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South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars

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South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars
South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars
South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars
New Release Fully Guided Small Group 18-30's Scenic
Our Price From
US$2,230
Save up To $378
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
14 Days
 Trip Starts
Tirana
 Trip Finishes
Tirana
14 Day South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars Itinerary (Topdeck)
Countries Explored: Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo
Trip Operator
Departures
Accommodation
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TBATT6

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Topdeck's 14 Day South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars. Find me... sipping strong coffee in Tirana, wandering cobbled streets in Kotor, lingering in Prizren’s Ottoman squares and drifting across the sparkling waters of Lake Ohrid.

Itinerary

A taste of Tirana.

The start of your Albanian adventure: your first night kicks off in Tirana, a city guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. You'll dive straight into the flavour of the place with a welcome dinner, served the way Albanians like to eat: together.

Later, your way: wander Skanderbeg Square, glowing under floodlit monuments or pull up a chair in a buzzing café with your fellow travellers. For a taste of local nightlife, head to the Blloku district – once off-limits, now Tirana's trendiest hangout packed with bars, cafés and late-night energy. The city knows how to make a great first impression – let it work its magic. Stay: Senator (or similar) (D)

Pastels, farm feasts and Adriatic breezes.

Tirana by daylight: first up, a walking tour of Tirana with a local guide, where you'll see colour-blocked buildings, café chatter spilling onto the streets, and a skyline where Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet architecture all jostle for attention. Next, it's north to Fishtë for a farm-to-table lunch where everything is seasonal, simple and straight from the land.

Crossing borders: watch valleys fade into coastline as you roll into Budva by evening. Wander the cobbled Old Town, breathe in the salty air and bask in the views of your first Adriatic sunset. Stay: Hotel Slovenska Plaza (or similar) (B/L)

Budva's a-buzz.

Sun, sea and stone streets: after breakfast, meet your local guide and set off to explore Budva. Its Old Town, perched on a tiny peninsula, is a maze of sunlit squares, medieval walls and hiddencourtyards. Wander past churches, soak up the lively marina and try rakija (local fruit brandy) in a tucked-away bar as the Adriatic sparkles around you.

Kotor's calling: just a short coastal hop lands you in this Adriatic gem – so pretty it feels like it's been plucked straight from a fairytale (with a dash of seaside sparkle). Get your bearings with a local guide before stepping into the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where narrow streets, shaded squares and striking stone palaces unfold, crowned by the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. With dramatic mountains rising behind the city, it's a picturesque afternoon by the water – made all the more magical if you opt for the cable car ride to take it in from above. Stay: Hotel Slovenska Plaza (or similar) (B)

Lily pads, legends and lakeside charm.

Glassy waters and Skadar serenity: after breakfast, it's off to Virpazar, the gateway to mighty Lake Skadar – one of Europe's largest freshwater lakes. Hop on a boat and drift past mountains and wetlands, keeping your eyes peeled for waterbirds and letting the stillness of the landscape do the rest.

Myths and legends: continue north to Shkodër and explore the legendary Rozafa Castle, perched above rivers with panoramic views of lake and Adriatic alike. Think crumbling walls, sweeping views and a legend or two – this castle doesn't do ordinary. Later, wander Shkodër's bustling boulevard, Kole Idromeno, where Venetian mosques and churches share the stage. Stop for coffee or simply soak up the Mediterranean buzz. Stay: Tradita Geg & Tosk (or similar) (B)

Balkan thrills.

Fjord vibes and ferry magic: today kicks off early with a packed breakfast in hand before you hop aboard the Komani Lake ferry for one of the Balkans' most jaw-dropping rides. Glide past emerald waters, towering cliffs and fjord-like gorges that feel almost otherworldly – the views are so cinematic, you'll forget the bumpy road to get there. Along the way, sip on strong local coffee and sample cornel cherry raki – a true taste of Albania served with your cruise.

Stone streets and fortress panoramas: roll into Prizren and dive headfirst into its layered history with your Trip Leader. You'll stroll past Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches and the old stone bridge, then climb up to the fortress for skyline views – a striking reminder of a city shaped by centuries of culture, conquest and undeniable charm. Stay: Hotel Centrum (or similar) (B)

Red roofs, river views and a taste of history.

Your day, your way: today, Prizren is yours to roam. Duck into the bazaar for treasures and treats, linger over coffee by the river or wander cobbled streets that twist past Ottoman and Byzantine gems. Feeling energetic? Join the optional hike up the hillside trails to Prizren Fortress for sweeping views over red rooftops and the Sharr Mountains – then reward yourself in town with a sweet slice of baklava or a plate of suxhuk (spicy local sausage). Stay: Hotel Centrum (or similar) (B)

Stone bridges, bazaars and city contrasts.

Skopje in motion: after breakfast, hit the road along the Prishtina–Skopje highway and head towards North Macedonia's capital. You'll get a guided tour of Skopje's Bazaar, a bustling maze of narrow streets alive with the scent of spices, fresh bread and roasting coffee. Cross the 15th-century Stone Bridge and explore landmarks like the Mother Teresa Memorial House or the Daut Pasha Hamam, where history and daily life meet at every turn.

Rolling hills and lakeside bites: this afternoon, watch the scenery unfold as you make your way toward Ohrid. Drop your bags before settling in for dinner, where you'll sample the local specialty – Ohrid trout for fish lovers, or a tasty vegetarian alternative, all while soaking up the laid-back lakeside charm. Stay: Millenium Palace (or similar) (B/D)

Ohrid frescoes and flavours.

Morning magic: start your morning wandering Ohrid's cobbled streets with a local guide, popping into churches, monuments and the Icon Gallery to marvel at Orthodox masterpieces. Don't miss St. Bogorodica Perivlepta Church, a Byzantine beauty bursting with frescoes and centuries of history.

Bites, boats and breathtaking views: in the afternoon, hop on a boat for a short cruise across Ohrid Lake – terracotta rooftops, ancient churches and tree-lined shores reflecting on the calm water serve up a view that's almost too beautiful to believe on this UNESCO-listed gem. Stay: Millenium Palace (or similar) (B)

Rolling roads and restored stories.

From lakeside calm to countryside charm: after breakfast it's time to hit the road, watching the scenery shift from peaceful waters to rolling hills – a scenic warm-up for the adventures ahead. We'll stop at Hani i Qerosit, where history and nature meet – once a site of hardship under Albania's communist era, it's now a warm, welcoming haven filled with local hospitality, tasty food and stunning surroundings. While lunch is being prepared, unleash your inner artist with a relaxed sip-and-paint session – because masterpieces are always better with a glass in hand.

Windowed walls: tuck into a fresh, seasonal lunch at Hani i Qerosit before road-tripping to Berat, the UNESCO “City of a Thousand Windows”. Explore its fortress, quirky old streets and the colourful Onufri Museum with your local guide, then wrap up the day with coffee and homemade desserts in a traditional Berati home. Stay: Hotel Onufri (or similar) (B/L)

Wander, sip, repeat.

Shape your own adventure: after breakfast, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander cobbled streets, pop into boutique shops, then dive into local flavours at neighbourhood eateries or hunt for handcrafted souvenirs. Feeling adventurous? Go rafting in the Osumi Gorge (January – June), hike and swim through the canyons (July – October), pedal through Berat on an e-bike tour, or sip your way through a wine tasting. Whether you're chasing thrills or just soaking up the atmosphere, today is all about discovering the city your way. Stay: Hotel Onufri (or similar) (B)

Gjirokastra: where every corner has a tale to tell.

Step into a story: today you'll head south to the UNESCO-listed Stone City of Gjirokastra, joining a local guide to wander its limestone streets – past slate-roofed houses, lively bazaars and quirky shops. Climb to Gjirokastra Castle for sweeping valley views and mingle with locals to catch the rhythm of life in this mountain town.

A lunch you can brag about: roll up your sleeves for a hands-on granny's cooking class learning how to make traditional Albanian dishes, before making your way to Ksamil. Along the coastal route, watch southern Albania's landscapes unfold as the Ionian Sea sparkles on the horizon – a tasty, sun-soaked afternoon that you won't forget about in a hurry. (B/L)

Albania, your way.

Pick your pace: lounge by the Ionian, stroll Ksamil's sunny promenades or drink in the coastal views from your hotel terrace. Craving a deeper dive into the sights? Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint or hop on a boat to discover the turquoise coves of Kakome, Qefali and Krorez – secret beaches and incredible views included.

Golden-hour finale: in the late afternoon, head to Lekuresi Castle in Saranda. Sip something sweet as the sun dips behind the hills, turning the sea into molten gold – a cinematic finale to wrap up the day on Albania's southern coast. (B)

Last hurrah on the Ionian.

A riviera road trip: after breakfast, hit the road for one final dose of Albania's coastal drama. Sparkling waters on one side, lush mountains on the other – perfect for a little nostalgia for the adventures behind you. Pause at Porto Palermo Castle to stretch your legs and soak in the bay views before continuing north, making a pitstop in Vlora en route back to Tirana.

The final feast: wrap up your Albanian adventure with a relaxed meal of local favourites – washed down with a glass of Albanian wine or raki. Take your time, toast to the trip and let the memories of coastlines, castles and culinary discoveries settle in. Stay: Senator (or similar) (B/D)

One last sip of Tirana.

Last bites and next adventures: enjoy your final Albanian coffee, wander Tirana's streets and pause to soak up the city's pulse one last time. Grab a quirky keepsake and start scheming your next escapade – Albania might just have left you hungry for more. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Walking tour of Tirana with local guide
  • Lunch at a local farm
  • Walking tour of Budva with local guide
  • Walking tour of Kotor with local guide
  • Boat trip on Lake Skadar
  • Entrance to Rozafa Castle
  • Boat trip on Koman Lake
  • Walking tour of Prizren with Trip Leader
  • Guided tour of Skopje Bazar
  • A local Ohrid trout dinner
  • Walking tour of Ohrid with local guide
  • Entrance to Icon Gallery
  • Entrance to St. Bogorodica Perivlepta Church
  • Boat trip on Ohrid Lake
  • Sip-and-paint outdoor experience
  • Walking tour of Berat with coffee and dessert
  • Entrance to Museum National Onufri Berat
  • Walking tour of Gjirokastra with local guide
  • Entrance to Gjirokastra Castle
  • Traditional Albanian cooking class
  • Entrance to Porto Palermo Castle

  • 13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • From price based on 13 nights in twin-share, double and single rooms
  • Coaches
  • Trip leader

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.
Small-group Discoveries
Small-group Discoveries

Capped at 18 people, our small group trips hit that sweet spot. No forced fun or ‘follow the flag’ cringe fests, just real insider experiences (and hush-hush local restaurant reservations) you wouldn’t get if you showed up with a big crowd.

More Time in the Moment
More Time in the Moment

You’ll arrive at each location in the fastest, smoothest way possible – with zero time wasted. And because we spend longer in those headliner cities, you’ll get free time to explore them more deeply.

Topdeck Crew
Topdeck Crew

Our Trip Leaders are locals who love surprising you. They’ll take you to hidden tapas bars or the perfect sunrise spot no one else knows. They handle logistics, spark group bonds, and make every moment seamless and unforgettable.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

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Multi-Trip Discount

Save up to 10% when you book multiple Topdeck trips at the same time!
Sunday 05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 26 Tirana
Saturday 18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,599
US$2,230
Save $369
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 26 Tirana
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,799
US$2,715
Save $84
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 03 May 2026 03 May 26 Tirana
Saturday 16 May 2026 16 May 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,799
US$2,715
Save $84
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 17 May 2026 17 May 26 Tirana
Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,669
US$2,298
Save $371
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 31 May 2026 31 May 26 Tirana
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,919
US$2,831
Save $88
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 07 Jun 2026 07 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,669
US$2,298
Save $371
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 14 Jun 2026 14 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,939
US$2,851
Save $88
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,669
US$2,298
Save $371
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 28 Jun 2026 28 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,939
US$2,851
Save $88
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 05 Jul 2026 05 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 18 Jul 2026 18 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,039
US$2,948
Save $91
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 12 Jul 2026 12 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,779
US$2,405
Save $374
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 19 Jul 2026 19 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,039
US$2,948
Save $91
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 08 Aug 2026 08 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,909
US$2,531
Save $378
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 02 Aug 2026 02 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 15 Aug 2026 15 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,079
US$2,987
Save $92
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 09 Aug 2026 09 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,819
US$2,443
Save $376
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 29 Aug 2026 29 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,949
US$2,861
Save $88
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 23 Aug 2026 23 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,819
US$2,443
Save $376
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,939
US$2,851
Save $88
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Tirana
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,799
US$2,424
Save $375
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 26 Tirana
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,939
US$2,851
Save $88
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 26 Tirana
Saturday 18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,149
US$2,764
Save $385
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 26 Tirana
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,289
US$3,190
Save $99
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 03 May 2026 03 May 26 Tirana
Saturday 16 May 2026 16 May 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,289
US$3,190
Save $99
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 17 May 2026 17 May 26 Tirana
Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,339
US$2,948
Save $391
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 31 May 2026 31 May 26 Tirana
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,649
US$3,540
Save $109
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 07 Jun 2026 07 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,339
US$2,948
Save $391
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 14 Jun 2026 14 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,539
US$3,433
Save $106
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,339
US$2,948
Save $391
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 28 Jun 2026 28 Jun 26 Tirana
Saturday 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,539
US$3,433
Save $106
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 05 Jul 2026 05 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 18 Jul 2026 18 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,799
US$3,685
Save $114
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 12 Jul 2026 12 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,479
US$3,084
Save $395
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 19 Jul 2026 19 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,799
US$3,685
Save $114
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 26 Tirana
Saturday 08 Aug 2026 08 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,639
US$3,239
Save $400
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 02 Aug 2026 02 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 15 Aug 2026 15 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,849
US$3,734
Save $115
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 09 Aug 2026 09 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,529
US$3,132
Save $397
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 16 Aug 2026 16 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 29 Aug 2026 29 Aug 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,679
US$3,569
Save $110
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 23 Aug 2026 23 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,529
US$3,132
Save $397
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 26 Tirana
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,539
US$3,433
Save $106
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Tirana
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Tirana
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,499
US$3,103
Save $396
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 26 Tirana
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Tirana
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,539
US$3,433
Save $106
Solo (Own Room)
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.
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 Topdeck. 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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