Mads Jakob

I had an absolute blast joining the 12-day guided Peaks of the Balkans tour this summer. From my initial contact with the company to the very end of the experience, everything was handled with great attention to detail. This included thoughtfully forming the groups to foster inclusiveness and a dynamic group atmosphere.

The accommodation throughout the 12 days consisted primarily of authentic homestays, where we were made to feel incredibly welcome by the hosts. We felt like we were guests and not turists! We enjoyed locally grown and homemade food, which added a really special and authentic dimension to the experience. Lunch was provided by the homestays, and we only needed to carry a day bag, as our larger luggage was transported separately to the following homestay. I think the homestays were a genius way to feel welcome by the locals and also be able to give something back as a “tourist” or guest.

Throughout the trip, our two local guides, Ali and Blend, made sure from the very first moment that everyone in the group felt comfortable and included. It was a real pleasure to experience their passion for the region, particularly when they shared historical insights and personal anecdotes about the conflicts that have shaped the Balkans in recent history. This adds another layer of purpose to the tour, that I did not expect. I think Ali and Blend were sublim and they each represented different personal traits, but it worked in harmony.

Our guides also showed great adaptability when weather conditions meant we could not follow the original hiking route. This was no problem for them, and they effortlessly created an alternative plan, including a guided day in Peja with cultural and historical visits. It was a great example of how they managed to turn an unexpected change into another memorable part of the trip.

The whole experience was an absolute pleasure. Although I am used to hiking independently, I can only recommend fellow hikers to explore the Balkans this way. The combination of challenging and beautiful hikes, authentic local experiences, great guides, and a fantastic group made this a trip I will remember for a long time.