From Ottoman old towns and UNESCO-listed castles to alpine peaks and the sapphire waters of the Adriatic — this 7-day Albania and Montenegro tour is the ultimate small-group escape through two of Europe's most underrated destinations.

Trek to the legendary Blue Eye spring, wander the cobbled lanes of Berat's "City of a Thousand Windows," cruise Lake Skadar by boat, and stroll the Venetian-era streets of Kotor and Perast. Whether you're a first-time visitor to the Balkans or a seasoned traveler chasing off-the-beaten-path Europe, this itinerary blends culture, nature, and coastal relaxation into one unforgettable trip.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Berat, Albania's iconic hillside city

• Hike through the Albanian Alps to the crystal-clear Blue Eye Spring

• Discover the remote mountain village of Theth and its historic reconciliation tower

• Chase waterfalls on the scenic trail to Grunasi Waterfall

• Cruise the Balkans' largest lake, Lake Skadar, by traditional boat

• Soak up the sun on Montenegro's Adriatic coast in Budva

• Wander the fairy-tale streets of Kotor and Perast with a private local guide

• Visit Shkodër, one of Albania's oldest and most historic cities

• Enjoy a welcome and farewell dinner with fellow travelers

Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Tirana, Albania's vibrant and colorful capital. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Albanian cuisine — the perfect introduction to the flavors and hospitality that await you on this journey.

Today is dedicated to Berat, affectionately nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Windows" for its rows of white Ottoman houses climbing the hillside. Visit the imposing Berat Castle, still home to a living community within its walls, before exploring the historic quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, connected by the iconic Gorica Bridge. Discover the King's Mosque, the Halveti Tekke, and gain deeper insight into local heritage at the Ethnographic Museum. Return to Tirana in the evening.

Head north into the dramatic Albanian Alps, stopping en route at Thora Pass for sweeping mountain views. From Nderlysaj, hike to the breathtaking Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër), a natural pool famed for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Continue to the remote village of Theth. Visit the village church and the centuries-old Lock-In Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), a fascinating relic of the Kanun code of reconciliation.

Lace up your boots for a scenic walk to the stunning Grunas Waterfall, one of Theth's most rewarding natural attractions. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch along the way before crossing the border into Montenegro. Arrive in the capital, Podgorica, check into your hotel, and enjoy a panoramic city tour to get your bearings in this compact, riverside capital.

Drive along the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe and a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Stop in the picturesque riverside village of Rijeka Crnojevića for a relaxing boat tour through the lake's wetlands and lily-covered waterways. In the afternoon, arrive in the coastal resort town of Budva, with free time to relax and swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.

Today's highlight is a guided exploration of the Bay of Kotor with a private local guide. Visit the charming Baroque town of Perast and take a boat trip to the postcard-perfect islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Continue to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled town framed by dramatic mountains, before returning to explore Budva's Old Town, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast.

After breakfast, transfer back into Albania, stopping for lunch and a walking tour of Shkodër, one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in the Balkans. Arrive back in Tirana in the afternoon, where the group gathers one last time for a farewell dinner with your travel companions to celebrate an unforgettable journey through Albania and Montenegro. Last night accommodation in Tirana is included.