Balkan Express: 4 Countries in 14 Days
Our longest journey: a 14-day loop through four countries, from Tirana’s Cold War history to Kotor’s fortified bay, with lakes, canyons, and mountain villages in between. Built for travelers who want the whole region, not just one corner of it.
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
An easy first day exploring Tirana's main landmarks before the long road trip across the Balkans begins.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee in Skanderbeg Square
- Visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of Tirana's oldest buildings
- Explore Bunk'Art 2, a Cold War bunker turned museum
- Lunch at a local restaurant in the city center
- Free afternoon to explore Tirana's boulevards
- Welcome dinner and route briefing
Day 2: Tirana to Tushemisht
A scenic drive from the capital to the shores of Lake Ohrid, with a stop in the spring-fed gardens of Drilon.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before departing Tirana
- Scenic drive through central Albania toward Lake Ohrid
- Lunch stop along the way
- Easy walk through Drilon National Park's spring-fed gardens
- Evening arrival and dinner in Tushemisht by the lake
Day 3: Tushemisht to Struga
A short, relaxed hop along Lake Ohrid's shoreline to the riverside town of Struga.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee by the lake before departure
- Short scenic drive along the lakeshore
- Lunch in Struga, at the mouth of the Drim River
- Easy walk along Struga's riverside promenade
- Free evening to enjoy the town's cafés
Day 4: Struga to Peshkopi
A mountain drive through rural landscapes, with a relaxing stop at local thermal baths.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before the mountain drive begins
- Scenic drive through rural villages and countryside
- Stop to soak at local thermal baths
- Lunch at a local restaurant along the way
- Evening arrival and dinner in Peshkopi
Day 5: Peshkopi to Kukës
A scenic mountain drive dotted with panoramic viewpoints and glimpses of local traditions.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before departing Peshkopi
- Short stops at panoramic mountain viewpoints along the route
- Lunch at a local restaurant en route
- Continue the scenic drive toward Kukës
- Evening arrival and dinner overlooking Fierza Lake
Day 6: Kukës to Gjakova
Crossing into Kosovo, with an afternoon exploring Gjakova's historic Ottoman bazaar.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before the border crossing into Kosovo
- Scenic drive to Gjakova
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Explore Gjakova's Grand Bazaar and traditional craft shops
- Visit the Hadum Mosque
- Free evening to explore the town
Day 7: Gjakova to Berane
Winding forest roads and rustic mountain villages lead you into Montenegro.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before crossing into Montenegro
- Scenic drive on winding forest roads through mountain villages
- Lunch stop along the way
- Continue through forested valleys toward Berane
- Evening arrival and dinner in Berane
Day 8: Berane to Kolašin
A short drive to Biogradska Gora National Park, home to one of Europe's last primeval forests.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before heading to Biogradska Gora
- Easy walk along the lakeside forest loop trail
- Included lunch surrounded by ancient forest
- Continue the scenic drive to Kolašin
- Free evening to relax in the mountain town
Day 9: Kolašin to Žabljak
Into Durmitor National Park, with dramatic viewpoints over the Tara Canyon, one of Europe's deepest gorges.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before the drive to Durmitor National Park
- Walk to viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Tara Canyon
- Included lunch with canyon views
- Continue exploring the national park's scenic roads
- Evening arrival and dinner in Žabljak
Day 10: Žabljak to Plužine
A quiet backroad drive past Piva Lake and a mountain monastery.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before departing Žabljak
- Scenic drive along quiet mountain backroads
- Stop at Piva Lake and its mountain monastery
- Lunch at a local restaurant along the way
- Evening arrival in Plužine
Day 11: Plužine to Cetinje
A journey to Cetinje, Montenegro's former royal capital, filled with palaces and museums.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before the drive to Cetinje
- Lunch at a local restaurant en route
- Visit King Nikola's Palace
- Explore Cetinje's museums and historic streets
- Free evening to relax in the old capital
Day 12: Cetinje to Kotor
A short drive to Kotor, with the option to climb to the San Giovanni Fortress high above the bay, or relax in the UNESCO-listed old town.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before the short drive to Kotor
- Optional climb up roughly 1,350 steps to the San Giovanni Fortress
- Included lunch in Kotor's old town
- Wander the flat, walkable streets of the old town
- Free time for photos and coffee by the bay
- Evening dinner in Kotor
Day 13: Kotor to Shkodër
Crossing back into Albania, with a stop at the hilltop Rozafa Castle overlooking Shkodër.
What We'll Do
- Morning coffee before crossing the border back into Albania
- Scenic drive to Shkodër
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Climb up to Rozafa Castle for panoramic lake views
- Free evening to explore Shkodër
Day 14: Shkodër to Tirana Airport
A relaxed final day, sharing one last meal together before the transfer to the airport.
What We'll Do
- Farewell coffee before departure
- Scenic drive back toward Tirana
- Final lunch together to celebrate the journey
- Transfer to Tirana Airport
Included
- 13 nights accommodation
- All meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Water and one drink per meal, plus coffees
- Entrance fees to castles, parks, and museums
- Private transfers throughout
- Professional guide, available 24/7
- Flexible pickups
- Special diets accommodated
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Photos from This Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate visas for each country on this route?
Requirements depend on your nationality. We'll confirm what applies to you and share the details well before departure.
Is this trip suitable if I only have a week?
The full loop is designed as 14 days, but a single-day add-on is available at €320 per person if you're joining partway through.
From
€2550€2190