Balkan Beauty: Albania & Montenegro 2026

Dates: June 25th – July 3rd , 2026

Tirana– Shkoder– Valbona– Budva– Berat

Let’s go to the Balkans this summer! Picture alpine lakes, sun-drenched coastlines, fortress hikes, and local wine tastings in the hills of Albania and Montenegro. We’ll cruise through fjords, cook traditional dishes in castle kitchens, and enjoy sunsets from mountain cable cars. This is the ultimate summer girls trip!

– The first 8 spots that are booked save $100 –

9 Days/8 Nights
8-20 Spots
Double occupancy in 3 & 4-star hotels + 1 cozy guesthouse
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 5 dinners included
Fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Fly out of Tirana International Airport (TIA)

Only a 25% deposit is required to book your spot on this trip. You can make payments as you like until 60 days prior to the trip. All payments are due 60 days prior to June 25th, 2026.

Read the FAQ! Have any other questions? Contact Rachel via Email or Instagram (@RachelLIkesTraveling or [email protected]). Instagram is the quickest place to get a response.

Overview

Itinerary

Whats Included?

FAQs

Overview

Get ready for an unforgettable 9-day adventure through the heart of the Balkans!

We’re exploring two of Europe’s best-kept secrets — Albania and Montenegro — where wild mountains meet turquoise coastlines and centuries-old culture is everywhere you turn.
We’ll hike through the dramatic peaks of the Albanian Alps, ride a cable car with sweeping views over the Bay of Kotor, and cruise along Montenegro’s dreamy coastline. In Berat, we’ll step into a castle-side kitchen to learn traditional Albanian recipes. From Ottoman old towns to hidden swimming spots, this trip blends adventure, food, and local flavor in all the best ways.

✨ Trip Highlights
– Hike the epic Valbona Valley Trail in the heart of the Albanian Alps
– Cruise across Koman Lake — often called the “Norwegian fjords” of Albania
– Ride the Lovćen cable car and alpine coaster with jaw-dropping views over the Bay of Kotor
– Explore the cobblestone streets of Budva and swim in Montenegro’s crystal-clear waters
– Spend a day on a private boat discovering Montenegro’s best beaches and coastal villages
– Learn to cook traditional Albanian dishes in a hands-on cooking class in Berat
– Stroll through UNESCO-listed towns like Berat and explore their unique Ottoman architecture
– Tirana’s colorful streets, lively markets, and history-rich museums

Highlights

Cruise through Albania’s fjord-like Lake Koman
Spend the night in a cozy guesthouse in the Valbona Valley
Hike to the Kotor Fortress at sunrise (optional but iconic)
Take a private boat through the Bay of Kotor
Ride the Lovćen cable car at sunset for panoramic views
Enjoy a full free day in Budva to relax, explore, or take an optional day trip to Mostar, Bosnia
Learn to cook a traditional Albanian meal inside Berat Castle
Sip wine at a family-run vineyard with views over the hills
Wander the Ottoman-era streets of Berat and Shkoder
Share slow mornings, golden hour dinners, and once-in-a-lifetime moments with an amazing crew of women

Day 01 :

June 25th - Welcome to Albania!

Welcome to the Balkans! Once you land in Tirana, we’ll start out by heading north to the colorful city of Shkoder, where you’ll get a feel for Albanian hospitality right away. If you arrive before noon, you’re invited to join an the group on a visit to Rozafa Castle, one of Albania’s most iconic landmarks with sweeping views over the city and countryside. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner to kick off the adventure and meet the rest of the group.

Arrival Tip: Please plan to land in Tirana (TIA) by 3:00 PM at the latest to join the included group transfer to Shkodër and make it in time to freshen up and join the welcome dinner

Overnight: Shkoder

Inclusions: Airport pickup, Rozafa Castle with guide, welcome dinner

Dinner

Day 02 :

June 26th - Lake Koman Ferry + Valbona Hike

After breakfast, we’ll drive into the mountains and board the Lake Koman ferry, gliding through one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. Towering cliffs, mirrored water, and total quiet make this a trip highlight. Once we arrive, we’ll head to Valbona Valley, where we’ll check in to our guesthouse and go on a light 2-hour guided hike along the river trail. Tonight’s group dinner is fresh, local, and served mountainside.

Overnight: Valbona (guesthouse)
Inclusions: Breakfast, ferry ride, private transfer, guided hike, group dinner

Breakfast

Day 03 :

June 27th - Cross Into Montenegro

We’ll wave goodbye to the Alps and begin our drive west into Montenegro. After taking a relaxing ferry ride back across the lake soaking in all the views we will head for the border crossing then continue toward the Adriatic coast, arriving in the medieval seaside town of Budva. You’ll have time to check in, stretch your legs, and join the group for dinner by the water.

Overnight: Budva
Inclusions: Breakfast, Ferry across Lake Komani, Private transfer to Montenegro, Group dinner

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 04 :

June 28th - Fortress Hike, Kotor Bay Cruise + Sunset Cable Car

We’ll start the day with an optional sunrise hike to the Kotor Fortress short, steep, and totally worth the panoramic view. After breakfast, we’ll take a private boat around the Bay of Kotor, stopping in Perast and other hidden spots for swimming, photos, and enjoying the amazing Adriatic sea!

After our day on the water we’ll go ride the Lovćen cable car & Alpine Coaster just in time for sunset! If the skies are clear, this is one of the most magical moments of the trip. After soaking it in, we’ll head back to Budva for a relaxed evening where you can have a late dinner.

Overnight: Budva
Inclusions: Breakfast, Optional sunrise Fortress hike, Private boat tour, Cable car ticket, Alpine Coaster, Round-trip transfers

Breakfast

Day 05 :

June 29th - Free Day in Budva

You get to choose your own adventure today. Sleep in, lounge at one of the many beach clubs to get in more beach time, book a massage, or even consider booking a day trip to a 3rd country – Bosnia, where you could visit Mostar and the beautiful Kravica waterfalls. Whether you want extra adventure or total chill, this day gives you the space to have it.

Overnight: Budva

Inclusions: Breakfast

Breakfast

Day 06 :

June 30th - Scenic Transfer to Berat

Enjoy breakfast and one more morning along the Adriatic coastline. Around lunchtime we’ll head south and cross back into Albania, stopping in the mountaintop town of Krujë. You’ll have time to walk the Ottoman-style bazaar, pick up souvenirs, or grab a quick lunch with a view. By evening, we’ll arrive in Berat, a UNESCO city with white Ottoman homes stacked up the hillside.

Overnight: Berat
Inclusions: Breakfast, private transfer with Krujë stop

Breakfast

Day 07 :

July 1st - Cooking Class + Wine Tasting in Berat

Today is all about experiencing the local culture and what better way to do that then with food and wine? We’ll dive into local flavor with a hands-on Albanian cooking class, learning a traditional recipe passed down by our host. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a family-run vineyard for a wine tasting with views over the valley. The rest of the evening is yours to wander Berat’s winding stone alleys, shop for handmade ceramics, or find a quiet spot for dinner.

Overnight: Berat
Inclusions: Breakfast, cooking class, wine tasting

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 08 :

July 2nd - Return to Tirana + Farewell Dinner

We’ll head to Tirana, Albania’s capital, for one last night together. Once we’ve arrived in Tirana you’ll have the afternoon free to visit Bunk’Art, shop the New Bazaar, or sip coffee in one of the city’s colorful neighborhoods. That evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner and toast the incredible week we’ve shared.

Overnight: Tirana

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private transfer to Tirana, Farewell dinner

Breakfast

Day 09 :

July 3rd - Departure Day

Its not goodbye but see you later! We will organize airport transfers based on the groups flight time. You’ll head home with a full camera roll, new travel besties, and a million memories!

Included: Breakfast, 3 shared Airport Transfers after 8am

Breakfast

FAQs

Expand all

Are flight included?

No, all international flights are not included.

Do i get to pick my roommate?

Yes! if you’re signing up with a friend just let me know and you will be put together. If you end up connecting with one of the girls before the trip and decide to room together we can put you together too.

Otherwise I place girls together based on a small roommate survey I send out before the trip. The goal is to put you with a like minded roommate that’s going to make your trip even better. Surprisingly enough, some of my roommate matches have ended up traveling with each other outside these trips, which we think is pretty cool.

Should I buy Travel Insurance?

Yes Travel Insurance is required for this trip.
$150,000 is the minimum medical coverage we recommend.

Travel Insurance quotes can be gotten anywhere online, from past experience of dealing with claims we love these two companies:
Travel Guard by AIG
World Nomads

What is the cancellation policy?

The minimum number of girls for this trip is 8. Once we reach 8, the 25% deposit is no longer refundable as we book our hotels, activities, etc. at that point. If we don’t reach the minimum number of people, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel your trip more than 60 days prior to the trip your 25% deposit is non-refundable but can be used for future Adventuring for Life trips minus a $100 cancellation fee. Anything over the 25% will be refunded automatically.

The trip credit must be used within 12 months of cancellation.

The trip is 100% non-refundable 60 days prior to the trip.

What is the average age range for these trips?

The average age on most trips is 25-45 but don’t let that discourage you from signing up. “46” doesn’t mean you’re too old to enjoy a trip. What I like to tell everyone before signing up is to make sure they’re ok with possibly traveling with people that are 21, that they may be the only “person their age” but also if you’re down to have fun and you do believe that age is just a number. You’re the perfect time of person for these trips. My trips are pretty high energy, pretty fast paced and fun – lots of fun. I just tell everyone to have an open mind and come to have a blast. We aren’t sitting down and relaxing by the pool for 7 days, we’re seeing the world!

Balkan Beauty: Albania & Montenegro 2026

Dates: June 25th – July 3rd , 2026

Tirana– Shkoder– Valbona– Budva– Berat

Overview

Itinerary

Whats Included?

FAQs

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Inclusions

Everything Included on the trip!

Exclusions

FAQs

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