Exploring the Balkans: Albania, Montenegro & Bosnia

Your value added tour package includes:

• 10-night package in 5-star and 4-star hotels
• 19 meals – 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Transportation and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• Departure transfer from the group hotel to the airport on June 7
• English speaking Tour Manager and local Tour Guides
• Amazing Journeys Onsite Travel Coordinator
• Gratuities for Tour Manager, local guides, drivers, porters, servers at included meals
• All taxes and service charges
• Baggage handling throughout (one bag per person)
• Amazing Journeys gift for each participant
• Amazing service throughout

Immersive highlights include:

• Enjoy a unique dining experience with traditional Albanian folk music and dance
• Visit Berat, the UNESCO World Heritage fortified medieval town known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”
• Try your hand at cooking some local dishes while learning more about Bosnian culinary culture
• Explore the architectural wonder of Ostrog Monastery
• Spend time at Rozafa Castle, one of Albania’s most revered cultural landmarks
• Cruise along the Bay of Kotor and enjoy stunning views
• Enjoy lunch at a family-run vineyard in the picturesque countryside
• Take a Jewish walking tour through Sarajevo, known as the “Jerusalem of Europe”
• Visit a handicraft workshop producing qeleshe, the hat that dates to ancient Albanian times
• Tour Cetinje, a historic town in Montenegro known as the country’s former royal capital
• Spend time at a beekeeper’s farm and enjoy a traditional lunch made up of local specialties
• Explore the historic coastal and medieval town of Kotor, Montenegro
• Pick up some crafts at the Old Bazaar in Sarajevo
• Visit the Old Bridge in Mostar – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Immerse yourself in Bosnian culture as you taste local coffees and cakes while watching a sevdalinka folk performance

What’s not included:

• Optional tours and entrance fees not listed on the itinerary
• International flights
• Travel protection
• Visas
• Meals and drinks not mentioned on the itinerary
• Arrival or departure airport taxes
• Incidentals

Thursday, May 28 – Arrival Tirana, Albania

Located along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, begin your journey in Tirana, Albania. Relatively untouched by globalization, Albania is rising in popularity as one of Europe’s most popular and fascinating getaways. This afternoon, you will meet your fellow travelers at our Welcome Program, followed by a unique dining experience with folk performance to experience traditional Albanian music, dance, and style of dress.  Settle in for our 3-night stay in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. (D)

Friday, May 29 – Tirana – Krujë – Tirana

This morning will be spent exploring the history-rich city of Tirana.  Walk along the Boulevard of the Martyrs where Tirana’s most significant buildings are concentrated, to Skanderbeg Square in the center of the town, named in honor of the national hero responsible for defeating the Ottomans.  View the old Mosque of Et’hem Bey and the Clock Tower, both centuries-old.  Visit the Holocaust Memorial – inaugurated in 2020 in Tirana’s Grand Park – which honors Albanians who saved Jews during the Holocaust.

Later, we’ll make our way to Krujë, a charming town that is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Krujë was one of the centers of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Turks, under the leadership of the national hero, Skanderbeg.  Visit the Fortress of Krujë, the same castle that is depicted on the Albanian 5000 lekë banknote. Visit the handicraft workshop producing qeleshe, the hat that dates to ancient times. This hat is one of the main accessories in Albanian national garb, and a symbol of Albanian national identity.  Wander the Old Bazaar, full of handmade crafts and local souvenirs.  This evening, celebrate Shabbat with our Amazing Journeys community followed by dinner at a local restaurant.  (B, D)

Saturday, May 30 – Tirana – Berat – Tirana

This morning, visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Berat.  This fortified medieval town is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”. On a guided walk, we will explore the fortress with the main gate, towers, mosques and Byzantine churches. We will also visit Solomoni Jewish Museum, a small but fascinating museum that depicts the heroic actions of the locals of Berat who saved hundreds of Jews during the war.

This afternoon, enjoy lunch at a family-run vineyard where passion for wine, local produce, and hospitality come together.  Nestled in a picturesque countryside setting, this charming agritourism site combines the beauty of nature with a deep-rooted tradition of winemaking.  This evening is left unscheduled so that you may explore and enjoy Tirana however you choose. (B, L)

Sunday, May 31 – Tirana – Shkodra – Podgorica, Montenegro

Today we depart Tirana and visit Shkodra, a historical and cultural hub in northern Albania.  We’ll spend time at Rozafa Castle, one of Albania’s most revered cultural landmarks.  The first fortification of this castle was constructed by Illyrian tribes as early as the 9th century BCE and has since been conquered by many different groups including the Romans, Venetians and Ottomans.  Perched atop a hill, take in the breathtaking views over Lake Shkodra.  Continue on to the capital city of Podgorica, Montenegro for our 2-night stay.  Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Monday, June 1 – Podgorica – Ostrog Monastery – Podgorica

You’re in for a treat as we visit an architectural wonder – a monastery with a unique location, built into a cliff.  Ostrog Monastery, a Serbian Orthodox site, is an amazing visit due to its stunning location, spiritual significance and gorgeous mosaics and frescos. The monastery features both a lower section and an upper one carved into the rock.

This afternoon, get a local’s perspective as we walk around Podgorica with our local guide for a city tour. Podgorica is the capital and largest city of Montenegro, located in the central part of the country. The city blends modern architecture with traces of its Ottoman and Yugoslav past, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and green spaces.  Spend the evening with your fellow travelers enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Tuesday, June 2 – Podgorica – Cetinje – Tivat

Our journey through Montenegro continues as we spend time in Cetinje, a historic town known as the country’s former royal capital. It is rich in cultural landmarks, including monasteries, museums, and palaces. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Cetinje offers a blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty. We will take a short walk through the city and see King Nikola’s Palace (outside visit), the formal royal residence.

This afternoon, find out what the buzz is all about!  Get ready for a unique experience at a beekeeper’s farm where we will learn about its heritage, historical significance, and way of life. Enjoy a traditional lunch including local specialties.

Continue to Tivat, a coastal town in the Bay of Kotor for our 2-night stay at a luxurious seaside resort, where you will have the evening to relax and recharge. (B, L)

Wednesday, June 3 – Tivat – Kotor – Perast – Tivat

Set within the stunning Bay of Kotor, delve into the historic coastal town of Kotor on a walking tour.  This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its medieval old town, winding streets and squares, and is surrounded by impressive city walls.  Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue onto Perast, known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, offering a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the bay.  We’ll hop on a boat that will take us cruising on the lake where you will enjoy impressive scenery all around, including a ride-by of Our Lady of the Rocks Church.  (B, L)

Thursday, June 4 – Tivat – Mostar – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This morning we’ll say goodbye to Montenegro and travel to a new country as we head towards Mostar, a picturesque city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans the Neretva River, Mostar is a cultural crossroads blending Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences. Its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant markets make it an amazing visit.

We’ll continue to Sarajevo where we will check in for our 3-night stay in the historic center. (B)

Note: there is approximately 8 hours of driving today, split between Tivat-Mostar and Mostar-Sarajevo.  This is to eliminate the need for a 1-night stay on the outskirts of Mostar.

Friday, June 5 – Sarajevo

Get to know Sarajevo as our local guide takes us on a walking tour of the city.  The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a vibrant city where East meets West. Known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” it blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences. Highlights of our tour include Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), the Latin Bridge, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Sarajevo’s rich history, diverse culture, and warm hospitality make it a unique destination in the Balkans. Our tour will have a focus on Jewish history, as it had a profound impact on the city’s dynamic history.

Immerse yourself in Bosnian culture as you taste Bosnian coffee and regional cakes, accompanied by a live sevdalinka performance, a traditional genre of folk music that originates from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat, followed by dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)

Saturday, June 6 – Sarajevo

Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a cooking class!  Try your hand at cooking some local dishes while learning more about Bosnian culinary culture.

The afternoon is yours to spend some time however you’d like – do some shopping while meandering through the Old Bazaar, visit a historical destination, spend some time at a museum or just take in the sights and sounds of Sarajevo.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for our Amazing Journeys Farewell, followed by our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant for our last taste of Bosnian cuisine.  (B, L, D)

Sunday, June 7 – Sarajevo – Tour Ends

This morning we head back home with memories of our Amazing Journey through the Balkans. (B)

Itinerary at a Glance:
Thursday, May 28       Arrival Tirana, Albania – Tour Begins
Friday, May 29            Tirana – Krujë – Tirana
Saturday, May 30        Tirana – Berat – Tirana
Sunday, May 31          Tirana – Shkodra – Podgorica, Montenegro
Monday, June 1           Podgorica – Ostrog Monastery – Podgorica
Tuesday, June 2          Podgorica – Cetinje – Tivat
Wednesday, June 3     Tivat – Kotor – Perast – Tivat
Thursday, June 4         Tivat – Mostar – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Friday, June 5              Sarajevo
Saturday, June 6          Sarajevo
Sunday, June 7            Sarajevo – Tour Ends

Our Hotels:
Nights 1-3        Maritim Hotel Plaza, Tirana, Albania (5-star)
Nights 4-5        Hilton Hotel Podgorica, Podgorica, Montenegro (5-star)
Nights 6-7        Chedi Lustica Bay Hotel, Tivat, Montenegro (5-star)
Nights 8-10      President Hotel Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-star)

Please note: Alternate hotels may be used, the order of the tour may be changed, some activities are weather-dependent, the highest elevation on this itinerary is 3,000 feet.

A deposit of $650 is due with your reservation. Final payment is due on January 28, 2026. Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.

* Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net.  We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

Pre-Night Stays: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotels. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present, nor will there be programming on these days. Rates listed are per day and include taxes and breakfast daily. A deposit of $50 is due with your reservation for any pre-nights.

Tirana (May 27):
Twin – $141 per person
Single – $221

This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.

Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time.  By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All prices are in US dollars. All rooms are non-smoking.

Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until September 3, 2025, there is a $200 penalty for cancellation. From September 4, 2025 – January 28, 2026, the cancellation penalty is the amount of deposit for the tour and pre-/post-nights. From January 29 – February 23, 2026 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the tour and pre-/post-nights. From February 24, 2026 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour and pre-nights.  Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.

Travel Protection: Travel protection is highly recommended for participation in this program. Information will be included in your confirmation letter.

Passport & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary.  Please send Amazing Journeys a copy of your passport at this time if we do not have a current copy. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip.  If the name on your passport differs from the name on your registration form, a name change fee may be incurred. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, no visas are necessary at this time.  Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.  Beginning sometime in late 2026, travelers will likely need an ETIAS waiver to travel to Europe.  More information can be found here: ETIAS Visa

This trip is for you if: This trip is for you if you’re an on-the-go traveler and you don’t want to miss a thing. As this is a group tour, individual accommodations cannot be made for those who are not able to keep up with the group. Walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal and you are able to walk on a 2-3 hour walking tour at a moderate pace.  There is so much to see and experience on our trips and we want to be sure our travelers see it all. On our walking tours, we will be covering several miles, oftentimes on uneven surfaces, including cobblestones, rocky paths, uneven sidewalks, and more. You can walk up and down stairs (sometimes without a railing) and navigate hills and uneven/wet ground independently. You can climb up and into various modes of transportation including boats, buses and mini vans. You can handle changes in elevation as high as 3,000 feet. You can expect several early mornings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. While we have porterage for our luggage at our hotels, at certain times you may need to carry your own luggage, for instance at airports. You must be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is not fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices. You may encounter cultural similarities, but also many differences, some expected, but others that may be surprising. Even within a given region, you may experience differences in the pace of life, service at restaurants, languages, the infrastructure and more.

Vaccines: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: Center for Disease Control.  Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and can therefore give you no further information on what vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.

Taxes & Gratuities: Gratuities have been included in the price of this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion. Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change.

Flights: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys. For this itinerary, flight parameters are as follows:
Arrive into Tirana – land in Tirana (airport code TIA) before 3:00pm on May 28.  Our first program will begin the evening of May 28.
Return from Sarajevo – depart from Sarajevo (airport code SJJ) any time on June 7.

Transfers: An arrival transfer is not included and more details will be shared as the trip approaches. A departure transfer is included between our group hotel and the Sarajevo airport (SJJ) on June 7.  A surcharge may be added for those arriving or departing outside of typical arrival and departure hours and will not be offered if you are departing from an airport other than what is listed above.

Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together.  When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.

Baggage: Regardless of what your international air carrier permits, each traveler will be limited to one checked suitcase and one carry-on.  Your carry-on bag must fit up on the bus and cannot go under the bus due to coach storage restrictions.  We recommend a backpack, tote bag or purse.

Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.

Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.

Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing in order that we may be able to operate the tour effectively.

This tour will have around 25 travelers and is custom crafted in partnership with KNM Travel.