Pozdrav – welcome to Croatia! A Mediterranean paradise awaits you, offering far more than just its stunning, island-dotted coastline. Besides turquoise waters, you'll discover a rich history, vibrant culture, and surprisingly lush landscapes that will captivate you from the very first moment. Your adventure begins in the glittering port city of Split on the Adriatic coast. Amidst market stalls, cobblestone streets, and old stone houses with their characteristic red-tiled roofs, you'll immediately feel the city's unique atmosphere. Watching over everything is the imposing Diocletian's Palace, whose ancient walls blend harmoniously with modern cafes, museums, and small shops – here, Roman history and Mediterranean lifestyle merge in a truly unique way. Your trip officially starts at 6 pm with a welcome meeting. You'll meet your fellow travelers and your local guide and get ready for the days ahead. If you arrive earlier, you'll have plenty of time to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a fresh gelato and feel the sun on your skin, or wander through the old town and discover its fascinating blend of ancient architecture and modern city life. And if one day in Split isn't enough for you – which we can well understand – we will gladly organize an additional overnight stay for you at the beginning of your trip, subject to availability.

You wake up and enjoy a relaxed morning in Split, entirely at your own pace. Perhaps you sit with a coffee on the waterfront promenade, watching the fishing boats in the glittering light of the Adriatic, or stroll through the morning market where locals offer fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables and chat animatedly. After lunch, it's time to say goodbye to the coast – we're heading to neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our destination is Blidinje Nature Park, a vast, pristine landscape in the heart of the Dinaric Alps. Here you'll have some free time to enjoy the crisp mountain air before the real adventure begins. Together with a certified mountain guide with mountain rescue qualifications and your local tour leader, you'll set off on a hike to the impressive Hajdučka Vrata – the "Gate of the Outlaws." As the sun slowly sinks behind the peaks, you'll immerse yourself step by step deeper into the silent mountain world. The truly special experience: Right at the end of the hike, darkness falls. Above you stretches a clear, starry sky, the kind you only experience far from major cities – a magical moment high up in the Balkan Alps. Please remember to bring a good headlamp with spare batteries and hiking poles for extra support – they are essential for this night hike and will ensure safety and comfort along the way.

Today you can sleep in and start the day without an alarm clock – after the atmospheric night hike, you've more than earned this rest. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and enjoy a leisurely morning before continuing around midday. Our destination is Sarajevo, the fascinating capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Few other cities in Europe so impressively unite diverse cultures, religions, and eras. Sarajevo came to the forefront of world history when Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este and his wife were assassinated here in 1914 – an event that triggered the First World War. In the 1990s, the city was besieged for almost four years during the Bosnian War; traces of this period are still visible today, making a visit particularly moving. You have the rest of the day to explore Sarajevo on your own. Stroll through the Ottoman-influenced old town of Baščaršija, enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee in one of the small cafes, or walk across the famous Latin Bridge. With a little observation, you might also discover the so-called "Sarajevo Roses"—red markings in the asphalt commemorating the victims of the war. Sarajevo is a city that touches the heart, makes you think, and at the same time delights with its warmth.

Today you'll need to get up early, as another impressive day of hiking awaits. You'll travel to the mountain village of Umoljani, where your next tour in the Bjelašnica region begins. With over 40 kilometers of ski slopes, this mountain range hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo – Games described by the International Olympic Committee as "the best in history." The moment you lay eyes on the vast plateaus and rugged peaks, you'll understand why: the landscape is spectacular and almost unreal in its beauty. You hike a circular trail through breathtaking Alpine scenery to the highest and most remote village in the country: Lukomir. At an altitude of around 1,500 meters, time seems to have stood still. Centuries-old stone houses with stone-weighted roofs dominate the landscape, and traditional clothing is still a natural part of everyday life. In Lukomir, you'll meet the locals, chat with them, share a meal, sample regional cheeses, and of course, enjoy authentic Bosnian coffee. This strong, intensely chocolatey drink is traditionally served – often with a piece of lokum (Turkish delight). A moment of genuine hospitality that makes this hike a truly special experience, not only scenically but also culturally.

After some free time, it's time to say goodbye – and welcome to the next country on your journey: Montenegro! It's best to secure a window seat, as the drive there is an experience in itself. Passing by deep gorges, vast plateaus, and dramatic mountain panoramas, the landscape changes with every kilometer. Our destination lies even higher: Žabljak. This small town is located in the heart of Durmitor National Park, atop the Durmitor massif, and at 1,456 meters, it's considered the highest town in the Balkans. Upon arrival, you'll immediately notice the fresh, clear mountain air – and the view? Simply spectacular. Majestic peaks, dense forests, and vast plateaus rise all around. The rest of the day is entirely yours. Perhaps you'll take a first stroll through the alpine surroundings, enjoy the tranquility of the mountains, or simply relax and let the impressions of the past few days sink in.

Fuel up this morning with a hearty breakfast – because you're heading for the heights. Lace up your hiking boots and set off from the main entrance of Durmitor National Park for a day filled with natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts wild river valleys, dense pine forests, and shimmering glacial lakes, affectionately known as "mountain eyes" by the locals. The park is so vast and diverse that there are countless possibilities. Your experienced guide will tailor the route to the group – depending on fitness levels and preferences, the trails will be combined to ensure everyone has a fantastic day of hiking. One thing is certain: crystal-clear lakes, invigorating mountain air, and breathtaking views will accompany you every step of the way. Finally, a challenging climb awaits, which will noticeably raise your heart rate – but the effort is worth it. At the top, a spectacular view opens up over the deeply carved Tara Canyon, one of the most impressive gorges in Europe. Time to catch your breath, enjoy the vastness, and capture this moment. After the hike, we continue on to Gusinje, a small village near the border with Albania – ready for the next chapter of your Balkan adventure.

After breakfast, you'll set off on an impressive high-altitude hike. Your destination is the striking Karanfili peaks, which rise majestically above the Grbaja Valley. Even on the first ascent, you'll feel it: although the route is shorter today than on previous days, the elevation gain is significant – hiking poles are definitely a good idea here. The trail leads you along the mountain ridge through the wild landscape of the Prokletije Mountains. Spectacular views of the Popadija and Talijanka peaks open up again and again, while in the distance the jagged Karanfili rocks rise dramatically into the sky. The scenery is rugged, pristine, and breathtakingly beautiful. Around midday, you and your fellow travelers find a scenic spot for your packed lunch. You gaze out over the mountains, take a deep breath, and consciously take a moment to absorb the panorama. In the afternoon, you hike back and make your way to your accommodation in Gusinje – filled with the memories of another unforgettable day in the mountains.

A new day – and a new country awaits you! Today you'll cross the border into Albania, the fourth and final country on your hiking trip through the Balkans. Our destination is Theth, one of the most charming villages in the Albanian Alps, declared a protected historical center by the Albanian government. Even upon arrival, you sense the fairytale character of this place: narrow country roads, fenced fields with grazing cows and horses, quaint little stone houses – all nestled within an impressive mountain backdrop. Theth feels like a journey back in time to a world where nature, tradition, and tranquility magically blend together.

After a relaxing day in Theth, you'll lace up your hiking boots again today – this time for the legendary Valbona-Theth trail. This path is considered one of the highlights of the region: breathtaking views await you over the pine-fringed valley, steep mountain slopes, and the snow-capped peaks of the Albanian Alps, glistening in the sun. As you experience the landscape step by step, you'll feel the connection between nature, tranquility, and adventure – a perfect end to your hiking trip through the Balkans. In the evening, a special highlight awaits: an authentic Albanian dinner where you can enjoy regional specialties and let the day wind down in a relaxed atmosphere.

After breakfast, another highlight awaits you: a scenic private boat trip to Koman. Surrounded by steep mountains that plunge directly into the turquoise waters of the lake, the boat glides through an almost fairytale-like landscape. Sit back, enjoy the tranquility and the spectacle of light, water, and mountains – a moment to remember. After arriving in Koman, a minibus will take us to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. Here we will take a short orientation walk to get a first impression of the city – colorful buildings, bustling squares and a touch of history are all close together. The evening is all yours. Perhaps a cozy local restaurant beckons for a final dinner with your new travel companions, to reminisce about the experiences of the past few days and bring the trip to a memorable close.

Today your unforgettable hiking adventure comes to an end. Before you say goodbye, you enjoy one last breakfast together with your tour group – a moment to reflect on the experiences, views and encounters of the past few days and to bid farewell to the new friendships you have made.