14th December 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the end of the Bosnian War. In that time, a lot has changed. Bosnia and Herzegovina has rebuilt and it’s now a fascinating country to explore with Ottoman ruins, a rich history, an eclectic fusion of cultures and creeds, and breathtaking landscapes for outdoor adventures. But despite
If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of a holiday in North Macedonia, but weren’t entirely sure what there is to see and do there, you’re not alone. It’s still a bit of an unknown for most Brits, which is exactly why we had to get there ourselves. During our summer recce for our NEW
Cultural heritage isn’t kept behind museum glass in the Balkans—it’s lived, breathed, eaten, sung, crafted and danced. From Ottoman cities like Berat and Mostar to natural wonders such as Durmitor National Park, Albanian folk singing to lacemaking in Croatia, UNESCO World Heritage in the Balkans is a multi-sensory tapestry of the region’s diverse natural and
Planning an activity holiday in Europe with your family? Look no further than the Balkans, a true adventure playground. From white water rafting in Montenegro to exploring the Albanian Alps, the undiscovered lands of this part of the world are full of possibilities. To get you feeling inspired, we’ve rounded up a list of family-friendly
I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable travel moments over the years, but this one, which led to milking a sheep in a hailstorm on a remote mountain in North Albania, is right up there. This summer, my 11-year-old daughter and I joined a ‘tester day’ for a new experience we’ve included on our Family
In honour of the first of our new mountain hiking holidays in Bulgaria taking place this month, we’ve rounded up some interesting facts about the country that you probably didn’t know. For example, did you know Bulgaria’s actually a huge exporter of wine? Speaking of which, Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria is known as something else
We’ve been kayaking in the Balkans since 2004—long before it became cool on Instagram. Back then, it was just us, a couple of battered kayaks, and the endless blue of Lake Skadar—or Shkodër, as it’s known in Albania—the largest lake in the region and the place we now call home. Since then, we’ve explored the
Booking your September sun holiday in Europe and not sure where to go? Look no further than the Balkans. Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina all remain hot and sunny well into October (which is why lots of our trips run until then). In fact, our active holidays such as hiking and kayaking trips
Podgorica isn’t many people’s first thought when it comes to a city break, but as our guests are discovering, it’s worth a couple of nights there—especially as you’re likely to be flying into it anyway. So we thought we’d give you some pointers on what to see and do there, with recommendations from UB co-founders
Are you exploring southern Albania with us? This mountain farmhouse in Përmet on the Vjosa river is sure to whet your appetite. Built more than 120 years ago, Kristaq and Florida Kalllufe’s family home is truly unique. Now listed as a National Monument of Culture, you’ll have the chance to stop there the night before
