The Peaks of the Balkans trail offers an incredible hiking experience through some of Europe's most stunning mountain landscapes. While many hikers choose to tackle the trail independently, joining a guided tour can enhance your experience with local expertise, logistical support, and the opportunity to learn about the region's rich culture and history.
Why choose a guided tour?
Guided tours provide several advantages for hikers exploring the Peaks of the Balkans:
- Local expertise: Guides know the trail intimately and can share insights about the region's history, culture, and natural environment
- Logistical support: Tours handle accommodation bookings, transportation, and meal planning
- Safety: Experienced guides help navigate challenging sections and provide support in case of emergencies
- Cultural immersion: Tours often include visits to local communities and cultural sites
- Flexibility: Many tours offer customizable itineraries to match your fitness level and interests
Top tour providers
We have listed the top tour providers for the Peaks of the Balkans trail. We encourage you to check out their websites and book your tour directly with them. Reading their descriptions and reviews on their websites will give you a good idea of what to expect from each provider. Here are some of the best tour companies offering guided hikes on the Peaks of the Balkans trail:
Balkan Mountain Adventure
The founder of the company, Emir Cirikovic, is a well-known blogger about the nature experiences in Balkans. Who extensively write on this blog the Diary of a Balkan Kid. Emir decided to start his own company to offer guided tours on the Peaks of the Balkans trail to share his love for the region with others. We love Emir's passion for the Balkans and his ability to find hidden gems.
Balkan Mountain Adventure
Operating since 2019
Join Balkan Mountain Adventure for the trekking adventure of a lifetime through the Accursed Mountain Range. This unique trek takes you through the border region joining Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. They are local guides who have built amazing relationships with locals on the trail, offering authentic experiences in traditional guest houses. The 9-day all-inclusive tour includes accommodation, meals, local guides, transfers, and border permits. Read more
Balkan Natural Adventure
Balkan Natural Adventure is a leading tour operator in the region, recognized for their expertise and featured in major publications including The Financial Times, New York Times, and National Geographic. They offer flexible itineraries from 5 to 15 days, allowing you to customize your adventure and start from any of the three countries. With Travelife certification for sustainable tourism, they provide guided tours, self-guided tours, and private tours with experienced local guides.
Balkan Natural Adventure
Operating since 2012
Balkan Natural Adventure is a leading tour operator in the region, featured in major publications including The Financial Times, New York Times, and National Geographic. They offer flexible itineraries from 5 to 15 days, allowing you to start and finish in any of the three countries. Their tours include visits to Theth village, Gjeravica peak, Taljanka and Gerbaja Valley, and authentic local cuisine. They offer guided tours, self-guided tours, and private tours, with Travelife certification for sustainable tourism. Group dates available throughout the hiking season. Read more
Trek Balkan
A hard to miss tour provider for the Peaks of the Balkans trail is Trek Balkan. Found by Adnan Beqiraj and his partner Gonxhe Zeqiri, the company has specialized in hikes across the Balkans — at the time of writing, hundreds of group hikes already completed. They have strong experience with guided mountain hikes, offering several other routes like the High Scardus Trail or Via Dinarica. Trek Balkan is specialized in small groups of up to 7 participants, and also offers self-guided tailor-made tours — either the full loop or shorter sections of the Peaks of the Balkans trail.
Trek Balkan
Operating since 2015
Trek Balkan offers comprehensive 10-day guided hiking tours on the Peaks of the Balkans trail, taking you through the remote and wild mountainous regions of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. Their tours include English-speaking local guides, accommodation in guesthouses, all meals, transportation, and border permits. They offer both guided and self-guided tour options, with open groups of 4-7 people, and can customize tours based on your preferences. Read more
The Natural Adventure
The Natural Adventure is a UK-based adventure travel company with an excellent reputation, rated 4.7/5 by over 4,700 travelers. They specialize in walking and trekking holidays and offer both guided small group tours and self-guided options for the Peaks of the Balkans. Their guided tours include a 12-day complete route covering the full trail and an 8-day highlights tour for those with limited time. They provide comprehensive support, experienced local guides, and well-organized itineraries with a focus on responsible tourism.
The Natural Adventure
The Natural Adventure is a UK-based adventure travel company specializing in walking and trekking holidays. They offer guided small group tours on the Peaks of the Balkans, including a 12-day complete route and an 8-day highlights tour. Their tours include experienced local guides, accommodation in guesthouses, most meals, and comprehensive support. They also offer self-guided options for independent travelers. With excellent reviews (4.7/5 from over 4,700 travelers), they provide well-organized adventures with a focus on responsible tourism. Read more
What to look for in a tour
When choosing a tour provider, consider the following factors:
- Group size: Smaller groups (8-12 people) often provide a more personalized experience
- Guide qualifications: Look for guides certified in wilderness first aid and with extensive local knowledge
- Inclusions: Check what's included in the price (accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment)
- Flexibility: Some tours offer options to extend or shorten your stay
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous participants to gauge the quality of the experience
Self-guided vs. guided tours
While guided tours offer many benefits, self-guided hiking is also a popular option. If you're an experienced hiker comfortable with navigation and planning, you might prefer the independence of hiking on your own. However, guided tours are particularly valuable for:
- First-time visitors to the region
- Hikers who prefer not to handle logistics
- Those interested in learning about local culture and history
- Groups looking for a social hiking experience
Final recommendations
The best tour for you depends on your preferences, budget, and hiking experience. All the tour providers listed above have excellent reputations and offer quality experiences. When making your decision, consider reaching out directly to tour operators to discuss your specific needs and ask any questions about their itineraries, group sizes, and what's included.
Remember that the Peaks of the Balkans trail is best hiked from late June to mid-September, so book your tour well in advance, especially for peak season (July-August). Whether you choose a guided tour or go independently, the Peaks of the Balkans promises an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe's most beautiful mountain regions.
