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Montenegro & Albania: Balkans Adventure

An invigorating gay Montenegro & Albania hike through relatively undiscovered national parks.

Find out why the up-and-coming Balkans are making waves among the travel cognoscenti on this big gay Montenegro trek. Things kick off in UNESCO-listed Kotor Bay where we’ll tour Medieval monasteries and photograph fortified island cities. Then we’ll swerve inland to enjoy the relatively untouched mountain forests of both Montenegro and Albania—one of the last reserves for brown bears and wolves on continental Europe. It’s here we’ll spend the bulk of the tour losing our breath during scenic hikes, private boat tours and one particularly exhilarating white water rafting experience. 

Please note: This tour can be easily paired with some of our Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise departures.


Quick Facts

  • Who's it for? Gay men, friends and family
  • Countries visited: Albania, Montenegro
  • Duration: 8 Nights/9 Days
  • Starts in: Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • Ends in: Tirana, Albania
  • Group size: Min 6; max 16
  • Accommodations: 3- & 4-star hotels as well as one night at a rafting camp
  • Physical Rating: 3.5/5
  • Theme: Active
  • Activities: Hiking, Rafting, Swimming, UNESCO Site Visit

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Trek some of Europe’s most undiscovered National Parks and protected forests
  • Rip’n’ride your way through one of Europe’s deepest canyons on a white water rafting experience
  • Drive around Kotor Bay, stopping in quaint villages to discover Montenegrin culture
  • Wander the medieval streets of Kotor, one of the Adriatic’s most photogenic cities
  • Savour the unforgettable view of Valboa Valley during an Albania picnic lunch
  • Dive into Skadar Lake’s glistening waters during a private boat tour
  • Relax aboard a scenic ferry ride through the towering Koman channel
  • Learn about both Montenegro and Albania’s unique histories on private city tours

DATES AND PRICES

2024
July 21-29, 2024 (From $4,495 USD)
ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!
  • Tour Prices - All tour prices are in USD and based on double/twin occupancy
    • Tour Price: $4,495.00 per person
  • Single Supplement (Optional) - All single supplement prices are in USD and additional to the tour price
    • Single Supplement: $675.00 per person
  • Payment Terms: $750 Deposit - Balance Due 60 Days Before Departure
  • Guides and Hosts for this trip: Gabor Laszlo
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Tour Map

ITINERARY

Day 1 Dubrovnik to Kotor

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik, Croatia! While some travellers will have just disembarked our Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise, others will have just arrived. Around 11AM we’ll gather for a short welcome meeting before boarding our 5-hour private transfer to the walled city of Kotor, Montenegro. The UNESCO-listed city was built by the Romans and later improved by Venetians. After meandering the old town free to relax at the hotel or explore this Adriatic city before our official Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 Kotor

Good morning, Gentlemen! We have a big day ahead of us. After a hearty breakfast, we’re off to Lovcen National Park. Enroute we’ll drive the famous serpentines road—25km/15.5mi of snaking road up the mountainside. At the national park’s gate we’ll continue on foot, slowly climbing to the Mausoleum of Njegus, aka Montenegro’s most important ruler. We’ll take a few minutes here to enjoy the spectacular vantage of Kotor Bay and its surrounding villages. We’ll catch our ride down, descending through quaint villages, stopping to taste local cheese and ham before arriving at the government-protected Skadar Lake. To best enjoy this reserve, we’ll cruise the bay aboard a private boat, stopping for an occasional dip in the crystal clear waters. Our day ends back in Kotor where a fantastic local dinner awaits.
Ascent: 410m/1350ft
Descent: 410m/1350ft
Distance: 8.8km/5.5mi
Approximate hiking time: 3h, 30m

Day 3 Tara

Another early morning awaits as we bid the Adriatic adieu and enjoy a scenic drive to the northern highlands. It’s in this hilly landscape we’ll find Tara, one of Europe’s deepest canyons. The natural wonder stretches 82km/51mi between the Bosnian, Herzegovinian and Montenegrin border. After unpacking at our adorable log cabin, we’ll gear up for an exhilarating white water rafting adventure—no experience necessary. Together we’ll battle the canyon’s waves and conquer her plentiful rapids. Lunch awaits us back at our accommodation before an optional afternoon hike through thick, relatively untouched forest. We’ll conclude the day with a delicious Montenegrin dinner at the cabin.

Day 4 Zabljak

After rippin’ and ridin’ our way through Tara, you may be thankful for today’s relatively calm itinerary. Aboard our private transfer we’ll navigate the beautiful albeit tricky terrain towards the village of Zabljak, often using man-made, WWII tunnels to bypass hills and mountains. Along the way we’ll stop in villages untouched by time, touring ‘Katune’ (small houses) and tasting local, regional cheese. Our local guide will also point out bakeries for a quick grab-and-go lunch. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a rewarding hike around the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, as well as stopping at lookout points and famous sites before arriving in our magnificently minimalist hotel. A local dinner awaits us this evening.
Ascent: Minimal
Descent: Minimal
Distance: 3.5km/2.2mi
Approximate hiking time: 1hr, 30m

Day 5 Mojkovac

Another day, another gorgeous national park! Today we explore Biodradsko Jezero, famous for its glistening glacial lake. What’s unique about the lake is its ability to literally double in size, depending on the weather. After a short stroll and a few inevitable group photos, you’ll have some free time for a refreshing swim (weather permitting). Afterwards we continue driving towards the mining town of Mojkovac with a quick lunch enroute. Enjoy a free evening indulging in our resort and spa’s many affordable treatments. Later you can enjoy an evening on your own, or join the group for an optional dinner.

Day 6 Theth

Today we’ll follow the river Moraca towards Moraca Monastery, enjoying the canyon views along the way. After a short stop at the monastery, we’ll dive into the refreshing pools below Nijagari Waterfalls. Finally we’ll enter neighboring Albania and drive to our accommodation located just outside the small village of Theth. After dropping off our luggage and grabbing a quick lunch, we’ll drive a stone’s throw south to begin the Blue Eye Lake hike. Tonight you have the option of exploring this quiet area on your own or joining an optional group dinner.
Ascent: 135m/440ft
Descent: 135m/440ft
Distance: 2.25km
Approximate hiking time: 2hrs max

Day 7 Valbona

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for our most taxing (but extremely rewarding!) hike on tour. After packing up our private transfer, we’ll drive east to Valbona Valley. It’s here we’ll grab our day packs and embark on our stunning adventure. You’ll be mesmerized by the sweeping views, towering mountains, and the fairy tale Rrogam river. We’ll enjoy an unforgettable picnic lunch from an ideal lookout point. After a full day of hiking, we’ll likely roll up to our accommodation tonight on the later side, which is why we’ve prearranged an easy included dinner.
Ascent: 1000m/3280ft
Descent: 1000m/3280ft
Distance: 13.9km/8.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 8+ hr

Day 8 Tirana

This morning we’ll enjoy an early breakfast before making the exciting journey to Tirana, Albania’s up-and-coming capital. But first we’ll drive to Fierza where we’ll catch a ferry to Koman. The boat ride can take three hours as it navigates through the narrow waters in between mountains and hills. From Koman we’ll continue by shuttle to Tirana. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a private tour of the city that only shook the dust of communism off in 1991. Tonight we’ll enjoy our final Farewell Dinner at a delicious Albanian restaurant.

Day 9 Departure

As the final day of our tour, there are no activities planned. Please check with your local guide to find out when to meet your included airport transfer. Safe travels, and thank you for joining our gay Albania & Montenegro tour!


GUIDES AND HOSTS

HOST

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 1 Group Leader and 1 Out Adventures Host from beginning to end of tour
  • Arrival & departure transfers to/from Out Adventures’ joining/finishing point hotel
  • Private air-conditioned transportation with bottled water onboard
  • Breakfast daily, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners 
  • Gratuities for included meals, drivers, airport transfers and porters
  • All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • All park fees and rental equipment for included activities
  • A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees. Read more here.

WHAT ISN’T INCLUDED?

  • International airfare
  • Entry visa costs
  • International airport departure tax
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all travellers. Click here for more details.
  • Gratuities for your Host & Group Leader (budget $130-$180 USD)
  • Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Beverages at all included meals
  • Items of a personal nature
  • COVID-19 rapid tests, or any expenses related to a guest contracting COVID-19. Click here for more details.

LGBT INFO FOR Montenegro

LGBT INFO FOR Albania

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

What to bring, visa information, required
vaccinations, travel insurance and more.
TELL ME EVERYTHING!

EXAMPLES OF ACCOMMODATIONS

Bay of Kotor
MonteBay Perla
Terrace
Bay of Kotor
MonteBay Perla
Outdoor Lounge
Bay of Kotor
MonteBay Perla
Standard Room
Bay of Kotor
MonteBay Perla
Bathroom
Tara
Blue River Lodge
Exterior
Tara
Blue River Lodge
Dining Area
Tara
Blue River Lodge
Standard Room
Zabljak
Hotel Polar Star
Exterior
Zabljak
Hotel Polar Star
Standard Room
Zabljak
Hotel Polar Star
Standard Room
Zabljak
Hotel Polar Star
Bathroom
Mojkovac
Bianca Resort & Spa
Exterior
Mojkovac
Bianca Resort & Spa
Superior Room
Mojkovac
Bianca Resort & Spa
Pool
Mojkovac
Bianca Resort & Spa
Dining Room
Theth
Hotel Kulla e Bajraktarit
Exterior
Theth
Hotel Kulla e Bajraktarit
Pool
Theth
Hotel Kulla e Bajraktarit
Double Room w/ Balcony
Theth
Hotel Kulla e Bajraktarit
Double Room w/ Balcony
Theth
Hotel Kulla e Bajraktarit
Bathroom
Valbona
Hotel Margjeka
Exterior
Valbona
Hotel Margjeka
Dining Area
Valbona
Hotel Margjeka
Standard Room
Valbona
Hotel Margjeka
Terrace
Tirana
Sky Hotel
Exterior
Tirana
Sky Hotel
Lobby
Tirana
Sky Hotel
Standard Room


Reviews

Some from our travellers

Dominic G

Great opportunity to experience this part of the world
Montenegro & Albania: Balkans Adventure
Rating:

Great opportunity to experience this part of the world before others catch on and people start to swarm here. We had a very charismatic and intelligent guide that contributed to making the trip special. (photo courtesy of domonthego.com)

ACCOMMODATIONS:
TRANSPORTATION:
MEALS:
GUIDE:
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We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

Who's it for?

While these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.

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Accommodations

All accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.

3-Star Hotels: Comfortable and quaint rooms along with some amenities such as a restaurant and/or bar. Customer service is good, and there is usually a concierge. Accommodation options in the remote mountain villages are very limited, and some properties don’t have air conditioning (but are comfortable in the cooler nights).

4-Star Hotels: Very comfortable and well-decorated rooms along with quality amenities such as a stylish restaurant and/or bar, a fitness centre, and a pool/sauna. Customer service is very good, and there is usually a concierge.

Rafting Camp: Comfortable but minimalist rooms, the space is similar in style to a modern chalet or lodge.

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This trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.

If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.

If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.

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This departure is open for booking!

This trip is available but we are close to departure and will need to confirm services such as hotels and activities before confirming you on the trip. The process can take up to 5 business days. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please complete the On Request Booking form and one of our team members will get back to you with next steps.

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