Balkan tour Albania-Kosovo-N.Macedonia
$790
/ per person
(0 Reviews)
This tour explores the cultural and natural highlights of Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Experience Kosovo’s religious sites reflecting its history, cross sparkling lakes to Albania’s revitalized cities and Ottoman towns, and continue to North Macedonia among ancient ruins and churches in scenic mountains, including the dual UNESCO site of medieval Ohrid on a 3 million year old lake. A new perspectives on the interwoven heritage of the Balkans through visits to both iconic landmarks and lesser known gems across these three fascinating countries.
INCLUDED :
- Transfers and round trip in an air-conditioned coach according to the itinerary including entrance fees
- Accommodation for 7 nights in carefully sought after 4*, with breakfast.
- Meals : All breakfast, 7 dinners ( 3 course menu + water included)
- Licensed English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic speaking guide throughout the whole itinerary
- City taxes
- Entrances :
- KRUJA – CASTLE & MUSEUM
- PRIZREN – ORTHODOX CHURCH – OUR LADY OF LJEVIS
- SKOPJE – KALE FORTRESS, SVETI SPAS CHURCH, MOTHER THERESA MEMORIAL HOUSE
- MATKA KANYON BOAT RIDE
- OHRID –ROBEVI ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS, ST.SOPHIA CATHEDRAL, MONASTERY OF ST PANTELEIMON , SVETI NAUM MONASTERY
- OHRID BOAT RIDE
- BERAT – CASTLE & ONUFRI ICONOGRAPHY MUSEUM
- TIRANA- BUNK’ART 2
EXCLUDED :
- Flight Tickets
- Other meals not specified in Lunches and dinners.
- Gratuities/Tip to Driver, Guide
- Everything else not mentioned in the included section.
PRICE:
GROUP( MIN) |
PRICE IN DBL/TWN ROOM( HB BASIS) |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
10 PAX |
790 EUR |
160 EUR |
15 PAX |
680 EUR |
160 EUR |
20 PAX |
660 EUR |
160 EUR |
25 PAX |
630 EUR |
160 EUR |
30 PAX |
580 EUR |
160 EUR |
MONTH ( MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER)
-
Included
AccomodationAirport TransferBreakfastDinner -
Not Included
5 Star AccommodationBoat TourGallery TicketLunchPersonal Guide
From our gallery
Tour Plan
1
DAY 1: ARRIVAL : TIRANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – KRUJA (APPROX – 20 KM )
Upon landing , head north to Kruja, a pivotal city that stood as a bulwark against Ottoman conquest in the 15th century.
Dramatically situated atop a rocky cliff, Kruja was home to Albania’s beloved national hero Skanderbeg. His 25 year resistance campaign against Ottoman sultan Murad II would see this strategic mountain stronghold besieged for decades. As we explore Kruja's crenelated medieval walls and wander the 15th century bazaar, we’ll learn how Skanderbeg outfoxed far larger Ottoman armies and hear tales of Kruja’s women melting down their jewelry to make bullets when supplies ran low.
Beyond the history, we'll enjoy tasty Albanian specialties for lunch and have time to peruse Kruja's bustling old bazaar lined with handicraft shops. Copperware, embroidered goods, and filigreed silver jewelry make for great souvenirs. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Kruja – 4* Hotel (D )
2
DAY 2: KRUJA - SHKODER – PRIZREN (KOSOVO) ( APPROX – 270 KM)
Our journey through the rich histories of Albania and Kosovo begins in the ancient lakefront city of Shkodra, Albania. Founded in the 4th century BC as the Illyrian capital, we'll explore ruins like the Rozafa Castle with panoramas of Lake Shkodra and wander the atmospheric medieval streets of the pedestrian Old Town.
Crossing the border into Kosovo, we arrive in Prizren - the cultural capital brimming with Ottoman-era treasures. We'll step back in time visiting the 16th century Gazi Mehmed Pasha Hamam still intact with original marble washbasins and the landmark League of Prizren building where Albanians unified to preserve their lands in the late 1800s. The UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour also impresses with ornate woodwork and brick facades offering a window into centuries of complex religious heritage.
Beyond the top historic sites, we'll immerse ourselves in the local culture - everything from sampling Turkish-influenced Balkan cuisine to hunting for traditional handicrafts like filigreed silver, ceramics, and colorful textiles in old bazaar quarters. Through comprehensive guided tours of these two ancient cities that once sat at the crossroads of great empires, we’ll uncover the storied pasts of Albania and Kosovo. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Prizren - 4* Hotel ( B,D)
3
DAY 3: PRIZREN – PRISTINA – SKOPJE ( N.MACEDONIA) ( APROX - 180 )
Leaving Prizren, we'll stop in Kosovo's capital Pristina to see sites like the Newborn independence monument and modern Wanderer Boulevard with statues honoring national figures like 15th century Albanian hero Skanderbeg.
Crossing into North Macedonia, we arrive in capital Skopje – an eccentric blend of eras and architectures. We'll start by exploring the ancient Kale Fortress, inhabited since prehistoric eras but most impressive from its medieval walls and towers to Ottoman-era watchtowers and the Church of St. Spas showcasing ornate wood iconostasis.
Walking Skopje’s iconic 15th century Stone Bridge, we'll cross from the Ottoman-style Old Bazaar into the newer city center filled with contemporary monuments like the towering, 60-foot statue of Alexander the Great in Macedonia Square. The Museum of Macedonian Struggle in a flashy reddish-orange building and the Art Bridge lined with sculptures of national artists are other contemporary standouts.
We'll also pay respects at the Mother Theresa Memorial House opened in her actual childhood home. As we learn about her selfless humanitarian work, we’ll see the room where the iconic missionary was born and found her calling to serve others.
With sites spanning from ancient strongholds to avantgarde tributes, Skopje’s funky mashup of eras and styles makes for an unforgettable urban fusion!
Dinner at the hotel.
Dinner & overnight in Skopje – 4* Hotel ( B,D)
4
DAY 4: SKOPJE – MATKA CANYON – OHRID ( APPROX – 195 KM)
From Skopje to Ohrid’s Picturesque Lakefront Churches
Bidding funky Skopje farewell, our first stop is Matka Canyon - a nature escape right on the capital’s doorstep. After taking in lush canyon scenery on a boat trip and exploring the Byzantine Saint Andrew church carved into a cave, we’ll continue to Ohrid on traditional Lake Ohrid.
Boasting over 365 churches dotted amid pristine mountain-backed vistas, Ohrid’s architecture is its main draw. We’ll gaze out over red-roofed Ohrid town, the turquoise lake waters, and Mount Galichica beyond from the Church of St. John’s sublime hilltop perch. The UNESCO-protected church impresses inside too with medieval frescoes and the ethereal blue light cascading through its window panes.
Back downtown, we’ll also pop into the Byzantine Church of St. Sophia with foundation walls dating back to the 9th century – making it one of Europe’s oldest surviving churches.
Between lake cruises, browsing traditional pearls and crafts in the Old Town, and medieval architecture spanning millennia, this serene lakefront sanctuary makes the perfect relaxing retreat after bustling Skopje.
Dinner & overnight in Ohrid – 4* Hotel ( B, D)
5
DAY 5: OHRID – ST.NAUM – DRILON ( ALBANIA) - BERAT ( APPROX - 190 KM)
Picturesque Park Hopping into Historic Berat
Leaving lively Ohrid, we’ll drive into remote Galichica National Park blanketing the mountains between Lakes Ohrid and Prespa. Alpine vistas surround us as we make our way to the secluded 16th century Saint Naum Monastery, still inhabited by monks today. We’ll explore the ornate stone church and buildings at this serene complex situated at the crystal blue Crni Drim River’s source.
Crossing into Albania, we next trade solitude for the small but lush Drilon National Park, where springs feed the emerald “Garden of Eden”-esque lake. After strolling by waterfalls and flower-dotted meadows, we’ll tuck into a lunch starring just-caught baked Koran trout.
Our nature bliss continues as we drive into Berat to overnight in this historic mountain city, known as the “Town of a Thousand Windows” for its Ottoman-era architecture climbing forested hillsides. Its 13th century Mangalem district tempts with cobblestone lanes and looming castle remains evoking Berat’s strategic medieval importance. We’ll rest up to dive into this open-air museum tomorrow!
Dinner & overnight in Berat – 4* Hotel ( B,D)
6
DAY 6: BERAT – BELSH – TIRANE ( APPROX – 110 KM)
After breakfast, set out exploring Berat, a UNESCO-listed town known as the "town of 1001 windows," where medieval enchantment and history harmonize. Walk through narrow stone streets, admiring at the unique architecture of old houses with windows seemingly stacked in harmony. Berat's roots trace back to the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement, evolving into the castle city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century B.C. Today, residents still inhabit the castle walls, creating a living testament to the city's rich past.
Notably, Berat is the birthplace of Onufri, the renowned Balkan church painter, known for his distinctive and challenging-to-replicate reddish color.
After the city tour, we return to Tirana, passing through Belshi, celebrated in the Dumreja region for its 84 lakes. Overnight in Tirana, where history and nature intertwine, creating a captivating backdrop for your exploration.
Dinner & overnight in Tirana – 4* Hotel ( B,D)
7
DAY 7: TIRANA FULL DAY
Explore Tirana, Albania's capital, blending Ottoman, Italian, and communist architecture in a captivating clash. Begin at Skanderbeg Square, framed by the National Museum, Bank of Albania, Opera House, Skanderbeg Statue, Ethem Beu Mosque, and lively bars. Visit the BUNKART 2 , a once-secret nuclear bunker transformed into a museum detailing the history of the Albanian communist army.
Continue to Tirana Castle, now a vibrant pedestrian street fusing modernity with tradition. Conclude the tour in the lively Blloku Neighborhood, known for its colorful atmosphere. Free afternoon to further explore the city on your own.
Dinner and overnight in Tirana – 4* Hotel ( B,D)
8
DAY 8: TIRANA –AIRPORT (DEPARTURE ) ( APPROX 20 KM)
After breakfast, if time permits, some last minute souvenir shopping before taking the bus for a short transfer to the airport to board the flight home.
Tour Location
✓Wander Tirana's colorful streets transformed from its Soviet past and visit Berat's Ottoman architecture
✓Explore Kosovo's medieval religious sites reflecting its history in Pristina, Prizren and Peja
✓Discover North Macedonia, homeland of Alexander the Great, with ancient ruins in scenic mountains
✓Admire medieval churches in Ohrid on Lake Ohrid, a dual UNESCO cultural and natural site
✓Experience the culture, hospitality and interwoven heritage of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia
Gallery
