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 holidays.
You won’t find big, brash resorts and double decker tour buses on our trips. We do small group travel with local guides, community tourism and family-run establishments – including 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, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia.
We pride ourselves on being a small, independent British business. We personally handle all enquiries and bookings, so when you get in touch, you’re talking directly to us or our small team, not a salesperson or call centre. Once you’re in destination, everything is taken care of by our trusted local hosts and partners.
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!
Emma has spent the last 20 years living and adventuring in the Western Balkans, exploring the region on foot, by kayak, and occasionally behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender. She designs and promotes our trips across the Balkans, favouring wild landscapes, local knowledge and a more authentic way of travelling. A keen hiker, yoga lover, photographer, advocate for nature – and mum of three – Emma brings energy, experience and a deeply personal love of the region to everything she does. She speaks English and Serbian/Montenegrin and loves a strong Turkish coffee.
Emma HeywoodCo-Founder
Ben brings nearly 20 years of experience of Montenegro to our operations, having spent much of that time living at Lake Skadar with Emma and their young family. These days he is based in the UK, but his connection to Montenegro remains as strong as ever.When he’s not helping guests plan their trips, you’ll find him kayaking, swimming wild in lakes and rivers, cheering on Norwich City and falling in love with beautiful but unreliable motor vehicles. He speaks fluent Montenegrin, German and French and has even played international cricket for the country he calls his second home.
Ben HeywoodCo-Founder
Camilla is the writer who powers our blogs, newsletter and social media — helping people find us and make that trip happen. A freelance travel journalist who has spent years living in and writing about the Balkans, she is passionate about all the region has to offer, from trumpet festivals in Serbia, to sipping coffee in Sarajevo's kavanas, to hiking in Kosovo's rugged canyons. Her writing has appeared in publications including the Financial Times, The Guardian and The Sunday Times.
Camilla Bell-DaviesContent Writer
Vera is one of the most respected outdoor enthusiasts in the country. In fact, the more remote the area, the higher the chances of spotting Vera. She’s particularly passionate about hiking and her roots in the north of Montenegro. Popular with parents and children alike, Vera speaks excellent English as well as Montenegrin/Serbian.
Vera Adventure Leader, Montenegro
Milija comes from a family of adventure enthusiasts who live and breathe the outdoors. Whether biking, hiking, kayaking or skiiing, you’re in good hands. Milija speaks fluent English and Montenegrin/Serbian.
Milija Adventure Leader, Montenegro
Ana has over a decade’s worth of experience guiding groups around her country, and has earned her reputation as one of the funniest and most quotable licensed guides in Montenegro! She speaks near-native English and loves leading our family adventures!
AnaAdventure Leader, Montenegro
Arben‘s enthusiasm for his country and all outdoor pursuits is infectious! As one of Albania’s most renowned licensed guides, he has stupendous historical knowledge and seems to have visited every corner of Albania! He lives in Tirana and speaks superb English.
ArbenAdventure Leader, Albania
Dino is one of the most knowledgable and experienced mountain hikers in the country. A native of Gusinje, there's very little he doesn't know about the amazing Prokletije, straddling Montenegro and Albania. He speaks excellent English, fluent Montenegrin and also Albanian.
DinoAdventure Leader, Montenegro/Albania
Aurora is a native of Shkoder in North Albania who has over twenty years of experience guiding guests around her favourite places in the region. A qualified biologist, she is actively involved in many different wildlife conservation efforts and intimately knows the mountains of the Prokletije in both Albania and Montenegro. She speaks superb English, as well as her native Albanian.
AuroraAdventure Leader, Albania
Skender has over a decade’s worth of experience guiding groups around his country, and has earned his reputation as one of the funniest and most quotable licensed guides in Bosnia & Hercegovina! He speaks near-native English.
SkenderAdventure Leader, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Aleks and Philomena are a brilliant Serbian/Australian couple who have been leading groups around Serbia for years. We’ve now teamed up with them to offer you our first week-long activity holiday in Serbia, with more to follow! They speak fluent English and Serbian.
Aleks & PhilomenaAdventure Leaders, Serbia
Ston native Robi has over 15 years’ worth of experience guiding around his country – but it’s the Pelješac peninsula that he considers his home. You could not be in more knowledgeable hands! Robi speaks fluent English and has full adventure guide qualifications.
RobiAdventure Leader, Croatia
Fatos has over three decades of experience guiding guests around his native land. He is a qualified mountain guide, loves caving, canyoning and hiking and runs probably the most knowledgeable tour outfit in the whole country! He speaks superb English.
FatosAdventure Leader, Kosovo
Alejandro & Javiera are the amazing Adventure Hosts at our long-term partner Villa Miela in Virpazar. Funny, knowledgable and endlessly practical, they are the organisational dynamos behind our Lake Skadar Adventure holidays!
Alejandro & JavieraAdventure Hosts, Villa Miela
Connect with us
We really can’t fathom why Lake Ohrid isn’t better known. Shared by Macedonia 🇲🇰 and Albania 🇦🇱, it’s extraordinary for so many reasons:🔹 Europe's oldest lake, formed in the same era as Lake Titicaca🔹Astonishingly clear, turquoise waters that we can only compare to the Indian Ocean, but blissfully salt-free.🔹 Depths of up to 300 metres, making it one of Europe’s deepest lakes, too.🔹 Staggeringly beautiful scenery that in places feels like Thailand; in others, like Lake Como.🔹 Riviera vibes that span from the UNESCO-listed old town of Ohrid to the relaxed fishing villages and monasteries that dot its shores.🔹 Unspoilt nature, with lush green mountains all around.This video is from our stand-up paddleboarding trip there this summer on our newly launched Macedonia Activity Holiday.Fancy experiencing it for yourself? We'll take you to spend two nights at Lake Ohrid, based in a tiny fishing village where gentle waves lap almost to your guesthouse door, before whisking you off to learn bee-keeping, jeep-ride up a mountain and more.Getting here is easier than you might think, too. TUI now offers summer Sunday flights directly into Ohrid, while Wizz Air has daily flights from London to Skopje.Save this post for your 2027 travel plans and visit the link in the comments to find out more. 💙#LakeOhrid #NorthMacedonia #BalkanTravel #SUPAdventure #UndiscoveredBalkans
Think Lake Como is Europe's ultimate lakeside escape? Think again. 🛶The Balkans are home to some spectacular lakes, from azure Lake Ohrid to the wildlife-rich waters of Lake Prespa and Croatia's laid-back Baćina Lakes.We've picked five of our favourites for a lake escape with a difference.Fancy discovering them for yourself? Read our latest blog post to learn more – link in the comments. Save this post to start planning your next Balkan #undiscoveredbalkansscoveredBalkans
Wild for the Balkans? 🤠Our latest newsletter has just landed, with plenty of inspiration for your next adventure – including 10% off all our 2027 trips (T&Cs apply).Inside, you'll find ideas for exploring the Balkans with teenagers, new flight and train routes to make getting here easier, a look at historic times for Serbia, and lots more to whet your travel appetite.And if you're tempted by a 2027 escape to Europe's wildest corner, we've tucked a discount code inside too.Head to the link in the comments to have a read, and don't forget to sign up to get first dibs on all our latest offers and news.Happy travel planning!
Trying to plan a family holiday your teenagers will actually get excited about? 👀The Balkans might just be your answer.Think epic waterfalls to scramble up, wild swimming in Montenegro’s Lake Skadar, street art, traditional bazaars and hearty local food to fuel all those adventures.Add in welcoming locals, fascinating history and experiences you won't find on your average package holiday, and you might just earn yourself some serious cool-parent points. 😉Ready to discover somewhere new together? 🌍 👇undiscoveredbalkans.com/best-adventure-holidays-for-families-with-teens-balkans/ #FamilyAdventure #TeenTravel #Balkans #AdventureHoliday
As another season in the Balkans draws to a close, we're celebrating our brilliant local guides. 🎉From navigating remote terrain and calmly solving problems, to sharing the stories, history and experiences you'd never discover on your own, all while keeping you safe, they bring so much more to an adventure than simply showing the way.But don't take our word for it. Swipe to see some of the comments our guests made in reviews this year.And to our brilliant team, from Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Macedonia🇲🇰 and Montenegro: thank you for the knowledge, humour, generosity, energy and passion you've poured into sharing your remarkable homeland. We couldn't do it without you! ❤️We're excited to look forward to our 17th season running guided adventures in the Balkans next year. Come and join us in Europe's wildest corner! Visit the link in our b#undiscoveredbalkansind out more.#undiscoveredbalkans
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Holidays
10% OFF!
7 Day Villa Activity Holiday Montenegro
Our original Lake Skadar adventure loved by everyone!
10% OFF!
7 Day Multi-Activity Holiday in Albania
Discover Albania’s lakes, mountains & sea on this multi-active adventure!
10% OFF!
7 Day Multi-Activity Holiday in Kosovo
Discover the beauty of Europe’s newest and most fascinating country!
7 Day Winter Activity Holiday in Montenegro
Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing on the alpine slopes of Montenegro!