Welcome to Run The Balkans! Please see below for pretty much everything that you need to know in advance of your upcoming adventure. 

You can also click "My Trips" at the top of this page to access and edit your personal information and view/pay your remaining balance at any time.

And of course, feel free to refresh yourself on the full itinerary and inclusions/exclusions any time at this link: Rogue Expeditions - Run The Balkans 2025

Your main RE contact for any pre-trip questions or concerns is Michael - michael@roguexpeditions.com.  

Your Rogue Expeditions lead guide for this trip will be Kara Folkerts; full contact info for your guides will be sent out prior to departure.

Run The Balkans is a journey into the untamed beauty of Europe's last hidden gem. Our 8-day journey takes you through a landscape that time forgot, where traditional villages are found in deep valleys and centuries-old customs still thrive. 

You'll run along paths trod by shepherds for generations, scale mountains that touch the sky, and descend into lush river valleys.

From the challenging ascents of Durmitor National Park to the serene shores of Lake Shkoder, every day brings a new adventure. You'll test your limits on volcanic rocks, cruise along dirt roads through sleepy villages, and navigate single-track trails that wind through old-growth forests. 

And at the end of each exhilarating day, you'll refuel with hearty local cuisine, share stories with your fellow runners, and fall asleep to the sound of nature in cozy mountain lodges. Join us for an adventure that combines invigorating runs, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences in the Balkans. 

You can review the day-by-day itinerary here: https://roguexpeditions.com/balkans

Note: Please do not book flights until you've received confirmation from us that we've hit the minimum group size.  

Once you have booked your flight, please submit your flight details here.

We will be arriving at Podgorica airport (TGD). More information coming soon.

READ THIS: Packing (light) tips for your next adventure

GENERAL THINGS TO CONSIDER 

*This is an active trip with lots of time outdoors. You'll be in run gear most of the time and you don't need much in the way of dressy clothes, but we suggest at least one nicer outfit to wear to a couple of our nicer dinners.

*Any type of luggage is fine, but remember: no one ever wishes they’d brought more stuff! Stick to the essentials and pack only what you need. If your luggage is too big or too heavy for you to lift it all yourself, it’s too much stuff. This is Europe... expect to carry it up and down stairs!

*Have some sort of ‘day bag,’ whether it’s a small backpack, messenger bag, etc. It should be big enough to carry money, a camera, a water bottle, and a jacket – something you can keep with you in the vehicle.

*You don’t need a different running outfit for every day. You can easily re-wear a few items throughout the trip, and a rinse-out in the shower keeps things clean enough (our mid-trip farmhouse stay has plenty of outdoor space, sunshine and a clothesline!). But, please do not plan or rely on the chance to do proper laundry.  

CLOTHES

*3-4 pairs running shorts + 1 pair running tights or pants

*3-4 short sleeve running shirts/tank tops + jog bras and 1-2 long sleeve running shirts

*3-4 non running shirts/tops

*2 pairs pants or jeans or skirts

*1 warm jacket (down or fleece)

*1 rain jacket (can double as a running jacket - we recommend full waterproof in case of bad weather in the mountains)

*1 lightweight jacket or pullover

*Underwear

*1 set of sleepwear

ACCESSORIES + SHOES

*1 pair trail running shoes + 1 pair flip flops +  1 pair non-running shoes (you will occasionally run on pavement, but not enough to warrant an additional pair of road shoes, in our opinion!).

*6-7 pairs socks 

*Running hat *Warm hat/beanie

*watch / charger

*Sunglasses

*Day bag

*Swimsuit 

*Shower towels are provided by the hotels, but please bring a small pack towel for sweat/rain/post-run river plunges/Adriatic swimming

*Gloves 

*Large handheld (16+oz) or hydration running pack (we recommend hydration packs because it makes it easy to carry extra layers, camera, a snack, etc)   

TOILETRIES 

*Shampoo/soap/conditioner 

*Toothbrush/toothpaste

*Brush/comb

*Few travel packages of tissues (emergency/backup TP)

*Feminine products

*Razor

*Contacts/solution if needed

*Sunblock

*Moleskin or bandaids – we’ll have some of this for the group, but blisters are a common problem and it’s good to have some of your own on hand

*Any other medication you may need (we carry a full first aid kit for emergency situations, but recommend that you pack anything that you anticipate needing).   

DOCUMENTS

*Passport (US citizens must have 6 months validity when you enter Europe)

*1-2 credit/debit cards (make sure to call your bank the week before departure and tell them the dates that you will be overseas, and make sure to tell the that you will be in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia along with any other stops that you have planned. This way they won’t put a security hold on your card). *Beginning in 2024, travelers from the US, UK and Canada will also require an ETIAS authorization to enter the EU. The launch date has yet to be confirmed; you can check for the latest here. Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.   

OTHER STUFF  

*Phone/camera + charger

*Reading/writing material

*a few large ziplocs (useful both for waterproofing your phone in the rain, and to carry out any toilet paper you may use on the trail)

*Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper/your roommate snores *Electrical adapter: you'll need the European style with two round prongs, like this

Countries: Montenegro and Albania

Languages: Montenegrin (similar to Serbian) in Montenegro, Albanian in Albania. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currencies: Euro (€) in Montenegro, Albanian Lek (ALL) in Albania (€1 = approximately 110 ALL at time of writing)

Landscapes: Coastal mountains, Adriatic Sea, rugged peaks of the Albanian Alps, pristine lakes, dense forests, deep river canyons

Food: Balkan cuisine is hearty and flavorful. Expect grilled meats (especially lamb and goat in mountain regions), fresh seafood near the coast, locally-produced cheeses, and plenty of vegetables. Burek (savory pastries) and ćevapi (grilled meat rolls) are popular throughout the region. Albanian cuisine has some Turkish influences. Vegetarian options are available but may be limited in rural areas.

Drinks: Both countries are known for their robust red wines and rakia (fruit brandy). Coffee culture is strong, with Turkish-style coffee common. In Albania, mountain tea is a popular non-alcoholic beverage. Tap water is generally safe to drink in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.

Weather: The climate varies from Mediterranean on the coast to continental in the mountains. In summer (June-August), coastal areas are hot (25-35°C / 77-95°F) while mountain regions are pleasantly warm (15-25°C / 59-77°F). Spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for running. Rain is possible year-round, especially in mountain areas. Always be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and restaurants in towns and cities. However, connection can be spotty or non-existent in remote mountain areas, especially in Albania. There's limited to no cell service in some parts of the Albanian Alps. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect!

The National Parks: Both Durmitor National Park in Montenegro and Theth National Park in Albania have rules about staying on marked trails. Some areas may restrict running for conservation reasons. Always follow local guidelines and respect the environment.

Fun Facts:

- Montenegro means "Black Mountain" in English, referring to Mount Lovćen and its dense forests.

- Albania's flag features a double-headed eagle, a symbol dating back to the 15th century.

- The Tara River Canyon in Montenegro is the deepest in Europe and second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon.

- Albania has over 750,000 bunkers scattered throughout the country, built during the communist era.

- Montenegro and Albania were both part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 500 years.

- The Albanian language is unique, forming its own branch of the Indo-European language family.

- Kruje Castle in Albania withstood three massive sieges from the Ottoman Empire under the leadership of national hero Skanderbeg.

Wildlife you might encounter includes brown bears, wolves, lynx, and various bird species including the golden eagle. However, large wildlife sightings are rare. You're more likely to see domestic animals like sheep and goats in the mountain regions.

Most everything is already paid for, so you shouldn't need much cash. However, it's good to have some on hand for the following:

> Alcohol and other drinks/snacks that you might find along the way. Prices are generally lower than in the US, especially in Albania. Many places accept credit cards, but cash is king in rural areas.

> Tips. While not as ingrained as in the US, tipping is appreciated for good service. Any tips will be split equally amongst the team.

ATMs are readily available in cities and larger towns, but may be scarce in rural areas. We recommend getting some cash when you arrive in Podgorica or in the larger towns we visit.

If you have the time, we encourage you to come early or stay late. While we don't offer an official early arrival package, we're happy to provide suggestions for extra activities.

Arriving early in Podgorica could allow you to explore Montenegro's capital or take a day trip to the stunning Bay of Kotor.

If you're interested in extending your stay, you might consider:

- Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Berat in Albania, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows"

- Relaxing on the Albanian Riviera's beautiful beaches

- Visiting the picturesque coastal town of Budva in Montenegro

We're more than happy to connect you with local operators who can arrange these experiences for you.