Montenegro and Albania

Arrival from Dubrovnik/Tivar/Podgorica airport and settle into accommodation at Villa Miela, the best-reviewed accommodation option at Lake Skadar National Park, where you will be spending the next seven nights. Welcome dinner on the Villa’s terrace with your Lake Skadar host. We will discuss the agenda for the week as well as options for free days.

An unforgettable car and hiking combination tour taking you past breathtaking views, to rock-pools for wild swimming, bat-inhabited caves and the fortified ruins of Montenegro’s old ruling seat, Žabljak Crnojevici, clinging to a rocky outcrop on a plain that wouldn’t look out of place in Africa. Includes a 2 hour walk, lunch at a former royal residence at picturesque riverside village Rijeka Crnojevica, and plenty of wild swimming in rockpools and rivers.

This 4-5 hour trip including 3 hours’ gentle paddling will take you across stunning mirrored waters from the beautiful freshwater beach of Murici to the lake’s famed 14th century island monasteries, still inhabited today. You’ll have the lake all to yourself as you swim in crystal clear waters, all the while taking in the awesome views, varied bird-life and glorious solitude. No paddling experience required – your guide is a UK qualified kayak instructor! Local transport and packed lunch included.

There are so many options, from enjoying a lazy private boat cruise on the lake (cost approx. €30/hour), to taking a self-guided circular hike to the beautiful fortified medieval village of Upper Godinje to wine-tasting at the many local wineries of Lake Skadar Valley. Alternatively, why not spend the day at the beach with the Adriatic sea just 30 mins away.

This gentle circular trail passes through beautiful woodland, across arched Ottoman bridges and along riverside trails and old Roman caravan paths as it winds its way through one of Lake Skadar’s most beautiful valleys. We stop for wild swimming in natural spring-fed pools and a waterfall and visit one of the lake’s most striking hilltop villages for lunch with a local family. This is unspoiled nature at its best, with wild figs, herbs and tortoises in abundance! Local transport included – for lunch you pay the family direct.

Free day

With UNLIMITED Travel you will Discover Montenegro’s own wine-country in Lake Skadar Valley. Renowned throughout Europe for the smooth red vranac grape, the tradition of wine-making has existed here for centuries. You will enjoy tastings at up to three excellent award-winning local wineries, with up to eight different wines to try. Transport, translation and a meat/cheese platter is included. You pay the vintners direct for the tastings (about €2/glass), with bottles available to buy from just €6.

Transfer from Virpazar to the Hani I Hotit border as you cross into Albania, and then up to the staggering Theth National Park. Settle into charming local accommodation after a guided tour of the village of Theth.

After an early breakfast we proceed to Valbona, where we will enjoy the wild beauty of the highest peak in the Dinaric Alps – Jezerca. It’s a beautiful introduction to the untouched and pristine natural trails that Albania can offer, with epic views throughout. At the end of the hike in the beautiful village of Valbona you can relax in your hotel before enjoying a great local dinner featuring delicious locally-made products. Hiking time is 7-8 hours.

The boat ride on Lake Komani has been recently voted by travel bloggers as one of the best 5 boat trips in the world! This man-made lake is framed on all sides by sheer limestone cliffs and the contrast with the sapphire waters is remarkable. There will stops along the way at some isolated villages for turkish coffee and raki as the journey also forms part of a “water-bus” route for remote mountain communities. Afterwards we continue to the town of Shkodra on the shores of Lake Skadar for another lovely meal and a guided tour around the famous Rozafa Castle.

Departure and transfer back to Montenegro and exit airport.