Imagine a region where history overlaps itself from ancient Greece, the Roman and Ottoman Empires, and to the very recent communist regimes. Western Balkan is unique exactly because in such a small peninsula east and west are amalgamated in history, culture, food, traditions, language, etc. In such a small area you will visit 3 countries with different cultures, traditions, and languages. We are particularly concerned to show you the local peculiarities and experiences in every country. There is no better way than local’s way!
Pick up and drop off all travelers at their hotel
8 Days / 7 Nights
English, Italian and Greek
Tour of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo is a comprehensive and pleasant tour of 3 countries and their culture, history, tradition, cuisine, and language. Our tour goes through the best sites to visit, with extensive explanations which are very satisfactory in such a rich history, culture and tradition area.
The tour is an easy walk and drive, with many visits to natural and historical sites, making it suitable for everyone. Transportation will be done with an air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle. Accommodation will be in 3 stars hotels or local guesthouses, twin shared rooms, breakfast is included. A single-room supplement is not included in the price. A certified local tour guide will be with you all the time. The weather most of the time is very nice and pleasant, only during July and August you should bring your hat, sunscreen, and water.
Today you will arrive in Tirana, Albania and our staff will meet you at the airport.
Depending on your arrival time we might do the presentation meeting with your guide and a short walking tour of Tirana.
Overnight in Tirana
Today we will start visiting the town of Durres, our main port and beach on the Adriatic Sea. Durres has significant importance in our history, as one of the oldest Greek and Roman colonies since the VII century BC. Here we will have a chance to visit:
Second part of the day we will travel towards the town of Berat, known for its unique architecture and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here we will visit:
Evening at leisure to explore the town of Berat on your own.
Overnight in the old town of Berat.
After breakfast, we will drive southeast and the first shortstop will be in Elbasan, a small town in the center of Albania. We will visit the remains of the Elbasani fortress, constructed in the 15th century, during the Ottoman occupation. Part of Via Egnatia connecting Rome with Constantinople passes through the fortress. The clock tower at the main entrance of the fortress is still in good condition, dated to the end of 19 century, and was constructed with money gathered from the citizens of Elbasan. The town is believed to be much more ancient with the paleochristian Basilica mosaic discovered in the town’s center.
We will drive south and will be in the town of Korca after 1.5 hours. In Korca we will visit the Medieval Museum, which has the best collection of Byzantine icons in the country, the Old Bazaar which has become the heart of the town and the city center. Korca is known to be the town of culture in Albania or as we call it Little Paris. Here we have the first beer factory in Albania in 1928.
Afternoon at leisure to explore this nice town on your own. Our tip is to not miss trying the local beer and their meatballs in one of the many beer gardens in town.
Overnight in Korca
After breakfast, we will continue our trip toward North Macedonia. After crossing the borders into Macedonia, our first stop will be at the monastery of Saint Naum located on a rock overlooking the lake and next to the black Drini natural water springs park.
Second part of the day we shall explore the old town of Ohrid which is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. A short stop for lunch will fill us, giving us energy for the rest of the day. Our visit will start from the upper part of the town and will include (not only) the Icons Gallery, the Roman amphitheater, the Plaosnik archeological site, and more. After a scenic walk by the lake, we will end our visit to the old town of Ohrid at Sveti Sophia church.
Late afternoon we will check-in at our hotel in Ohrid and you will have the evening to explore this beautiful town on your own.
Overnight in Ohrid
After breakfast, we will start driving toward Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. On the way will make a short stop in Struga, to the spring of the Black Drini river.
In Skopje, we will have a stop for lunch in a traditional restaurant. Our visit will continue visiting the city center with its huge statues and new historical buildings, the Kale fortress, the old bazaar, and much more. Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa to Albanian parents and we will see traces she left here.
Overnight in Skopje
Today we will cross the border to visit the next country Kosovo, the youngest in Europe. We will stop to visit Gracanica orthodox monastery of the XIV Century, well preserved and still serving nowadays.
We will visit Pristina the capital of Kosovo, a young and vibrant town, which changes every day. We will visit the city center, the newborn symbol, the library with special architecture & meaning, the catholic cathedral. A nice lunch will be the end of our visit to Prishtina.
After lunch, we will drive to Prizren and will get accommodated in our hotel in the old, historical part of the town.
Overnight in Prizren
After a filling, local breakfast we will go out to explore Prizren, one of the nicest towns in Kosovo with an old neighborhood. We will visit the fortress, the view from there is fantastic, and walk through the city center, visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque and our Lady of Ljevis church.
Second part of the day we will drive to Kruja, home of our national hero Scanderbeg. Here we will visit:
Afternoon at leisure to explore the rest of the town.
Overnight in Kruja
Our staff will send you at Tirana International Airport, wishing you a safe flight back home.
