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Find out why the up-and-coming Balkans are making waves among the travel cognoscenti on this big gay sweaty scamper. Things kick off in UNESCO-listed Kotor Bay where we’ll tour Medieval monasteries and photograph fortified island cities. Then we’ll swerve inland to enjoy the relatively untouched mountain forests of both Montenegro and Albania—one of the last reserves for brown bears and wolves on continental Europe. It’s here we’ll spend the bulk of the tour losing our breath during scenic hikes, private boat tours and one particularly exhilarating white water rafting experience.
Please note: This tour can be easily paired with some of our Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise departures.
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik, Croatia! While some travellers will have just disembarked our Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise, others will have just arrived. Around noon we’ll gather for a short welcome meeting before boarding our 4-hour private transfer to Montenegro. Our first stop will be the walled city of Kotor. The UNESCO-listed city was built by the Romans and later improved by Venetians. After meandering the old town we’ll continue along Kotor Bay before reaching Herceg Novi. Feel free to relax at the hotel or explore this Adriatic city before our official Welcome Dinner.
Good morning, Gentlemen! We have a big day ahead of us. After a hearty breakfast, we’re off to Lovcen National Park. Enroute we’ll drive the famous serpentines road—25km/15.5mi of snaking road up the mountainside. At the national park’s gate we’ll continue on foot, slowly climbing to the Mausoleum of Njegus, aka Montenegro’s most important ruler. We’ll take a few minutes here to enjoy the spectacular vantage of Kotor Bay and its surrounding villages. We’ll catch our ride down, descending through quaint villages, stopping to taste local cheese and ham before arriving at the government-protected Skadar Lake. To best enjoy this reserve, we’ll cruise the bay aboard a private boat, stopping for an occasional dip in the crystal clear waters. Our day ends back in Herceg Novi where a fantastic local dinner awaits.
Ascent: 410m/1350ft
Descent: 410m/1350ft
Distance: 8.8km/5.5mi
Approximate hiking time: 3h, 30m
Another early morning awaits as we bid the Adriatic adieu and enjoy a scenic drive to the northern highlands. It’s in this hilly landscape we’ll find Tara, one of Europe’s deepest canyons. The natural wonder stretches 82km/51mi between the Bosnian, Herzegovinian and Montenegrin border. After unpacking at our adorable log cabin, we’ll gear up for an exhilarating white water rafting adventure—no experience necessary. Together we’ll battle the canyon’s waves and conquer her plentiful rapids. Lunch awaits us back at our accommodation before an optional afternoon hike through thick, relatively untouched forest. We’ll conclude the day with a delicious Montenegrin dinner at the cabin.
After rippin’ and ridin’ our way through Tara, you may be thankful for today’s relatively calm itinerary. Aboard our private transfer we’ll navigate the beautiful albeit tricky terrain towards the village of Zabljak, often using man-made, WWII tunnels to bypass hills and mountains. Along the way we’ll stop in villages untouched by time, touring ‘Katune’ (small houses) and tasting local, regional cheese. Our local guide will also point out bakeries for a quick grab-and-go lunch. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a rewarding hike around the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, as well as stopping at lookout points and famous sites before arriving in our magnificently minimalist hotel. A local dinner awaits us this evening.
Ascent: Minimal
Descent: Minimal
Distance: 3.5km/2.2mi
Approximate hiking time: 1hr, 30m
Another day, another gorgeous national park! Today we explore Biodradsko Jezero, famous for its glistening glacial lake. What’s unique about the lake is its ability to literally double in size, depending on the weather. After a short stroll and a few inevitable group photos, you’ll have some free time for a refreshing swim (weather permitting). Afterwards we continue driving towards the mining town of Mojkovac with a quick lunch enroute. Enjoy a free evening indulging in our resort and spa’s many affordable treatments. Later you can enjoy an evening on your own, or join the group for an optional dinner.
Today we’ll follow the river Moraca towards Moraca Monastery, enjoying the canyon views along the way. After a short stop at the monastery, we’ll dive into the refreshing pools below Nijagari Waterfalls. Finally we’ll enter neighboring Albania and drive to our accommodation in the small village of Theth. After dropping off our luggage and grabbing a quick lunch, we’ll drive a stone’s throw south to begin the Blue Eye Lake hike. Tonight you have the option of exploring Theth on your own or joining an optional group dinner.
Ascent: 135m/440ft
Descent: 135m/440ft
Distance: 2.25km
Approximate hiking time: 2hrs max
Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for our most taxing (but extremely rewarding!) hike on tour. After packing up our private transfer, we’ll drive a short distance east to Valbona Valley. It’s here we’ll grab our day packs and embark on our stunning adventure. You’ll be mesmerized by the sweeping views, towering mountains, and the fairy tale Rrogam river. We’ll enjoy an unforgettable picnic lunch from an ideal lookout point. After a full day of hiking, we’ll likely roll up to our accommodation tonight on the later side, which is why we’ve prearranged an easy included dinner.
Ascent: 1000m/3280ft
Descent: 1000m/3280ft
Distance: 13.9km/8.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 7hr
This morning we’ll enjoy an early breakfast before making the exciting journey to Tirana, Albania’s up-and-coming capital. But first we’ll drive to Fierza where we’ll catch a ferry to Koman. The boat ride can take three hours as it navigates through the narrow waters in between mountains and hills. From Koman we’ll continue by shuttle to Tirana. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a private tour of the city that only shook the dust of communism off in 1991. Tonight we’ll enjoy our final Farewell Dinner at a delicious Albanian restaurant.
As the final day of our tour, there are no activities planned. Please check with your local guide to find out when to meet your included airport transfer. Safe travels, and thank you for joining our gay Albania & Montenegro tour!
Our Founder Robert Sharp shares how Out Adventures plans on safely restarting tours.
Read MoreAfter hiking Montenegro and Albania’s remote forests and mountains, we’ve reserved some extraordinary hotels to kick back in.
Read MoreTo help you prepare for our Montenegro & Albania gay hiking tour, we compiled everything you need to know below. Read on, and then trot on.
Read MoreOut Adventures’ ultimate gay guide to purchasing hiking boots.
Read MoreSweat and schlep on one of Out Adventures’ epic international Gay Hikes. From the Peruvian Andes to exhausting Everest Base Camp.
Read MoreBreaking down common anxieties and concerns many solo travellers feel joining a gay group tour.
Read MoreStruggles with body image can turn little gay holidays into big mental marathons
Read MoreWhile these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.
Learn MoreAll accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.
3-Star Hotels: Comfortable and quaint rooms along with some amenities such as a restaurant and/or bar. Customer service is good, and there is usually a concierge.
4-Star Hotels: Very comfortable and well-decorated rooms along with quality amenities such as a stylish restaurant and/or bar, a fitness centre, and a pool/sauna. Customer service is very good, and there is usually a concierge.
Rafting Camp: Very comfortable but minimalist rooms with plush beds that blend right into the natural environment. The space is similar in style to a modern chalet or lodge.
Learn MoreThis trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.
If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.
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