostrog Monastery
- Full-day excursion to Biogradska Gora National Park
- Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion
- Orientaion walk of Podgorica
- Theth National Park visit
- Walking tour of Shkoder
- Walking tour of Kruje
- Evening orientaion walk of Tirana
- Tour of the Durrës archaeological site
- Orientation walk of Vlorë
- Visit Himare
- Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle
- Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park
- Walking tour of Gjirokastër
- Walking tour of Berat
- Farewell Dinner
- Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations
Accommodation
- Hotels (11 nts), Eco Lodge (2 nts).
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3279 (CAD $234 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Kotor
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening walking tour of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Đorđe, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.Accommodation - Hotel Marija 2 Dobrota
Day 2: Kotor
Hop on a boat from Kotor's port area and set off on a scenic ride in the Bay of Kotor, seeing a number of small islands and historical sites before arriving to the town of Perast. Spend some time exploring and wandering Perast's old town before returning to Kotor around midday. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or for optional activities like museum visits or sea kayaking.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Set off from Kotor’s historic centre for a scenic boat ride past St. Mateus Church, the Temple of Our Lady, and the artificial island known as Our Lady of the Rock. Afterwards, spend free time in Perast to admire the old town sights. Visit the 15th-century Our Lady of the Rock at your own pace Sightsee, dine, and shop in Perast’s historic center independently before returning to Kotor.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in Kotor to continue exploring.Accommodation - Hotel Marija 2 Dobrota
Day 3: Kotor/Žabljak
Travel south from Kotor to the coastal seaport town of Budva. Visit the old town on a walk with your CEO then continue inland to visit the striking Ostrog Monasteray, perched high on a mountain cliff face, offering great views from the top. After lunch, pass through Durmitor National Park's rugged landscape and stop at Black Lake for a stroll. Then drive towards Zabljak, a serene natural haven with diverse terrain and forest shade - our stop for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join your CEO for a walk in the old town of Budva: Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The 17th century Ostrog Monastery and pilgrimage site that was rebuilt in the 1920s and dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog. Strikingly located high up against the cliff face, you'll visit the Lower Ostrog Monastery, and admire the views of Montenegrian countryside, the mountains and the cliff Monastery.Transport - Drive through glacier-formed Durmitor National Park, with a stop at Black Lake to stretch your legs, before continuing on your adventure.Accommodation - Polar Star Hotel
Day 4: Žabljak/Kolašin
Head out after breakfast and drive to a hidden gem of natural beauty in Montenegro, Biogradska Gora National Park. Spend most of the day in the park, walking with the CEO around the lake and taking in the pristine forest and mountain scenery. After lunch in the park enjoy a bit of free time to rent a boat, a bike or a kayak to further explore the area. In the late afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Kolasin for the night, with an included dinner at our accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Set off with the CEO on a walk around Biogradska Gora National Park: Walk around the Beiogradsko lake to discover this pearl of European natural heritage. Today almost the only European rainforest, was for a long time under the protection of rulers of these areas, and the National Park Biogradska Gora people say that not a single tree has been cut in it. Today, this natural reservation preserves dozens of plant and hundreds of animal species, which can only be found in this place in all of Europe. Biogradska Gora was proclaimed National Park in 1952.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Serdar
Day 5: Kolašin/Podgorica
Get picked up at the hotel in the morning by 4x4 vehicles for an unforgettable adventure. Head off-road and explore Montenegro's incredibly beautiful back country while traversing rugged terrain through mountains and forest. After lunch, take a bus south to the capital city of Podgorica and set off on a a walking exploration of the old town, once a medieval stronghold. Enjoy an optional final dinner out with the group in the old town or near the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Be immersed in Montenegro's landscapes on a 4x4 excursion into the back-country. Head off-road in 4x4 vehicles to traverse the mountains, rivers and forests while exploring some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Stop at various viewpoints along the way for photos before returning to Kolašin around midday.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The Old Town of Podgorica was a medieval stronghold. Near Ribnica and the bridge lies the old fortress built by the Turks in the 15th century, originally named Stari Grad, which Marko Miljanov wrote about in his book ” The Examples of Humanity and Bravery”. Although much of the structure has succumbed to time, the ruins offer a poignant reminder of Podgorica’s medieval heritage and the city’s strategic importance throughout the centuries.Throughout history and various upheavals, the fortress has borne many names, such as Ribnica, Birziminijum, Nemanja’s city, and Podgorica fortress. Visitors to Stari Grad can explore the ruins and imagine the fortress in its heyday. Today, it offers a unique backdrop for cultural events and a serene spot for visitors to reflect on the layers of history that define Podgorica.Accommodation - Hotel Kerber
Day 6: Podgorica/Shkodër
Depart Podgorica and cross the Hani i Hotit - Bozhaj border into Albania, reaching the beautiful natural scenery of Theth National Park. Explore the area with your CEO, walking through meadows full of wildflowers surrounded by mountain peaks, and marvel at the 25m high Grunasi Waterfall, cascading from a limestone cliff. In the afternoon continue to the city of Shkodër and check into the hotel, with the rest of the evening free to relax.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Theth National Park with your CEO. Situated at the end of a winding mountain road, Theth is home to just a few houses surrounded by looming mountain peaks and meadows full of wildflowers. Just 45 minutes from Theth village is the beautiful Grunasi Waterfall, a huge 25-meter-high cascade that falls from a dramatic limestone cliff. It’s a 45-minute walk each way that crosses rocky paths and follows along the mountain river before heading up into the woods. As you go, discover wonderful views out across the mountain peaks—this is nature at its finest!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery, crossing the Hani i Hotit - Bozhaj between Montenegro and Albania.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Luminosa Hotel Shkoder
Day 7: Shkodër
Set off this morning on a guided walking tour of Shkodër to see some of the main sights and to learn a bit about the city's history. Starting from the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge, walk to the old town and take in the panoramic views from Rozafa castle. Shkodër's cultural heritage is on full display through its historic architecture and monuments. The rest of the day is free to explore, visit museums or relax at a cafe or at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Sett off and explore Shkodër on your own this afternoonActivity - Take a guided walking tour of the old town of Shkodër. Start with the Rozafa castle and then the Mesi bridge, then go into the old town to explore. The viewpoint from Rozafa castle gives you plenty of photos opportunities, with stunning views of Albania’s "Accursed Mountains". The city’s rich cultural heritage can be seen through its traditional architecture, monuments, and museums which tell stories from different eras of Albanian history. From ancient Illyrian settlements to Ottoman occupations and Italian rule during World War II – each period has left its mark on the cityscape of Shkodër for visitors to explore today.Accommodation - Luminosa Hotel Shkoder
Day 8: Shkodër/Krujë
Travel south from Shkodër this morning and stop in the small mountain town of Kruje. Explore the city on foot learn a bit about its fascinating history and significance since Roman times. After time for lunch, continue driving south to the city of Tirana, Albania's capital, and check into the hotel for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Krujë is more than just a small mountain village in Albania – it holds historical importance for various reasons. Back in the day, around the Roman era, the area was home to the so-called Albani. This ancient Balkan tribe turned the area into one of the more important cities of that time. Later, during the Middle Ages, it became the first capital of the Albanian state. However, the village is best known as the hometown of national hero Skanderbeg, a military commander who fought off Ottoman forces for 25 whole years before his death in 1468. Walk around the town, check the Old Bazaar, and visit the Castle of Krujë.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Idea Signature Tirana
Day 9: Tirana/Vlorë
Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlorë and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore Durrës with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durrës amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city’s ancient history.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlorë's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlorë. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlorë looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.Accommodation - Hotel Bologna Vlore
Day 10: Vlorë
Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlorë. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlorë.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Bologna Vlore
Day 11: Vlorë/Gjirokastër
Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokastër with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himarë and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokastër in the evening and check into the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join your CEO for a stroll around Himarë, boasting beautiful seaside promenade soaked in a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, and framed by the crystal-clear Ionian Sea. This walk offers the perfect balance: take in the coastal views, browse the local shops, or take a moment to enjoy a coffee surrounded by beauty.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the “Mohametan Bonaparte” was made famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron’s Child Harold’s Pilgrimage.Activity - Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Number One
Day 12: Gjirokastër
Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokastër. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokastër and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.Activity - This exclusive experience will be hosted at a local vineyard, passionately run by a family deeply rooted in winemaking, traditional rural cuisine, and hospitality. Tour the vineyard with one of the local on-site experts who will share insights into local grape varieties and the meticulous care that goes into cultivating them. Continue with a tasting of both white and red wines, each paired with regionally sourced accompaniments and fresh farm fruits.Accommodation - Hotel Number One
Day 13: Gjirokastër/Berat
Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on an orientation walk with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for an optional traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname “Town of a 1001 Windows.“)Accommodation - Hotel Kaceli Berat
Day 14: Berat/Tirana
Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 11am.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
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