Tungjatjeta, and welcome to Albania! One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, this beautiful Balkan country is as blessed with natural beauty as it is in rich cultural heritage.
Upon arrival at your Tirana hotel, check in and get settled ahead of your adventure. At 6.30pm, you'll meet your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner with your tour director.
The vibrant capital of Albania, Tirana is the country’s centre of culture, religion, arts and entertainment.
On a guided city tour, admire unique Albanian architecture, from the grand Presidential Palace to the eye-catching National Museum of Fine Arts, then on to the two-hundred-year-old Et’hem Bey Mosque at busy Skanderbeg Square.
Your afternoon is spent freely wandering this charming city, before included dinner and a restful evening at your hotel.
Today is spent at leisure exploring Tirana, perhaps taking the scenic cable car to Mount Dajti National Park for access to picturesque walking trails and panoramic city views.
Optional activities:
- Shkodra excursion (from EUR50 per person).
Depart today for a trip to the riverside city of Berat, known as the ‘Town of a Thousand Windows’. With around 2,400 years of complex history, from Byzantine to Roman influences, Berat’s hillside houses and Ottoman architecture lend it a distinctly fantastical allure.
Discover the grandeur of Berat Castle, dating back to the 13th century, then wander the town admiring the many beautiful mosques and churches for which it’s known.
Later, return to Tirana with a stop at Cobo Winery for a taste of Albanian white and red wines in the country’s most renowned growing region.
Fill up with a hearty breakfast before another day trip to Kruje, one of Albania’s medieval treasures. Delve into Albanian culture at the Ethnographic Museum of Kruje, housed in the spectacular 5th-century Kruja Castle, once the home of rebel leader Skanderbeg.
Continue to Kruje Bazaar for the chance to browse traditional crafts in a centuries-old marketplace, from silver filigree jewellery to colourful, handmade kilim rugs, then return to Tirana for an evening at leisure.
Today, bid farewell to beautiful Albania and cross the border to North Macedonia on your way to Ohrid. Referred to as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, this idyllic lakeside town once boasted 365 churches – one for each calendar day. Get to know Ohrid by visiting a number of these historic structures, including the clifftop Church of Saint Jovan Kaneo, then visit the Icons Gallery to peruse the numerous Macedonian religious icons dating as far back as the 13th century.
This morning, set your sights on the astounding Monastery of Saint Naum. Perched atop the hills overlooking Lake Ohrid – one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe – this exceptionally well-preserved Eastern Orthodox monastery has stood for more than a thousand years. Take an enchanting boat ride across the lake to discover the secrets of this historic complex, then spend some time soaking up the scenery at one of the two nearby beaches before returning to Ohrid for dinner.
Gather your energy over breakfast, then depart the North Macedonian capital of Skopje. Following a scenic ride through lush fields, hills and mountains, arrive in Skopje for a guided tour, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Discover the area's immense cultural heritage, visiting the colourful Old Bazaar and the grand expanse of Macedonia Square.
Later, enjoy time at leisure to visit more of the plentiful hidden landmarks, stroll through the streets past vibrant cafes, bars and restaurants or relax at your hotel.
Spend your day freely exploring Ohrid’s charming sights. Take the extra time to visit more of the innumerable churches and enchanting alleys of Old Town, then wander down to the tranquil lakeside for a moment’s reflection. With a full day ahead of you, now’s the perfect time to turn your attention to the details and tap into the local pace.
Join your group for a journey to Mavrovo National Park, where North Macedonia’s highest mountains stand sentry over rolling rivers and rugged gorges. Through bucolic fields and around the region’s manmade lakes, including the stunning Mavrovo Lake. Make your way across North Macedonia’s most bewitching landscapes, stopping for a look at the magnificent dome of Sveti Jovan Bigorski (Saint John the Baptist) Monastery, and the peaceful Sveti Georgi Pobedonosec (Saint George the Victorious) Monastery.
Later, return to Ohrid for an evening spent freely.
With another day at leisure, Ohrid is your oyster. Perhaps visit Cultura 365 for a look at North Macedonia’s cultural heritage and artistry, or else while away the hours at the local bazaar.
Your incredible Balkans adventure comes to an end following breakfast. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and newfound friends before checking out from your Ohrid accommodation.