Meet at the group hotel in Pec (Peja) or join the group transfer from Pristina Airport to Pec (Peja) (1hr 15 mins). The leader will join this transfer to the group hotel. It may be possible depending on the arrival of flights and traffic conditions to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Decani Monastery after checking in at the hotel. This is a 30 minute drive away and costs 20 euro per person based on a minimum of 4. Decani is described as one of the most beautiful churches in the whole of Europe. Built in the early 14th century by the Serbian King Stefan Decanski, Decani is situated in a beautiful spot below the mountains, surrounded by pine and chestnut trees. However it's not only the outside that is charming, as once the doors open and you step inside, the interior is magical. With floor-to-ceiling murals this is a medieval kaleidoscope of colour. Inside are marble walls, magnificent frescoes and sculptures. Even today Decani is one of the most spectacular pieces of religious heritage left by the Nemanji dynasty. After the arrival of KFOR forces in June 1999, the monastery went under the protection of the Italian Army. Today, it still remains under Italian command but is also protected by Austrian, Slovenian, and Moldovan KFOR soldiers. Decani is the only monastery in Kosovo to remain under the protection of international forces. The monastery has a very successful farm which produces wine, brandy and honey and is an extremely important institution for humanitarian work which is carried out through a relief fund.

Peja (Pec) is one of the oldest settlements in Kosovo and the gateway to the Rugova Valley. Lying at the foot of dramatic mountains, Pec has a labyrinth of narrow streets, Ottoman style architecture, impressive mosques and pavement cafes. Initially settled by the llyrians in 200 BC, it has been occupied by both the Byzantines and Ottoman Empires. The Ottomans brought Islamic culture with them and the city is a wonderful melting pot of faiths and cultures. The town is also home to Patriachte Monastery which is the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church. After a brief introduction to Peja we transfer to the village of Reke e Allages via the dramatic Rugova Gorge. This area is mainly occupied during the summer months by farming families. After a picnic lunch we'll walk through the Rugova Mountains and head up to meadows and high pastures before descending into small villages. The afternoon of walking finishes at Drelaj where we stay in a remote hamlet in a simple guesthouse and enjoy some home-cooking.

After breakfast, we take a short transfer to Liquenat and prepare for an exciting day ahead which includes crossing into Montenegro via an unmanned mountain border. The path snakes its way up through forest and passes two small blue glacial lakes called Liqueni i Kuchishtes and i Dreljave. Leaving the treeline behind we head up into a dramatic valley and cross the magnificent Jelenak Pass at 2250m. We enter Montenegro on the ridgeline at the Ravno Pass and descend to the village of Babino Polje (Grandma's Field) and our accommodation for the evening at a collection of beautiful eco lodges among the trees.

This morning after a hearty breakfast we leave Babino Polje on a transfer bound for Grebaja (1hr 30mins). We walk from this small town on the edge of the Prokletije Mountains and cross the border between Montenegro and Albania by way of a small peak called Talijanka (2056m). The trail begins by zigzagging through forest as we hike up to a ridge from where there are spectacular views of Albania's Accursed Mountains. Standing on the top of Talijanka we'll be rewarded with magnificent views into Montenegro and Albania. From the summit we descend to the timeless village of Lepushe where we spend the night. This remote region of Albania is still relatively undiscovered and off the beaten track, which is what makes it so special. Staying here means we really get to experience a rural lifestyle as we stay with people who are largely self-sufficient. Growing vegetables and fruit alongside keeping cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and bees is a way of life whilst electricity comes from local hydropower stations. Without any light pollution, if the sky is clear we should have a wonderful opportunity for some star gazing.

Another beautiful day of walking through forest and pretty meadows before heading up to a mountain pass at 1800m. Again we'll have spectacular views of this pristine environment and as we descend to the village of Nikc, in the Kelmend province of Albania we'll have a real sense of been in the middle of nowhere as this spectacular area is remote even for residents of the Balkans! Shepherds generally stay here for the main summer months and graze their flocks before the seasons change and their paths are blocked by snow. This is a region where the people are humble and incredibly hospitable, and it's not unusual to be invited into someone's home to taste homemade raki or mountain tea. After a lovely day of walking we say goodbye to the mountains and transfer (3hrs) to Virpazar, on the shores of Lake Skadar. Tonight we stay in a hotel by the lakeshore.

Nestled between Montenegro and Albania, dolphin-shaped Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most important reserves for wetland birds in Europe with over 270 species. A vast freshwater lake, Skadar presents a stunning picture of island monasteries and floating meadows of water lilies with a backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains. Legend has it the lake was created by the tears of a pixie and after a boat trip you may find yourself believing in fairy tales. Protected since 1983, Skadar was added to the RAMSAR list of important wetlands in 1996. It's home to an elusive colony of Dalmatian pelicans as well as cormorants, herons, egrets, terns and over 50 species of fish including carp, trout and eel. This morning we'll enjoy a boat trip on the lake before heading to Cetinje, once the royal capital of Montenegro. Here we'll have time for lunch and a chance to wander through the historical streets which are lined with atmospheric former embassies. Next we drive through one of the most dramatic national parks in Europe, Lovcen and stop at the top of Jezerski Vrh (1657m). Here we'll walk the 461 steps up to the highlight of the park, the magnificent mausoleum of Montenegro's greatest hero - Petar II Petrovic Njegos. From here the views are spectacular and after enjoying them we'll walk down to the alpine village of Njegusi. This is a very traditional village with distinctly rural architecture and a timeless feel. We can spend an hour or so here, soaking up the atmosphere, before driving down to Kotor Bay via a long chain of hairpin bends. We will find a pull-in on the way down so we can stop and appreciate the spectacular overview of Kotor. We check in for a 2-night stay at a hotel beside the bay.

Today is free for you to explore at leisure. Nestling amongst the dramatic Black Mountains (which give Montenegro its name) Kotor old town is a medieval maze of cobbled streets where you'll find museums, towering gates, churches, cafe-strewn squares, colourful shops and Venetian palaces. The ancient ramparts are great for exploring and you can climb up above the town for wonderful views across the bay. Another highlight is a visit by boat (payable locally) to the man-made island and church known as 'Our Lady of the Rock'. The tour leader can help organise this. Sailing across to the island is a great way to take in the sheer size of the surrounding mountains. The island is close to the pretty bay-side town of Perast and it was fishermen from Perast who built the island and church in 1630. We spend a second night at our Kotor hotel.

After breakfast, there is a group transfer (approx 2 hrs) to Dubrovnik Airport, where your holiday ends.