Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica
Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica
Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica
10 Days Starting in Split and ending in Tirana
Visiting: Split, Blidinje Nature Park, Bjelasnica mountains / Sarajevo, Durmitor National Park, Prokletije Mountains, Accursed Mountains, Tirana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZMXH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
High
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3090
$2855 (USD)
Operator discount: -$154
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$81
Tour Overview
Get your heart racing on this hiking trip that spans four countries and highlights some of the most incredible scenery across the Western Balkans. The Dinaric Alps stretch some 2,000 kilometres across Italy, through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, to the south-eastern part of Albania. You’ll discover some of the best bits of this breathtaking mountain range. Start out in the sun-kissed port-side hub of Split in Croatia. Then, pull on your walking shoes for an evening hike through Blidinje Nature Park, watch on as wild horses gallop through the countryside near Cincar Mountain and explore the fascinating city of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll hike through Durmitor National Park and admire its glacial lakes and never-ending pine forests in Montenegro. And finally, take on the Valbona-Theth hiking trail in the Albanian Alps with a scenic mountain-framed ferry ride like no other to end your trip. With history, culture, nature and a little adventure all wrapped up into one epic trip – we think it’s time you join us on this hiking journey through the Dinaric Alps.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Split
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Pozdrav! Welcome to Croatia. This Mediterranean paradise might be best-known for its island-dotted coastline but it’s filled with a surprising charm, intriguing history and leafy green goodness that will be sure to delight you. Our trip starts in the glistening port hub of Split, lapped by the Adriatic Sea, with local produce stalls, cobblestone laneways and ancient buildings topped by iconic Croatian rust-tiled roofs. Your Intrepid trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll get to know your new travel companions and locally based leader. If you arrive in town early, why not wander along the waterfront, grab yourself a fresh gelato and soak up the Mediterranean sun or head to the Old Town and marvel at its Ancient Roman Architecture juxtaposed against modern museums, shops and homes. If one day here just doesn’t seem like enough (we don’t blame you), we can arrange extra night’s accommodation at the start of your trip, subject to availability.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Blidinje Nature Park
Location: Blidinje Nature Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wake up early and hit the road toward neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our first stop will be in Blidinje, where you’ll have a little free time to explore before our adventure really begins on a hike through to Hajdučka Vrata (Outlaw's gate). You’ll hike the Dinaric Alps as the sun sets with a certified Mountain Guide (who holds mountain rescue qualifications) and your local leader, both there to ensure your safety. One of the highlights of this trek is that night begins to fall just at the end of the walk – giving you a special opportunity to stargaze from the Alps. Make sure you pack a trusty head lamp (perhaps, with spare batteries) and walking poles for extra support.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Blidinje Nature Park
Location: Blidinje Nature Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wake up without an alarm today and have a well-deserved rest after last night’s hike. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast before we hit the road to your next accommodation spot and prepare for another epic hike in the surrounding mountains. Today, you’ll take on Cincar Mountain to meet its local herd of wild horses. Yep, you read that right. You’ll be accompanied by local experts who know the horses favourite hang-out spots. The southern parts of Cincar Mountain are home to more than 700 wild horses, with endless meadows, wide open space and fresh mountain air to sustain them, they’ve been here for more than half a century. Today’s hike will be relatively easy, it’ll be the sight of these majestic animals that takes your breath away. Watching wild horses galloping freely with mountain peaks behind them is a sight (and feeling) that you won’t soon forget.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Bjelasnica Mountains / Sarajevo
Location: Bjelasnica mountains / Sarajevo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
You’ll be up bright and early this morning to hit the road toward the village of Umoljani where our next hike, in Bjelašnica Mountain area, will kick off. With more than 40km of ski slopes in this area, Bjelašnica Mountain hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984 which were deemed ‘the best in history’ by the International Olympic Committee. So, it’s safe to say today’s terrain is the kind of take-your-breath-away alpine scenery you could only dream of. Your hike will be along a loop trail that crosses through the highest and most remote village in Bosnia – Lukomir. You’ll get the opportunity to hang out with the locals here; you’ll share lunch, laughs, local cheese and, of course, Bosnian coffee. Coffee-lovers assemble; the rich (exceptionally strong), chocolatey brew is rather addictive and to make things even sweeter – it's often served with a portion of Turkish Delight. This village is particularly charming; at 1,500m above sea level, it’s unique for its centuries old stone houses and traditional dress. You’ll discover fascinating history, culture and architecture during your pitstop here. After some time learning more about local life, you’ll hike the loop back to our private vehicle and we’ll set our sights on Sarajevo for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Durmitor National Park
Location: Durmitor National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Sarajevo – trust us, you’ll welcome every minute in this fascinating city. With a short leader-led walk in the morning, you’ll then have time to explore at your leisure. The city first hit the world stage after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife here sparked the beginnings of World War I. Then, in the early 90’s the city was held under siege for almost four years during the Balkan War, perhaps this is something that makes the vibrancy of the people and their spirit shine through so strongly here. You might like to explore the Old Town, sip a local Bosnian coffee, walk across the famous Latin Bridge, or look for the Sarajevo roses – memorials across the city. After some time here, you’ll get ready for our next stop (and next country of the trip) – Montenegro! Try to nab a window seat today, the countryside along the drive is something else.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Durmitor National Park
Location: Durmitor National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, today is all about hitting the mountains! You’ll strap on your adventure boots, and we’ll start our hike from the main entrance of Durmitor National Park. A UNESCO world heritage site, the national park is painted by lyrical landscapes that are traversed by rivers and dotted with richly coloured glacial lakes, charmingly nicknamed the “mountain eyes” by the local inhabitants. The thing about Durmitor National Park is, it’s so vast and so breathtakingly beautiful, we have plenty of trail options for today’s hike. Your expert leader will take on your personal tastes and fitness levels and mix and match the trails here to create an epic day of hiking that the whole group enjoys. Don’t worry, glacial lakes, lush pine forests and fresh alpine air are a guarantee for any trail combination today. Your final climb of the day will get your heartrate up and lead you to one of the best viewpoints overlooking Tara Canyon. Once you reach the top, rest, relax and soak up those views – you've earnt it!
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Prokletije Mountains
Location: Prokletije Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
You’ll set out bright and early this morning for Vusinje, a small village on the border of Montenegro and Albania. From here, you’ll hike towards Karanflii peaks which stand proudly over Grbaja Valley below. You’ll walk along the ridge of the mountains and while the distance isn’t as far as previous days, the elevation gain is significant - pack your walking poles to help you out! The trail winds around Prokletije Mountain and includes Popadija and Talijanka peaks with a front row view of the towering Karanfili peaks in the distance. Sit down to a packed lunch with your fellow adventurers and take a moment to soak it all in before heading to your accommodation in Gusinje in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Accursed Mountains
Location: Accursed Mountains
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Another day, another country to explore. You’ll cross the border into Albania today – the fourth and final country to discover on our Balkan hiking adventure. Our first stop will be in Theth, one of the wanders in Albanian Alps, declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. Lace up your walking shoes for our next walk on the Valbona-Theth hiking trail. This is a signature hike in the region – recognised for the rewarding vistas that sprawl far across the pine-dotted valley below and snow-capped Albanian Alps above. After a day on your feet, retire to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley where you’ll be treated to an authentic dinner with your group. Put your feet up and reflect on all of the hiking you’ve achieved in the last week.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast today, you’ll enjoy a scenic private boat ride to Koman. Surrounded by mountains that seem to dive directly into the turquoise water of the lake, the 2.5 hour cruise will be just as much about the journey as the destination. It’s a nice opportunity to rest your legs and sit back to enjoy one of Mother Nature’s best shows. Halfway through, our boat will stop for some refreshments, and swim opportunity. Once the boat docks in Koman, you’ll be taken to Tirana by minibus. On arrival, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk around the country’s capital. You’ll have the evening at your leisure – you might like to head to a local restaurant to enjoy one final dinner with your newfound travel friends. Be sure to ask your leader for their best recommendations.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your Balkan hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast today.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Guesthouse (1 night) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners -
Blidinje Nature Park: Hajducka Vrata guided night hike
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Blidinje Nature Park: guided stargazing on Cvrsnica Mountain
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Blidinje Nature Park - hiking with wild horses
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Bjelasnica mountains guided hike
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Lukomir village visit
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Lunch with local Bosnian family
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Prokletije Mountains guided hike: Karanfili peaks
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Durmitor National Park - Lake Trail guided hike
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Albanian Alps: Theth to Valbona guided hike
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Fierza to Koman picturesque ferry trip
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
- Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
- PRIVATE VEHICLES
- All sections of this trip are travelled by private transport. Our vehicles are locally sourced, comfortable and mostly air conditioned, which makes travelling enjoyable. On some days we will be covering long distances, which will make these days feel longer, however spectacular views and interesting stops along the way make up for it.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 01 in Split.
- 2. This trip ends on Day 10 after breakfast in Tirana, and you are free to leave at any time.
- 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability and excludes day 8. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This is a hiking trip so a good level of fitness is a must. The treks are very rewarding but your days will be long (up to 8-9 hours) and you will be hiking up to 20 kilometres a day, with an elevation gain of over 1,000 metres. Please keep in mind, this trip visits remote mountain regions and we may encounter unpredictable weather.
This trip covers 4 countries, so there is a fair amount of driving involved. We’ve planned it well, but make sure you are comfortable with spending up to 4 hours in the seat on any given day.
On day 2 you will hike at night for a special stargazing activity. You must bring a good headlamp with you including spare batteries.
On day 8 we will hike across Accursed mountains on a trail from Teth to Valbone. This hike is approximately 15km long with 850 metres elevation gain and may take up to 7 hours to complete. This is a point-to-point hiking without possibility of shortening it. We will also have no access to transport, so you are required to hike entire distance on that day.
Some of the hikes are point-to-point, without possibility of shortening them. Please read descriptions of hikes carefully to make sure you are comfortable with time, distance and terrain.
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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