Serbia – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Montenegro – Serbia – North Macedonia – Albania – Grecce – Bulgaria – Serbia

There are journeys that are about rest. And there are journeys that are about challenge. And then, there is the Balkans — wild, untamed, and magnificent — offering both, in a way you will never forget.

The mountains of the Balkan Peninsula are not just geographical points on a map. They are places where nature still breathes freely, where legends intertwine with trails, and where the views from the peaks take your breath away. From lush forests and ancient woodlands, across rocky summits and glacial lakes, to the places where the horizon disappears into the clouds — every step is an encounter with something greater than yourself.

This tour is much more than hiking. It is a unique opportunity to climb the highest peaks of eight Balkan countries, to step into the very heart of their natural beauty, to meet diverse cultures and people, and to test your own limits. Every ascent, every path, and every moment of this journey brings a new story — of strength, endurance, joy, and togetherness.

In the end, when you look back, you’ll realize that you haven’t just “conquered” the peaks of the Balkans. You’ve conquered yourself.

Tour plan:

NP Sutjeska – Tjentište

Meeting of the group with the agency representative at one of the regional airports in the morning (Belgrade, Niš, Sarajevo, Podgorica, Sofia…). Transfer to NP Sutjeska and Tjentište, a historic and geographic site in the Sutjeska River valley in Republika Srpska. Accommodation in guesthouse-style apartments. Dinner. Overnight.

NP Sutjeska – Prijevor –Perućica primeval forest – Maglić 2386 m – Trnovačko Lake – Prijevor – Tjentište

Transfer: 36 km by off-road vehicles; total trail length: 22 km; highest point on the trail: 2398 m; lowest point: 1357 m; total elevation gain: 1480 m.

After breakfast, transfer by off-road vehicles to Prijevor (1668 m). On the way, we will make a short stop to see the Perućica primeval forest and Skakavac waterfall – a strictly protected reserve of NP Sutjeska. The ascent to Maglić, the highest peak of Bosnia and Herzegovina, takes about three hours on average. The trail, known as the “Postman’s Route,” is secured with cables and pitons. From the summit, we descend on the opposite side into Montenegro, to Trnovačko Lake (1513 m). From the lake, the trail continues down to Suha Jezerina (1357 m), from where we ascend back to Prijevor, our starting point. The trail, with a total length of 22 km, requires excellent physical and mental endurance. Transfer back to Tjentište. Dinner. Overnight.

NP Sutjeska – Gusinje

Transfer: 280 km

Breakfast. Drive through Republika Srpska and Montenegro with breaks for rest, lunch, and border formalities. Arrival in the afternoon at Gusinje (1014 m), a mountain village surrounded by the Prokletije massif, located near the border with Albania. Accommodation. Free time until dinner. Dinner. Overnight.

Gusinje – Vusanje – Zla Kolata 2534 m – Ravna Kolata 2556 m – Vusanje – Babino Polje

Transfer: 36 km; trail length: 19 km; lowest point on the trail: 1034 m; highest point: 2556 m; total elevation gain: 1522 m.

After breakfast, morning transfer to Vusanje, a nearby village. From Vusanje, the trail leads through the hamlet of Zarunice up to the Ćafa Borit pass, from where we continue over steep terrain to Zla Kolata (2534 m), the highest peak of Montenegro. Along the ridge, in neighboring Albania, lies Ravna Kolata (2556 m), the highest among the Kolata peaks. Return along the same route to Vusanje and then on to our accommodation in Babino Polje (1450 m). The trail, 19 km long with an elevation gain of about 1500 m, requires a medium-to-high level of physical fitness. Dinner. Overnight.

Babino Polje – Bogićevica – Tromeđa – Đeravica 2656 m – Babino Polje 

Transfer: 8 km; total trail length: 25 km; lowest point on the trail: 1652 m; highest point: 2656 m; total elevation gain: 1400 m

Breakfast. In the early morning, transfer to the foothills of Bogićevica (1640 m). Hiking along a wide valley with picturesque summer pastures (katuns), we reach the Tromeđa pass, and continue along a patrol trail right on the border line with Albania. Soon we come across the first, and shortly after, the other lakes at the foot of Đeravica. The trail then leads to the ridge and finally to the summit at 2656 m. Đeravica is the second-highest peak of the entire Dinaric Alps, which stretch from Slovenia to Albania. After spending some time at the summit, we return along the same trail to our starting point, accommodation in Babino Polje. Dinner. Overnight.

Babino Polje – Gračanica Monastery – NP Mavrovo   

Transfer: 370 km

Breakfast. Drive through Montenegro and Kosovo with breaks for rest, lunch, and border formalities. A few kilometers from Priština, we will visit Gračanica Monastery, the endowment of Serbian King Milutin — the most significant monument of Serbian culture from the 14th century. We then continue towards North Macedonia. Arrival in NP Mavrovo, the largest protected natural area in Macedonia. Accommodation in guesthouse-style apartments. Dinner. Overnight.

NP Mavrovo – Golem Korab 2764 m – NP Mavrovo

Transfer: 60 km; trail length: 21 km; lowest point on the trail: 1272 m; highest point: 2754 m; total elevation gain: 1550 m

Breakfast. The ascent to Golem Korab (2764 m), the highest peak of the Korab range, begins from the Strezimir military post (1445 m), reached by off-road vehicle. The Korab massif, with Golem Korab as its highest point, is the tallest mountain in both Macedonia and Albania and forms the border between the two countries. Following a dirt road and forest trail up to about 1700 m, we then ascend to a pass at around 2380 m. From there, the route follows a contour for 2 km to the summit, where we enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Return by the same route to accommodation. Dinner. Overnight.

NP Mavrovo – Heraklea – NP Olympus – Litohoro  

Transfer: 400 km

Breakfast. Drive through North Macedonia to the border with Greece, where we will visit Heraclea, an ancient city founded during the reign of Philip II of Macedon. Lunch break. Continue through Greece to Litohoro, a mountain village located at the foot of NP Olympus. According to Greek mythology, Olympus was the dwelling place of the gods. Its highest peak, Mytikas, stands at 2917 meters. Olympus is the tallest and most impressive mountain in Greece, representing pristine wilderness; since 1983 it has been under UNESCO protection, and the mountain itself is a national park. Accommodation in private lodging in Litohoro. Dinner. Overnight.

Litohoro – Prioni – Spilios Agapitos mountain hut

Drive: 20 km; total trail length: 6 km; lowest point on the trail: 1050 m; highest point: 2100 m; total elevation gain: 1050 m

After breakfast in Litohoro, transfer to Prioni (1050 m), from where we officially begin the ascent. After about three hours of hiking, we reach the Spilios Agapitos mountain hut. Accommodation at the hut. Dinner. Overnight.

Spilios Agapitos mountain hut – Skala 2863 m – Mytikas 2917 m – Prioni – Litohoro

Total trail length: 13 km; lowest point on the trail: 2100 m; highest point: 2917 m; total elevation gain: 817 m with a slope of up to 45°

After an early wake-up, breakfast, and coffee, we begin our climb. Following an easy trail from the hut, through forest and scree slopes, we reach the peak of Skala at 2863 m. The trail continues to the highest summit of Mount Olympus, Mytikas (2917 m). Break at the summit. Return along the same route to the hut and then further down to Prioni. Transfer back to accommodation in Litohoro. Dinner. Overnight.

Litohoro – Leptokaria – Litohoro

Drive: 30 km

A day dedicated to rest, relaxation, and swimming at the beach. All three meals are provided today. Overnight.

Litohoro – NP Rila – Borovets

Transfer: 370 km

Breakfast. Drive through Greece and Bulgaria with stops for rest, lunch, and border formalities. Arrival at Rila National Park, the largest national park in Bulgaria. Located 70 km south of Sofia, in the central part of the highest region of the Rila Mountains, the park is home to rare and endangered plants and animal species, as well as historic monuments of great significance. Rila is also famous for its glacial lakes — more than 150 of them — mostly located between 2100 and 2500 meters of elevation. Accommodation in Borovets in private houses. Dinner. Overnight.

Borovets – Musala 2925 m – Borovets

Gondola ride: 12 km; total trail length: 13 km; lowest point on the trail: 2369 m; highest point: 2925 m; total elevation gain: 556 m

Breakfast. Gondola ride from Borovets (1315 m) to Yastrebets (2369 m), the upper gondola station. Hiking trail from Yastrebets to the summit of Musala (2925 m), the highest peak of the entire Balkan Peninsula. After some time spent at the summit, return along the same route to the Everest Hut and back to accommodation in Borovets. Dinner. Overnight.

Borovets – Babin Zub

Transfer: 220 km

After breakfast and packing, drive towards Serbia with stops along the way for rest, lunch, and border formalities. Transfer to the mountain lodge at Babin Zub (1540 m), located on Stara Planina, part of the Balkan Mountain system that gave its name to the entire peninsula. The harmonious mix of untouched nature, interesting history, and rich traditions has made this mountain a perfect place to relax. Accommodation in the mountain lodge. Dinner. Overnight stay.

 

Babin zub – Midžor – Niš

Trail length: 17 km; lowest point: 1540 m; highest point: 2169 m; total ascent: 750 m

After breakfast, ascent to Midžor (2,169 m), the highest peak of Stara Planina in Serbia. From the mountain lodge, it is 8.5 km away, which can be covered in about three hours under favorable weather conditions. Return along the same trail to the lodge, pack equipment, and prepare for departure to Niš. Arrival in Niš in the evening. Accommodation in pension-style apartments. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Niš – Belgrade

Transfer: 250 km

After breakfast, transfer to the airport (Belgrade or Niš), depending on the flight schedule. End of the program.

Details:

  • Transportation by minibus, van, or car as planned in the program,
  • Luggage transport on the trail and between accommodations,
  • Accommodation for 15 nights in mountain lodges, katuns, bungalows, or private guesthouses. Each accommodation is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained,
  • 15 half-board services in 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 rooms (breakfast and dinner include one drink per person),
  • 7 traditional lunches during the hiking tour (each lunch includes one drink per person),
  • 7 packed lunches during the hiking tour (each participant receives a lunch package before departure on planned days),
  • Visit to Gračanica Monastery with a local guide,
  • One certified mountain leader for the planned tours,
  • One certified tour guide for the planned tours,
  • Organization costs and 24-hour support from the NTO team,
  • Airfare tickets,
  • Travel medical insurance,
  • Personal expenses,
  • Optional transfers,
  • Optional activities and excursions.

Sneakers or climbing shoes, several pairs of socks, T-shirts, a hooded waterproof jacket, sweatshirt, spare pants, sunglasses, a cap, and sunscreen. It is also recommended to bring energy bars, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. Pack everything in a small backpack.

Accommodation is in bungalows, katuns, traditional households, and mountain huts, all in excellent locations and well-organized. The specific accommodation will depend on availability at the time of booking.

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

FAQ

How do I get to the starting point?

The tour starts and ends in Belgrade. We organize transfers from Nikola Tesla Airport for all participants arriving by plane. If you are coming from the region, you will receive clear instructions on how to reach us by car, bus, or train. All local transfers during the program are included in the price. Upon request, it is also possible to arrange departures from other regional airports.

How challenging is this tour?

This tour is very demanding and intended for experienced hikers who already have multi-day trekking experience. Excellent physical fitness, endurance, and readiness for long days of hiking over challenging terrain are required. This tour is not suitable for beginners.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

Yes. Participation requires prior hiking experience, the ability to navigate mountain terrain, and the capability to move safely in a group under the guidance of a leader.

What level of physical fitness is required?

Participants need to be in excellent physical condition, prepared to hike up to 25 kilometers per day with significant elevation gains. Ascents include technically challenging sections, steep paths, and long days of walking.

How many people are in a group?

Our groups are small – 10 to 15 participants. This ensures safety, better organization, and a friendly atmosphere.

Can I travel alone?

Of course. Many participants join our tours solo. You will be paired with someone of the same gender for shared accommodation, or you can pay extra for a single room.

Are meals included in the price?

Yes. Breakfast and dinner (half-board) are included, as well as packed meals for hiking days. Some traditional lunches are also provided during the tour.

What should I bring?

Essential hiking equipment includes: high-quality hiking boots, technical layered clothing, a wind- and waterproof jacket, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a backpack. A detailed packing list will be sent to all participants after registration.

What are the accommodation conditions?

Accommodation is in mountain lodges, katuns, traditional households, and small apartments. We focus on authenticity and proximity to nature, while comfort may vary depending on the location.

Will I have mobile signal or internet?

Most locations have mobile signal, but there may be occasional interruptions in mountain areas. Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations.

Is insurance mandatory?

Yes. All participants must have international travel insurance that covers hiking and high-altitude activities.

Are visas required for all countries?

For Serbian citizens and most regional countries, no visa is required for entry to the countries visited during the tour (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria). You must carry a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of return. Participants from other countries should check visa requirements for each country before registering.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 16 days and includes ascents of the highest peaks in eight Balkan countries.

Who leads the tour?

The tour is led by our licensed and experienced mountain guides, specialized in high-altitude hiking and international expeditions.

Is it possible to deviate from the program?

The program is carefully planned, but in mountain trekking, adjustments must sometimes be made due to weather conditions or the condition of the group. Guides have the right to modify the program if necessary for participants’ safety.

How much money should I bring?

We recommend carrying a small amount of cash (EUR) for souvenirs, snacks, or tips.

Is it customary to tip the guides?

Yes, tipping is a common way to show appreciation. The amount is not fixed, but it is customary to tip guides and drivers at the end of the tour. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is standard if not included in the bill.

Dear travelers, we are committed to making your experience unforgettable, safe, and full of adventure. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Balkans, while also discovering its diverse nature and rich culture.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact us – we are here to help!

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.