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!


Connect with us

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4 days ago

Thinking of hiking in Albania? 🥾⛰️The Theth–Valbona pass is an unforgettable introduction to Albania’s high mountains, but it’s getting more and more popular each year.From remote valleys and old shepherd paths by the Montenegro border, to sacred peaks at Berat, homestay hiking in Zagoria and long-distance trails, there’s a whole lot more to discover on foot.We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places hike in our new guide to the best hiking in Albania, beyond Theth.Save this post for your next hiking adventure, and visit link below to read the full guide. 🇦🇱👉https://undiscoveredbalkans.com/best-hiking-in-albania-beyond-theth/#undiscoveredbalkans … See MoreSee Less
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The Balkans are having a moment. 🙌 Our latest newsletter is out, and it's packed with Balkan travel temptation, especially if you prefer paths less travelled.Inside:🌍 Why everyone's talking about the Balkans (and where to go that isn't just hype)🚫 What not to do when you're here, and what to do instead✈️ Our 2027 adventures filling fastest🏔️ Unusual escapes with guaranteed departures🥾 Our guide to the best hiking in AlbaniaGet inspired at the lin#undiscoveredbalkans#undiscoveredbalkans … See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

"Albania is in our hearts. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough." 🇦🇱Barnes and his family joined us in June for a holiday they'll never forget, right as the Flamingo Revolution was taking off – Albanians out in force, fighting to protect the very wetlands and coastline that make this country so extraordinary. Their own experience was overwhelmingly positive, from the warmth of the people they met, to the spectacular scenery and delicious food.If you haven't visited Albania yet, you're missing a trick. But don't follow the crowds.Our adventures take you beyond the beaches, into dramatic mountains, canyons and lakes, with local guides, family-run stays and a taste of the real Albania – the one that's worth protecting and the one our guests fall for time after time.Planning to visit in 2027? 👉 Explore our Albania adventures at the link in the comments and sign the petition to protect the Narta lagoon, if you haven't already (also linked in the comments).#UndiscoveredBalkans #AlbaniaAdventures … See MoreSee Less
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North Macedonia might be the best kept hiking secret in the Balkans, and its perfect for a mountain + lake cool-cation. Twin alpine wild swimming lakes, a viewpoint where you see both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa at once, the country's highest peak in the Šar Mountains. And for the ambitious, a multi-day traverse running from Skopje to Lake Ohrid.We run guided hikes on our Macedonia holidays, from easy half-day routes to challenging ascents, with local guides, mountain huts and shepherd villages along the way.Ready to lace up your hiking boots? Link in comments for our top hikes in North Macedon#northmacedoniad#hikingholidaysi#mavrovov#pelisternationalparkl#lakeohridO#galicicai#balkanstravelr#undiscoveredbalkansl#adventuretravelr#hikingbalkanslkans … See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

Skopje 🇲🇰 rarely makes the shortlist of European capitals worth a dedicated trip, but we think it should.Rebuilt after a devastating 1963 earthquake with a masterplan from Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the city has a unusual architectural story, Ottoman old town, Cold War era Brutalism, and a controversial 2010s neoclassical makeover, all within a few streets of each other. Add Mount Vodno's cable car and Matka Canyon on the doorstep, and it's a city that has more than meets the eye.We stop in Skopje on our 7-day North Macedonia activity holiday. Read our guide to visiting, from where the city's history is most visible to the best patisseries in its Čaršija old bazaar.👉 Link in #undiscoveredbalkansscoveredbalkans … See MoreSee Less
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Holidays

Montenegro family activity holiday

7 Day Villa Activity Holiday Montenegro

Our original Lake Skadar adventure loved by everyone!
Single centre
Moderate
albania activity holiday

7 Day Multi-Activity Holiday in Albania

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

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