Escorted Group Tours & Tailor-Made Itineraries
BALKANS EXPLORER – Belgrade to Kruje
TRIP NOTES
TOUR ESSENTIALS
HIGHLIGHTS
 Trip Code: RSAL (Combo)1

Nightlife in Belgrade

World’s Largest Orthodox Church, Saint Sava

Carpet-and-cheese shopping in Pirot

Pristina, Europe’s youngest capital

Skopje Old Bazaar

Stunning Lake Ohrid (UNESCO)
 Duration: 8 nights/9 days

Ottoman City of Berat (UNESCO)*
 Dates & Prices: Refer to website (flights NOT included)

Skanderbeg Citadel Complex, Kruje
 Tour Pace & Style: Moderate/Adventure2
 Version: TN/RSAL/2017/V1
 Start Point: Belgrade, Serbia
 End Point: Kruje, Albania
 Countries: Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania
*With a local Tour Guide
 Accommodation: Central 3* hotel/apartment/room3
 Single room: Available for additional fee
SUMMARY
 Transport: Days 1 – 8 by private minibus between all
TOUR
DATES corners of Europe
One of the few2017
remaining
undiscovered
accommodation, on foot.4
and popularly referred to as the Balkans, it’s a geographical
Tour
1: Thurs
13 Apr
– Fri 21 Apr
 Included Meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner5
and
cultural
region
of Southeast
Europe.
Tour 2: Thurs 04 May – Fri 12 May
 Group Size: 4 – 16 (guaranteed to run with 4)6
3: Thurs
May
– Fri
02 Juncountries, three of which
OnTour
this tour
we’ll25
visit
four
of these
Touronce
4: Thurs
– Fri 23 Jun
were
part 15
of Jun
Yugoslavia,
a country existing between
 Tour Leader: Accompanies group throughout7
Tour
5: Thurs
06 Jul –how
Fri 14
Jul were shaped by a rich, yet
1918
– 2003.
Discover
they
 Kitty: No compulsory tipping kitty for this tour8
Tour 6: Thurs
27 JulWhat
– Fri 04have
Aug now been formed are
turbulent
history.
Tour 7: Thurs
17 Aug – Fri
25 Augdestinations with an
beautiful,
welcoming
tourist
 Age: Minimum 12 years/No upper9
Tour
8:
Thurs
07
Sept
–
Fri
15
Sept
abundance of hospitable locals.
Tour 9: Thurs 28 Sept – Fri 06 Oct
Tour
10:toThurs
19any
Octpreconceptions
– Fri 27 Oct
We’d
like
shatter
you have about this region and take you on a cultural journey visiting some fascinating
HIGHLIGHTS
UNESCO World Heritage
Sites and historical cities.
If you wish, you can learn more about the history and collapse of Yugoslavia, swim in the serene waters of Lake Ohrid and
experience
local
culture,
cuisine and traditions. Now emerging as independent countries, they are packed with places that for

Nightlife
in Belgrade
years were off limits to most travelers.

World’s Largest Orthodox Church, Saint Sava

Carpet-and-cheese shopping in Pirot
LAND

Pristina, Europe’s youngest capital

Skopje Old Bazaar
DAY 1
ONLY ITINERARY
THURSDAY: Arrive in Belgrade
Transfer:
will be collected
at (UNESCO)
Nikola Tesla Airport and transferred by shared shuttle to our hotel.
 You
Stunning
Lake Ohrid

Ottoman City of Berat (UNESCO)*
Skanderbeg Citadel
Complex,
Kruje
Sales& Reservations:
+44 (0)
191 308
2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
*With a local Tour Guide
Welcome to Belgrade, the former capital of Yugoslavia and now the capital of Serbia. You may have time to explore the city
today, one of the oldest in Europe. Visit one of Belgrade’s many museums or take a walk to Sveti Sava, the world’s largest
Orthodox Church before drinking coffee in a traditional Kafana.
In the evening, your Tour Leader will arrange a welcome meeting.
Afterwards we can take a walk to the Bohemian area of Skadarlija and
have dinner in a traditional restaurant, complete with ‘tamburasi’
music.
Serbia doesn’t do ‘mild’ and neither does its capital, one of Europe’s
wildest party destinations. Move on to one of Belgrade’s cool bars,
before sampling one of the exciting clubs this city is famous for.
Countless river barges have been turned into floating clubs (‘Splavovi’)
playing all types of music, usually lasting until dawn.
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Belgrade, 4* ‘Belgrade City Hotel’ or similar
Welcome dinner in Belgrade, airport transfer10
Airport to hotel = 30 mins
www.belgradewalkingtours.com offer free walking tours at 1100hrs & 1600hrs daily (rain or shine) and a
‘Pub Crawl’ on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night at 2100hrs, 10€, 4 places, 4 drinks included.
www.belgradefreetour.com offer free walking tours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1030hrs and
Friday at 1400hrs.
DAY 2
FRIDAY: Belgrade
Free day in Belgrade.
Today you could take advantage of the ‘Belgrade Free Walking Tour,’ starting in Republic Square and visiting Bohemian Quarter
(Skadarlija), the oldest part of Belgrade with Ottoman heritage, ‘Silicone Valley,’ Zoo, Kalemegdan Park, Belgrade Fortress,
Pobednik, confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Saborna Church, ‘Kafana ?’ and Knez Mihailova, a pedestrian zone and
one of the oldest and most valuable monumental complexes in the
city.
Have lunch on the strip before heading out to see underground
Belgrade. Beneath the city are more than one hundred caves and
tunnels built by the Austrians, Serbs and Germans.
There is also a well and a Roman Hall preserving the tower of the
main entrance gate of the Roman fortress. See an army bunker built
under the order of Josip Broz Tito, former President of Yugoslavia
before taking a short walk down to the riverside to an old
underground storage room. Today this is a very cool wine bar –
tasting is optional, but recommended!
Alternatively, you could check out the Military
Museum (within the fortress) or for those
interested in the former Yugoslavia, the House
of Flowers (Tito’s mausoleum) is a must.
For dinner this evening, we recommend one of
the trendy restaurants at Beton Hala.
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Belgrade, 4* ‘Belgrade City Hotel’ or similar
Buffet breakfast in Belgrade
N/A
www.belgradewalkingtours.com – ‘Underground Secrets of Belgrade’ tour, Friday, 1500hrs, 10€ pp,
minimum of four people and reservations must be made in advance.
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
DAY 3
SATURDAY: Belgrade – Niš
Today we’ll travel to Niš, the third largest city in Serbia and the birthplace of Constantine the Great. It is lively and full of
curious contrasts, where Roma in horse-drawn carriages trot along beside modern cars, and locals enjoy ćevapčići at a
pavement cafe, watching the world go by.
On the way into town we’ll pay a short visit
to the Red Cross Concentration Camp, one
of the few fully preserved Nazi camps in
Europe.
The rest of the afternoon is free. Visit Niš
Fortress or take a stroll along the Nišava
River.
For those who are interested, your Tour Leader can organize a visit to a
winery a few kilometres out of town (optional, additional cost).
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Niš, ‘The Only One Apartments’ or similar
Buffet breakfast in Belgrade, entrance to Red Cross Concentration Camp
2 hrs 30 mins
N/A
DAY 4
SUNDAY: Niš – Pirot – Niš
Today we’ll head out in the minibus for a short tour of Niš, followed by a stop
at Cele Kula (Skull Tower), the most infamous and slightly unnerving sight in
the city. Built with the skulls of Serbs killed during the 1809 Battle of Cegar
by order of Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, it served as a warning to whoever
opposed the Ottoman Empire. 952 were included but today only 58 skulls
remain. Our next stop will be nearby Mediana, where Constantine himself
once lived.
Continuing on, we’ll drive through the beautiful Jelasnica Gorge before
reaching Pirot, located in the heart of the Balkans.
This part of Serbia is famous for its traditional woven carpets, or kilim. Patterns
are always geometric in form, with highly contrasted colours. Red is the
prevailing colour and they are only given on special occasions as a valuable gift.
Another local speciality is Pirotski kačkavalj, a wonderfully perfumed cheese that
Pirot producers are so proud of, they patented it. Along with ‘ironed sausage,’
you can find it for sale all over town. Both so good, sampling is a must!
Stroll down Srpskih Vladara Street and you’ll find several stunning structures
built following the Turkish occupation and was once part of the road heading to Constantinople (Istanbul).
The Museum of Ponišavlje also displays a rich collection of
traditional costumes, rugs and pottery in an authentic 19thcentury Balkan merchant’s house.
We’ll stop for a late lunch in a small village on the way back to Niš.
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Niš, ‘The Only One Apartments’ or similar
Tea/coffee in your room, entrance to Skull Tower, Mediana,11 excursion to Pirot (transport), late lunch
2 hrs 30 mins
N/A
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
DAY 5
MONDAY: Niš – Đavolja Varoš – Priština12 – Skopje
On our way to Macedonia (FYROM), we’ll stop to take a look at a first-class natural landmark before visiting the capital of
Europe’s newest country!
In the south of Serbia, 27 km south-east of Kursumlija, lies Đavolja Varoš
(Devil’s Town). Featuring 202 rock formations created by centuries of
erosion, they are similar to those found in Cappadocia, Turkey. Standing
between 2m - 15m high, they are topped by stone blocks weighing as
much as 100kg. It is also home to two springs with high mineral content.
The natural surrounding area adds to the attraction of these wonders
depicting an almost mystical atmosphere. The whole 67 hectares of its
territory has had ‘Natural Monument’ level of protection since 1995.
We will then depart for the Serbia / Kosovo border and will arrive in
Priština12 around lunchtime. The current population estimate is over
500,000, the majority of which is comprised of Albanians, with the rest
made up of Turks, Serbs, Bosniaks and Roma. Around 40,000 Serbs left
Priština following the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999.
There are a number of cultural and historical sites to see in/near the centre: The Kosovo Museum, the Turkish-period 15th
century Emperor’s Mosque and Emincik House, a typical 19th century oriental residence and you are free to enjoy them at your
own pace.
Nene Teresa (Mother Teresa) Street is pedestrianised and lined with eateries, bars and coffee shops. Have a meal in a
restaurant or something quick and easy from a vendor. At one end of this street you can visit the Cathedral of Mother Teresa
- on a good day, 1€ and an elevator will get you to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views over the city.
At the opposite end of the pedestrian zone you’ll find a monument of Skanderbeg on his horse and the new Government
Building. From here you can point yourself towards the historic mosques, the old quarter and market.
Afterwards you should visit the ‘NEWBORN’ monument. Kosovo is Europe’s
newest country and after gaining independence in 2008, the letters were placed
here announcing in monumental form that Priština is indeed in its infancy.
Drive to Skopje, Macedonia where we’ll spend the night. Part Balkan and part
Mediterranean, this landlocked nation offers impressive ancient sites, yet an
undiscovered feel that is lacking elsewhere in Europe as visitors will discover
among the hospitable, laid-back locals.
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Skopje, 3* ‘Hotel De Koka’ or similar
Tea/coffee in your room in Niš, tour of Devil’s Town (transport, entrance fees and guide)
Nis to Devil’s Town = 1 hr 15 mins, Devil’s Town to Pristina = 2 hrs, Pristina to Skopje = 2 hrs
Walk from car park to the formations is through uneven, sometimes muddy terrain with some steep steps.
You’ll walk around 1.5km each way. Should you decide not to go, you can wait in a cafe.13
DAY 6
TUESDAY: Skopje – Ohrid
Leaving the capital after lunch will give you enough time to see the main sights on your own
or to take advantage of the ‘Free Walking Tour Skopje.’
The tour takes you to Ploštad Makedonija, a pretty square complete with statue of Alexander
the Great, Ottoman and Byzantine-era wonders such as the 15th century Kameni Most (Stone
Bridge), Stara Čaršija (Old Turkish Bazaar housing the main historic sites), Sveti Spas Church
and nearby Kale Fortress from the 5th century. Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje, has
a Memorial House you can peek inside.
The old train station was the first in the Balkans; the stone fingers of its clock were frozen at
0517hrs on 27th July 1963, the moment when a great earthquake struck and have remained
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
that way ever since. Inside the station is the free Museum of the City of Skopje and has
exhibitions of ancient and Byzantine finds from Kale Fortress, which is worth a look.
We’ll now drive south to Ohrid, Macedonia’s prime destination and on the lake of the
same name. Arriving into our apartments late afternoon, you should have time to relax
before dinner. Straddling the border with Albania, Lake Ohrid is among Europe’s largest
and oldest. A mere two minutes walk from our accommodation, it has lake-front bars
with patios for a pleasant midday coffee and is lively at night.
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Ohrid, ‘Luccia Apartments’ or similar
Buffet breakfast in Skopje
Skopje to Ohrid = 2 hrs 45 mins
Orientation walk with your Tour Leader taking you to the main sights
around the city, leaving you with a completely free day tomorrow.
This walk has steep hills and will take around 2 hours.
DAY 7
WEDNESDAY: Ohrid
Free day in Ohrid.
For hikers, the start of Galicica National Park is only a 10-minute walk from the
centre and on a good day, offers amazing views of both Lake Ohrid and Lake
Prespa from the summit of Magaro, the highest point in the park (2,255m).
Take a boat ride to the prehistoric settlement of Bay of Bones, St Naum
Monastery and walk to St. Sofia Church, Amphitheatre, Sveti Clement I
Pantelejmon, Church of St. Jovan and the old fisherman’s settlement of Kaneo.
Then head up to 10th century Samoil’s Fortress (open in summer months) for the
most wonderful views of the entire city, the lake and coastline. Lake Ohrid is
70% in Macedonia and 30% in Albania and Albania can be seen from the viewing
gallery.
After this cultural and historical feast, sip a coffee in Kliment Ohridski Square,
relax in the wonderful surroundings or take a dip in the lake!
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Ohrid, ‘Luccia Apartments’ or similar
Breakfast in Ohrid (in your room)
N/A
DAY 8
THURSDAY: Ohrid – Berat – Kruje
After breakfast we’ll start our drive to Albania.
Today you will get to see one of its most beautiful cities on a guided
tour of Berat. It’s most striking feature is the collection of white
Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to its castle, earning it the title of
‘town of a thousand windows’ and UNESCO listed status.
The old quarters are lovely ensembles of whitewashed walls, tiled roofs
and cobblestone roads. Sitting high above the Osum River is Berat
Castle where a local guide will take you on a tour. Visit the Onufri
Museum and enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch within the walls before
taking a gentle stroll in the old quarters below.
We’ll arrive into Kruje, a small town in northern Albania, in the evening and spend the night.
Along the way you may spot a few of the 700,000 mushroom-shaped bunkers which were built under the order of Enver
Hoxha. Some have now been turned into tourist attractions.
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
The national museum celebrates Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeg
(Skanderbeg), a 15th century Albanian lord whose formidable
military strategy skills defended Albania from Ottoman invasion for
over two decades. It was built with a fake medieval façade in 1982
and houses copies of Skanderbeg’s sword and spiky helmet (the
originals are in Vienna), paintings and exhibits (mostly replicas)
presenting Skanderbeg’s struggle against the Ottomans. They have
tours in English (on request).
Nearby is the excellent small Ethnographic Museum which displays
the beautiful interior of a traditional Albanian house around 1800.
Exhibits include 19th-century folk dress, as well as traditional
copper goods and clay utensils.
Overnight:
Included:
Drive time:
Good to know:
Kruje, 4* ‘Hotel Panorama’ or similar
Breakfast in Ohrid (in your room), guided tour of Berat Castle, entrance to
Onufri Museum, lunch
Ohrid to Berat = 3 hrs, Berat to Kruje = 2 hrs 30 mins
The official currency in Albania is Lek but Euros are widely accepted.
DAY 9
Friday: Departure from Kruje
Transfer:
Your transfer to Tirana International (Mother Teresa) Airport has been pre-arranged and you will be
collected from the hotel reception by shared shuttle transfer. Your collection time will be shown on your
Final Joining instructions sent 2 – 3 weeks before the tour start date.
Included:
Drive time:
Buffet breakfast in Kruje, airport transfer10
Kruje to Tirana Airport = 30 - 40 mins
***This is a leaving city1***
What’s Included?

Return airport transfers (shared shuttle)

What’s NOT included?
International flights (unless specified)

All accommodation

Meals not listed

All transport (as listed)

Drinks

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners

Travel Insurance (compulsory on ALL tours)

Tour Leader to accompany group

Pre / post accommodation or single room

Local Guides on included tours (as listed)

Optional excursions

Sightseeing as listed in Trip Notes

Spending money (tips, laundry, souvenirs, mini-bar)

100% Financial Protection

Visa and passport fees
MEAL ARRANGEMENTS
DAY
OVERNIGHT
COUNTRY
INCLUDED MEALS*
1–T
Belgrade
Serbia
Welcome dinner – Belgrade
2–F
Belgrade
Serbia
Buffet breakfast – Belgrade
3–S
Niš
Serbia
Buffet breakfast – Belgrade
4–S
Niš
Serbia
Tea & coffee – Niš / Lunch – Pirot
5–M
Skopje
Macedonia
Tea & coffee – Niš
6–T
Ohrid
Macedonia
Buffet breakfast – Skopje
7–W
Ohrid
Macedonia
Breakfast in room – Ohrid
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
8–T
Kruje
Albania
Breakfast in room – Ohrid / Lunch – Berat
9–F
Departure
Albania
Buffet breakfast – Kruje
* Drinks are at your own cost.
PRE / POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION**
OVERNIGHT
TWIN / DOUBLE
SINGLE
Belgrade
60 GBP (BB)
54 GBP (BB)
Kruje
40 GBP (BB)
30 GBP (BB)
** Prices are per room, per night. BB = includes buffet breakfast.
Additional Information:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Combination Tour: ‘RSAL: Balkan Explorer’ is a shorter section of two other longer tours – a) ‘RSHR: Balkans Adventure’ and b) ‘YUGO: Best of the Balkans.’ Joiners
in Belgrade are starting on day 1 of the tour and have not previously been together as a group on another section.
Tour Pace & Style: ‘Balkan Explorer’ tour is graded as Moderate / Adventure:
Moderate: Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a holiday combining activities, culture UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some time to relax and unwind. It
includes a reasonable amount of walking. Therefore, in order to fully appreciate everything it has to offer it is only suitable for individuals capable of walking
around 3 – 4 km per day, sometimes spread out during the course of the day, sometimes all at once. You will usually be busy for part of the day and then free to
recharge and do your own thing for the rest.
Adventure: If your idea of a holiday is to see interesting sites in more than one country, immerse yourself in the culture, try new activities and also have a bit of
down time, this is the style for you. Travelling with a small group of like-minded independent people, this tour has some amazing experiences but not so overorganised that you have no time to unwind. Although there are some long travel days and included excursions as a group, at other times you will have the freedom
to explore individually and at your own pace. This tour is a great option for both the not-so-experienced, and seasoned traveler.
Accommodation: Prices are on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveller and would be prepared to share a room with another guest of the same sex, the price
will remain the same. If you would like your own space, we have single rooms available at an extra fee. Accommodation is chosen for cleanliness and location
rather than decor and sea views i.e. a hotel by the sea will not necessarily mean you will have a sea view. Some of the hotels do not have elevators.
Transport: Days 1 – 8 (until arrival into Kruje hotel) - A private minibus will be used to transport the group door to door between all hotels. However, this does
not necessarily mean transporting us in between. Although we are driven on some excursions, the majority of sights are reached on foot from our hotel.
Hotel Restaurant/Meals: Please note that although some hotels include breakfast it is sometimes not possible to have lunch or dinner. As you are travelling
through new countries we realise you probably want to experience local cuisine, which is why your Tour Leader will organise or recommend a local
restaurant/eatery for the group in each location. Included meals do not come with drinks and these are at your own expense.
Group Size & Guaranteed Departure: Refer to ‘General Information’ below.
Tour Leader: You are accompanied by a TL throughout your tour. They are NOT a guide. Refer to ‘General Information – Are Tour Leaders and Tour Guides the
same?’ below.
Tipping: Refer to ‘Practical Information’ below.
Age: Guests between 12 – 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. There is no upper age limit however, every traveller must complete a
standard medical questionnaire and depending on the answers could result in a further medical examination being deemed necessary before a booking can be
accepted (you will be responsible for paying any necessary costs). It is also compulsory that you have adequate travel insurance for the duration of the tour.
Transfers: Included for arrival into Belgrade (Nikola Tesla) and out of Tirana International (Mother Teresa) airports only. Transfers will still be included if you have
taken pre or post accommodation on the condition that it is in the same joining/leaving hotel. You do not have to book the leaving/joining hotel through us, but
be aware if you book it yourself you may have to switch rooms on the first day of the tour as we already have allocated rooms. Hotels listed are a guide only and
may sometimes change – if you would like to book the joining/leaving hotels yourself, please check which ones we will be using before making confirmation.
You will be responsible for settling any payments due for reserved pre/post accommodation you have made of your own accord.
Mediana: This may be closed during some months of 2017.
Priština (alternative arrangements): while every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, political tensions in this area can heighten occasionally. If the
Foreign Office advises against travel to Priština specifically or Kosovo in general, we will not go. We also reserve the right to make alternative arrangements if we
feel that any area we are to visit has become, or could potentially become, troublesome/violent. In this case we will arrange another activity in its place.
Refunds: will not be made for any included tours/excursions if you decide not to participate, nor can tickets be exchanged for another activity.
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
GENERAL INFORMATION
IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR ME?
This tour is suitable for people:










over 12 years (accompanied by responsible adult)
traveling alone, as a couple or friends
who enjoy small group travel (up to 16)
who want to experience the best sights in more
than one country over a short period
able to travel in a minibus for quite long periods
on winding mountainous roads
able to walk continuously up to a distance of 3km,
sometimes up steep hills
able to participate in activities/excursions as
listed in the daily trip notes
who want the convenience of being privately
driven from hotel to hotel and to some included
excursions but knowing that most of the main
sights and attractions will be reached on foot
from the hotel
who’d like to sample the local cuisine in nearby
restaurants
(sometimes
complete
with
‘tamburasi,’ traditional music of the former
Yugoslavia) and eateries rather than the hotel
who aren’t affected by smoke (see ‘Smoking’)
If you don’t agree with, or are unable to do/participate in
some of the listings above, you may want to reconsider
booking. Not only will it affect your enjoyment of the trip,
but it may also affect the rest of the group. If you’re unsure,
please contact [email protected] or call us on
+44 (0) 191 308 2201.
LOCAL CONDITIONS
Often standards will not match those at home and while we
aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be
aware that we are often visiting areas which are either
remote or less developed, have little infrastructure and a
lack of medical supplies. Some of the roads can be a little
uneven and a little ‘bumpy,’ but generally they are of a
good standard.
There can be occasions when strikes occur, or museums,
attractions, etc are closed for no apparent reason. While
this is quite rare, please be advised that it can happen and
it is out of the control of Borderlands Travel.
COMFORT BREAKS
We understand that people require a comfort stop when
travelling on a bus for long periods. Stopping too often will
result in a shorter time spent at an attraction or at our final
destination. Therefore as a general rule we don’t stop for
a bathroom break on a journey of 2 hours, and stop only
once up to 3 hours.
ARE TOUR LEADERS AND TOUR GUIDES THE SAME?
No, they aren’t.
A Tour Guide is someone who works within an area they
know very well. They provide a tour of a city or specific
attraction. Their job entails providing commentary,
routing the tour and seeing that people have a good
time. They are paid by a local company and typically work
on a daily basis. All of our Tour Guides are certified and
registered
with
the
relevant
authority.
A Tour Leader is someone who leads a group overseas.
Their job entails ensuring the people get what they paid
for, sometimes leading orientation walks around town
and making sure people have a good time. They are the
person who takes a guest to see a doctor, throws a
welcome meeting on arrival and makes sure the trip runs
as smoothly as possible, sorting out any problems along
the way. They work together with the Tour Guide. A Tour
Leader will typically lead about a dozen trips a year.
In some places, and in particular UNESCO World Heritage
Sites, it is forbidden for anyone who is not a locally
registered, certified Tour Guide to be seen to be showing
a group around town. On orientation walks a Tour Leader
is there to point out places of interest, good restaurants,
Tourist Information Centre, etc. However, this can
sometimes be mistaken as ‘guiding’ and therefore
orientation walks by Tour Leaders will never be carried
out in these areas. A Tour Leader, or indeed Borderlands
Travel can get into a lot of trouble and be issued with
steep fines if they/we are thought to be ‘guiding.’
Tour Leaders will sometimes only take you to a certain
point but cannot then walk around with you as a group.
Sometimes there will be 'Free Walking Tours' in the cities
we visit and your Tour Leader will advise you where and
when to meet.
TRANSPORT
A private minibus will be used to transport us between
each of the hotels on tour up until day 8 when we arrive
in the hotel in Kruje, and to some excursions (as listed in
the trip notes).
A number of places of interest will be reached on foot,
usually from the hotel but within a 10 - 15 minute walk
away.
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
ACCOMMODATION
GROUP SIZES & GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
We
have
chosen
well-positioned,
comfortable
accommodation within a 10 – 15 minute walking distance
of the main areas of interest. The majority are 3* hotels,
some are 4*. Be aware that a 4* in some countries may not
be of the same quality/standard as your own. However, we
have chosen what we consider to be the best option for
location, cleanliness and facilities.
This tour is based on a minimum of 4 and a maximum of
16 guests (plus 1 Tour Leader and sometimes, a
trainee). In the event that we are unable to operate the
tour on this basis, you will be advised at the earliest
opportunity and always no less than 28 days before
departure. At that time you will be offered one of the
following options:
All hotels/apartments will have air-conditioning and free
wi-fi (sometimes only available in common areas). In
almost all locations you will have a mini-bar (payable at
check-out) or refrigerator, as well as a hairdryer and a TV
with English channels. Some of the hotels do not have
elevators but there will be someone on hand to help with
your luggage.

travel as planned, but at an additional
supplement, payable per person. The cost of this
supplement will vary depending on the date of
travel and number of confirmed clients.

the same tour but for a different date or a
different tour, for another destination and date.
All of our hotels/apartments are featured
www.tripadvisor.com – feel free to check them out!

a full refund of all monies paid to the Company.
on
SMOKING
A high percentage of people in the Balkans are smokers.
Although some countries have officially prohibited it in
public places, it is not enforced. It’s safest to assume that
everywhere you visit will be a smoking zone be it bars,
restaurants, cafes, clubs or hotels, except where very
strictly classified otherwise. It is perfectly common to see
people smoking in restaurants while others are eating at
the same table, many of them smoking half-way through a
course.
In some countries, outlets smaller than a certain size can
choose whether or not to ban smoking and outlets larger
than this have to have divided areas.
You should be aware that any complaints by tourists about
cigarette smoke and the perils thereof will be met with
total derision and scornful laughter by both locals and
foreigners who live there.
FOOD
Due to the many influences on the region, food in the
Balkans is quite varied and combines both Turkish and
European tastes. Locally sourced cheeses are present in
almost every meal, as is meat. Pork and veal are popular in
Serbia and Macedonia and lamb and veal in Kosovo and
Albania.
If you are vegetarian, vegan or have special dietary
requirements you can still enjoy the local cuisine, however
options will be limited throughout the Balkans. We advise
checking whether the ‘non-meat’ option contains chicken.
Meals are usually big in size and reasonably priced at
around £10 – £15 (15-20 USD) per person. As a guide, beer
and soft drinks are usually around £2, with a bottle of wine
costing around £12 - £14.
Please do not book flights until your tour has been
confirmed!
HOW TO BOOK
1. Contact us: check the availability of a tour by calling
us or completing the simple ‘Tour Enquiry Form.’
2. Secure your place: you can provisionally hold a
place/s on a tour for up to 7 days.
3. Booking / Payment: if your tour is available you can:
a.
b.
pay by cheque made payable to ‘Borderlands
Travel Ltd – Trust Account’
pay through the website using World Pay. We
accept all major credit and debit cards. Go to
www.borderlandstravel.com and click on ‘BOOK
THIS TOUR’ on the relevant tour page. Follow the
instructions to make payment.
Deposits are the same for every tour - £250 per
person (non-refundable) if you are booking a tour
which departs in 70 days or more.
If you are booking a tour less than 70 days before
departure, full payment must be made on booking. As
there are different tour prices, number of people,
add-ons, etc to consider, your total is likely to be
different to other guests. In this case please request
a link to your personal payment page, processed again
using World Pay.
We are registered in England (8401495) and are a
member of the Travel Trust Association with TTA No.
Q1412. The TTA exists in order to give you, the
customer, 100% financial protection as every penny
you pay to Borderlands Travel Ltd is protected by the
association.
We also feature on Trip Advisor under ‘Borderlands
Travel Ltd.’
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
CLIMATE
EQUIPMENT
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Get upto-date
information
at:
www.bbc.co.uk/weather
We recommend you bring a water bottle, torch, a pair of
binoculars, a hat and sunscreen/block.
FIRST AID KIT
CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES
Travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared:
adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of
prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.
Every traveller has different perspectives on begging and
it is your choice whether or not you give them
money. The rule of thumb would be if locals give, follow
their lead with genuine beggars. We do not encourage
giving money, sweets, etc to children as this can
encourage them choosing to beg rather than go to school.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Please ask permission before taking photos, especially of
children, military installations and at border control. In
remote areas women and older people generally do not like
being photographed. Please respect their decision if they
say no.
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Our general recommendation is to bring light clothing and
layer up or down. A fleece or jumper for cooler evenings
and a waterproof jacket for even rainy, summer days. You
should bring at least one long sleeved top in case you’d like
to visit a church or monastery, along with a shawl/scarf
(ladies).
We recommend at least one pair of comfortable walking
shoes/boots. Flip flops are not suitable for any of the days
we visit an Old Town (Stari Grad). The surface is very
slippery when it’s dry and when wet, can be quite
dangerous when wearing this type of footwear.
Please do not buy any products made from endangered
species.
TIPPING
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of
life in some regions of the world. Some local staff will look
to members of the group for personal recognition of
particular services provided. We are always asked how
much people should give and while entirely your decision,
we have tried to make things a little easier for you:

If your driver/guide has been good/helpful then
a reasonable amount would be around £20 – £30
(25€ – 35€) per person, per tour and depending
on the group size.

If you take a short tour (for example, a 3 hour
walking tour of a city or a minibus excursion), we
recommend you give between 2€ - 3€ per hour,
per person if they’ve done a good job.

At your discretion you might also consider
tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the
efficiency and service you receive. A reasonable
amount would be around £25 – £35 per person
(30€ – 40€) per person, per tour and depending
on the group size.
LUGGAGE
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs).
On private minibus tours please be aware that luggage
space is limited and we therefore advise that you bring no
bigger than a medium sized bag, suitcase or rucksack along
with your daypack or handbag.
Your luggage is your responsibility – if you are unable to
manage it yourself, leave it at home! 
ELECTRICITY
The two-pin Type C (Euro plug) electrical plug is used
throughout the Balkans. Voltage is 220-240 Volts. You will
be able to charge a phone/camera etc on all nights during
this trip.
Most groups prefer to present the money at the end of
the tour with two separate envelopes (one for the leader
and one for the driver).
This is to be used as a guideline only.
HEALTH & IMMUNISATIONS
We recommend that you check the latest requirements
with your travel clinic or doctor at least one month prior to
departure. Further information can be found at:
http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/home.aspx
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
JOINING INSTRUCTIONS
INSURANCE
Full joining instructions will be sent to you within 2 – 3
weeks prior to your departure. If you do not receive these
at least a week beforehand, please contact
[email protected] directly or let us know if
you require them earlier.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must
have valid travel insurance and it should cover you for:
The information in the Trip Notes is given in good faith and
the content will always supersede information on our
website, in our brochures or on our leaflets.
VISA & PASSPORT
It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa for the
countries you are entering (including any transit visas). We
advise you to check with the relevant Embassy prior to
departure.
Please ensure you will have at least 6 months validity on
your passport on day of travel. You should carry at least a
copy of your passport details page with you at all times.
Usually hotels will accept our detailed list of passport
information for the group but in some countries they are
required by law to hold your passport for the duration of
your stay.
CURRENCY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
ATM / Currency Exchange: Plentiful in almost every
town/city. Your Tour Leader will advise on location.
Scottish notes are usually not accepted.
Exchange rate: information can be found at www.xe.com
Credit Card Acceptance: Major stores and restaurants,
some smaller shops will accept them.
Medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness
abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance,
personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing
injury or damaging property, lost and stolen possessions
cover, cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your
trip) cover.
Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded
from standard policies, such as certain sports.
The policy should cover the whole time that you are away
and may also cover personal accident and legal
expenses. More information: www.gov.uk/foreigntravel-insurance.
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). We will always
advise clients of any relevant travel warnings. This
information applies to British citizens only and other
nationalities are advised to check the current position of
their respective government. For further information go
to www.fco.gov.uk.
We recommend that you check your government’s travel
advice and up-to-date information about your
destination: safety and security, entry requirements,
health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the
legality of, and local attitudes towards same-sex
relationships.
Sales & Reservations: +44 (0) 191 308 2201 I E-mail: [email protected]