I want to know details about the local extra payments for this tour.

The local payment is a predetermined amount (usually 200 or 300 EUR per person depending on the tour/country) which is mandatory on some of our tours to be paid cash to the tour leader upon arrival. The local payment is part of the total cost of the tour, it is NOT an additional fee. This exact amount is deducted from your initial invoice that you pay pre-departure. Why do we have a Local Payment? Having a small part of the cost paid cash as a local payment is a standard practice in the tourism industry. During some of our tours in specific parts of the world, there are a lot of cash expenses that we as an agency need to cover (which are included in your travel package). That's why to make it safer and easier for our tour leader, they will collect a small amount in cash directly from you during the tour. Please note that the local payment doesn't cover tips for the local guides, entry fees or other personal expenses.

how are we travelling by bus or cruise

The itinerary is done by bus and not a cruise

I am interested to join this tour. As per the tour itinerary, on day 1, the tour will start driving to Kotor. I was checking for flights for Dubrovnik, but, none of the flights arrive before noon. In that case what option do I have to join this trip?

You have to meet the group early in the day, so if there is no option for early morning departure, it will be best to book additional overnight in Dubrovnik. The group will be accommodated in Vilas Plat, so you can book the additional overnight there.

From

US $683 per person

Balkan Express - Southbound. Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, N. Macedonia, Bulgaria

8 days

•

From Dubrovnik to Sofia

4.4

501 traveler reviews

Balkan Express - Southbound. Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, N. Macedonia, Bulgaria - Penguin Travel

From

US $683 per person

+ $353 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: Penguin Travel
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 10
Ages 18+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Dubrovnik to Kotor
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Kotor including fortress walls, St. Luka square, Beskuća Palace, and St. Trifon's cathedral
- Stop in Herzeg Novi (Castelnuovo)
- Stop in Perast
Landmarks
Bay of Kotor
Herzeg Novi
Perast
St. Trifon's Cathedral
St. Luka Square
Beskuća Palace
Day 2
Kotor to Pec
Meals
Breakfast
Landmarks
Kotor Bay
Day 3
Pec to Prizren
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Visoki Decani Monastery
- Walking tour of Prizren town center including Sinan Pasha Mosque, Our Lady of Ljevis, and the Old Stone Bridge
Landmarks
Visoki Decani Monastery
Sinan Pasha Mosque
Our Lady of Ljevis
Old Stone Bridge
Day 4
Prizren to Tirana
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Tirana city center including Skanderbeg Square, Tanner's Bridge, and Enver Hoxha's residence
Landmarks
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Monument
Tanner's Bridge
Day 5
Tirana to Ohrid
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Monastery of St. Naum of Ohrid
- Walking tour of Ohrid along the shores of Ohrid Lake exploring narrow streets, Samuil's fortress, St. John Kaneo, and St. Pantaleimon
Landmarks
Monastery of St. Naum of Ohrid
Ohrid Lake
Samuil's Fortress
St. John Kaneo
St. Pantaleimon
Day 6
Ohrid to Skopje
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Matka Canyon
- Walking tour of Skopje including the Old Bazaar and Macedonia Square
Landmarks
Matka Canyon
Old Bazaar
Macedonia Square
Day 7
Skopje to Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Day 8
Departure

Landmarks
Bay of Kotor
Herzeg Novi
Perast
St. Trifon's Cathedral
St. Luka Square
Beskuća Palace

Landmarks
Kotor Bay

Landmarks
Visoki Decani Monastery
Sinan Pasha Mosque
Our Lady of Ljevis
Old Stone Bridge

Landmarks
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Monument
Tanner's Bridge

Landmarks
Monastery of St. Naum of Ohrid
Ohrid Lake
Samuil's Fortress
St. John Kaneo
St. Pantaleimon

Landmarks
Matka Canyon
Old Bazaar
Macedonia Square

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Additional Services

Operated by

Penguin Travel

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4(501 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 92%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by Penguin Travel

Tour Operator
4.4

Nina
April 26th, 2026
The 2-week tour was truly magnificent. Valentina, our group leader, was incredibly helpful and shared valuable...
The 2-week tour was truly magnificent. Valentina, our group leader, was incredibly helpful and shared valuable insights throughout the trip, making each destination more meaningful. Rumen, our driver, was very careful and made us feel safe at all times. The itinerary was well-planned, allowing us to experience a great mix of highlights without feeling rushed. The hotels were conveniently located in the city centers, which made exploring easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a smooth, enriching, and well-organized travel experience.Show more
Meyung
November 3rd, 2025
The 14-days Balkans tour started and ended with our Leader Valentina. She was everything, everywhere all at once,...
The 14-days Balkans tour started and ended with our Leader Valentina. She was everything, everywhere all at once, while never losing her cool and her smile! At every twist and turn of the 3,000 meter-high and 2,500 kilometer-long road, we all realized how much our lives depended on our bus driver Borris’ exceptional skills. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery of the Balkans and the cultural, historical lessons I learned from being on site. Last but not least, the friendships we have forged among our twenty something group made this my best voyage to date. Thank you Penguin Travels!Show more
Adrienne
October 31st, 2025
Beautiful mountains. Good hybrid bikes. Very helpful, accommodating and resourceful guides. Interesting hotels

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

From Friday
15 May, 2026
To Friday
22 May, 2026
English
Filling Fast
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $683 per person
Multiple Room Types
Local Payment
$353
From Friday
31 Jul, 2026
To Friday
7 Aug, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $683 per person
Multiple Room Types
Local Payment
$353
From Friday
11 Sep, 2026
To Friday
18 Sep, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $683 per person
Multiple Room Types
Local Payment
$353
From Friday
25 Sep, 2026
To Friday
2 Oct, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $683 per person
Multiple Room Types
Local Payment
$353

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

C
Christopher
Asked on February 9th, 2026
I want to know details about the local extra payments for this tour.
Payments
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  The local payment is a predetermined amount (usually 200 or 300 EUR per person depending on the tour/country) which is mandatory on some of our tours to be paid cash to the tour leader upon arrival. The local payment is part of the total cost of the tour, it is NOT an additional fee. This exact amount is deducted from your initial invoice that you pay pre-departure.
  
  Why do we have a Local Payment?
  Having a small part of the cost paid cash as a local payment is a standard practice in the tourism industry. During some of our tours in specific parts of the world, there are a lot of cash expenses that we as an agency need to cover (which are included in your travel package). That's why to make it safer and easier for our tour leader, they will collect a small amount in cash directly from you during the tour.
  
  Please note that the local payment doesn't cover tips for the local guides, entry fees or other personal expenses.
C
Charles
Asked on December 10th, 2025
how are we travelling by bus or cruise
Transport
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written December 2025
  The itinerary is done by bus and not a cruise
L
Lauren
Asked on July 15th, 2025
I am interested to join this tour. As per the tour itinerary, on day 1, the tour will start driving to Kotor. I was checking for flights for Dubrovnik, but, none of the flights arrive before noon. In that case what option do I have to join this trip?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2025
  You have to meet the group early in the day, so if there is no option for early morning departure, it will be best to book additional overnight in Dubrovnik. The group will be accommodated in Vilas Plat, so you can book the additional overnight there.
- L
  Lauren
  Traveler•Written July 2025
  Please let me know if you are able to book this one night pre travel accommodation (on 23rd October 2025) and what would be the cost. Also, please let me know if the airport transfer would be included.
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2025
  Additional overnight in this hotel costs 90 EUR. Unfortunately, we can not include airport transfer for this trip.
- L
  Lauren
  Traveler•Written July 2025
  Is this trip a definite departure?
- Penguin TravelOperator•Written July 2025
  Yes, this is a guaranteed departure

From

US $683 per person

+ $353 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 313439

Currencies
L
Lek
Albania
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
€
Euro
Croatia and Kosovo
ден
Denar
Macedonia
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.
Type C
Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo
Type E
Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo
Type F
Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania.Bulgaria.Macedonia.Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania.Bulgaria.Croatia.Macedonia.Montenegro. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania.Croatia. Ideally 6 months before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 3 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before July 11th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 11th, 2026, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Penguin Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Penguin Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Penguin Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Penguin Travel. Please familiarize yourself with the Penguin Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Balkan Express - Southbound. Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, N. Macedonia, Bulgaria

Itinerary

Dubrovnik to Kotor

Included Activities

Kotor to Pec

Pec to Prizren

Included Activities

Prizren to Tirana

Included Activities

Tirana to Ohrid

Included Activities

Ohrid to Skopje

Included Activities

Skopje to Sofia

Departure

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Reviews from other tours by Penguin Travel

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

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Balkan Express - Southbound. Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, N. Macedonia, Bulgaria

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Reviews from other tours by Penguin Travel

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

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