7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro to Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro to Albania

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7 Days From

$1588

$1517

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro to Albania

7 Days Starting and ending in Montenegro

Visiting: Virpazar, Murići, Bobovište, Ckla, Shkodër, Bojana Ushce

Tour operator:

Undiscovered Balkans

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

3 - 8

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

14-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active, Camping

Interests:

Eco Conscious

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$1588
$1517 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$71

NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a unique week-long kayaking and camping adventure, journeying from Montenegro to Albania and crossing a water border closed for 35 years, with special dispensation. Starting out from a 500m long freshwater beach, we pass remote island monasteries, shoreline mosques, islets of birds and isolated fishing villages, to reach historic Shkodra, with its Rozafa castle and on to the Adriatic Sea. 65km of breathtaking, wild scenery, uniting two countries and one amazing lake!

Highlights

  • Embark on a serene paddle through Lake Skadar, visit a monastery, enjoy a fisherman's lunch, and camp under the stars

  • Paddle to Albania via Ckla, with breathtaking views of Prokletije mountain range

  • Discover the rich history and culture of Shkodra, visit Rozafa Castle and enjoy a scenic kayak trip to the sea

  • Unforgettable finish: Kayak to the Adriatic Sea and relax at Velika Plaža beach

Places You'll See

Kayak Adventure In Undiscovered Balkans

Discover Uncharted Beauty On Balkan Kayaking Expedition

Paddle Through Balkans' Hidden Gems

Cross-Border Kayaking Holiday In The Balkans

Discover Stunning Scenery On Kayak Holiday In Balkans

Kayak And Camp: Explore Balkan Wilderness

Kayaking Adventure: Explore Albania And Montenegro

Active Kayaking Vacation: Unusual Beauty Of Balkans

Stunning Scenery Of Lake Skadar

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

Kayak And Camp With Friends In The Balkans

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

Unforgettable Camping Experience On Kayaking Expedition

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

7 Day Cross-Border Kayaking Expedition: Montenegro To Albania

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival At Virpazar

Location: Virpazar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Lake View Apartments Anđela or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Our week of adventures begins with arrival and orientation in Virpazar, a fishing village which is the main settlement on the Montenegrin side of Lake Skadar. Arriving at our local homestay in time for a group dinner, we have time for everyone to get to know each other a bit better, and also get our supplies and gear packed and ready for our expedition to begin the next day!

Day 2 : Murići To Bobovište

Location: Murići

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: 1 or 2-person tent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to Murići, the starting point of our cross-border odyssey. It's a 1-hour scenic drive away, on the southern shores of the lake, offering panoramic views of the islet-studded shoreline. Launching our boats from this stunning freshwater beach, fringed with pine and olive trees we stop to visit the friendly and hugely welcoming nuns residing at the 15th-century island monastery of Beška. A tour and glass of homemade pomegranate juice with the sisters will refresh us physically and spiritually before we set off again. Weaving in and out of tiny islets, we lunch at a solitary fisherman’s shack on the shoreline before we paddle further south to the village of Bobovište, the penultimate settlement on the Montenegrin side of this fabulous lake. We can make a relaxed camp here, swim and chill, with amazing views of the stars as there won’t be any other lights for miles around!
Paddling distance: 8km

Day 3 : Bobovište To Ckla

Location: Bobovište

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: 1 or 2-person tent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature, we breakfast, pack up camp and continue our trip further south to the small village Ckla, the last settlement on the Montenegrin side of Skadar Lake. Beautiful open water and lots of places for swimming and jumping on our way to Albania will make for an incredible day, with stunning views of the Prokletije mountain range – the famous “Accursed” mountains of Albania – on our left the entire way.
Paddling distance: 9km

Day 4 : Ckla To Shkodra

Location: Ckla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Legjenda or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the day we make the most unforgettable of border crossings, travelling into Albania from Montenegro by kayak! After breakfast and a brief chat with the police to get our border transit documents stamped, we are ready to paddle the last part of Skadar Lake before it turns into the Bojana/Buna river. We officially enter the territory of Albania after just 3km, passing the beautiful village of Zogaj on our way to Shkodra. Just before we enter the historic city, we will stop at the well-known fisherman’s village of Shiroka, famous to Albanians for its amazing fish restaurants. We'll enjoy a meal here, before visiting the ancient fortress of Razafa in time to catch a beautiful sunset.
Paddling distance: 10km

Day 5 : Shkodra To Sv. Đorđe

Location: Shkodër

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: 1 or 2-person tent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Bojana/Buna river is one of the few untouched natural jewels of Europe. Today we follow it from its source near Shkoder, to paddle the 21km stretch to the village of Sv. Đorđe - the halfway point before this majestic river meets the Adriatic Sea. Bojana/Buna is considered a miracle of nature for a rare phenomenon - it flows both upstream and downstream due to the rush of seawater at its deeper levels competing with the river's flow to the sea. It produces a hugely diverse ecosystem!
Paddling distance: 21 km

Day 6 : Sv. Đorđe To The Adriatic Sea

Location: Bojana Ushce

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Porto Ada Bojana or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Experience the highlight of your holiday on this last paddling day as we make our way to the mouth of the river Bojana, where it meets the Adriatic Sea. Kayaking from lake to river to sea is what sets this trip apart. The final 60m stretch of the Bojana is pristine, and we'll paddle along the Montenegro-Albania border until the last 3km before the sea. It's bittersweet as this stunning finale was the trip's ultimate goal, but it also means our kayaking adventure is coming to an end. Our destination is Ada Bojana and Velika Plaža, Montenegro's longest sandy beach, where we can swim and relax in the Adriatic sea. We'll enjoy dinner and sunset at one of the stunning beachfront restaurants, or for those feeling adventurous, arrange a horse ride on the beach.
Paddling distance: 20km

Day 7 : Return And Rest

Location: Virpazar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Lake View Apartments Anđela or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We enjoy the last breakfast of the trip and take one more opportunity to swim in the sea before our transfer back to Virpazar (1.5 hours). The rest of the day is free for everyone, before a last group dinner together.

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Podgorica Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Podgorica Airport. Other destinations incur an extra transfer charge. Or you can join another of our group adventures in Montenegro, Albania, or nearby Kosovo!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    3 nights of camping and 4 nights in small local guesthouses/apartments.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Transfers from/to Podgorica and throughout the holiday. Other destinations incur an extra transfer charge.

  • Entrance Fees

    Lake Skadar National Park fee

  • Fully Guided

    Personable, experienced Tour Leader throughout, who is a licensed kayaking guide.

  • Local Taxes

    Border-crossing fees.

  • Meals - 2 breakfasts, five evening meals and five lunches

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

    Most accommodations have WiFi, but we can’t guarantee it will always be working when we are in remote areas.

  • Transfers

    Transfers throughout the holiday are included in the price.

  • All Equipment

    Kayaks, dry bags, tents, safety & cooking equipment - N.B. bring your own sleeping bag!

  • 'Book to Give Back' Donation

    Donations to handpicked conservation projects in Montenegro & Albania, e.g. Dalmatian Pelican Conservation at Lake Skadar

What's Not Included

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Drinks with Meals

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you cater for vegetarians or other specialist diets?

    Within reason, yes. Of course, your choices will be restricted if you don’t eat certain foods, but it ought not to prove problematic for us or our partners. Please note, however, that for our all-hiking, kayaking or Albanian you may have to put up with limited options.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes.

  • Is a stay of less than one week possible?

    For our multi-activity holidays, in July and August, our minimum stay is one week. At other times, we can occasionally offer shorter stays (3 nights, 2 activities minimum) at our discretion. We do not arrange accommodation only breaks – sorry.

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    We're flexible on that and open to tailor-made requests.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Sure, there's a rest day too, but also during every day, we give our guests some free space to feel the vibe on their own!

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    In most cases wifi is available, but in some more remote locations or due to bad weather conditions, wifi might be unstable.

  • How is accommodation arranged?

    We have hand-selected comfortable, characterful guesthouses that perfectly balance local charm with modern amenities for all our holidays. We assume occupation of double/twin and family rooms unless otherwise specified. On each holiday page you will find an accommodation tab – get clicking and have a look!

  • Are there many mosquitos?

    Like anywhere in the Mediterranean, mosquitos are around but there are never swarms of them. If you’re worried about bites, bring some repellent and some antihistamines too if you know you react badly to them (hard to buy locally). They are not generally a problem away from the coast.

  • Are you insured for the activities you offer?

    We have full liability insurance up to £ 5 million.

  • Are any meals included?

    For most of our holidays, all meals are included in the price. The most obvious exception is our Lake Multi-Activity holiday in Montenegro, but in all cases please see the individual trip pages for details.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, entry visas are not included in the tour price. However, citizens from the EU, US, UK, and Australia may be able to enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    While tipping is not mandatory in Montenegro/Albania, it is a customary way of expressing gratitude for exceptional service received in the service industry. Leaving a tip can show appreciation for the hard work of the staff, however, it is not expected if you were not fully satisfied with the service.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No, no visa is needed if you're coming from the EU countries, US, UK, Australia, or Canada...

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, flights are not included in the price.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Of course, you'll get the trip note prior to your trip with all the necessary information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Our recommended minimum age for this holiday is 14 – but we can make exceptions for exceptional kids! Please do bare in mind that activity level is challenging and that some fitness level is required for kids too.

  • How hot is it in summer?

    April/May temperatures range from 20-30C. June/July – 25-35C. August – 30-35C. September – 20-30C. October – 15-25C. For the North of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, knock off 10C!

  • Can I pay for my holiday in a different currency?

    Yes, but as Lloyds Bank UK somehow still does not offer Euro or Dollar account internet banking we prefer to arrange alternative currency payments via Paypal, for which there is a 3% surcharge.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    8.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    If you are an experienced paddler looking for a kayaking adventure, this trip through Montenegro and Albania may be perfect for you! Prior paddling experience is necessary, and a minimum age of 14 is required. This kayaking trip is physically demanding, with several hours of paddling each day. Fitness is essential to complete the program, as is a readiness for basic but clean accommodations in remote areas. This week-long kayaking trip takes you through the stunning scenery of Lake Skadar, including its 15th-century island monasteries, and down the Bojana river which divides Montenegro and Albania, finishing at the Adriatic Sea. This adventure offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty and culture of the region. If you are an experienced kayaker looking for a challenging and unforgettable adventure, this trip may be the perfect fit for you!

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, all entrance fees are included in the tour price.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No.

  • Is Undiscovered Balkans a UK company?

    We operate as Undiscovered Montenegro, which is a fully registered UK company, registered company number 06779866. Our Montenegrin company, Miela d.o.o handles our logistical operations in Montenegro, and in other territories, we partner together only with fully licenced, family-run businesses. Payment for our holidays is generally made in Sterling.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Not really, but we advise to pack

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    That's hard to answer, it truly varies, but the majority of our guests are British.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Euro (€) and Lek (ALL), since they're the official currencies of Montenegro/Albania.

  • Do we need a car?

    All transport is taken care of by us!

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Of course! All of our guides are fluent or near native in English and even in some other languages!

  • How expensive is eating out or buying food for self-catering?

    Restaurants are great value – mains are generally € 5-10 and you should never pay more than € 2 for half a litre of beer. At the supermarket it’s even cheaper of course – a loaf of bread is 80 cents, milk is 60 cents.

  • How much travelling is involved on your trips?

    We firmly believe that holiday time in the car should be kept to a minimum. No single journey is ever longer than 4 hours, and most transfer times between centres are less than 2 hours.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, airport transfers to/from Podgorica Airport are included in the price. Other locations require an extra fee charge.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Not directly, but we can give you some recommendations if needed!

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific vaccinations required for your visit to Montenegro. The World Health Organisation recommends that all travellers be covered for diptheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, rubella, tuberculosis and varicella (chickenpox), regardless of their destination. You should also consider being vaccinated for hepatitis A. Since most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a physician at least six weeks before departure.

  • Do I need to bring any specialist gear?

    Yes, you will need hiking shoes or sandals, a hat suitable for outdoor activities, rain jackets just in case, a reusable water bottle and a fleece if you’re hiking or heading into the mountains. A head torch is also handy. If you book with us, we send you a list of appropriate clothing etc in a pre-arrival email a few weeks prior to your stay.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 stars.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Your Tour Leader is both your pre-departure contact and your on-location guide for all or most of the week (on occasion, they will hand over to another experienced member of our team for a day or two’s activities). Once you have booked, all questions about the holiday should be directed to your Tour Leader.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    While we cannot say for certain who your travelling companions will be, many of our guests are from the UK and some holidays may be fully booked by a group of friends or family. We believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all guests to share experiences and create lasting memories.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive a trip note with all the necessary information!

  • Is any experience necessary for any of the activities, for example the kayaking?

    No experience is necessary for any of the activities – our kayaking, rafting and canyoning guides have BCU or equivalent qualifications and all our other guides are equally experienced and qualified in their fields. Full safety equipment is provided where necessary. The exception is our kayaking holidays; these are not recommended for novice paddlers.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    While it depends on the specific holiday and accommodations available, we always strive to meet the needs of our guests. If a guest requires a solo room for any reason, we will do our best to provide one, but if such accommodation is not available, it may be necessary to share a room with another solo traveller of the same gender.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Of course, ensuring that our guests have safe and comfortable accommodation is of utmost importance to us. All the accommodation included in our holidays meets local health and safety regulations and while it may be simple, it is always clean and equipped with all necessary basic features.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Undiscovered Balkans is part of Undiscovered Montenegro, a UK-registered adventure travel company founded in 2008 by British husband and wife team, Emma and Ben Heywood.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    While we appreciate your interest in joining our tour, unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate guests who wish to join after the departure date. We highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    At our tour company, we believe that responsible travel not only benefits the environment but also the local community, which is why we are committed to our "Book to Give Back" motto. By choosing to go on our tours, you are not only experiencing the best of what the destination has to offer, but you are also supporting the local economy through our "Going Local" initiative.

  • Is there WiFi at our accommodation?

    We have free WiFi throughout all of our other accommodation options. Please be aware however, that in remote areas reception can be sporadic.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If it's early enough for us to update the chn

  • How fit do I have to be to enjoy the activities?

    In all cases, please refer to the activity level rating provided on each holiday page, and the “activity levels explained” tab on the “About” menu. As a rule of thumb, you don’t need to be a marathon runner or champion athlete to enjoy most of our holidays (those who regularly push themselves to their physical limits would find our trips “soft”!), but you do need to be in good health and have a re

  • Are your holidays suitable for young children?

    Active families love our holidays – you can read what guests with children have to say about us via reviews on Responsible Travel and Tripadvisor. The minimum age for most of our holidays is 7 years but we can make exceptions for kids as young as 5 years old if your child is active, adventurous, can swim and has experience of hiking for at least 7 miles including some uphill stretches. On the othe

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Angela MacLean  

Magical week

02-Mar-2023

Five stars…this was a magical week, suspended between the water and the sky. Gigo is a superb guide and we all enjoyed talking to him about his beautiful country.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Undiscovered Balkans requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered balkans charges.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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