Albania and Macedonia tour in 12 days

15 March – 30 September

Albania and Macedonia tour in 12 days is a unique possibility to explore the natural beauties and the historical treasures of Albania and Macedonia. Visiting well known archaeological and historical sites of Albania and Macedonia, the most well preserved religious monuments (some dating back to the Byzantine Empire) you will get to know Albanians and Macedonians.

Day 1
Our guidew and driver will meet you at the Tirana International Airport and escort you to your hotel near the center of Tirana. Depending on your arrival time we may do a short info meeting with your tour manager.
Overnight in Tirana

Day 2
After breakfast we start our tour with i visit at the Et’hem Bej mosque located at the main square next to the clock tower. Next we visit the historical town of Kruja starting from the Othoman fortress (XIV century) where we will visit the Museum of Scanderbeg and the Ethnographic museum which is rich in traditional and cultural artifact from the area of Kruja. We will end our visit in Kruja with a short walk through the old bazaar (XVIII century).
In the afternoon we drive North towards the town of Shkodra where we will check in our hotel in late afternoon. in the evening we will visit the old part of the town.
Overnight in Shkodra

Day 3
Our day will start with a visit at the IV century BC fortress of Shkodra, located on a hill overlooking the town, the two rivers Drin & Buna and the lake of Shkodra.
Next we will drive south towards the town of Durres, which started as a Greek Colony founded by the Corinthians in 627 bc, today one of the biggest harbors in the Mediteranean sea. We will visit the Archaeological museum and the Roman Amphitheater (II century AD) located within the walls of the fortress.

In the second part of the day we will drive south towards the town of Vlora. On the way we will visit Ardenica Christian Orthodox monastery (XIII century), well known for it’s beautiful church with the wooden carved altar and its colorful frescoes on its walls.
In the afternoon we will check in our hotel in the town of Vlora.
Overnight in Vlora

Day 4
We start our day with a scenic drive along the coast of Vlora Bay. The landscape dramatically changes as we climb to 1100 meters above sea level through the forest of Llogara National Park and further south through the seven villages of the Himara region. In Dhermi we will visit an hidden gem in the village of Dhermi and Gjipe canyon, before continuing towards Himara where we will have a small stop by the sea.
Our next visit will be at Ali Pasha castle 1803 located in Panormi bay. We will have a short visit at the water springs of Borshi and we continue towards Saranda where we will arrive in our hotel near the sea in the afternoon.
Overnight in Saranda

Day 5
Today we will visit the ancient 7th century BC city of Butrinti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Butrinti is believed to be one of the best archaeological sites in Albania. Our visit will include (not only) the main public area, the Greek theater, the Roman bath, the VI century baptistery, the Byzantine basilica, the Venetian fortress and will end our tour at the museum of the park.
In the second part of the day we will continue our tour driving east towards the town of Gjirokastra a UNESCO World Heritage town since 2004. On the way we will visit the Blue Eye natural water springs park. In the afternoon we will check in our traditional accommodation in the old neighborhood.
Overnight in Gjirokastra

Day 6
After breakfast, our first visit will be to the 14th century castle of Gjirokastra, with a chance to admire the old town from the castle summit. After a visit in the old bazaar, we will continue our tour towards Apolonia Archaeological Park which started as a Greek Colony in the VII century BC and is now one of the biggest archaeological parks in the country. Our visit will include the main public area and the museum of the site. In the afternoon we will drive towards the town of Berat where we check in our hotel located in the old part of the town.
Overnight in Berat

Day 7
In the first part of the day we explore Berat UNESCO World heritage town, starting from the Medieval center of the town (XVII century) and continue to the IV century BC fortress where we will admire the Byzantine era icons in the Onufri Icon Gallery, located within the old cathedral of the town. Next visit will be in a local winery, one of the best in the country, for some good wine tasting.
In the second part of the day we will drive towards Ohrid, Macedonia. On the way we will stop in Elbasan where we will visit the fortress. In late afternoon we will check in our hotel in the old part of the town of Ohrid, which is located by the lake.
Overnight in Ohrid

Day 8
After breakfast we begin our guided visit in Ohrid UNESCO World Heritage town.
We will start our visit at the Icon Gallery located near the Virgin Merry church which is one of the most impressive in the town. Next visit will be at the Roman Amphitheater nearby. We will continue with a visit at Plaoshnik archaeological site. We will continue our visit downtown by the lake. After a short walk downhill we will arrive at Kaneo church, a symbol of the Slavic Orthodox Church. A short walk on the shore will take us at Sveti Sophia cathedral where we will end our visit of Ohrid.
In the second part of the day we will drive by the lake, toward the monastery of Saint Naum which is located in the south tip of lake Ohrid, next to the Black Drin natural water springs park. After a row boat ride in the spring we will visit the church which Saint Naum first built in the X century and where he is buried. Evening at leisure to explore the town on your own.
Overnight in Ohrid

Day 9
In the first part of the day we will drive towards Bitola, our first stop at the archaeological site of Heraclea Linkestis, an ancient town founded by Philip II in the IV century BC. Next visit will be in the old town of Bitola where we will visit the old cathedral and the old bazaar of the town.
After lunch we will drive to Skopje the capital of FYRO Macedonia where we will check in our hotel near the center of the town. We will arrive in our hotel in Skopje in late afternoon.
Evening at leisure
Overnight in Skopje

Day 10
After breakfast we will start the tour of Skopje from the old part of the town. Our visit will include the old fortress, the mosque, the old Slavic orthodox cathedral and the old bazaar. After crossing over Vardari River through the Stone Bridge we will continue our visit in the new part of the town which is famous for its huge collection of statues and recently renovated Main Square. The town is also famous for fact that Mother Teresa grew up in this town. Afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the town on your own.
Overnight in Skopje

Day 11
After breakfast we will drive to the town of Tetova where we will visit the old part of the town which is famous for its beautiful ottoman architecture and mosques. Next we drive towards Mavrovo National park where we will visit the church of Saint John which is one of the most beautiful churches in Macedonia, before continuing towards the borders with Albania.
After a scenic drive through Skumbini valley we will check in our hotel in Tirana in late afternoon.
Overnight in Tirana

Day 12
After breakfast, we will drive you to Tirana international airport for your flight back home.