3-Week Albania and Montenegro Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Albania And Montenegro itineraries

Compiled by

NinaAlbania and Montenegro travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day the Balkans Itinerary, incl. Kotor and Pristina

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Starting in Kotor, Montenegro

    Start your Balkans adventure in the medieval city of Kotor. Walk through the UNESCO-listed old town in the evening to get your bearings and explore the limestone streets. On day two, take a morning boat tour of Kotor Bay to Perast. Start early to avoid afternoon winds that make the water rough. The boat tour takes about 2 hours, giving you the afternoon to try sea kayaking or visit the maritime museum.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Montenegro's Mountains and National Parks

    Travel inland to Zabljak and Biogradska Gora National Park. The drive from Kotor takes about 3 hours on mountain roads. Pack motion sickness pills if you need them. At Biogradska Gora, you can walk around the glacial lake or rent boats for about $10/hour. Take a 4x4 trip from Kolašin for great mountain views, but be ready for bumpy terrain. Wrap up in Podgorica to see modern Montenegro.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Northern Albania

    Enter Albania at Shkodër and visit Rozafa Castle for amazing views. Wear good shoes since the castle steps can be slippery. You'll see the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge and historic buildings on the walking tour. Stop in the mountain town of Kruje on your way to Tirana to browse its 500-year-old bazaar. A recent visitor shared: "The traditional market in Kruje was a highlight—much more authentic than the tourist shops in Tirana."

    
  • Days 9-14

    Albanian Coast and Heritage Cities

    Take the scenic Albanian Riviera route from Vlorë to Gjirokastër. The coastal drive is about 4 hours with beach and sightseeing stops. Visit the UNESCO site of Butrint but bring water and sun protection since there's little shade. Stay in Berat's old town, where narrow cobbled streets lead to local restaurants. Pack light because many guesthouses don't have elevators in these historic areas.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Lake Ohrid and North Macedonia

    Visit Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, one of Europe's oldest lakes. Take a lake cruise to see the town's 365 churches. Go early for the best photo light. Travel to Skopje through wine country and stop for local wine tastings. The Skopje fortress walk needs some fitness but gives you great city views.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Finishing in Kosovo

    End in Kosovo by exploring Prizren's Ottoman buildings before going to Pristina. Walk up to Prizren fortress for sunset but bring a flashlight for coming down. Pristina mixes modern cafes with historic mosques. Remember to bring euros for Kosovo while other countries use different money.

    

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• 21 Day the Balkans Itinerary, incl. Sarajevo and Tirana

  A comprehensive multi-week route through Montenegro and Albania unfolds with carefully planned overnight stays in iconic locations including Kotor, Budva, Shkoder, and scenic coastal towns.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights

    Start your journey in Sarajevo. The city blends Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture in a unique way that shows its rich history. Visit the historical center first and take the funicular for city views. Go to the cathedral early to avoid crowds. The next day, drive 2 hours to see the Bosnian Pyramid, then visit the medieval Travnik fortress. Spend your last two nights in Jajce exploring the UNESCO old town and its impressive 21-meter waterfall.

    
  • Days 4-8

    Southern Bosnia

    Stay in Mostar for two nights to see the famous UNESCO bridge and historic center. "Visit the bridge after 4pm when most tour buses leave - the light is perfect for photos and you'll have more space to explore," suggests a local guide. Take day trips to Kravica waterfall and the medieval town of Počitelj. Move on to Trebinje for two nights to visit local wineries and Tvrdoš Monastery.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Montenegro Coast

    Cross into Montenegro for three days along the coast. Spend a full day in Kotor's UNESCO old town. Climb the fortress walls early to avoid crowds and heat. Visit Perast and Risan to learn about their sea history and see Roman mosaics. Stay in Budva but know it gets crowded in summer. As one traveler notes: "The back streets of old town Budva are much quieter and more authentic than the main tourist strips."

    
  • Days 12-15

    Northern Albania

    Enter Albania through Shkodër and visit Rozafa fortress. Explore Krujë's old bazaar before going to ancient Durrës. Stop in UNESCO-listed Berat, the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' for two nights. Take time to see the castle and Ottoman architecture. Book a local guesthouse in the old town for the best experience.

    
  • Days 16-21

    Southern Albania Circuit

    Visit UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër and its castle with valley views. Spend two nights in coastal Sarandë to see ancient Butrint (go early to beat the heat) and Ksamil's beaches. Travel north along the Albanian Riviera, stopping at Borsh and Himarë's castles. End your trip in Tirana. Take time to see the Blloku district and sites from the communist era.

    

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• 20 Day the Balkans Itinerary, incl. Sarajevo and Kotor

  A carefully crafted Balkan itinerary combines Albania and Montenegro's richest experiences, with most meals and lodging included. The schedule balances guided excursions and personal time across coastal cities, medieval towns, and mountain havens.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina

    Start your journey in historic Trebinje with its narrow streets and Ottoman architecture. Visit the organic market early on day 2 around 8:30 AM when local farmers bring in fresh produce. Plan an afternoon visit to a women-run apiary and a family cheese-making farm. Bring light layers since mountain mornings can be cool even in summer.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mostar Region

    Take a 30-minute drive to Čitluk to see the UNESCO-listed necropolis tombstones at Stolac and Kravica waterfall. In Mostar wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. Visit the Old Bridge early or late to avoid crowds and get better photos. A recent visitor shared: "The bridge area gets incredibly busy between 11 AM-4 PM. Go for sunrise instead - the light is magical and you'll have the place almost to yourself."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Sarajevo

    Stop at Tito's Bunker on your 90-minute drive from Mostar before spending two days in Bosnia's capital. Join walking tours focused on war history and local food. Book tunnel and museum visits ahead during peak season (July-August). Visit the historic Baščaršija district in late afternoon when it's cooler and locals gather for coffee.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Kotor & Montenegro Coast

    Enter Montenegro and stay in UNESCO-listed Kotor. Take a morning boat tour before afternoon winds pick up. Climb the fortress walls early for bay views. It's a steep 1,350-step climb that gets hot after 10 AM. On day 9 head to Žabljak near Durmitor National Park for a mountain stay.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Montenegro's Interior

    Take a 4x4 adventure from Kolašin through the rugged interior. Consider motion sickness pills if needed. Explore Podgorica's old town Ottoman heritage and enjoy evening walks along the river.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Northern Albania

    Visit Theth National Park's landscapes in Albania. Bring proper hiking boots for the Grunas Waterfall trail. In Shkodër visit Rozafa Castle in the morning for good light and fewer people. Watch your step on the uneven castle stairs.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Albanian Riviera

    Head south along the coast to Vlorë and Gjirokastër. Stop at Ali Pasha Castle which inspired parts of "The Count of Monte Cristo." Bring extra water and sun protection for mountain hikes. The Albanian sun is strong even outside peak season.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Berat to Tirana

    Explore Berat's Ottoman architecture before finishing in Tirana. Allow extra time for airport transfers due to unpredictable traffic. Book flights after 2 PM to account for delays.

    

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