Undiscovered Balkans

Name: Undiscovered Balkans
Address: London, GB
Telephone: +442032870015

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Undiscovered Balkans

Amazing Adventures in Europe’s Wildest Corner | Specialist UK tour operator for the Western Balkans

17/06/2024

What a week, launching our North Albania adventure with journalist Laura Sanders with us to write for The Independent. 🙌

It’s hard to know where to begin, the adventures were so great in number and high in quality, let alone reduce them to 10 photos (we took hundreds!).

At Shkodër, we tried traditional weaving with the amazing Nebije and her team of artisans (all wool naturally dyed!). We visited ancient Rozafa castle, met traditional Venetian face mask makers (Shkoder has the largest factory in Europe) and watched the sun dip into the magnificent lake. And not to forget our SUP boarding adventure into Albania’s version of the Amazon (instant spottings of Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant and many Whiskered Tern among other water birds 🐦).

All the while, the Accursed Mountains loomed above ⛰️, and despite their name, they blessed us with sunshine to hike the epic pass between Theth and Valbona. The scenery was phenomenal!

Ending our week at Krujë, we enjoyed traditional Albanian hat making, dancing and a chance to buy handcrafted souvenirs at a still thriving Ottoman-era bazaar.

One big Faleminderit 🙏 to all our local hosts and partners involved, especially Aldo and Eni, our brilliant local guides.

Get in touch now if this looks like your kind of holiday! Full info and booking at the link below. 👇
https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-north-albania-activity-holiday/

14/06/2024

We challenge you to think of anywhere more breathtaking than the Theth to Valbona pass in Albania - especially when it's topped off with a homestay in a traditional kulla (north Albanian house) in Theth.

Take a peak inside our homestay and get to know some of our local hosts on the blog this week 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/theth-to-valbona-guesthouse/

12/06/2024

We're excited to see one of our local fishing villages on the Montenegrin side of Lake Skadar featured in the Daily Telegraph for its "unexpected East Asian charm". Check it out here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/montenegro/montenegrin-fishing-village-east-asian

Journalist Jennifer Ratcliffe describes Karuč as feeling "a world away" with its ancient stone cottages, traditional čun boats, and lakes covered with water lilies.

And Karuč isn't the only gem—this description fits many of the fishing settlements along Lake Skadar's shores. When we first discovered Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkans, we were struck by its Southeast Asian echoes. We couldn't believe such exotic beauty was right here in Europe.

Imagine karst limestone mountains and islets straight out of a Chinese ink painting. Picture water lilies and wooden fishing boats reminiscent of Vietnam, Burma, or Cambodia. It was no surprise to learn that Lake Skadar had been used as a stand-in for China in an Italian film!

We love seeing our guests experience the same awe we felt when we first encountered this breathtaking, exotic landscape—without the need for a long-haul flight!

Join us for a Lake Skadar holiday this autumn or next year to explore all the best spots! Click the link for more details:
👉 https://undiscoveredmontenegro.com/tours/multi-activity-holiday-lake-skadar

Photos by our co-founder Emma

10/06/2024

If we were to bet, we’d wager you haven’t been to Serbia yet (big exception for our followers in the Balkans 🤗).

Curious to know what’s there? To help, we’ve put together a list of things you probably didn’t know about this glorious southeast European country. Find it by clicking the link below. 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/serbia-interesting-facts/

03/06/2024

We’re excited to be bringing travel journalist Laura Sanders to Shkodër this week for our new North Albania trip!

Known as Albania’s cycling city (almost everyone cycles here), Shkodër was once the capital of an ancient kingdom, with legends to match.

It’s also located right on the shores of southern Europe’s largest lake, with alpine mountains and Adriatic Sea a stone’s throw away.

We’ll be making the most of this fabulous location with multiple adventures, SUP-boarding, glamping and also hiking in the nearby “Albanian Alps”. Stay tuned!

Find out more about this trip, and book at the link below. 👇
https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-north-albania-activity-holiday/

31/05/2024

Curious to know what a first-time adventurer might say about our holidays?

'My typical holiday involves relaxing on the beach and feeding myself with lots of nice things,' says Carly who experienced her first adventure travel holiday with us this month.

We're so touched by what she told us about her experiences, that we asked her to blog about it to inspire others to try something new 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/first-time-adventure-travel-solo-adult/

29/05/2024

Legendary travel magazine 'Wanderlust' has published its Travel Green List for 2024, and we're thrilled to be included as one of the 'Tour operators making a difference'!

The June/July issue features us on its pages for tours that "help tackle overtourism", diverting tourists away from hotspots like Dubrovnik, and instead "introduce visitors to more rural, less-trodden destinations across the region."

Whether its at Lake Skadar, straddling the Montenegro-Albania border, where our business began, or our newer destinations like Western Serbia, Bosnia and Albania, our mission has always been to help local communities and businesses flourish, while taking our guests on amazing adventures!

It isn't always easy, and it means the world to us to receive this recognition for our passion and work.

The whole Green List is a mightily inspiring read, so check it out at the link below.
👉 https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/travel-green-list-2024/

Thank you Wanderlust Travel Magazine!

27/05/2024

The new Lonely Planet Guide to Montenegro came out this May and we’re in it, recommended for our tours, and eco lodge , near Virpazar. Hurray! 🙌

As former backpackers, is our travel bible, so we’re thrilled to see co-founder Emma interviewed about her favourite spots to kayak at Lake Skadar.

Lonely Planet remains a cut above other guide books. Author has done painstaking research in person to sort the wheat from the chaff (tough job!), and lead you to Montenegro’s good stuff. His writing is hugely entertaining as well as informative. It’s well worth buying a copy ahead of your trip!

24/05/2024

Following the immense success of our first group adventure to Serbia last week, we thought we should introduce you to the man helping us to make it happen, Aleks.

Whether you're booked onto one of our Serbia holidays or you're intrigued by this under-the-radar gem, learn more about Aleks and his homeland on the blog 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/meet-the-team-aleks-serbia

21/05/2024

Serbia, just wow! ✨

Our first group of adventurers there are just back from 7 magical days with highlights like:
🐸 river wading and swimming wild in pristine nature
🥾 hiking misty gorges and pristine forest to gawp at Griffon Vulture and wild Salamander
🍓 munching on wild garlic and strawberries and meeting friendly locals
🛶 kayaking the crystal clear Drina, Bosnia on one side, Serbia the other
💦 abseiling waterfalls for natural highs
😋 stuffing bellies with all sorts of homemade goodness including plentiful shots of rakia (ever been encouraged to down a shot of liqueur at breakfast, by a grandpa? You will on this trip! 😄)
🚂 we even went back in time to ride a narrow-gauge steam train through spectacular scenery!

What a sensational country and people, and not forgetting beautiful, buzzing Belgrade. 🇷🇸

This is a country that should be at the top of your list to visit in Europe for so many reasons. Experience its best on our Undiscovered Serbia week, now open for booking this summer, autumn or next year. Hit the link below for full info and to see our first 5 star reviews 👇
https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-multi-activity-holiday-in-serbia/

11/05/2024

Meet Skender, one of our awesome adventure guides in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Growing up in Sarajevo, Skender has witnessed Bosnia’s many twists and turns and he’s determined to showcase all of the natural beauty and cultures the country has to offer today.

Find out more about Skender and Bosnia on the blog 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/meet-the-team-skender-bosnia/

08/05/2024

Still looking for that perfect adventurous summer family holiday? Albania’s your answer. 😄

The secret is to slow it all down, like we have on our North Albania activity holiday. Our base for the week is Shkodër, one-time capital of Albania and a magical place where you can be SUP-boarding or kayaking on Southern Europe’s largest lake, cycling to hidden beaches, jumping into mountain rivers or hitting the Adriatic coast, all within a half hour’s travel.

These incredible views are from our early morning hike the other week up Mount Tarabosh ⛰️, a peak that looms above the historic city, looking over Rozafa castle, the three rivers Drin, Buna and Kiri, as well as spectacular Shkodër Lake.

Locals like our friend Linda use this trail as a pre-breakfast workout, even in the height of summer – just go at sunrise to be down before the heat! Our tip – leave the kids sleeping 😉, using those moments of early morning calm, or extra shut-eye, to fill everyone’s reserves for the day’s adventures to come. 💦 🛶

Come and discover the magic of Shkodër with us this summer! We still have some spaces to join our family-friendly groups on 2 June, 28 July and 18 August. Hit the link below to find out more and book!
👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-north-albania-activity-holiday/

02/05/2024

Planning an adventure in the Balkans? ⛰️

Having been on the ground here since 2008, we've gotten to know this beautiful region's quirks - and some of the most common mistakes travellers can make when planning a trip here that includes adventure activities.

There are some hints in these photos. Find the full list of what to avoid on our blog this week 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/balkans-adventure-travel-advice/

30/04/2024

Our inaugural Undiscovered Serbia trip is happening soon! 🙌 So excited to have our first group shortly on their way, and we'll be posting updates, so stay tuned.

Serbia is one of Europe’s most underrated countries, boasting a lively capital and reams of unblemished landscapes beckoning to be explored. The crown jewel has to be Tara National Park, considered one of the continent’s best preserved and highest quality forests. We’ll be spending a day and overnight there hiking among beech, pine and fir trees and gazing down on dramatic gorges carved out by the Drina River.

Sound dreamy? Combine Tara hikes with adventures river wading, kayaking, cooking up with locals, and canyoning on our new 7-day Serbia Multi-Activity Holiday. Book now for this June to October at the link below.
👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-multi-activity-holiday-in-serbia/

25/04/2024

Isn’t it time you went kayaking in Montenegro?

Kayaking holidays are popular in Sweden, the US & New Zealand, but until our co-founder Ben came along, nobody saw the potential for this type of adventure at Lake Skadar. It's not just the LARGEST lake in the Balkans, but in the whole of Southern Europe.

Find out what went into creating our epic 7 Day Kayaking & Bushcraft holiday here on the blog this week. 👉https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/kayaking-holidays-montenegro-lake-skadar/

Sound like your kind of adventure? Ben’s offering an exclusive chance to join his small group this June - message us to book. 🙋

23/04/2024

Heard of the Alps? No, not those ones. 😉

We mean the Balkan Alps crossing Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. Much less known, just as extraordinary!

We reckon the 'Accursed Mountains' offer some of the best hiking to be had in Europe, so we're excited to confirm an exclusive week-long expedition there this August that's guaranteed to run. 🙌

Jump aboard our small friendly group of adventurers for:

🥾 The chance to follow the epic Peaks of the Balkans trail with a local expert, crossing borders by foot from Montenegro into Albania with special permission

🥾 Breathtaking scenery with majestic 2,000m plus peaks, lush pastures and crystal clear alpine lakes

🥾 Fascinating culture, from remote villages time forgot to Ottoman-era mosques and some pretty unique traditions (chances of being offered a shot of strong spirits to start your day are excellent!)

🥾 A challenging adventure that rewards - exhilarating hikes, steep ascents, rocky paths, narrow mountain passes, views to knock your socks off

🥾 Wildlife encounters - eyes peeled for chamois, eagles or even an elusive wolf!

🥾 Hut-to-hut stays that benefit the community - our accommodation partners, all locals, will welcome you with open arms and be only too happy to share their culture and stories with you.

Book your spot now! We only have a limited number of spaces on this trip, so message us or visit the link below for full details. 👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/via-dinarica-hiking-montenegro-albania-7-days

18/04/2024

Planning a shoulder season escape? Look no further than the Balkans, which remain gloriously warm in September & October.

From kayaking around Croatia's hidden islands to epic mountain hikes in Albania, find our top picks for shoulder season below. 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/september-holidays-albania-montenegro-croatia/

16/04/2024

Just back from the most amazing trip to North Albania, prepping for our new summer tours! 😍 Here are some of the highlights from our adventures:

🏊‍♀️ Wild swimming in crystal clear, turquoise rivers tucked away in verdant mountains
🌉 Marvelling at impressive Ottoman architecture like the 18th century Mesi Bridge (seriously, even the kids were impressed!)
🍷 Visiting a winery and sipping on a delicious ‘Kelmet’ as the sun set over the Accursed Mountains
🏞️ Hiking to breathtaking views over historic Shkoder city and the vast Shkoder Lake
🍴 Indulging in mouthwatering Albanian cuisine
🧶 Boating and biking our way to a remote lake fishing village to meet traditional weavers (thank you Nebi!)
🏨 Experiencing top-notch hospitality from so many, and especially from our brilliant hosts Linda, Aldo, and Eni - gezuar!

What an unforgettable few days, and we can't wait to do it all over again as we welcome our first groups to experience these hidden treasures and more!

If you love travelling to refreshingly different places with incredible nature and fascinating culture, Albania's north will not disappoint. Get in touch with us now, or visit the link below to book our 7-day Activity Holiday based in Shkoder and Theth!
👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-north-albania-activity-holiday/

12/04/2024

Heading to Belgrade? Perhaps you're joining us on our BRAND NEW Serbia adventure this summer? 🤩

Either way, we've rounded up some of the best things to see and do in the city that are free and family-friendly (but they don't have to be with such a wide range of lively bars 😉).

Check out our local host's top five suggestions on the blog 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/belgrade-things-to-do-free/

05/04/2024

Albania has been likened to Croatia, Greece and even the Maldives lately, but there are so many things that set it apart and make it like nowhere else on Earth.

Here are just a few examples in the photos. Find out what they are in our latest blog post 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/albania-things-to-do-see-eat/

Catch more Albanian inspiration on Channel 4's 'Treasures of the World' series starting tomorrow night with Bettany Hughes!

02/04/2024

Happy April! We’re ready to kick off our adventure season in Bosnia and Herzegovina! 🎉

Our first guests in Montenegro are out today, exploring the stunning landscapes on a hike and wild swim adventure. But right now we’re taking a moment to reminisce about our early season trip to the Skakavac waterfall in the hills above Sarajevo. 🌿

The power of nature was on full display, as we scrambled to reach the spot to see water thundering down a 100m high cliffside. 💦 And even though we got caught in heavy rain on the way back, the memories of that hike will stay with us forever. 🌧️ That smell of wild garlic from the damp forest floor! The feeling of being completely alive. The fact our kids have never been so soaked 😆 (better waterproofs needed!). 🌱

Come and make your own unforgettable memories with us in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Book your adventure now!
👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/bosnia-multi-activity-holiday/

29/03/2024

Montenegro's Tara River is so clean you can actually drink straight from it!💧

But that's usually not the case with rivers and lakes, and traveller's tums can be sensitive even to tap water. It's why we love using our Water-to-Go bottles, which have a filter inside. In fact, we're thrilled to have teamed up to offer you, our clients and followers, an exclusive 15% discount (we recommend the active one).

These aren't just any bottles - not only do they turn any water source into pure drinking water, they're crafted from 100% recyclable materials, ditching the plastic for earth-friendly alternatives. They can even save your life.

Each bottle produces 200 litres of safe water per filter, costing just over 6p per litre – the perfect companion on our adventures in the Balkans or indeed anywhere!

To us, saving money and the planet at the same time is a no-brainer. So if you're ready to plunge into your next adventure with a conscience as clear as the Tara, jump on the link below and order yours 😊 (there's a short wait while production takes place)!

👉 https://watertogo.eu/partnerships/undiscovered-balkans/

26/03/2024

Ready for an adventure? 🌟 Our new Serbia activity holiday is ready to book, and it couldn't pack more amazing experiences into a week.

Starting in the capital of Belgrade, we’ll take a walking tour of the city before heading south for paddle boarding on the Drina river, canyoning, river hiking and exploring the sensational Tara National Park. Add to that a big helping of delicious local food and one of the world’s most unique train journeys and you’ve got the ultimate Serbian adventure.

Whether you’re a couple seeking somewhere different, a family craving bonding time, or a group of friends looking for adventure, this action-packed week promises endless excitement and authentic encounters.

It's so much easier to get to Serbia too, with some great new flight links, and improved night trains across Europe.

So don't delay, make 2024 the year you discover Serbia's lush landscapes and rich culture, preferably on our awesome new activity holiday. Jump on the link below to find out more and book.
👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-multi-activity-holiday-in-serbia/

20/03/2024

Woohoo! It's officially the Spring equinox, meaning more sunshine and longer days! ☀️

To celebrate, we're sharing five gorgeous sun-kissed photos from the Balkans to get you in the mood for some adventures.

Did you know that we have an average of 110 sunny days a year along our long coastline that stretches from Slovenia, all the way to Greece? It's the perfect place for some vitamin D therapy, and who doesn't need some of that?

Check out our activity holidays that will immerse you not just in sunshine, but in the stunning nature and vibrant culture of Balkan countries like Albania, Bosnia and Montenegro. Can't wait to get hiking, kayaking and exploring with you!
👉 www.undiscoveredbalkans.com

Pic 1 - from our Lake Skadar Activity Holiday
Pic 2 - from our North Albania Holiday and Hiking the Albanian Alps
Pic 3 - from our Dalmatia Activity Holiday
Pic 4 - from our Kosovo Activity Holiday
Pic 5 - from our Bosnia Activity Holiday

15/03/2024

If you're travelling with us in Albania, chances are you'll be in the capable hands of Aldo whose passion for Albania is infectious!

We caught up with Aldo to find out what Albania has to offer other than beaches (quite a lot, actually), what food you have to try as a first-timer and where he likes to be a tourist when he's off the clock.

Get to know Aldo in our latest blog post👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/meet-the-team-aldo-albania/

13/03/2024

Still wondering where for your 2024 summer family holiday?

The right-on travel greats at Responsible Travel have tipped the Balkans, and especially the wonders of Albania, after a chat with Emma, our co-founder.

“There’s a buzz about Albania as an under-explored destination in Europe,” she says, “one that offers sun, sea, mountains, lakes, canyons, and a fascinating, friendly culture!” 🇦🇱

Year-on-year, we're seeing more adventurous families choose Albania for an activity holiday, and we couldn't be more excited. It's a destination that rewards in spades, where kids are there to be indulged (and their parents too, Albanian hospitality is legendary! 😄).

Find out more about our family-friendly Albania adventures at the links below. 👇

Best for half-terms and Easter 👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/albania-multi-activity-holiday-7-days/
Best for summer 👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/7-day-north-albania-activity-holiday/
Best for teens 👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/albania-super-multi-active/

Read Responsible Travel's full family travel trends report at the following link (our Montenegro holidays get a shout-out too - thanks RT!). https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/family/travel-guide/family-travel-trends-for-2024

08/03/2024

It's another special day, but we couldn't let this one pass. International Women's Day is HUGE in the Balkans.

Children give roses to their female teachers, and women swap messages of appreciation and love. And so, we want to take this opportunity to spread the love too 🌹.

On the blog today, we're expressing our gratitude to 6 inspiring female activists who are fighting the good fight, protecting the wild spaces are love to visit on holiday that are vital for wildlife and communities.

Read more.👇
https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/international-womens-day-2024-balkan-activists/

07/03/2024

Having sent one Hufflepuff witch and one Minecraft Creeper off to school, it's definitely World Book Day. 📚😆

But seriously, reading inspires us to explore beyond the boundaries of our daily lives, just like travel.

Combine reading with armchair adventures with our pick of nine books to read about the Balkans.
👉 https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/best-books-about-the-balkans

We'll also indulge your armchair travels with these beautiful photos, all destinations from the books you can visit on our tours, from Theth in Albania, and Mount Lovćen in Montenegro, to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgrade in Serbia and Prizren in Kosovo.

With shout-outs to our (living) featured authors and a recommendation to support your local bookshop by buying there:

Lea Ypi
Mary Novakovich
Elizabeth Gowing
Tharik Hussain: Author and Writer

Happy armchair travels everyone! See you in the Balkans. 😄

03/03/2024

Happy World Wildlife Day!

Here are some of our favourite wildlife shots from the Balkans.

Did you get any snaps of the wildlife during a trip with us? We'd love to see them!

Comment below 👇

29/02/2024

This week, our co-founder Emma shared some of her top tips for travelling sustainably with ✨♻️.

Do you worry about your travel footprint? See what Emma has to say in our round-up of top ways to travel responsibly on the blog this week. 👇

https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/sustainable-travel-balkans/

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Videos

It’s never too late for a 2023 recap this magical! Join us in reliving some of our top moments out with guests, exploring the magnificent landscapes of the Balkans, especially Albania 🇦🇱 and Montenegro 🇲🇪. This reel only captures only a small part of the fun we’ve had with some truly brilliant guests. We can’t wait for more, and it seems that a lot of you are with us on that. Enquiries are flying in as more and more people realise the Balkans are one sexy package offering adventure, authenticity and great value! Let’s say cheers to the year past, while looking forward to a 2034 filled with the best kind of travel (preferably out here with us 😄). Hit the following link to learn more about our range of activity holidays in Europe’s wildest corners. 👉🏽https://www.undiscoveredbalkans.com #undiscoveredbalkans #2023recap #balkans #albania #montenegro #visitalbania #travel #adventure #wanderlust

Albania Multi-Activity Holiday | Undiscovered Balkans

Ready for a week of adventure and fun? Get a sneak peek of our Albania Multi-Activity Holiday in our new promo video! From glamping and SUP-boarding at Shkoder Lake to river-wading and mule-trekking near Berat, we'll take you on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Albania's north and south. Plus, you'll get to savour the delicious blend of Mediterranean and Turkish flavours in Albanian cuisine. With our expert local guides and partners, we'll take care of everything so you can just focus on the adventure. Say goodbye to headaches and hello to unforgettable memories! Check out the video and find out more or book at: https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/albania-multi-activity-holiday-7-days/ #undiscoveredbalkans #albania #visitalbania #activityholidays

If ever there were a place to free our minds, this is it! The mesmerising blue of this hidden "eye" in Albania's Northern Alps is unforgettable, as is taking a dip in its bitingly cold waters. 💦 What a wonderful corner of the world to share with our guests. Speaking of which, the video clips are from last week's Albania multi-activity holiday. 🤩 Love taking the path less discovered and escaping the crowds for active, nature-filled adventures? Find out more & book your escape at www.undiscoveredbalkans.com #undiscoveredbalkans #Albania #activityholidays

Skiing & snowboarding in Montenegro | 2022

Courchevel, Val d'Isere and... Montenegro! 🇲🇪 Not your usual choice for a winter holiday, and all the better for it. 😉😄 The snow’s set to stay all through February and March! Book your Montenegro winter escape at: https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/tours/winter-activity-holiday/ Such good times sharing our favourite skiing spot in the Balkans with travel writer Mary Novakovich and photographer Adam Batterbee last week! #undiscoveredbalkans #montenegro #skiing