Montenegro & Albania - Balkans Gay Adventure Tour - Adonis Gay Holiday

Montenegro & Albania
Balkans Gay Adventure Tour

An invigorating gay hike through Central Europe’s relatively undiscovered national parks

Kotor, Herceg Novi, Tara, Zabljak, Mojkovac (Montenegro), Theth, Valbona, Tirana (Albania), and more!

9 Days from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tirana, Albania

July 21 – 29, 2024
July 13 – 21, 2025

Gay Montenegro tour An invigorating gay hike through Central Europe’s relatively undiscovered national parks in Montenegro & Albania. Find out why the up-and-coming Balkans are making waves among the travel cognoscenti on this big gay sweaty scamper. Things kick off in UNESCO-listed Kotor Bay where we’ll tour Medieval monasteries and photograph fortified island cities. Then we’ll swerve inland to enjoy the relatively untouched mountain forests of both Montenegro and Albania—one of the last reserves for brown bears and wolves on continental Europe. It’s here we’ll spend the bulk of the tour losing our breath during scenic hikes, private boat tours and one particularly exhilarating white water rafting experience.

This tour can be easily paired with our Croatia Dalmatia All-Gay Cruise departure.

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Montenegro gay rafting adventure

• Trek some of Europe’s most undiscovered National Parks and protected forests

• Rip n ride your way through one of Europe’s deepest canyons on a white water rafting experience

• Drive around Kotor Bay, stopping in quaint villages to discover Montenegrin culture

• Wander the medieval streets of Herceg Novi, one of the Adriatic’s most photogenic cities

• Savour the unforgettable view of Valboa Valley during an Albania picnic lunch

• Dive into Skadar Lake’s glistening waters during a private boat tour

• Relax aboard a scenic ferry ride through the towering Koman channel

• Indulge in an afternoon of optional spa treatments at our resort in Mojkovac

• Learn about both Montenegro and Albania’s unique histories on private city tours

Montenegro gay holidays

Day 1 - From Dubrovnik, Croatia to Kotor & Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik, Croatia! While some travellers will have just disembarked our Croatia Gay Dalmatia Cruise, others will have just arrived.

Around noon we’ll gather for a short welcome meeting before boarding our 4-hour private transfer to Montenegro.

Our first stop will be the walled city of Kotor. The UNESCO-listed city was built by the Romans and later improved by Venetians.

After meandering the old town we’ll continue along Kotor Bay before reaching Herceg Novi. Feel free to relax at the hotel or explore this Adriatic city before our official Welcome Dinner.

Hotel: Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa, Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Herceg Novi Montenegro gay tour

Day 2 - Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Good morning, Gentlemen! We have a big day ahead of us. After a hearty breakfast, we’re off to Lovcen National Park.

Enroute we’ll drive the famous serpentines road—25km/15.5mi of snaking road up the mountainside. At the national park’s gate we’ll continue on foot, slowly climbing to the Mausoleum of Njegus, aka Montenegro’s most important ruler.

We’ll take a few minutes here to enjoy the spectacular vantage of Kotor Bay and its surrounding villages. We’ll catch our ride down, descending through quaint villages, stopping to taste local cheese and ham before arriving at the government-protected Skadar Lake.

To best enjoy this reserve, we’ll cruise the bay aboard a private boat, stopping for an occasional dip in the crystal clear waters. Our day ends back in Herceg Novi where a fantastic local dinner awaits.

Ascent: 410m/1350ft
Descent: 410m/1350ft
Distance: 8.8km/5.5mi
Approximate hiking time: 3h, 30m

Hotel: Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa, Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Tara river gay rafting adventure

Day 3 - Tara, Montenegro
Another early morning awaits as we bid the Adriatic adieu and enjoy a scenic drive to the northern highlands.

It’s in this hilly landscape we’ll find Tara, one of Europe’s deepest canyons. The natural wonder stretches 82km/51mi between the Bosnian, Herzegovinian and Montenegrin border.

After unpacking at our adorable log cabin, we’ll gear up for an exhilarating white water rafting adventure—no experience necessary. Together we’ll battle the canyon’s waves and conquer her plentiful rapids.

Lunch awaits us back at our accommodation before an optional afternoon hike through thick, relatively untouched forest.

We’ll conclude the day with a delicious Montenegrin dinner at the cabin.

Hotel: Blue River Lodge, Tara, Montenegro

Montenegro gay adventure - Durmitor National Park

Day 4 - Zabljak, Montenegro
After rippin’ and ridin’ our way through Tara, you may be thankful for today’s relatively calm itinerary.

Aboard our private transfer we’ll navigate the beautiful albeit tricky terrain towards the village of Zabljak, often using man-made, WWII tunnels to bypass hills and mountains.

Along the way we’ll stop in villages untouched by time, touring ‘Katune’ (small houses) and tasting local, regional cheese. Our local guide will also point out bakeries for a quick grab-and-go lunch.

Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a rewarding hike around the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, as well as stopping at lookout points and famous sites before arriving in our magnificently minimalist hotel.

A local dinner awaits us this evening.

Ascent: Minimal
Descent: Minimal
Distance: 3.5km/2.2mi
Approximate hiking time: 1hr, 30m

Hotel: SOA Hotel, Zabljak, Montenegro

Montenegro gay tour -Mjkovac

Day 5 - Mojkovac, Montenegro
Another day, another gorgeous national park!

Today we explore Biodradsko Jezero, famous for its glistening glacial lake. What’s unique about the lake is its ability to literally double in size, depending on the weather.

After a short stroll and a few inevitable group photos, you’ll have some free time for a refreshing swim (weather permitting). Afterwards we continue driving towards the mining town of Mojkovac with a quick lunch enroute.

Enjoy a free evening indulging in our resort and spa’s many affordable treatments.

Later you can enjoy an evening on your own, or join the group for an optional dinner.

Hotel: Bianca Resort & Spa, Mojkovac, Montenegro

Albania gay adventure - Blue Eye Lake

Day 6 - Theth, Albania
Today we’ll follow the river Moraca towards Moraca Monastery, enjoying the canyon views along the way.

After a short stop at the monastery, we’ll dive into the refreshing pools below Nijagari Waterfalls.

Finally we’ll enter neighboring Albania and drive to our accommodation in the small village of Theth. After dropping off our luggage and grabbing a quick lunch, we’ll drive a stone’s throw south to begin the Blue Eye Lake hike.

Tonight you have the option of exploring Theth on your own or joining an optional group dinner.

Ascent: 135m/440ft
Descent: 135m/440ft
Distance: 2.25km
Approximate hiking time: 2hrs max

Hotel: Alpet Hotel, Theth, Albania

Albania gay adventure tour - Valbona

Day 7 - Valbona, Albania
Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for our most taxing (but extremely rewarding!) hike on tour.

After packing up our private transfer, we’ll drive a short distance east to Valbona Valley. It’s here we’ll grab our day packs and embark on our stunning adventure.

You’ll be mesmerized by the sweeping views, towering mountains, and the fairy tale Rrogam river. We’ll enjoy an unforgettable picnic lunch from an ideal lookout point.

After a full day of hiking, we’ll likely roll up to our accommodation tonight on the later side, which is why we’ve prearranged an easy included dinner.

Ascent: 1000m/3280ft
Descent: 1000m/3280ft
Distance: 13.9km/8.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 7hr

Hotel: Margjeka Hotel, Valbona, Albania

Albania gay adventure tour - ferry to Koman

Day 8 - Tirana, Albania
This morning we’ll enjoy an early breakfast before making the exciting journey to Tirana, Albania’s up-and-coming capital.

But first we’ll drive to Fierza where we’ll catch a ferry to Koman. The boat ride can take three hours as it navigates through the narrow waters in between mountains and hills.

From Koman we’ll continue by shuttle to Tirana. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a private tour of the city that only shook the dust of communism off in 1991.

Tonight we’ll enjoy our final Farewell Dinner at a delicious Albanian restaurant.

Hotel: Sky Tower Hotel, Tirana, Albania

Tirana Albania gay tour

Day 9 - Tirana, Albania / Departure
As the final day of our tour, there are no activities planned.

Please check with your local guide to find out when to meet your included airport transfer.

Safe travels, and thank you for joining our gay Albania & Montenegro tour!

• Group Leader and Out Adventures Host from beginning to end of tour

• Arrival & departure transfers to/from Out Adventures’ joining/finishing point hotel

• Private air-conditioned transportation with bottled water onboard

• Breakfast daily, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners

• Gratuities for included meals, drivers, airport transfers and porters

• All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary

• All park fees and rental equipment for included activities

Blakans gay hiking adventure

• International airfare

• Entry visa costs

• International airport departure tax

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for Group Leader (budget $40-$50 USD)

• Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

• Beverages at all included meals

•Items of a personal nature

Visas
Most travellers from Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States do not need a visa to enter both Albania and Montenegro for up to 90 days. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

Culture Shock
Albania and Montenegro are Central European nations with many of the comforts of home. They are both generally safe to visit. That said, pickpockets and scams are common in tourist hotspots in both countries. In the areas we visit, most locals will not speak English. We recommend you have a sense of humour, take it easy, and leave any valuables at home. Finally, meals tend to be very heavy throughout the inland regions we visit, with a strong emphasis on bread and fattier meats. Vegetarians and vegans may be disappointed by the limited options available. Along the coast, seafood is the primary protein and portions are a teensy bit lighter.

Local LGBT Scene
The Balkans is not considered a particularly LGBT-welcoming region. While gay and lesbian people are protected under both Montenegrin and Albanian law, public opinion polls still show startling distaste for our community. Holding hands, kissing and other forms of public displays of affection will not be kindly received. We recommended for both your own safety and the groups, you avoid all PDA.

Weather
July & August are beautiful months to visit this strip of the Adriatic. Along the coast the weather can get very hot. Meanwhile the hilly regions we visit experience pleasantly warm weather with the odd cool evening. Rain tends to be very minimal throughout.

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
In Albania the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Montenegro is the same except the power plugs and sockets are only type F.

Connectivity
We should have Wi-Fi in all of our hotels, however the connection will likely be weak in many of the rural areas we visit. Feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home.

Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Gay Montenegro hiking tour

Meals
This trip includes breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 6 dinners.

Money
The local currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR) and in Albania it’s the Albanian lek (ALL). We recommend carrying some cash for small purchases, although credit cards are accepted at hotels and most restaurants. We also recommend bringing about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $40–$50 USD.

What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Gay Montenegro adventure tour

How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $40–$50 USD per person… they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Starting Point Hotel
Lapad Hotel, Dubrovnik, Croatia
With a quiet location with views of Gruz Harbour, the Hotel Lapad is in a historic building surrounded by a large outdoor pool and palm trees.

Clear lines are combined with luxurious fabrics in the modern rooms. All of them are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars and tea and coffee-making facilities. Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel free of charge.

Lapad Hotel Dubrovnik room

The Lapad hotel is only 3.2 km from the old town of Dubrovnik, which is easily reachable by a local bus which runs every 10 minutes. The beach is less than half a kilometer away. The hotel is connected to Gruz Harbour by a small private boat shuttle.

At the grill restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious lunch menu on the terrace. Live music and pool parties can be enjoyed 5 days a week from June to September.

Finishing Point Hotel
Sky Tower Hotel, Tirana, Albania
The stylish 4-star Sky Hotel is located a 10-minute walk from the major government institutions and from Skanderberg Square. It offers panoramic views over Tirana from the top-floor restaurant and free parking on site.

On site you can also find a fitness and spa center, various shops and a cash machine.

Sky Tower Hotel Tirana room

Each room is air-conditioned and comes with soft carpets, flat-screen TVs with cable and satellite channels and a bathroom equipped with bathrobes and slippers. Free Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel.

Albania gay adventure tour