Balkans Via Dinarica Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Lorenc Konaj

Lorenc fell in love with the natural environment and pristine wilderness, in what was then known as Yugoslavia, as a child. He soon discovered his other joy in life, that of sharing the beauty of the region with those visiting his little corner of the globe-a place rich in culture, history, and gorgeous nature. Lorenc is a Certified Mountain Guide and Ranger for the BiH Mountain Association, a member of a Mountain Rescue Team, and has led MT Sobek trips in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2007. When not leading trips, Lorenc develops new adventures and trains guides in Bosnia.

Samer Hajric

Samer is from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is a certified mountain guide by the Mountaineering Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina and UIAA standards. He has been guiding for MT Sobek since 2007 and his first magical encounter with the Dinaric Alps was back in 2000. In Samer's own words: "My passion for the mountains and the rigours of the outdoors, combined with the warm-heartedness of the local people, left an indelible impression on me. It will be my great pleasure to show you this part of the world and the area which holds a special place in my heart-the Dinaric Alps."

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                    [Headline] => Arrive at Ljubljana & Transfer to Bled
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Arrive to Ljubljana airport and meet your MT Sobek trip leader outside of customs and immigration area, to escort you to the hotel in the charming lakeside town of Bled. At the welcome dinner this evening, meet the rest of the group.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Triglav National Park, Hike to Debela pec & Visit Bled Castle
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This morning, hike through the forests of Pokljuka plateau towards Lipanca alpine meadow and Blejska Koca Hut. The path reaches a saddle between the summits of Brda and Debela pec for the first views of the central Julian Alps. Head towards the grassy peak of Debela pec (6,605\') for views of the Ljubljana basin and Triglav, Slovenia\'s highest peak and the symbol of the park. In the afternoon, return to Bled, for a walk along the lake and a visit to its iconic medieval castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia.
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                    [Headline] => Hike Risnjak National Park in Croatia
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6 hours/10.5 miles hiking with 2,820\' elevation gain & 1,575\' elevation loss
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Depart this morning to Risnjak National Park on Croatia\'s northern border with Slovenia, the northernmost of Croatia\'s eight national parks. Covering more than 24 square miles, it provides habitat for more than 1,000 different plants, as well as wolves, bears, and lynx. Hike across its undulating forested terrain to Schlosser\'s mountain hut at the base of Veliki Risnjak peak (5,013\'). If you have energy to spare, hike up to Veliki Risnjak for stunning 360-degree views. In the afternoon, transfer to the small pretty town of Fuzine, known for great walking and cycling.
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                    [Headline] => Hike the Premuzic Trail in Northern Velebit National Park  
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Depart early for Northern Velebit National Park, one of the most beautiful areas of the Croatian Dinaric Alps. Start the hike near the Zavizan mountain hut, the highest meteorological station in Croatia. After a half-hour walk, embark on the famous Premuzic trail, a 35.5-mile-long route that follows the main ridge of Velebit mountain. While hiking this first stage of the trail, pass through Rozanski Kukovi, a nature reserve that protects many endemic and rare plant species, as well as rich fauna, including the three big predators of Croatia: bears, wolves, and lynx.
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                    [Headline] => Marvel at the Limestone Peaks of Central Velebit
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After breakfast, embark on the last section of the Premuzic trail. Hike among the Dabarski Kukovi - high limestone rock towers overlooking the green valleys of Central Velebit - and head up to the Visibaba, a highland plateau with stellar views of the islands dotted along the Adriatic coast. After completing this rocky circular adventure, transfer to Starigrad Paklenica, a town situated on the Adriatic coast. Drive along the well-known Adriatic Magistrala, a scenic road that winds along the Croatian coast and offers dazzling coastal vistas.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Paklenica National Park
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Wake up to the sounds of seagulls and salty winds coming from the Adriatic. The village of Starigrad is the gateway to Paklenica National Park, a hiking and rock-climbing paradise wedged between two narrow gorges. Explore the bigger of the two gorges, with steep climbing walls, rocky peaks, well-maintained trails, and stunning views down the gorge. Rest at the main hut in the center of the park, cool off, replenish your water bottle, and follow the Paklenica river back down to the coast for a well-deserved dip in the Adriatic.
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                    [Headline] => Tour Mostar & Reach Blidinje Nature Park 
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Wake up early and transfer to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the beautiful city of Mostar. Tour the old city and see its famed old bridge. The bridge is locally known as Stari Most, and the town was named after the bridge keepers, or "mostari." After a tasty lunch on the banks of the Neretva river, head out towards Blidinje Nature Park, from where you continue the Bosnian part of the Via Dinarica adventure.
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Hajducka Vrata and Drinaca Peak
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6-8 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 2,460\' elevation gain & 2,953\' elevation loss
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Start the Bosnian part of the Via Dinarica adventure with Blidinje Nature Park, where the hike begins over Cvrsnica mountain. The first part is a very gentle ascent through a thick beech forest. As the elevation rises, climb above the tree line and east toward Drinjaca (6,686\') and Hajducka Vrata, a stunning natural arch typical for karst and limestone. After lunch, head back part of the way to the top of Vilinac peak (6,950\'), before continuing back down to Blidinje for some delicious traditional pine liqueur and hearty highland village fare.
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                    [Headline] => Discover the Highland Village of Lukomir
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,970\' elevation gain & 1,706\' elevation loss
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Transfer to the village of Umoljani, located on the mountain of Bjelasnica that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. From the traditional-style mosque, walk to the seven watermills, and continue to the Studeni Potok cascades. Walk upstream, see the serpent-like formations of Studeni Stream, and continue uphill to Obalj peak (6,220\'). From here, take in spectacular views of Rakitnica canyon and Lukomir, Bosnia\'s highest village (at 4,820\'), with ancient medieval tombstones and a traditional way of life. Descend back for a tasty homemade dinner and transfer to Babin Do, the mountain\'s main ski resort.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 42.947920
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                    [Headline] => Hike the Wild Visocica Massif 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 7-8 hours/7.5 miles hike with 2,790\' elevation gain & 2,707\' elevation loss
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Today explore the wild Visocica massif, with pointed peaks and narrow valleys, and bordered by rivers on all sides. Start by winding through the Bjelasnica backroads before hitting the Rakitnica River and crossing over towards Tusila village (3,937\'). Hike up through open meadows and thick beech forest to the summit of Vito (6,430\'), and enjoy a lunch paired with panoramic views. Then follow a narrow ridge to Drstva peak (5,932\') and descend to meet the vehicle and transfer to Sarajevo, the nation\'s capital. Enjoy dinner in the old town this evening.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 43.856258
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                    [Headline] => See the Sights of Sarajevo 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hour city walking tour
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Spend the day exploring the vibrant city of Sarajevo for a glimpse into its turbulent past that spanned empires - from the Ottoman Turks to the Austro-Hungarians. More recently, the city was host to the 1984 Winter Olympics and then made the news in the 1990s during the siege by Serb forces. Tour the ancient Ottoman quarter called Bascarsija, with its stone-flagged alleys and red-roofed houses sitting amongst minarets, as well as major historical and cultural sites. After lunch, explore on your own. In the late afternoon, transfer to the Sutjeska National Park.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Headline] => Explore Sutjeska National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,640\' elevation gain & 2,018\' elevation loss
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In the morning, transfer to Sutjeska National Park, before continuing to the tranquil lake of Donje Bare. After lunch, hike through a beech forest and open mountainous terrain to the summit of Ugljesin (6,096\'), for one of the best panoramic views of the Zelengora peaks and the rock face wall of Volujak. Continue the stunning circuit back to Gornje Bare lake via the Tovarnica ridge, with Bosnia\'s highest peaks a constant companion on the horizon. Then transfer back to the hotel in the Tjentiste valley, before an early dinner.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 43.316667
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Trnovacko Lake or Summit Mt. Maglic
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-5 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 984\' elevation gain & loss to Trnovacko Lake - or - 9 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 4,264\' elevation gain & loss to summit Mt. Maglic
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Today drive to remote Lokva Derneciste to begin hiking through old growth forests and open, mountainous terrain. Split into two groups: one will do the moderate 2.5-hour hike to the emerald green Trnovacko Lake (4,921\') and the other will tackle the strenuous 4-hour trek up to Maglic summit (7,828\'), the highest and mightiest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a 2.5-hour descent down to the lake. The group will reconvene at Trnovacko for a 2.5-hour hike among huge amphitheater of rocky peaks to Prijevor, and transfer back to the hotel.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 43.251667
                    [Longitude] => 18.726667
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                    [Headline] => Raft the Tara River & Head to Durmitor National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours rafting Class II-IV rapids
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Rest your legs but get some thrills on today\'s rafting adventure through the deepest river canyon in Europe. After leaving the hotel, sit back and enjoy the spectacular views along the Drina river, until the place where the Piva and Tara canyons join. There, put in for a rafting journey on the Tara, which sits more than 3,000 feet down in the canyon with stunning wilderness all around. After enjoying an early dinner along the river, continue on to the town of Zabljak on the edge of Durmitor National Park in Montenegro.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 43.155011
                    [Longitude] => 19.120846
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                    [Headline] => Ascend Prutas Peak in Durmitor National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,460\' elevation gain & 2,480 elevation loss
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Today ascend the sloping deep-green Prutas peak, with the most stunning views of other Durmitor sights, like the Soa Nebeska wall, the amazing Skrcka Lakes valley, and the stunning Susica canyon. After a short drive to Dobri Do (5,577\'), begin climbing a grassy slope toward Skrcko Zdrijelo Pass (6,935\'), and then follow a rocky path with magnificent views of the massive Bobotov Kuk. Shortly after reaching the peak, have lunch paired with breathtaking views. After the 5-hour hike, arrive back in Zabljak in time for dinner.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 43.133333
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                    [Headline] => Climb Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro\'s Highest Summit
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6-7 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 2,130\' elevation gain & 3,035\' elevation loss
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Today, climb Montenegro\'s highest peak, Bobotov Kuk (8,277\'). Starting relatively high at 6,230 feet, hike up the grassy slope of Surutka toward Zupci, a magnificent massif with 14 sharp, rocky "teeth." After circling Zupci, arrive at the glacial lake Zeleni Vir and begin a steep, rocky ascent toward Bobotov Kuk. The views expand with every step until the summit - with vistas all the way to the Adriatic on a clear day. Enjoy lunch here, and then descend via the Mlijecni Do, to take a short ride back to Zabljak for a well¬-deserved rest.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 43.127778
                    [Longitude] => 19.033333
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                    [Headline] => Journey to Theth Village in Albania\'s Accursed Mountains
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Today say goodbye to Montenegro and cross over into Albania. Make a lunch stop in the town of Shkodar and continue to the remote village of Theth in the namesake national park. Stroll around the village and learn about some of the ancient customs that reign these communities on the edge of the Albanian Alps - known by some as the Accursed Mountains. (Don\'t let the name fool you; the range is known for its stunning, unspoiled beauty.) Have dinner and overnight at a family-run guesthouse in Theth.
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                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 7-hour private van transfer (with breaks)
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                    [Latitude] => 42.4
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                    [Headline] => Hike from Theth to Valbona, Crossing the Valbona Pass
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8 hours/11 miles hiking with 4,050\' elevation gain & 4,265\' elevation loss or alternative full-day transfer
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Today load the luggage into the vehicles and hike from Theth to Valbona along an old mule trail that is the only direct connection between the two valleys. This scenic but challenging hike begins in the Valley of Theth (2,460\') then climbs steeply upward through beech woods and grassy meadows towards Valbona Pass (5,770\'). At the top, enjoy a picnic lunch and breathtaking views of both Theth and Valbona National Parks. Today\'s alternative is a full-day transfer that includes a ferry boat ride over the blue waters of Komani lake, followed by a short walk around Valbona.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
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                    [Travel_Type] => Alternative: 5.5-hour private van transfer & 2.5 hour ferry ride
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                    [Headline] => Climb the Maja Rosit Pass 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5-6 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,625\' elevation gain & 2,460\' elevation loss
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This morning, start the hike directly from the guesthouse, passing through dry river beds and climbing through forests of beech and pine. Frequently used by the villages bringing their sheep and cows to higher pastures, the trail winds up through grassy open terrain to a lonely shepherds\' hut. Enjoy a cold drink here before pushing on to the Maja Rosit pass (6,690\') that separates Albania from Montenegro. After a hearty picnic lunch of highland cheese and local beer, head back down the same way, through the hamlet of Kukaj and on to Valbona.
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                    [Latitude] => 42.479444
                    [Longitude] => 19.850556
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                    [Headline] => Visit the Monastery of Decan & Head to Prizren 
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This morning, drive to the lower valley to visit one of Kosovo\'s beautiful Orthodox monasteries, the 14th-century St. Nicholas Monastery of Decan. Then continue on to the historic city of Prizren, to spend the evening in an Ottoman-style neighborhood and enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
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                    [Latitude] => 42.216667
                    [Longitude] => 20.733333
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                    [Headline] => Take In the Highlights of Tirana
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After a morning departure from Prizren, drive through the Albanian hinterland and arrive to Tirana, the capital of Albania. After checking into the hotel, head out on a tour of this charming, cosmopolitan city, visiting the Skenderbey square, the old mosque, and the vibrant Blloku neighborhood packed with cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy a farewell dinner in one of these restaurants before returning to the hotel.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
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                    [Latitude] => 41.328889
                    [Longitude] => 19.817778
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                    [Headline] => Depart from Tirana
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After breakfast, have a 30-minute transfer to Tirana International Airport.
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                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Daily elevation gain and loss varies from 1,000 - 4,000\'. Hikes are 4 - 8 hours over several consecutive days on uneven and rocky terrain. The highest altitude will be 7,828\' on day 13. Multiple nights will be spent in comfortable but basic accommodations.
    [Trip_Level] => 4
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Accommodations

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Lodgings run the gamut from modern mountain resorts, old historic city hotels, family-run guesthouses, and cozy B&Bs.

Hotel Savica-Bled, Slovenia

Comfortable Hotel

Hotel Savica is a three-star hotel in the heart of lakeside Bled. The clean and cheerful rooms are modern and minimalist, with a private bath, air-con, minibars, and Wi-Fi. Hotel guests can use the thermal pools of the Ziva Wellness Centre for free and get discounted admission to the saunas.

Hotel Bitoraj-Fuzine, Croatia

Comfortable Hotel

A family-run hotel in the heart of Fuzine, this charming retreat has 20 well-appointed rooms with a full array of perks such as Wi-Fi, air-con, and minibars. The restaurant is known for serving excellent cuisine, with the accent on game dishes - a local specialty.

Hotel Vicko-Starigrad Paklenica, Croatia

Comfortable Hotel

The family-owned Hotel Vicko is a three-star hotel with a superb seaside location in Starigrad Paklenica. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail and get free use of beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and beach towels. All of the 58 rooms have a private bathroom, air-con, satellite TV, and a safe, with views of either a park or the sea.

Hotel Hajducke Vrleti-Blidinje Nature Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Comfortable Hotel

A three-star hotel known for its rustic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings, Hotel Hajducke Vrleti has simple and comfortable guest with hardwood floors and low-slung beds. Decorated with antiques, the restaurant serves traditional Blidinje specialties that win raves from the guests. The friendly staff is super helpful and makes guests feel right at home.

Hotel Bjelasnica-Babin Do, Bosnia

Comfortable Hotel

A full-service mountain retreat, Hotel Bjelasnica features well-equipped guest rooms with scenic views and a full array of amenities, like Wi-Fi and TV. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and a spa with a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a fitness room.

Hotel Europe-Sarajevo, Bosnia

Comfortable Hotel

Inside an Austro-Hungarian building from 1882, this grande dame hotel in the heart of Sarajevo exudes a historic ambience. The rooms feature a classic style and all the mod perks, like Wi-Fi and TV. The Viennese Café is a landmark, serving great cakes and pastries from Mozart's Patisserie. The on-site spa has an indoor swimming pool and Turkish baths.

Hotel Mladost-Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia

Comfortable Hotel

Located in Sutjeska, Hotel Mladost has a gorgeous setting, with marvelous views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The rooms are clean, bright, and cheerful, each with a private bath; Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. The onsite restaurant serves local cuisine on a scenic outdoor terrace. One of the most outstanding features of the hotel is the enormous swimming pool.

Hotel Soa

Comfortable Hotel

The four-star Hotel Soa provides a surprising oasis for visitors to Durmitor National Park, with lots of services and amenities and attractive, modern design. Rooms are decorated in light woods with sleek, minimalist furniture, and come with a private bath, flat-screen satellite TV, and beautiful park views. The restaurant offers service in a stylish dining room or on a terrace with panoramic views.

Villa Gjecaj-Thethi Valley, Albania

Rustic Lodging

In the village of Theth, the family-owned Villa Gjecaj comprises a charming stone house constructed in 1922, plus a recently added modern building. The simply furnished rooms have either a private or shared bath, while common areas include a restaurant that serves traditional home-cooked Albanian dishes. The location in a secluded pristine valley is a highlight of a stay here.

Hotel Rilindja

Rustic Lodging

Experience the natural wonders of Valbona at this peaceful and remote retreat in the heart of the Albanian Alps. Its comfortable guestrooms have an alpine chalet feel with wood accents and come appointed with simple amenities. The key draw of the hotel is its get-away-from-it-all feel and it's a perfect stop-off on your Via Dinarica adventure.

Hotel Prizreni-Prizren, Kosovo

Comfortable Hotel

A lovely B&B steps from the old town of Prizren, Hotel Prizreni features spacious and comfortable rooms with good Wi-Fi, air-con, minibars, and flat-screen TVs; some rooms have views of a nearby mosque (which could potentially give you a unique wake-up with their early morning call to prayer). The welcoming staff gets high marks for taking great care of guests.

Sarotel-Tirana, Albania

Comfortable Hotel

With an ideal location in the center of Tirana, the four-star Sar'Otel is a short walk to Skenderberg square. The bright, modern rooms have private baths, flat-screen TVs, and air-con; most come with balconies. The indoor swimming pool, sauna and hammam are available at an additional cost. You can enjoy a snack in the bar or the garden terrace.

Hotel Velinac

Located on the seaside in Karlobag, this hotel offers a personal level of service, friendliness, and authentic flair. Most of the rooms either have sea views of overlook the town's small central square and are equipped with individual restrooms and wi-fi. The on-site tavern serves a particularly notable breakfast each morning, and guests can enjoy a private beach just steps from the entry to the hotel.

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