Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 12 Day Western Balkans Uncovered. Be the star of your own historical epic as you walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame in Dubrovnik, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture of Montenegro’s Kotor and stroll down hidden alleyways that have existed since ancient times. This adventure combines the must-sees of the Balkan region and the lesser-known glories of North Macedonia and Albania to create the perfect blend of old and new. Cruise around Lake Ohrid, indulge in a wine tasting in Roshnik and visit a local market in read more Skopje, all on this 12-day adventure through the Western Balkans.
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US$3,461 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
12 Days
Trip Starts
Skopje
Trip Ends
Dubrovnik
Departures
Apr 2026 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
Intrepid
Trip Style
Comfort
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
WMKK
Itinerary
Zdravo! Welcome to North Macedonia. Your adventure starts in Skopje with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Daut Pasha Hamam or see the statues and monuments of the city – the massive statue of Alexander the Great on horseback is in the centre of Macedonia Square! Or, maybe stroll past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths and the neo-classical buildings that line the streets. After your meeting, maybe head out to a local bar or restaurant to celebrate the start of your adventure with your fellow travellers.
This morning, set off on a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of Carsija – Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood. Then, continue to a local market with your local leader. As you walk around, stop at a few stands to taste some local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey), tulumba (similar to churros), or lokum (Turkish delight). This afternoon is free for you to explore Skopje at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museum of the City of Skopje, which is housed in the old Railway Station, and learn the story behind the building’s clock. (B)
After breakfast, travel to Lake Ohrid – Europe’s oldest lake and one of the oldest human settlements in the world. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years and having historical excavations dating back to Neolithic times, the town remains under the radar for visitors. Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your local leader around the old bazaar area, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. (B)
Embark on a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by mountains, villages and beaches. At 34 km long, 14 km wide and over 300 m deep, this lake is shared between Albania and North Macedonia. The rest of today is free for you to discover the area your way. Maybe explore Tast Samoil’s Fortress or visit one of the many churches and monasteries like the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town. (B)
This morning, travel across the border of Albania and continue to the remote and rarely visited town of Berat. When you arrive, learn about the city on a guided walking tour before climbing up to the still-inhabited fortress for fantastic views over town. In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time to mingle with locals at the park or at the city’s many cafes. The warmth of the Albanian people is infectious, and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of raki (or three). Tonight, sit down for a traditional Balkan dinner with your group, featuring dishes like stuffed peppers, cheese and spinach pies, hearty meat dishes, and plenty of grilled and fresh veggies. (B/D)
Today, head to Roshnik for a daytrip – a small village near Berat known for its vineyards, traditional architecture, wine production and agritourism. When you arrive, visit a local traditional winery for a wine tasting. The rest of today is then free for you to explore the countryside at your own pace. This afternoon, maybe hike to the nearby Tomorri Mountain or simply relax among the olive groves and discover the region’s history. (B)
After breakfast, travel to Tirana. As you drive, take in the surrounding landscape and discover why the Alps in the rugged north are considered so fierce they're called 'accursed', while the south has one of Europe’s least well-known and most beautiful coastlines. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour to get your bearings in Albania’s capital and explore the mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and medieval atmosphere this city is known for. If the weather is good, maybe take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for panoramic views of the city below. (B)
Today is a free day. Maybe visit the 1821 Et'hem Bey Mosque or walk through the National History Museum, which has a giant mosaic on its facade that represents the development of Albania's history. After, maybe explore the frescoes (art) outside and in the portico, which depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art! Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – you leader will have the best recommendations. (B)
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Tivat – a small town in the Bay of Kotor. Along the way, stop at a local Albanian farm in Fishte for lunch made with organic produce, fresh meat and wild fish. After swapping stories with the locals, continue to Tivat. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk through the streets with your leader before maybe sitting down to dinner at a local restaurant in town. (B/L)
This morning, set off on a daytrip to Kotor – Montenegro’s fortified town wedged between soaring mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters. When you arrive, join a licensed guide on a walking tour of Kotor and learn about this 5th century UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The rest of today is free to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe hike to the Fortress of Kotor, visit the Ostrog Monastery or explore the Maritime Museum. Later, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try mussels buzara (mussel stew) or octopus salad before travelling back to Tivat for the night. (B)
This morning, travel to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, you’ll be given so called Dubrovnik Pass, which allows access to many sites around the town including famous City Walls that surround the Old Town. These walls were used in the filming of ‘Game of Thrones’. The day is free for you to explore Dubrovnik as you please. Maybe check out the Franciscan Monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. Maybe visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. Tonight, you could find a local restaurant for dinner and celebrate the last night of your trip with your group. (B)
As there are no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
- Admire the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
- Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site by your friendly local hosts.
- Indulge in local food like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey) or lokum (Turkish delight) during your visit to the local market in Skopje.
- Visit a traditional winery in Roshnik Village. Learn about the region’s historic wine-making practices while you enjoy a tasting with views of beautiful olive groves and vineyards.
- Hotel (11 nights)
- 11 Breakfasts included
- 1 Lunches included
- 1 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Operator
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)
Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Definite Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Saturday
18 Apr 2026
18 Apr 26
Skopje
Wednesday
29 Apr 2026
29 Apr 26
Dubrovnik
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,460
US$3,461
Save $999
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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