Balkans Uncovered: Zagreb to Pristina

Introduction

What happens when you take 35 days, a group of like-minded travellers, and a local CEO eager to share their favourite hidden gems? You get an adventure like no other. Journey deep into the Balkans, where history and legend intertwine against a backdrop of ancient architecture and jaw-dropping landscapes. Meet local families, hear stories passed down through generations, and experience life in this incredible region firsthand. Sip regional wines perfected over centuries, savour unexpected culinary delights, and hike through some of the most breathtaking wilderness the Balkans has to offer. This is more than a trip — it’s a deep dive into a world you’ll never want to leave.

• Enjoy the stunning lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice and Krka National Parks
• Wander past historic churches and monuments in Split and Dubrovnik
• See the spectacular Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls
• Be immersed in Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo
• Take in Montenegro’s breathtaking national parks and Albania’s stunning coastline
• Immerse yourself in Montenegro’s rugged mountains and experience life at a traditional shepherd outpost in Albania
• Set sail on a scenic boat tour across the breathtaking waters of Lake Ohrid

Duration: 35 days

Start/Finish City: Zagreb to Pristina

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12.

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Maritimo Recycling, Dubrovnik
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Zadar Walking Food Tour, Zadar
Your Foodie Moment: Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch, Uvala Bistrina
Your Foodie Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, Trebinje
Your Foodie Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje
Your Foodie Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje
Your Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër
Your Foodie Moment: Regional Cooking Demonstration and Light Lunch, Ohrid. Orientation walks in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hike in Krka Lakes National Park. Full-day excursion to the islands of Prvic and Zlarin from Šibenik. Walk along the old city wall of Ston. Tvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine Tasting. Orientation walk in Trebinje. Visit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstones. See Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls. Dinner and wine pairing at a winery in Čitluk. Visit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town. Hike to the Blagaj Fortress. Visit the Dervish Monastery. Guided walking tour of Mostar. Turkish House coffee experience in Mostar. Guided tour of Tito's Bunker. Kotor orientation walk. Boat tour from Kotor to Perast. Budva Old Town walk. Visit Ostrog Monastery. Full-day excursion to Biogradska Gora National Park. Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion. Orientaion walk of Podgorica. Theth National Park visit. Walking tour of Shkoder. Walking tour of Kruje. Evening orientaion walk of Tirana. Tour of the Durrës archaeological site. Orientation walk of Vlorë. Visit Himare. Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle. Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park. Walking tour of Gjirokastër. Walking tour of Berat. Boat cruise on Lake Ohrid. Walking tour of Ohrid. Visit Bitola and walk along the Sirok Sokak. Winery tasting with light lunch. Skopje walking tour. Prizren orientation walk. Prizren Fortress sunset walk. Pristina walking tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Enjoy the stunning lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice and Krka National Parks, Wander past historic churches and monuments in Split and Dubrovnik, See the spectacular Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls, Be immersed in Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo, Take in Montenegro’s breathtaking national parks and Albania’s stunning coastline, Immerse yourself in Montenegro’s rugged mountains and experience life at a traditional shepherd outpost in Albania, Set sail on a scenic boat tour across the breathtaking waters of Lake Ohrid

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

How large will the group be?

Max 16, avg 12.

Meals Included

34 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Boat, private vehicle, 4x4, walking.

Accommodation

Hotels (34 nts)

Joining Instructions

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

From Zagreb airport (ZAG), you can reach the city centre in a few ways. To get to Zagreb Autobusni Kolodvor (the central bus station), take the Pleso Prijevoz bus operated by Croatia Airlines from outside the main International Arrivals terminal.

To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis

We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:

- Flight number
- Flight Arrival Time and Date
- Flight Departure Time and Date
- Passenger's Name
- Number of Passengers
- Email
- Valid Mobile Telephone Number
- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Office - London, United Kingdom
During office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5:30pm Local Time)
+44 20 7243 9870

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from within UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from within Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact: +44 1858378000

If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Packing List

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all.

Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement.

A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

As of 2025, various European countries are introducing ETIAS travel authorisation as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals.
We highly recommend you checking in advance how your nationality and country/s you are visiting may be affected. Further details can be found here

Last updated: January 27th 2025

Optional Activities

Split
- St Duje Cathedral Visit (15-40HRK per person)
- Mestrovic Gallery (30HRK per person)
- Bacvice Beach Visit (Free)
- Diocletian's Palace

Otok Brač
- Brač Island Excursion

Makarska
- Tuk Tuk Tour to Skywalk (60-70 per person)

Sarajevo
- National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (10-30BAM per person)
- Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum (54BAM per person)
- Gallery 11/07/95 (12-15BAM per person)
- Sarajevo Graffiti Art Tour

Kotor
- Kotor Maritime Museum (4EUR per person)
- Sea Kayaking (20EUR per person)
- Kotor City Exploration (Free)

Shkodër
- Site of Memory and Memorial Museum
- Venice Art Mask Factory (3EUR per person)

Ohrid
- Bay of Bones Museum

Prizren
- Sinan Pasha Mosque
- Mountain Bike Rentals
- Cevapi Meal

Pristina
- Ethnographic Museum
- Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

LGBTQ+ Safety

The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.