16 days tour

Albania, Kosovo And Macedonia - Hidden Europe

Albania, Kosovo And Macedonia - Hidden Europe

This tour includes:

Accommodation

All accommodation

Guide

Services of English speaking guide / tour leader

Others

Arrival and departure transfers Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Meals

Meals as listed (B โ€“ Breakfast, L โ€“ Lunch, D โ€“ Dinner)

Transport

Minibuses

Not included:

Others

International flights Travel Insurance Visas if applicable Drinks Items of a personal nature Tips (discretionary)

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Albania, Kosovo And Macedonia - Hidden Europe

  • Day 1 Day 1: Tirana
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Tirana

      Arrive in Tirana and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. Overnight Royal Vila Hotel or similar

  • Day 2 Day 2: Tirana - Kruja Lezha Shkoder
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Tirana - Kruja Lezha Shkoder

      Start the day exploring Albanias capital. We visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albanias national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. We then head to Kruja, one of Albanias most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar. Today lunch will be included and the opportunity to eat some traditional food in Kruja. Later we continue to Lezha in the north west of the country where we visit the mausoleum of Skanderbeg and the castle before heading to Shkoder. Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once a capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains. Overnight Hotel Tradita or similar. (BL)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Koman Lake Valbona
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Koman Lake Valbona

      Today we journey from Shkoder to Valbona via Koman Lake. The 2 hour trip on Lake Komani was called One of the Great Boat Trips of the World by the Bradt Guide, and certainly the scenery is stunning. The Drin River was flooded along part of its most mountainous passage to create the lakes in this region. The journey takes you along glassy clear water, twisting and turning through narrow passes and past silent mountain peaks. After the completion of this memorable leg of the journey we continue to Valbona. Tonight we stay in local guesthouses in Valbona to enjoy the rural life in an authentic local atmosphere. (BD)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Junik - Gjakova Prizren
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Junik - Gjakova Prizren

      We cross the border into Kosovo and drive to Junik where we visit the famous Kullat e Junikut (Junik Tower). The towers are castle-like houses with a special architecture built in white rock, where Albanians have for centuries sheltered to survive wars and conflicts. Then continue to Gjakova which lies on the banks of the River Erenik. Visit its main sites including the old bazaar and clock tower. We then continue to a local winery where we can tour the cellar and taste some Kosovan wine. Finally we continue on to the city of Prizren, probably the most attractive town in Kosovo with superbly preserved buildings from the Ottoman era. We visit the castle which is one of the oldest in the Balkans (almost 3 millenniums), built to protect the city from attacks, the ornate Bajrakli Mosque and the old Turkish Hammam among other sights. Prizren is an absolute highlight of any visit to Kosovo and to see the old houses of the old town in low light as the sun sets is a delight. Overnight at Hotel Prizren or similar. (B)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Monastery Of Peja Decani (Unesco) Peja
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Monastery Of Peja Decani (Unesco) Peja

      First today we visit Decani monastery (UNESCO). The medieval church houses some of the most preserved fresco decoration in the Balkans and the grounds are also a delight. After arrival in to Peja we explore the Ottoman sites of the town including the Haxhi Beut Mosque and the old house of Jashar Pasha as well as the Sheremet Tower and the old bazaar. We then continue to Boge, where we have a short stop at Patriarchana of Peja (13th Century) in the Rugova Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in the region. On arrival at the hotel you will have the chance to take a walk amidst some of the loveliest scenery in the Balkans. Overnight at Magra Austria Hotel or similar. (B)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Pristina
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Pristina

      Drive to Pristina. Explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century. We then head to the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient Roman city that was once one of the most powerful in the Balkans. Later we visit the spectacular Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovos most beautiful sites and containing some impressive frescoes. Overnight Begolli Hotel or similar. (B)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Skopje
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Skopje

      We continue to Macedonia stopping first at Gadime Cave. We cross the border and head to its capital Skopje. Upon arrival we visit some of the most important parts of the town, including the old Ottoman market, the monastery of Sveti Spas and the ancient Kale Fortress which dates back to Illyrian and Roman times. Overnight Hotel Aristocrat Palace or similar. (B)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Mavrovo National Park Ohrid
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Mavrovo National Park Ohrid

      After breakfast continue to Mavrovo National Park, the biggest in Macedonia covering 73,000 hectares. We follow the Radika River along the way and stop at monasteries and churches en route. We then drive to the beautiful town of Ohrid (UNESCO). On arrival we will explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th Century church of St Sofia and the Roman amphitheatre. Overnight Hotel Villa Sofia or similar (B)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Ohrid
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Ohrid

      Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the beautiful town of Ohrid at your own pace or relax before the second half of the tour. Overnight Hotel Villa Sofia or similar (B)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Sveti Naum Monastery Voskopoje Korce
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Sveti Naum Monastery Voskopoje Korce

      Before crossing back into Albania we visit Sveti Naum Monastery, a truly beautiful site with impressive views over Lake Ohrid across to Albania. We then continue to the ancient village of Voskopoja where we explore the village including the Monastery of St. John the Baptist with its original structure from the 15th Century. After lunch we continue to the historic town of Korce and explore the town including the Old Bazaar.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Korce Gjirokastra
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Korce Gjirokastra

      Today we take an amazing drive though spectacular scenery to Gjirokastra. The road is bumpy in parts but the views of this remote part of Albania are incredible. At Gjirokastra we visit the local museum, housed in the building in which the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born, as well as the pre-Ottoman era citadel which affords spectacular views and houses an impressive range of artillery and also bizarrely a reconnaissance US Air Force plane that was forced to land after losing its way in the 1950s. Gjirokastra is a pretty town with traditional houses and cobbled streets spilling down the sides of the mountain. Overnight Hotel Gjirokastra or similar (B).

  • Day 12 Day 12: Butrint (Unesco) Saranda
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Butrint (Unesco) Saranda

      On the way to Saranda we shall enjoy a short stop at Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye National park). Visit the ancient city of Butrint, Albanias most important archaeological site and given special status by UNESCO. Spend time exploring this impressive site with the added bonus of it being situated in a beautiful natural setting. The walls, basilica, acropolis and theatre at Butrint are truly impressive. We then drive to Saranda on the coast. Overnight Brilant Hotel or similar. (B)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Himara Vlora
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Himara Vlora

      Head north along a stunning coastline, stopping at Porto Palermo to visit the castle of Ali Pasha on the way. Drive through mountains over the Llogara Pass (1020m above sea level) and continue to Vlora, on the Albanian Riviera. Tonight you will enjoy a delicious fish dinner at a restaurant on the beach. Overnight Hotel Partner or similar. (BD)

  • Day 14 Day 14: Apollonia Berat
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Apollonia Berat

      Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, dating back to the 6th century BC. We then drive to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania and with a superbly preserved historic centre that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit its citadel which contains old churches, mosques and museums before heading to a vineyard to sample some of the excellent local wines. Overnight Hotel Osumi or similar. (B)

  • Day 15 Day 15: Durres Tirana
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Durres Tirana

      After breakfast drive to Durres. This port city has the largest Roman amphitheatre in the region, dating back to the 2nd century which we will visit. Drive back to Tirana for our final night where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional food. Overnight Royal Vila Hotel or similar. (BD)

  • Day 16 Day 16: Tirana
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Tirana

      Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) 

+13
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 25 / Max: 75

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to