TNN's From Castles to Coast Balkans Adventure

Tiranë, Albania

TN
The Nomadic Network
  • Email address verified
15 reviews
Sep 16 - 29, 2026
Group size: 8 - 16
TNN's From Castles to Coast Balkans Adventure
Tiranë, Albania

The Nomadic Network
  • Email address verified
15 reviews

Sep 16 - 29, 2026
Group size: 8 - 16

About this trip

Explore Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia on a journey through the true soul of the Balkans! 


This tour is a one-of-a-kind adventure crafted for explorers who crave authentic experiences, deep cultural connections, and moments that will stay with you forever.


From the bustling markets of Tirana to the turquoise springs of Blagaj, every day brings discoveries, adventures, and genuine human stories. Picture yourself weaving through ancient cobblestone streets, tasting world-class wines, and standing in awe before UNESCO treasures that have witnessed centuries of history. This is your chance to experience the Balkans like a true insider.


Your journey begins in Albania’s capital, Tirana, where colorful neighborhoods and buzzing bazaars brim with energy and tradition. Then on to Berat, the “town of a thousand windows,” followed by a farm-to-table feast and stories of community at Mrizi i Zanave. You'll trace the Adriatic coast through Shkodra and Montenegro’s Budva and Kotor—where epic views, seaside charm, and old-world architecture await.


In Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park, nature stuns with jaw-dropping mountain vistas, while Bosnia’s Sarajevo offers deep history and cultural beauty from Ottoman bazaars to Austro-Hungarian gems. You’ll stand atop Mostar’s legendary bridge, pause in the tranquility of Blagaj monastery, sip wine in Herzegovinian vineyards, and wrap up with the Roman ruins of Split and dreamy waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, before one final wander through Zagreb.


This 14-night tour is the perfect mix of guided exploration and free time to discover your own magic. If you’re ready for a heart-filled, history-rich, off-the-beaten-path adventure—this is your invitation to uncover the Balkans as few travelers ever will!

   
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS


* Tirana local markets walking tour 

* Berat fortress & neighborhoods walk 

* Mrizi i Zanave agro-tourism visit 

* Shkodra Rozafa Castle tour 

* Budva & Kotor old town visits 

* Durmitor National Park guided hike 

* Sarajevo city walking tour 

* Mostar Old Bridge & bazaar tour 

* Blagaj monastery & Medjugorje visit 

* Split Diocletian’s Palace & Pazar Market

* Latin Bridge visit in Sarajevo

* Winery tasting near Mostar

* Plitvice Lakes National Park walk

* Zagreb city walking tour


TRIP OVERVIEW 


Trip Dates: September 3-17, 2026

Start Location: Tirana, Albania 

End Location: Zagreb, Croatia   

Accommodation: 13 nights 

Additional Details

PAYMENT OPTIONS. We offer payment plan options!  Pay in full and save $100, or just pay a deposit now and pay the rest over time with no interest.

POTENTIAL FEES.  A 3% platform fee applies to all bookings. Additional fees may be charged by your bank if you pay by credit card. No extra fees when paying directly from your bank account.

DISCOUNTS. Only one promo code per booking. Must be used at checkout—no retroactive discounts.


CARBON OFFSET. We care about the future of our planet, so our customers have the option to contribute towards carbon offsets at checkout. Thank you for your support. 


PHOTOS. We love to share our photos! Enjoy a shared photo gallery of pooled photos after every trip. 


GRATUITIES. Gratuities are not required but greatly appreciated by locals in the tourism industry. For your convenience, we work to handle most tipping for you. See "What's Not Included" for specifics.


FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION. We offer a flexible cancellation policy: Read the full details in our Terms & Conditions.

Our Group Travel Philosophy

At The Nomadic Network, we believe in creating a balance between group camaraderie and personal freedom. 


Our small group tours are designed to foster deep connections with fellow travelers and the destinations we explore. While we encourage social interaction and shared adventures, we also respect your need for occasional solitude and personal reflection. There's no pressure to be social all the time—after all, this is your vacation.


We focus on meaningful, authentic experiences that allow you to connect deeply with locals and truly immerse yourself in each destination. Our goal is for you to leave with lasting memories,  newfound friendships, and a rich appreciation of the beauty we've experienced together. 

What’s included

  • Accommodations
    13 nights of 3+ Star accommodations
  • All breakfasts
    13 breakfasts
  • Welcome Dinner
    Day 1 Welcome Dinner
  • Farewell Dinner
    Day 12 Farewell Dinner
  • Albania food tour
    Day 2 local food tour experience, including lunch
  • Mostar winetasting
    Day 10 winetasting experience with traditional appetizers
  • Hiking opportunities
    Hike in Durmitor National Park, and option to explore Medjugorje and Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Entrance fees
    All activities and entrance fees listed
  • Bilingual tour expert
    Local guide throughout trip
  • Bilingual local guides
    Local guides, artists, artisans and hosts
  • Transportation
    Private transport with driver in licensed and insured vehicle with A/C, seatbelts, and comfortable seating
  • Transfers
    Arrival and departure transportation

What’s not included

  • International airfare
    Flights to Tirana and/or from Zagreb
  • Travel insurance
    Travel insurance is required
  • Any passport fees
  • Any visa fees
  • Addl alcoholic beverages
    Alcoholic beverages not listed
  • Meals not listed
    This tour offers you tons of freedom to explore local eateries and find your own favorites. We’ll share great recommendations to help you savor the best flavors along the way.
  • Optional activities
    Any optional activities not listed
  • Tour Leader gratuities
    Tour Leader, once at end of trip. We generally recommend 10-15 EUR per day per person.
  • Tour Driver gratuities
    Tour Driver, once at end of trip. We generally recommend 5-10 EUR per day per person.

Available Packages

One person, double occupancy
Deposit: $1,000
Available until June 15, 2026
$3,695
Deposit: $1,000
One person, single occupancy
Deposit: $1,100
Available until June 15, 2026
$4,195
Deposit: $1,100


Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival to Tirana

Welcome to Albania—land of eagles, ancient tales, and warm Mediterranean hospitality! Upon arrival in Tirana, you'll be transferred to your accommodation to settle in and shake off the travel day.  You’ll have some free time to settle in, stretch your legs, and soak up your first impressions of this dynamic city.  


In the evening, we’ll gather for a cozy welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy family-style dishes showcasing authentic regional flavors. This is the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travelers and start connecting over the delicious tastes of Albania. Let the adventure begin!


Meal: D

Your Organizer


TN
The Nomadic Network
15 reviews
We are TNN, a tour company for true travel enthusiasts. We create intimate, small group tours to stunning destinations, connecting like-minded adventurers and fostering unforgettable global connections. We go beyond the typical tourist spots, immersing you in local cultures, and believe that travel is about building meaningful connections and bringing the world closer together. We offer outstanding, budget-friendly experiences, ensuring you get the most value from your journey. Join us and discover what it really means to travel!

Reviews

This trip exceeded every expectation I had. From the history, the people, the off beaten paths, and the most incredible food experience; I cannot wait to go on my next adventure with TNN!
By Kelley V for Requested Vietnam Add-on | Day 2 Cultural Performance on Jul 01, 2025
I had a great time! Sakaii was great guide and Lisa did so well planning everything. Every meal we ate was amazing! I highly recommend using TNN for group trips or let them plan your private trip. Vietnam is an amazing country with interesting history, culture and kind people.
By Ashley R for TNN's Vietnam: The Bucket List Trip on Apr 29, 2025
JP
This cultural performance was entertaining. The acrobatics and dancing were great. Apparently it depicted the story of Vietnam. Jen_P
By Jennifer P for Requested Vietnam Add-on | Day 2 Cultural Performance on Apr 16, 2025
JP
This was a fabulous trip in Vietnam. Been wanting to go for a while and this trip did not disappoint. Great food, great activities, great people. Our guide Sakai was exceptional and curated the trip to suit our needs. I especially liked the cooking class in Hoi An and the motorbike tour of Hue (even if terrifying!). We got a good feel for the local culture in markets and with out of the way coffee shops on the 4th floor to staying amongst rice paddy fields. Can't wait to see where TNN will go next year! This was my 2nd trip with them and won't be the last. Jen_P
By Jennifer P for TNN's Vietnam: The Bucket List Trip on Apr 16, 2025
We had a fun, adventurous, educational, cultural and fulfilling experience. The people were wonderful. The food was absolutely amazing. The entire experience went off without a problem. I cannot say enough good things about TNN and how it was run. It’s the real deal! Our tour guide for the group surpasses words of excellence. He was kind and caring, extremely personable and a walking encyclopedia about most anything. I highly recommend the trip and travel with TNN.
By Mary Alice P for TNN's Vietnam: The Bucket List Trip on Apr 15, 2025
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References

My recent journey through India with Nomadic Network was nothing short of incredible. From the meticulously planned activities to the unforgettable cultural experiences, every moment was a highlight. But what truly made this trip exceptional was our guide and the owner of TNN, Lisa Field. Lisa's passion for travel and deep knowledge of the destinations we visited brought the whole experience to life. She made sure every detail was covered, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure without worrying about anything. The activities were thoughtfully planned, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. From beautiful city markets to peaceful temple visits, every day was filled with unexpected joys. One of the most surprising and rewarding parts of the journey was traveling with a group of people I had never met before. What started as strangers quickly turned into close companions as we shared these beautiful, life-changing experiences together. It's amazing how travel can form such deep bonds, and I'll forever cherish the memories we created. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I had the chance to expose myself to an entirely different culture and way of life, and I returned home feeling like I had grown both personally and spiritually. Honestly, I believe any trip led by Lisa Field would be a remarkable experience. Her dedication to creating enriching, thoughtful travel experiences shines through in every detail, and I'm so excited to continue my travels with TNN, I'm already booked for a trip to Greece this fall! If you're looking for a life-changing adventure, I can't recommend The Nomadic Network enough. I know Greece will be just as amazing!
By Marcia K on 30 Jun, 2025