Airport transfer
Included on arrival and departure.
Multi-Day Tours
Moderate
Best of the Balkans: ADRIATIC ISLANDS AND SKADAR LAKE
Elaphiti Islands, Bay of Kotor & Lake Skadar
It's a best of Balkans adventure packed into ten days: kayak Croatia's open sea and Elafiti islands; visit UNESCO designated world heritage sites, Dubrovnik and Kotor, and kayak in the Lake Skadar National Park. Best of Balkans allows you to visit three distinct regions: the islands off the southern coast of Croatia, Montenegro's dramatic Bay of Kotor, and the wild nature of the breathtaking Lake Skadar.
From 2,530€per person
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Best of the Balkans: Croatia & Montenegro
It's a best of Balkans adventure packed into ten days: kayak Croatia's open sea and Elafiti islands; visit UNESCO designated world heritage sites, Dubrovnik and Kotor, and kayak in the Lake Skadar National Park. Best of Balkans allows you to visit three distinct regions: the islands off the southern coast of Croatia, Montenegro's dramatic Bay of Kotor, and the wild nature of the breathtaking Lake Skadar. Hands down, it's the best of the Balkans.
Our two-country Best of Balkans Tour offers an unparalleled adventure that showcases both the serene Adriatic Sea and Montenegro's breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Experience the perfect combination of Croatia's island-hopping adventures and Montenegro's stunning lakes and tranquil coastal scenery.
In Croatia, paddle through crystal-clear waters, navigating between islands like Lopud and Koločep. Spend nights on peaceful islands, staying in charming local guesthouses, and enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean fare at seaside restaurants. Snorkel into hidden sea caves, bask in the warm waters, and explore historical sites like the ancient Djordjic-Mayner Park, Skocibuha summerhouse, Lopud's Franciscan Monastery and other.
Transitioning to Montenegro, embark on scenic hikes with panoramic views of the stunning Bay of Kotor and experience the untamed beauty of Lake Skadar, Southern Europe's largest lake, by kayak. Paddle past ancient monasteries and the iconic Prison Island, while taking in the serene lake surrounded by mountains. End your days enjoying local cuisine and stargazing in picturesque villages. This adventure perfectly combines sea kayaking, hiking, and cultural immersion, offering you the best of the Balkans.
Itinerary
Day 1: Transit day
Arrive in Dubrovnik / airport transfer / explore Old City on your own. 4 PM: ferry to Lopud Island / swim / explore Lopud town / orientation dinner at an island restaurant.Day 2: 15 km sea kayaking
Equipment issue / basic paddling and rescue instruction in Lopud Bay / paddle the outer side of Lopud along limestone cliffs to Kolocep island / relax, swim and lunch on Kolocep. Hike untouched nature of Kolocep before setting off to the south side of Lopud. Land on Šunj beach, pack your kayaks to bed and walk back to town for dinner and overnight.Day 3: 15 km sea kayaking
Morning hike to kayaks at Šunj / kayak from Šunj beach to Šipan Island, home of olive trees. Šipan is a proud member of Guinness records — hosting the biggest number of olive trees in ratio to its size. We stop for a swim and snorkel in the Green cave (weather permitting) / paddle to lunch to Suđurađ village, a charming fishermen's village on the south side of Šipan. Paddle past Ruda island on the way back to Lopud.Day 4: 12 km biking
We'll take the ferry to Šipan and gear up for a day of biking. Paved roads take us through rural Dalmatian scenery and unspoiled nature. We'll share traditional Šipan cuisine at the charming village of Šipanska Luka, home of distinguished sailors from Dubrovnik Republic era and their successors. Pebble beach with a view on the outer islands is spectacular for a relaxed swim. We'll stop for a memorable taste of olive oil on the way back! The day is concluded by a special closing dinner at a family-owned traditional restaurant on Lopud. Biking is optional; group or individuals can choose to kayak or hike Lopud's trails instead.Day 5: Hike in Kotor (Montenegro)
Early ferry to Dubrovnik / car transfer to Montenegro. Hike to Gornji Stoliv in Bay of Kotor / Kotor city tour and free time. Drive to Rijeka Crnojevića in National Park Skadar Lake for dinner and overnight.Day 6: Kayaking Rijeka Crnojevića – Dodoši Village
The tour goes through the famous meanders of the river that flows to the lake, passing through canals of lush vegetation that shelter many bird species. Arrival at a camp at Dodoši — a stunning place by the shore of Karatuna. A green meadow equipped with bathrooms, toilets, electricity and a nice bar and restaurant with great food. Night at the camp; tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags are provided.Day 7: Kayaking from Dodoši to Pješačac
The tour passes the same part of Karatuna River from the previous day (about 3 km), then comes to the open lake, going through charming fields of lilies, between islands. It passes under the only bridge on the lake, uncovering a much wider picture: the Albanian alps and Rumija Mountain on the Montenegrin side. We pass by Grmožur Island, the so-called "Montenegrin Alcatraz", finishing on Pješačac, one of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Skadar NP. Lunch at a restaurant by the lake / transfer to Limljani Village / dinner and overnight at Mond Winery, a 200-year-old renewed stone house run by a local family.Day 8: Kayaking Pješačac to Murići
Breakfast at Mond winery / transfer to Pješačac Beach / kayaking trip to Murići, a small archipelago in the widest, most remote and calmest part of the national park, near the border with Albania. The islands keep three Orthodox Christian monasteries from the 14th century and we could visit Beška, the most beautiful among them. Dalmatian pelicans, the most loved inhabitants of Lake Skadar NP, can be seen here. Lunch with a family in Krnjice fishing village / transfer to Mond Winery / dinner and overnight.Day 9: Return to Croatia
Enjoy the breathtaking Konavle valley, visit medieval defensive Fort Sokol and the Rector's Palace before checking in to Dubrovnik accommodation for the night / closing dinner in the Old Town at restaurant Kopun, one of the iconic places of Dubrovnik.Day 10: Transit day
AKT car will pick you up and drop you off at the airport given flight schedule. You may make a departure flight at any time.
Trip Details
Inclusions:
9 nights accommodation
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 8 dinners
Kayak gear
Professional guide
Car & ferry transfers
Entrance fees
Trip Length
10 days / 9 nights
Days 1 & 10 are transit days; tour starts at 4 PM on Day 1 and ends early on Day 10
Arrival/Departure Point
Dubrovnik
Accommodations
Lopud Island & Dubrovnik: guesthouse rooms with attached bathroom and A/C; Montenegro: a mix of hotels, private apartments and wooden bungalows.
2027 Departure Dates
May 13, June 3, June 29, July 22, August 16, September 6, September 28
MEETING POINT
Dubrovnik — 4 PM ferry to Lopud
Arrive in Dubrovnik on day 1, explore the Old City, and meet for the 4 PM ferry to Lopud Island.
4 PM ferry to Lopud
Car and ferry transfers are included throughout, including the road crossing into Montenegro.
Bring your passport
The tour crosses the Croatia–Montenegro border by road on day 5 and returns on day 9.
GET IN TOUCH
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Frequently asked
Things to know
- 10 days / 9 nights. Days 1 and 10 are transit days: the tour starts at 4 PM on day 1 with the ferry to Lopud Island and ends early on day 10, with an airport transfer timed to your flight.
- Yes. From day 5 the tour moves into Montenegro — a hike above the Bay of Kotor, a city tour of Kotor, then three days kayaking in Lake Skadar National Park — returning to Croatia on day 9 via the Konavle valley.
- Guesthouse rooms with private bathroom and A/C on Lopud and in Dubrovnik. In Montenegro, a mix of hotels, private apartments and wooden bungalows, plus one night camping at Dodoši where tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags are provided.
- 9 nights accommodation, 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners, kayak gear, a professional guide, car and ferry transfers, and entrance fees.
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