The self-guided tours in the Peaks of the Balkans are for experienced hikers who are confident enough to walk the trail themselves without a local guide. The tours can be organised flexibly on a start date of your choice and give you more of a sense of adventure when you hike the trail on your own.

Some of the guesthouses are located in regions where there is no telephone or internet, so it can sometimes be difficult to make reservations there.

Another challenge is obtaining border permits. These must be organised in advance and registered with the local police authorities. In Montenegro, a fee must also be paid on arrival.

The third point is pricing. Although you might think that you save money by booking direct, this is not always the case. Local agencies sign contracts with guesthouses and get preferential rates that independent travellers can't get. Platforms such as booking.com usually take around 15 per cent commission, which is usually added to the original price by the guesthouses.

Various providers offer packages for self-guided tours. If you book a self-guided tour with a company, you benefit from the agency's expertise in finding the best hiking trails, a secure booking, fewer headaches when organising, a contact person in the event of an accident or emergency and, last but not least, you support the local economy.

Take a look at some offers: