Montenegro & Albania
Explore the Bay of Kotor by speedboat, raft through Europe’s deepest canyon & taste wine at a vineyard by beautiful Lake Skadar
Package includes
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
About your trip
Jagged mountains perfect for outdoor adventure, lakeside vineyards full of sunshine and wine, and a riviera to rival Italy…embark on a soul-stirring 10-day adventure through these burgeoning Balkan nations.
Meet Montenegro: rising star of the Adriatic, where you’ll speedboat across the stunning Bay of Kotor and navigate the cobblestone maze of the Unesco-listed Old Town. In Durmitor National Park, you’ll conquer Europe’s deepest canyon with exhilarating rafting and ziplining, before journeying to Lake Skadar where kayaking and family-run wineries await.
Then, there’s under-the-radar Albania – touted as the next Croatia – where you’ll be hiking through pristine Alpine scenery to swim in a turquoise spring, visiting local crafters in medieval hilltop Kruje and discovering Tirana’s vibrant history in a communist-era bunker.
This is a trip full of local characters who will warm your heart with their kindness, hospitality and incredible home-grown food – and you’ll share the experience with a group of adventurous solo travellers, just like you.
- Touch down in Tivat, where a private Flash Pack transfer will whisk you to your hotel in the medieval old town of Kotor, a Unesco World Heritage site
- Get to know your group over a three-course welcome dinner, savouring your first taste of Balkan food and local wine
- Embark on a thrilling speedboat excursion through the beautiful Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord, hemmed in by steep limestone cliffs
- Explore the Blue Cave sea grotto, famed for its turquoise water, and visit the quaint town of Perast, with its Venetian palaces and churches
- Take a culinary tour of Kotor’s Old Town, sampling delicious regional produce at the local farmer’s market
- Drive the white-knuckle Serpentine Road to Lovcen National Park, negotiating hairpin turns for panoramic views over the entire Bay of Kotor
- Visit Njegoš mausoleum, before lunch in the garden of a local family; indulge in homemade products such as prosciutto, cheese and honey
- Explore the well-heeled town of Budva, known as the ‘Montenegrin Miami’ for its buzzing shops, restaurants and bars
- Take a 4×4 excursion through Durmitor National Park and marvel at the rugged landscape of dramatic limestone peaks
- Stop off at a farm to meet the animals, see how cheese is made and prepare a rustic lunch with fresh veg from the garden
- Take a (very) refreshing wild swim in one of the glacier-fed mountain lakes
- Ride the rapids on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip through the dramatic Tara Canyon; the deepest and most spectacular gorge in Europe
- Refuel at a mountain restaurant before a scream-inducing zipline ride at the dizzying Djurdjevica Tara Bridge; panoramic canyon views included
- Back at your highland guesthouse, hike to the mirror-still Black Lake, where you can swim and relax surrounded by beautiful forest
- Travel south to beautiful Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans and a haven for birdlife, including the rare Dalmatian pelican
- Take in the famous river loop view from Rijeka Crnojevica before a tranquil kayaking excursion across the lily-covered water
- Enjoy lunch at a family-run vineyard – cold cuts and cheeses washed down with local wines – before bidding farewell to Montenegro
- Say hello to Albania as you drive to Theth National Park, a pristine mountainous region with some of the best hiking in the country
- Follow a trail through lush forests to the Blue Eye of Theth; enjoy a picnic by the natural spring and a shot of Skanderbeg whisky
- Explore the hilltop town of Kruje, birthplace of Albania’s national hero, Skanderberg, who led the resistance against the Ottomans some 500 years ago
- Visit the fascinating Skanderberg Museum, explore the castle and meet local filigree crafters in the bazaar who will demonstrate their skills
- Travel to the coastal town of Durres to visit the ancient Roman amphitheatre and spend some time on the sandy beach
- Explore Tirana, Albania’s up and coming capital, with its brightly painted buildings, elegant squares and lively pedestrianised centre
- Visit the House of Leaves – a notorious interrogation centre – and the excellent Bunk’Art II museum, in a converted Cold War nuclear bunker
- Enjoy a free afternoon in Tirana (don’t miss the hipster district of Blloku) before a farewell Albanian feast accompanied by live music
- Bid farewell to your Flash Pack friends and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- Arrive home with a wonderful feeling of excitement. Albania and Montenegro have proven that the world still has many secrets and new adventures, while true kindness and joy quietly lives on. You’ve been confronted with dramatic landscapes and rich, yet unassuming, local cultures. Isn’t there something extra special about going off the beaten path?
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Hotel Vardar, Kotor
Ideally located in the Kotor’s Unesco-listed old town, this elegant 4-star hotel puts you right in the heart of the action. The classical exterior dates to 1750 and rooms overlook the city’s main square. From your doorstep you can explore the cobblestone streets, walk the fortress walls or relax with a drink on the hotel’s shady terrace.
Soa Village, Zabljak
Breathe in the fresh mountain air from these modern 2-bedroom lodges, equipped with comfy beds, balconies and a fully fitted kitchen. Just a stone’s throw from Durmitor National Park, you’ll wake up to incredible mountain views all around, plus the Black Lake is within walking distance for an early morning or evening dip.
Vila Gjeçaj, Theth
You’ll be immersed in Albania’s glorious scenery at this beautiful rural guesthouse. The traditional stone building, complete with hardwood floors and locally made artisan furniture, is set within spacious gardens overlooking the valley. The owners are passionate cooks, so expect generous portions of rustic local food.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Tivat Airport (TIV) in Montenegro, and out of Tirana Airport (TIA) in Albania.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please try to arrive in Tivat before 2 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange a group transfer whatever time you arrive.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no planned activities on Day 10, so you can leave any time you like. We recommend taking an afternoon flight so you can relax in Tirana before you fly home.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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