Classic Balkans: Trebinje to Tirana

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This adventure shows off the absolute best of the Balkans — and throws in a few surprises you didn’t even know you needed.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, Trebinje Your Foodie Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje Your Foodie Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje Your Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo
Orientation walk in Trebinje
Visit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstones
See Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls
Dinner and wine pairing at a winery in Čitluk
Visit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town
Hike to the Blagaj Fortress
Visit the Dervish Monastery
Guided walking tour of Mostar
Turkish House coffee experience in Mostar
Sarajevo Cable Car and Bobsled Track
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
Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nts), Eco Lodge (2 nts).

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, walking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

Visit a 5th generation women run apiary and local farm for farm-to-table dining experience
See the spectacular Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls
Be immersed in Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo
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
Take a walk through the medieval stronghold of Podgorica and see the giant 15th century fortress.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, boat, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Finishes

Tirana, Albania

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Trebinje

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Trebinje boasts beautiful views of the river and the walled city, and offers various squares, mosques, and intricate archways.

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 - Take an evening orientation walk with your CEO along the river and onto the old town, The view from across the river of the old walled city is very pretty and serves as a great starting point from the hotel, it's also a great place to be introduced to the history and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Continue around the wall to the market square to see where you can go in the morning to get some fresh fruits and food, then walk into the old town via the gate off the market square. See the various squares, the mosque and also one of the archways onto the water. In this area there are plenty of cool cafes to choose from for dinner, or to just have some street food.Accommodation - Hotel Integra

Day 2: Trebinje

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the local Green (Organic) Market. Begin with the meat and cheese vendors, sample some options and learn of the local specialties. Wander to the outdoor market and try seasonal fruits and vegetables grown from small scale farmers. Then meet with women who gather wile, medicinal plants and prepare traditional teas to cure various ailments.Activity - Join our guide at a local farm that has specialized in cheese making over more than 5 generations. Today the farm is moving beyond just sustenance farming and joining the slow food movement to build awareness about organic food production. Here you'll visit the farm to witness the cheese production before enjoying lunch with the family, outside overlooking the farm. Cheese and meat made on site, fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, and homemade bread - it doesn't get more farm to table than that.Activity - Climb aboard a private bus and set off to a local, family run apiary. Meet your guide and learn of the 5 generations of women who've built the farm into what it is today. Suit up in protective gear should you wish, and see how they manage the hives. After, discover the honey and related products, learn more about the family history and enjoy the farm.Accommodation - Hotel Integra

Day 3: Trebinje/Čitluk

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the spectacular Kravica waterfall and carry on to the lesser-visited Koćuša Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Čitluk for the night and cap off the day with dinner at a winery, paired with their locally produced wines.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the town centre of Stolac and learn about its history before reaching the Necropolis 'stećak' tombstones. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the necropolis consists of hundreds of ornamented tombstones and is part of a large local complex, one of many such sites across Bosnia and Herzegovina which give insights into how people lived in the Middle Ages.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a moment to enjoy the Kravica waterfalls, arguably one of the most beautiful natural sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Surrounded by poplars and figs, this 25 meter high waterfall is a sight to be seen.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The Koćuša Waterfall sits near the village of Veljaci on the Trebižat River. Enjoy time to visit this spectacular waterfall, a hidden gem with a restaurant on-site.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Villa and Winecellar Ostojic

Day 4: Čitluk/Mostar

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore Pocitelj, an old Ottoman stone town and art colony boasting beautiful views of the surrounding village. Located along the Neretva river, Pocitelj is considered an open-air museum and hold significant architectural and historic value. Artists gather from around the world to be part of the largest operating art colony in southeast Europe.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Hike for approximately 20 minutes to explore the Blagaj Fortress, once hold to the Ruler of the region prior to the Ottoman conquest. The fortress sits atop the mountain, overlooking the Buna River spring below.Activity - This Ottoman-era building, built in 1520, is located at the base of an enormous cliff, next to a small waterfall from the Buna river. Take in the stunning blue water that's said to contain mystic properties.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join a local expert guide and set off on a walking tour of the beautiful city of Mostar and it's historic buildings and landmarks. See the iconic old bridge over the Neretva River and wander the narrow alleys lined with shops and market stalls.Accommodation - Hotel Almira

Day 5: Mostar/Sarajevo

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today. Ascend the Mount Trebević for the best views of the city and visit the Abandoned Bobsled track which provides a glimpse into the city's complex history. Explore the vibrant Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious meal and a great introduction to the city.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Activity - Admire Sarajevo from bird's-eye view, by ascending Mount Trebević via a cable car. Continue by visiting the nearby Abandoned Olympic Bobsled Track-one of Sarajevo’s unique attractions Find out about it's connection to modern history and how nowadays it serves as a canvas for graffiti artists.Activity - Immerse yourself in the culture by sampling traditional Bosnian flavours. Learn about the rich history while exploring important landmarks, tiny alleys, local restaurants, and hawker markets with a local expert. Discover the city beyond the tourist attractions and fill your belly; what could be better?Accommodation - Hotel Cosmopolit

Day 6: Sarajevo

Take advantage of a free day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Set out to explore this historic city at your own pace. You may choose to take the funicular up to the old bobsled track or visit the Museum of the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand.Accommodation - Hotel Cosmopolit

Day 7: Sarajevo/Kotor

Depart from Sarajevo after breakfast for the drive into Montenegro with a stop at Bileća to stretch the legs and have a bite to eat. Arrive to Kotor in the afternoon and check into the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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 8: 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 and the Temple of Our Lady to 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 9: 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, 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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.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.Accommodation - Polar Star Hotel

Day 10: 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 11: 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 12: Podgorica/Shkodër

Depart Podgorica and cross 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: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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 from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Luminosa Hotel Shkoder

Day 13: 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 14: Shkodër/Tirana

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, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 5pm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Set off on a walking tour of Kruje with your CEO. 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. Check the Old Bazaar and the Castle of Kruja.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,599

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This adventure shows off the absolute best of the Balkans — and throws in a few surprises you didn’t even know you needed.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Oct 2026

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Tour Operator

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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