Berat

Your trip begins in Tirana and heads toward Berat, with a stop in Belsh town to grab coffee by one of its 84 lakes. Once you reach Berat, walk up to the castle hill for a tour that covers the ancient city's history. After lunch (traditional Albanian food with views of the old town), you'll wander through Mangalemi neighborhood checking out the city gate, Pasha's residence, Sultan's Mosque, and Gorica Bridge. The day wraps up with a wine tasting at a local winery.

Ohrid

Leave Berat early for the 3-hour drive to Ohrid, North Macedonia, following the lake most of the way. First stop is Saint Naum monastery, a 1000-year-old spot with nice views over the water. Once in Ohrid, you'll see Tsar Samuel's Fortress, the Ancient Theatre, and the Church of St. Sophia (the frescoes inside are really something). Later in the day, spend time in the Old Bazaar picking up souvenirs and checking out local mosques before settling in for the night.

Skopje

Head toward Skopje with a stop at Matka Canyons, which sits about 16km before the city. A boat tour takes you through the canyon to see caves and a hidden lake. After that, continue into Skopje itself and walk around Macedonia Square, the Art Bridge, and the Old Bazaar to get a feel for the capital's neoclassical architecture spread across the Vardar River.

Kosovo

Travel to Prishtina for a walking tour through the city center, including a visit to the Gazimestan monument that marks the Battle of Kosovo from 1389. From there, move on to Prizren where you'll see Kalaja Fortress, the Albanian League of Prizren House, Carshia e Vjeter, Sinan Hoxha Mosque, and St. George's Orthodox Cathedral. The evening is relaxed in this quieter city.

Shkoder

Cross back into Albania heading toward Shkodra. On the way, pass through Kukes to see old communist-era structures that tell you something about the city's history. Rozafa Castle is your main stop, with 2000 years of local history contained in its walls. Lunch happens in Shiroka neighborhood overlooking Lake Shkodra, then you have the afternoon free to walk along the boulevard before staying overnight.

Komani lake shala river

Spend about 90 minutes on a boat heading through the Albanian Fjords via Shala River. This area, sometimes called the Thailand of Albania, has wild nature and interesting rock formations. You'll have roughly 5 hours total to explore Zgiboze and the surrounding wilderness before heading back to Shkoder.

Montenegro

Travel down the Adriatic coast with a quick detour to see Sveti Stefan island. Arrive in Budva to explore the old town and check out the Budva Citadel, Church of Sveti Ivan, the grave of Stefan Mitrov Ljubisa, Roman Villa remains, and Santa Maria's church. Grab lunch with views over the city and water. Then drive 30 minutes to Kotor for a walking tour of the old town before climbing up to Kotor Fortress for views across the bay.

Dubrovnik

Head from Kotor toward Dubrovnik, but first stop briefly in historic Trebinje to walk around the landmarks and see the unique public pool in the city center. Once in Dubrovnik, start with St. Lawrence Fortress, then move through the Old Town visiting the Rector's Palace, Spozna Palace, Onofrio's fountain, the Old Port, Cathedral, Orlando's Column, Church of St. Blaise, the Old Pharmacy, and Luza Square. End the day by taking the cable car up Mount Srdj for views over the entire city.

Mostar

Drive north into Bosnia and Herzegovina toward Mostar with a stop at Kravica Waterfall, about 40km before the city. There's a pool at the base where you can swim if you want. Once in Mostar, walk through the Old Town to see the Ottoman architecture, visit the Mostar Old Bridge, check out the Old Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and wander the cobblestone streets. The afternoon and evening are free.

Sarajevo

Travel to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a city with deep cultural and political significance. Walk through landmarks including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Morica Han, Sebilj Brunnen fountain, Kazandziluk, Sarajevo City Hall, Emperor's Mosque, Katedrala Sarajevo, Gazi-Husrev Beg's Bezistan, and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Visit the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed on June 28, 1914, an event that started World War I. The rest of the day and evening are yours to do as you like.