Balkan Lakes

Price

800

Duration

11 days

Max People

8

Min Age

12

Tour Type

Overview

Did you know that the Balkans host the oldest lake in Europe and the largest one in Southern Europe?! This journey takes you around fascinating nature in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.

Highlights:

  • Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Lake Matka in North Macedonia
  • Mirusha and White Drin waterfalls in Kosovo
  • Valbone national park
  • Komani Lake and Skadar Lake in Albania
  • Biogradska national park in Montenegro
  • Durmitor national park in Monenegro
  • Kotor and Budva old towns

Included/Excluded

  • Professional tour guide/driver
  • Transportation as per itinerary
  • Ferry ticket Fierze – Koman
  • Fuel, parking, road taxes, international car insurance
  • Boat ride Karavasta national park
  • Entrance fee Onufri Museum
  • Entrance fee Ohrid fortress
  • Boat ride in Matka canyon
  • Entrance fee Rozafa castle
  • Entrance fee Biogradska national park
  • Entrance fee Durmitor national park 
  • Boat ride in Virpazar
  • Accommodation in double/twin room with breakfast
  • Meals
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses

Tour Plan

Day 1. Tirane - Karavasta lagoon – Berat (180 km)

Meet with our local guide and continue driving to the lagoon of Karavasta. It is the largest lagoon in the country and is most notable for featuring 5% of the world population of the globally endangered and extremely rare Dalmatian pelican. The national park welcomes a diversity of birds and Mediterranean fauna. Afterward, we head to the city of thousands of windows. Berat is listed under UNESCO thanks to its unique architecture in the neighborhoods of Mangalem, Gorice, and Kala. During the walking tour, you will get to know more about this amazing city. Accommodation in Berat.

Day 2. Berat - Prespe – Ohrid (250 km)

In the morning we drive towards southeast Albania. Prespa is a complex of two lakes that separate the borders between Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece. It combines mixed cultures and ethnicities. We will visit the picturesque village of Liqenas and feel the local atmosphere. Next, we continue driving to North Macedonia through Galicica National Park. This great mountainous land offers spectacular views of Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid. Accommodation in the city of Ohrid.

Day 3. Ohrid - Matka lake – Skopje (190 km)

After breakfast, we start our walking city tour. Ohrid is an ancient city founded on the shores of the lake and it preserves a long living history of locals. Many cultures have passed through the region and have created a small city museum. During the walking tour, we will visit several orthodox churches, the ancient amphitheater, and the fortress of Ohrid. Later we drive north towards the capital Skopje. Near the capital is Matka Lake, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is created by a dam built in river Treska and holds many caves and churches. In the evening we explore the city of Skopje. Accommodation in Skopje.

Day 4. Skopje – Gracanica monastery – Prishtina (100 km)

Today we leave North Macedonia and drive to the youngest country in Europe, Kosovo. Our first destination is Gracanica Monastery. It is a Serbian Orthodox monastery built in the 14th century by King Milutin. The church is rich in medieval icons and frescos, which is listed under UNESCO World Heritage. Next, we head to the capital of Prishtina. The walking tour goes to Mother Theresa Cathedral, Skanderbeg Square, and the Kosovo Museum. You will have the chance to visit the unique National Library and NEWBORN monument. In the afternoon relax and enjoy the nightlife. Accommodation in Prishtina.

Day 5. Prishtine - Mirusha waterfall - Drin waterfall – Peje (120 km)

On this day we will explore the beautiful nature of Kosovo. First, we will stop at the Mirusha River, which has created an ensemble of waterfalls. A walk inside the park will meet with enchanting landscapes, waterfalls, and lakes. Next, we drive west to White Drin waterfall. This 25-meter-high spring is the main source of the White Drin river which stretches all the way to Albania. In the afternoon we visit the city of Peja.

Day 6. Peje - Gjakovo – Valbone (115 km)

After breakfast, you will transfer to visit the old town of Gjakovo. On the way, we stop to visit Monastery Visoki Decani, another orthodox Serbian site listed under UNESCO. The Gjakovo Grand Bazaar has an Ottoman influence where you can try some delicious food, visit the Hadum mosque, or have a macchiato (local bars are famous for making one of the best macchiatos in the world). After lunch, we drive through high mountains to reach Valbona National Park in Albania. Accommodation in guesthouse.

Day 7. Valbone National Park

Today you will explore the beautiful nature of Valbone Valley. Together with your guide, you will hike to Valbona waterfall and hike to a local shepherd hut. You will see how the locals make their living in the remote Albanian Alps. In the afternoon relax in the village.

Day 8. Valbone - Komani Lake – Shkoder (105 km)

In the morning we get ready to board a wonderful trip. The ferry that sails between Fierze to Koman, through the Drin River, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in southern Europe. The boat navigates across high mountains and green nature, which makes everyone dream and speechless. On arrival, we drive to the city of Shkoder. A walking tour along the largest lake in the Balkans is a must. Ancient Rozafa castle offers great panoramic views of Skadar Lake, Drin, and Buna River. Accommodation in Shkoder.

Day 9. Shkoder - Biogradska Gora – Zabljak (223 km)

After breakfast, we drive towards Montenegro. Our destinations are two lakes listed under the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biogradska Gora National Park is located in the middle part of Bjelasica Mountain, between the Tara and Lim rivers. Lake Biograd is surrounded by hundred years old rain forests, which makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Further north we stop at Tara Bridge, a top attraction in Montenegro. The bridge was built during World War II and it was considered a masterpiece of that area. Later we continue to Durmitor National Park. The Black Lake is a glacial lake well known for its long walking path and recreational areas. Accommodation in Zabljak.

Day 10. Zabljak - Kotor – Budva (190 km)

Today we head to the blue Adriatic Sea. The destinations are the medieval towns of Kotor and Budva. Kotor Old Town is listed under UNESCO World Heritage and is beautifully located in the Bay of Kotor. San Giovani Castle offers great views above the old town and the bay. After lunch, we drive to Budva. Budva is the capital of Montenegrin tourism and is packed with international travelers. The medieval town is surrounded by fabulous beaches. Accommodation in Budva.

Day 11. Budva - Virpazar – Tirane (180 km)

On the last day, we return to the capital of Albania, or if you prefer we can adjust to end the tour in Tivat or Podgorica airport.

You will visit the little village of Virpazar situated on the shores of Lake Skadar, which is the largest in the Balkans. Here you will ride on a boat to watch the diversity of flora and fauna of the lake.

After crossing the border, we arrive in Tirana and have a guided walking tour. The capital of Albania is a vibrant city with a rich history and museums. The city tour includes Mother Theresa Square, Martyr’s of Nation Boulevard, and Skanderbeg Square.

Maps

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See Trips was created with the only mission to make Memories for tourists visiting the southeast Europe region. We like to create unique experiences by combining local culture, nature, and fun. Our team has understood from past background in tourism that travelers have changed nowadays and they love to involve with local communities.

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