About us

Hello and welcome (or should we say dobrodošli!) to Undiscovered Balkans, your go-to activity holiday specialist in the Balkans.

We’re Ben and Emma Heywood, the adventure-loving husband and wife behind this operation, and we’re thrilled to have you here with us in Europe’s most unexplored corner. 

When we landed in Montenegro in 2008 as frivolous travellers without kids, this beautiful country stopped us in our tracks. Its jagged mountains footed by blue and green lakes could easily be mistaken for the Canadian Rockies while miles of unspoiled wilderness resemble an African game reserve. 

Having visited more than 50 countries worldwide we’re not easy to impress, so you can trust we’ve selected only the most breathtaking locations for our holiday activities, with the help of our expert local guides. 

You won’t find big, brash resorts and double decker tour buses on our trips. We do small group travel, community tourism and family-run establishments – including our very own Villa Miela, where it all began. Sitting at the heart of Lake Skadar National Park, it’s the base for several of our holidays, from yoga retreats to kayak safaris.

Like our family, our holiday offering has expanded. We now run tours in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Serbia.

We pride ourselves on being a small business and we personally handle all bookings, so rest assured you will never be on hold to an operator when you get in touch. 

When you travel with us, you’re officially part of our ever expanding Balkan family and as a family, we take care of one another. That’s why a percentage of our takings go back to the communities we work with. You can learn more about that here.

We look forward to seeing you in the Balkans soon!


Connect with us

Facebook

We're hearing from lots of families about summer, so here's a holiday hack that will save you money AND avoid the summer crowds. Book for Easter or May Half Term instead. No, really! After years of living in the Balkans (Montenegro!) with our own young kids, we can hand on heart tell you this time of year beats summer.Why? ✅ Guaranteed sun in the alternative 'Med' (but not sizzling hot) ✅ Quieter borders and fewer tourists ✅ £200 off per kid with our new special offer✅ Baby wild tortoisesSnap up this last minute deal using code UBKids200, and head on a terrific family adventure to Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia or Croatia! Book via the links in the comments. 👇 📸 All pics from our trips. Of#undiscoveredbalkans##familytravelalkans #familytravel See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

2 weeks ago

Are you part of a walking club and keen to do an international trip? See how UK-based club YOLO got on with our Montenegro to Albania cross-border hiking holiday in our interview with founding member Simon. He says having local guides lead the way meant he could switch off from navigating and be in the moment, and gain insights into the history and culture most travellers miss when exploring independently.From tracking golden eagles overhead, to discovering Albania’s best slow food, this trip was anything but 'pedestrian’ (Simon's words!).Read more 👇undiscoveredbalkans.com/peaks-of-the-balkans-montenegro-albania-hiking-holiday/#undiscoveredbalkans #hiking #peaksofthebalkans See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

3 weeks ago

It can be so frustrating when you're craving an adventure somewhere exciting, like the Balkans, but no-one can come with you! But it doesn't need to be. 😉 We’ve made it even easier to join our Balkan adventures solo by scrapping the single supplement on the following guaranteed group trips, and without needing to share a room.🚴 ***18-25 May*** A super-active romp through mountainous Montenegro: whitewater rafting, e-biking, canyoning, and more. ⛰️ ***15-22 June*** Trekking from Montenegro to Albania on the legendary Peaks of the Balkans trail. 🥾 ***w/c 20 June, 3 August or 31 August*** A full week hiking Montenegro’s wildest peaks, with a new adventure every day. 🌄 ***5-12 October*** An all-hiking odyssey through Bulgaria’s stunning Rila Lakes & Pirin Mountains. 📍 Spaces are limited, and when they're gone their gone – tag a friend who needs a great value solo adventure or message us now to secure your spot! #UndiscoveredBalkans #SoloTravel See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

3 weeks ago

This #IWD, we’re bucking the travel trends and celebrating ALL female travellers — those who come as a package, those who don’t, and those who leave their packages at home to spend a week practising yoga in Montenegro. 🧘‍♀️ Because 82% of travel decisions are made by women, who now outnumber men on adventure-style trips too. Find out how women are reshaping adventure travel in our latest blog post — link in the comments!👇#undiscoveredbalkans #internationalwomensday See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Holidays

Man on an activity holiday swimming in a crystal clear, bright blue rock pool near Lake Skadar
£200pp off!

7 Day Activity Holiday at Lake Skadar

Our original adventure loved by everyone! Kayaking, hiking & wild-swimming…
Single centre
Moderate
A girl sitting on a mule while trekking on Mount Tomorr in Albania
£200pp off!

7 Day Multi-Activity Holiday in Albania

Discover Albania’s lakes, mountains & sea on this multi-active adventure!
Multi-centre
Moderate

7 Day Multi-Activity Holiday in Kosovo

Discover the beauty of Europe’s newest and most fascinating country!
Two centre
Moderate

7 Day Winter Activity Holiday in Montenegro

Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing on the alpine slopes of Montenegro!
Single centre
Moderate