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The journey
Join Olivia for 12 summer days across Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia, combining private boat days, historic towns, local food experiences and some of the region's most scenic coast and lake landscapes. Cruise the Bay of Kotor, explore the Albanian Riviera, visit UNESCO-listed Butrint and spend time around Lake Ohrid and Matka Canyon. Along the way, enjoy farm and cooking experiences, coastal stops, archaeological sites and relaxed evenings in handpicked destinations.
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive in Tivat, Montenegro, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend some time relaxing around Tivat and Porto Montenegro before meeting Olivia, your tour leader, and the rest of the group over a relaxed welcome dinner.
Set out on a private cruise through the Bay of Kotor, visiting Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the Blue Cave, with time for swimming along the way. Stop at a local oyster and mussel farm for a fresh tasting before exploring UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town with a local guide. Return to Tivat for a free evening.
Cross into Albania and stop in Shkodër for a relaxed walk through the pedestrian centre and time for coffee. Continue to Mrizi i Zanave for a farm-to-table experience featuring local produce and artisanal traditions, then travel on to Krujë for a free evening around the historic Old Bazaar.
Explore Krujë Castle and the Old Bazaar before heading south towards the Albanian Riviera. Travel through the spectacular Llogara Pass with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea, with the option to experience tandem paragliding towards Palasë and Dhërmi. Arrive in Dhërmi and enjoy a free evening by the coast.
Enjoy a slower morning before heading out on a private boat or speedboat along the Albanian Riviera. Depending on sea conditions, discover Gjipe Beach, sea caves, hidden coves and secluded swimming spots, with time for snorkeling and relaxing by the water. Return to Dhërmi for a free afternoon and evening.
Travel south along one of Albania's most scenic coastal routes, stopping in Himarë, Porto Palermo and Borsh along the way. Enjoy dramatic Ionian viewpoints, relaxed coffee stops and the option for a swim before arriving in Sarandë for a free evening by the sea.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint with a local guide before taking a boat across Lake Butrint to a traditional mussel farm. Learn how the mussels are cultivated and enjoy a fresh tasting, then continue to Ksamil for a relaxed afternoon of swimming, drinks and beach time.
Visit the famous Blue Eye natural spring before continuing to Lazarat for a hands-on cooking experience with a local family, followed by lunch featuring the dishes you prepare together. Later, enjoy a gentle countryside donkey trail and farm visit, including a milking demonstration and tastings of fresh donkey milk and local products. Finish the day in Gjirokastër.
Leave southern Albania and travel through the country's interior towards Korçë, where there will be time for lunch, coffee and a short walk through the centre and Old Bazaar. Continue across the border into North Macedonia and arrive in Ohrid for a relaxed evening beside the lake.
Explore Ohrid's historic Old Town, lakefront and viewpoints before visiting a local bee farm to learn about traditional and modern beekeeping. Taste local honey and bee products, then enjoy a Macedonian cooking experience followed by a shared meal. The rest of the day is free for cafés, swimming or relaxing by Lake Ohrid.
Leave Ohrid and travel to Matka Canyon for a boat ride through one of North Macedonia's most impressive natural landscapes. Continue to Skopje for an introduction to the city centre and Old Bazaar, then enjoy your final evening together in the Macedonian capital.
Spend your final morning exploring more of Skopje, depending on flight times, before transferring privately to the airport. Say goodbye to the group after twelve days of coastlines, local food, historic towns and shared experiences across Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia.
The fine print
Before travelling, guests should:
Ensure passports meet entry requirements for all three countries
Check visa requirements applicable to their nationality
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
Advise whether they are interested in optional paragliding
Pack comfortable walking shoes
Bring swimwear and appropriate beachwear
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and sun protection
Consider waterproof protection for phones or cameras during boat days
Bring a universal travel adapter if required
Carry some local cash for smaller establishments
Weather & What to Pack: This journey takes place from 17-28 June 2027, when Montenegro and the Albanian Riviera typically enjoy warm summer weather. Evenings around Ohrid and inland areas may be slightly cooler.
We recommend bringing:
Light summer clothing and swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
A light jacket or layer for evenings
Waterproof phone protection for boat days
Boat and outdoor activities may be adjusted according to weather and sea conditions.
Transport & Border Crossings: Private air-conditioned transportation is arranged throughout the journey from Tivat to Skopje.
The tour travels through:
Montenegro → Albania → North Macedonia: Border-crossing times can vary depending on traffic and seasonal conditions, so some daily timings may be adjusted when necessary.
Guests should keep their original passport easily accessible on all international transfer days.
Passport & Entry Requirements: Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet the visa and entry requirements applicable to their nationality.
We recommend:
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip
Checking visa requirements before booking international flights
Keeping digital copies of important travel documents
Comprehensive travel insurance for the full journey
Entry requirements can change, so guests should reconfirm the rules applicable to their passport before departure.
Activity Level & Outdoor Experiences: Activity level: Moderate
The itinerary includes sightseeing on foot, historic streets, archaeological sites, beaches, boats and short countryside walks.
Several experiences are weather dependent, including:
Bay of Kotor private boat cruise
Blue Cave and swimming stops
Albanian Riviera boat day
Matka Canyon boat ride
Optional tandem paragliding
Routes, timings, or individual activities may be adjusted when required for safety or weather conditions.
Food & Dietary Requirements: Food and local gastronomy are an important part of this journey, including seafood tastings, farm-to-table dining and traditional cooking experiences.
Please advise us in advance of any food allergies, intolerances, vegetarian or vegan requirements, or other dietary restrictions.
Albania: Albanian Lek (ALL)
North Macedonia: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but we recommend carrying some local cash for smaller cafés, markets, local producers and personal purchases.
Logistics
Your 12 days run from Podgorica to Skopje.
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