South Balkans: Bays & Bazaars

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)