BEST OF MONTENEGRO & ALBANIA

9 Day Balkan Expedition with highlights of Montenegro and Albania

best-of-montenegro-albania-9-days-trip

9 Day Balkan Expedition with highlights of Montenegro and Albania

Discover the perfect balance between wild nature, UNESCO heritage towns, Adriatic coastlines, authentic gastronomy and unforgettable local experiences across Montenegro and Albania.

From dramatic mountain landscapes of Durmitor National Park to the turquoise beaches of Ksamil, medieval streets of Kotor and Ottoman charm of Berat — this curated journey combines comfort, adventure and cultural immersion.

Designed for travelers who want authentic Balkan experiences without rushing, this private expedition blends breathtaking scenery, local flavors, boat adventures and hand-picked boutique hotels.

Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, one of the natural wonders you will see on your holiday.

TOUR AT A GLANCE

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Countries: Montenegro & Albania
Start Location: Podgorica Airport
End Location: Tirana Airport

All accommodation locally owned boutique 4★ properties on BB basis.

Beautiful views over Kotor Bay

Beautiful views over Kotor Bay

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS TOUR

  • Private licensed guides throughout the journey

  • Speedboat adventure inside UNESCO Bay of Kotor

  • Europe’s deepest canyon experience

  • Wine tasting in family owned winery

  • Montenegro & Albania UNESCO heritage towns

  • Authentic gastronomy experiences

  • Beach relaxation combined with wild mountain landscapes

  • Carefully paced itinerary, never rushed

panoramic highlights private 8 day tour

This tour is designed to show you the highlights of two beautiful countries, Montenegro and Albania

Tour Highlights

• Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Montenegro and Albania on a scenic Adriatic and Balkan journey
• Explore the medieval charm of Kotor Old Town and the stunning Bay of Kotor
• Visit the picturesque coastal town of Perast and the famous island church Our Lady of the Rocks
• Experience the dramatic beauty of Durmitor National Park and the spectacular Tara River Canyon
• Cruise the peaceful waters of Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans
• Walk through the UNESCO-listed stone city of Gjirokastër
• Relax on the turquoise beaches of Ksamil along the Albanian Riviera
• Visit the natural wonder of the Blue Eye Spring
• Discover the historic town of Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows”
• Explore Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital filled with culture, history and colorful architecture

Journey Highlights by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Montenegro
Arrival at Podgorica Airport and transfer to the Adriatic coast near Budva.

Day 2: Majestic Montenegro
Explore Cetinje, Njeguši village and Lovćen National Park with spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor.

Day 3: Durmitor National Park
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Durmitor, Black Lake and the Tara River Canyon.

Day 4: Bay of Kotor Discovery
Visit Perast, boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks and guided tour of Kotor Old Town.

Day 5: Skadar Lake & Albania
Visit St. Stefan, cruise on Skadar Lake and continue to Shkodra in Albania.

Day 6: Gjirokastër UNESCO City
Scenic drive through Albania and guided exploration of the historic stone city of Gjirokastër.

Day 7: Ksamil & Blue Eye
Relax on the beaches of Ksamil and visit the famous Blue Eye natural spring.

Day 8: Berat & Tirana
Discover Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows,” and explore Albania’s capital Tirana.

Day 9: Departure
Transfer to Tirana Airport for departure.

FULL ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival in Montenegro | Budva Riviera

Welcome to Montenegro.

Arrival at Podgorica Airport followed by a private scenic transfer toward the Adriatic coast.

Enjoy a photo stop at Brajici viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Budva Riviera before hotel check-in.

Optional Mediterranean dinner experience available.

Included:

  • Airport transfer

  • Licensed guide assistance

  • Photo stop experience

  • Water bottles

On the way to Budva we will have a stop to see whole of the coast of Budva Riviera

DAY 2: Majestic Montenegro Experience

Travel through royal Montenegro discovering historic Cetinje and Njegusi village traditions.

Experience authentic gastronomy including prosciutto, cheese and rakija tasting before ascending Lovcen National Park.

Highlights:

  • Cetinje guided walking tour

  • Traditional tasting experience

  • Lovcen Mausoleum panoramic views

Included:

  • National Park entrance

  • Mausoleum ticket

  • Snack tasting

  • Licensed guide

Lovcen National Park, one of the highlights of your trip. Here you can see whole Montenegro and beyond, all of the surrounding countries.

DAY 3: Durmitor National Park & Tara Canyon

Explore Montenegro’s wild north.

Visit the stunning Black Lake surrounded by alpine forests before continuing toward Djurdjevica Tara Bridge overlooking Europe’s deepest canyon.

Enjoy a traditional northern Montenegro lunch.

Included:

  • Durmitor entrance fee

  • Traditional lunch

  • Scenic stops

Djurdjevica Tara bridge, another highlight of Montenegro

DAY 4: Medieval Kotor & Boka Bay Adventure

Discover UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town during a guided walking tour.

Continue with a thrilling 5-hour speedboat journey through Boka Bay.

Stops include:

  • Our Lady of the Rocks island

  • Former Yugoslav submarine tunnels

  • Blue Cave swimming experience

Optional lunch stop in Rose or Zanjice.

Included:

  • Speedboat experience

  • Entrance fees

  • Licensed guide

Boka Bay is filled with beautiful places, like this one, Rose, a beautiful restaurant set in an old Austro-Hungarian fortress.

9 Day Balkan Expedition with highlights of Montenegro and Albania

9 Day Balkan Expedition with highlights of Montenegro and Albania

DAY 5: St. Stephen Coastline & Skadar Lake → Albania

Explore Montenegro’s most exclusive coastline.

Walk through Milocer Park and visit three beautiful beaches overlooking St. Stephen Island.

Continue toward Skadar Lake for a traditional boat cruise and wine tasting experience before crossing into Albania.

Included:

  • Boat cruise

  • Winery tasting

  • Transfers

scenic views over sveti stefan private tour

Scenic views over Sveti Stefan on our multi-day private tour

DAY 6: Scenic Albania Transfer & Gjirokaster

Journey south through Albania’s landscapes toward UNESCO protected Gjirokaster.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through cobbled streets and Ottoman architecture.

Free evening to explore local cafes and markets.

Included:

  • Transfers

  • Walking tour

  • Licensed guide

DAY 7 — Ksamil Riviera & Blue Eye

Discover Albania’s Caribbean-style coastline.

Relax on Ksamil’s crystal waters before visiting the Blue Eye natural spring surrounded by lush forest.

Optional visit:

Butrint National Park.

Included:

  • Transportation

  • Blue Eye entrance

DAY 8: Berat & Tirana Discovery

Visit Berat - the “City of Thousand Windows”.

Explore UNESCO heritage architecture before continuing toward Tirana.

Discover Albania’s vibrant capital during a guided city tour.

Included:

  • Berat walking tour

  • Tirana guided experience

DAY 9: Departure

Private transfer to Tirana Airport.

End of services.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Private A/C transportation

  • Accommodation in Budva - 4 Nights, Shkoder - 1 Night, Gjirokaster - 2 Nights, Hotel Stela Tirana - 1 Night, all 4 star hotels, locally owned, BB bases

  • Licensed professional guides

  • National Park entrances

  • Walking tours

  • Speedboat tour (5 hours)

  • Skadar Lake cruise

  • Wine tasting experience

  • Traditional lunch (Durmitor)

  • 24/7 assistance

NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights

  • Insurance

  • Drinks

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional lunches/dinners

  • Tips

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Available upon request:

  • Cooking class in Prcanj

  • Horse riding experience

  • Mamula Island lunch

  • Local farm visits Montenegro & Albania

  • Sunset Paradise Beach experience

PRICE: Starting From: 2790 EUR per person.

BOOKING INFORMATION: 30% required to confirm booking.

Remaining balance payable 3–1 week prior to arrival.

BOOK YOUR BALKAN ADVENTURE

Experience two countries, multiple UNESCO sites and unforgettable landscapes in one seamless journey.

Contact us to customize this expedition according to your pace and preferences.

If you are adventurous and love adrenaline-filling activities, check out our Wild Balkan Expedition here.

Want to discover more about Montenegro? Read our Montenegro Travel Guide here.