Tour Europe Explorer Grand Tour Imperial And Egnatia Route

Meals

Breakfast: Daily breakfast. All other meals not listed are at your expense.

Guide

Guide: English speaking tour leader.

Accommodation

Accommodation at 3* hotels on double occupancy in good locations of respective cities/places. Twin share basis for 7 overnights as per program. For children 2 - 11 year old sharing a room with 2 adults.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

Admission/entry Fees If you would like to join the optional activities, please pay the fee in cash to the tour guide. The tour guide will arrange the tickets for the group. Local guide can be provided for every destination/city (at an extra charge), prior confirmation required Travel insurance, visa fees (if applicable) A mandatory service fee for tour guide/bus driver (min. 5-7 Euro /day per person). Excess baggage charges from Airlines Personal expenses such as room service, telephone, laundry service charges Losses or additional expenses: The Company will accept no responsibilities for losses or additional expenses due to accidents. Lunch and Dinner charges (if applicable) Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Tirana - Kruja - Ferry To Bari (Italy). (82 Km, 1H 15 Min; +8 Hrs And Overnight In Ferry).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Tirana - Kruja - Ferry To Bari (Italy). (82 Km, 1H 15 Min; +8 Hrs And Overnight In Ferry).

Start the day exploring Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s 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 Albania’s 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. Afterward, we will continue to Durres port for embarkation. (In the evening we will be onboard in the Ferry boat to Bari - Italy).

Overnight in Ferry.
Day 2 Day 2: Foggia - Pescara. (312 Km, 2H 55 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Foggia - Pescara. (312 Km, 2H 55 Min).

After arrival in Port of Bari, we will continue to Foggia, where we have a city tour. Discover the fascination of Foggia, with special openings of monuments and the historic centre. Visit for free the Civic Museum and the Cathedral Beata Maria Vergine Assunta in Cielo. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the historic centre, to discover the most fascinating places in the city from the period of Emperor Frederik II, to the second world war.

Then continue to Pescara. Pescara is the city that embodies all this nature and the challenge. Abruzzo is a region where the mountains are the highest in the Apennines and the coast is long and varied. It has been defined as the “Green Region of Europe.” Located not far from mount Gran Sasso and Maiella, overlooking the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and developed around the mouth of the river that bears the same name, and that cuts it in two. Where to cross the river, just near the point where it definitely immerses into the Adriatic, the citizens of Pescara have built a bridge - among the longest in Europe - and have called it Ponte del Mare. It rises above all sea that defines the city; in Pescara, where everything is mostly modern.

Accomodation in hotel (Alba 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 3 Day 3: Ancona - Rimini. (273 Km, 3H 05 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Ancona - Rimini. (273 Km, 3H 05 Min).

After breakfast, continue to Ancona. We will have a walking tour among the alleys, monuments and views of Ancona to admire the town through the ages, from its doric origins to the present days. Walking through the streets of the Old Town it will be possible to capture the images of the main attractions and to know anecdotes, stories and legends that make Ancona fascinating and mysterious.

In the afternoon proceed to Rimini. Those who believe that all roads lead to Rome are mistaken. Rimini was already from the times of the Roman Empire, a maritime city that fulfilled the function of access from the Mediterranean to the whole Europe. A walk through the city is a travel through time that takes us through twenty-two centuries of history of a central city, from ancient Rome to Fellini, passing through the Middle Ages and Renaissance noble families. The classic itinerary of the historic center starts from the Roman Arena. The remains of this amphitheater are the last testimonies of grandiose shows of gladiators that amused the Rimini of the III century. As further proof of the importance of Rimini at the time of imperial Rome, we continue with the Arch of Augustus, a monumental entrance to the Roman city of the first century BC. Walking along Corso d’Augusto, ancient “decumanus”, we reach Piazza Tre Martiri, ancient Roman forum transformed for centuries into the lively “piazza delle erbe” surrounded by shops and by the lovely sixteenth-century temple dedicated to Sant’Antonio da Padova.

Accomodation in hotel (Sport 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 4 Day 4: San Marino (Unesco) - Bologna. (131 Km, 1H 25 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: San Marino (Unesco) - Bologna. (131 Km, 1H 25 Min).

After breakfast continue to San Marino. Where we will explore the most famous attractions of San Marino at your own pace, exploring the streets and squares of the old city, a place filled with history and culture. Among others, you will have time to admire the beautiful Palazzo del Governo and Piazza della Libertà, as well as the wonderful Basilica del Santo Marino. You will learn more about the unique history of San Marino and how this small country came to exist and survived until now. The tour of San Marino will give you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views from atop the towers of the city, admiring the hills and seaside of the Italian countryside.

Then we will depart for Bologna. City tour after arrival. Bologna is a city nicknamed “The red, the fat and the well-educated”: do you guess why? For the architecture, the food and the University. This introduction tour will lead you through the central part of the historical center, giving you the basic knowledge for understanding the city and the main monuments. We will start from the central square, where the Neptune fountain and its mysteries are located; then we introduce the history of the city and the main monuments facing “Piazza Maggiore”: San Petronio church, D’Accursio palace townhall and the Podestà’s palace. We walk then under the Archiginnasio’s porticoes , entering later in the Quadrilatero, the area where some of the most ancient shops of the city are located. After that we will reach the two towers, an iconic monument which became the symbol of Bologna.

Accomodation in (Nuovo Hotel del Porto 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 5 Day 5: Florence (Unesco) (103 Km, 1H 15 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Florence (Unesco) (103 Km, 1H 15 Min).

Departure to Florence considered Tuscany’s capital which is renowned for its beauty and home to numerous world famous artists over the years, including Michelangelo and Giotto. Surrounded by stunning historical buildings, you’ll have an incredible time exploring the heart of Florence which is a UNESCO heritage site since 1982, there are plenty of reasons to visit here on top of the art and history connections, including the cuisine and shopping.

Accomodation in hotel (Galileo 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 6 Day 6: Pisa (Unesco) - Livorno. (110 Km, 1H 35 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Pisa (Unesco) - Livorno. (110 Km, 1H 35 Min).

Then we will proceed to Pisa. We will visit The Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, which is considered one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed in 1987. The monumental cathedral and leaning tower of Pisa is famous worldwide, and it continues to be an important part of Pisa and is also one of Tuscany’s most famous tourist destinations.

In the afternoon we will continue to Livorno. Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. It’s known for its seafood, Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbor with a cruise ship port. Walking tour to visit its central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside promenade with checkerboard paving, is the city’s main gathering place. The bastions of the 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia face the harbor and open onto Livorno’s canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter.

Accomodation in hotel (Europa Parking 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 7 Day 7: Tuscany Region/Siena (Unesco) - Pienza (Unesco) - Val D’Orcia (Unesco). (204 Km, 2H 55 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Tuscany Region/Siena (Unesco) - Pienza (Unesco) - Val D’Orcia (Unesco). (204 Km, 2H 55 Min).

After breakfast, continue to Siena. Another of Tuscany’s historical centres to be named as a UNESCO site since 1995, which is a typical Italian medieval city. Siena’s architecture is extremely varied and even today both gothic and medieval buildings can be seen together, and the whole city can be viewed as a masterpiece of art and science.

We will continue next for Pienza. Pienza was declared a UNESCO site for its historical center, as it really is one of the best representatives of the Italian the Renaissance style of architecture, class and is famous for its delicious food. In the afternoon we will have another spectacular visit in Toscanys’ area in Val D’Orcia (The Orcia Valley). It is located in Southern Tuscany and it boasts breathtaking views and an impressive landscape. We will enjoy the amazing views of rolling hills, greenery and vineyards.

Accomodation in hotel (Palazzuolo 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 8 Day 8: Tarquinia (Unesco) - Civitavecchia (Unesco) (144 Km, 2H 20 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Tarquinia (Unesco) - Civitavecchia (Unesco) (144 Km, 2H 20 Min).

After breakfast, continue to Tarquini, which is an old city Italy known chiefly for its ancient Etruscan tombs in the widespread necropoleis or cemeteries which it overlies, for which it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It is very important to mention that only modern Albanian can translate the ancient Etrucan language that is considered a strong evidence about the ancient brotherhood roots of Etruscan-Illyrian civilisations.

Then proceed to Civitavecchia. Walking tour. Wonder around discovering one of the most important ports of Imperial Rome, through myths and legends to the medieval heart of the city. Take some time to enjoy a pleasant and interesting walk through the quaint streets of the city. The itinerary includes port, Piazza Leandra, walk through the narrow streets of the medieval village, and the Renaissance Fortress of Michelangelo.
Day 9 Day 9: Rome (Unesco). (75 Km, 1H 10 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Rome (Unesco). (75 Km, 1H 10 Min).

After breakfast, we will proceed to Rome. After arrival we will have a walking tour that will give you the chance to discover the beauties of the Eternal City. Starting from St. Peter’s Square with its magnificent colonnade and the solemn St. Peter’s Basilica, which you can access thanks to our priority entrance service without queuing up. After the beauties of Saint Peter you will visit the Walking tour; Colosseum, Altar of the Fatherland, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Navona Square. Leisure afternoon.

Accomodation in hotel (California 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 10 Day 10: Casserta (Unesco) - Naples (Unesco). (219 Km, 2H 15 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Casserta (Unesco) - Naples (Unesco). (219 Km, 2H 15 Min).

After breakfast, continue to Caserta, where we will visit The Royal Palace of Caserta part of UNESCO World Heritage list constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples. The Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the largest palaces erected in Europe during the 18th century and you can spend your time visiting the gardens with fountains and cascades and also the beautiful rooms inside the palace.

Then we proceed to Naples. Napoli is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and one of the oldest continually inhabited in the world. It’s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It started life in the 9th century BC as the Greek colony of Neapolis, meaning New City. It is also the tenth most populated urban center in the EU, with a population of more than 4 million in the metro area. The oldest public university in the world is here, the University of Napoli Federico II. In 1995, the historic centre of Naples was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We will have a walking tour to visit the most important sights in the city, like: Cappella San Severo with Veiled Christ, Church of Gesù Nuovo, San Gregorio Armeno, Santa Chiara cloister,Piazza Plebiscito, Maschio Angioino, etc.

Accomodation in hotel (Aer Street Hotel 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 11 Day 11: Pompeii (Unesco) - Amalfi (Unesco) - Naples. (132 Km, 2H 50 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Pompeii (Unesco) - Amalfi (Unesco) - Naples. (132 Km, 2H 50 Min).

After breakfast, we will have a day tour to Amalfi Coast and Pompeii Ruins! UNESCO designated the Amalfi coast a World Heritage Site as we drive through almost 50 miles of winding coastal roads with the sea on one side and the majestic Lattari mountains on the other.

Then we continue to explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of Pompeii. The volcano of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD killed most of the town’s inhabitants, but it did relatively little damage to Pompeii itself. The resulting blanket of ash kept the remains in perfect condition until they were uncovered again in the 18th century. Volcano’s eruption visiting the highlights of the thermal baths, the large theater, the Basilica and the Macellum and the famous House of Faun. We will be seeing many interesting clues during your visit explaining the most interesting places of this ancient commercial city.

Return to Naples.

Accommodation in hotel (Aer Street Hotel 3*, or similar).
Day 12 Day 12: Castel Del Monte (Unesco) (254 Km, 2 H 45 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Castel Del Monte (Unesco) (254 Km, 2 H 45 Min)

After breakfast, we will depart for Castel del Monte. Located in the Communes of Andria and Corato (Bari Province), it was built by the Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. First of all, Del Monte Castle is a symbol of medieval military architecture. Perfectly preserved, it is able to enchant for some details such as the rigour of its plan and form, and the eclecticism of its cultural elements.

Accomodation at a hotel (Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli, or similar).
Day 13 Day 13: Bari (62 Km, 0 H 55 Min) - Ferry To Durres (Albania) Overnight In Ferry, (300 Km, 8 H 0 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Bari (62 Km, 0 H 55 Min) - Ferry To Durres (Albania) Overnight In Ferry, (300 Km, 8 H 0 Min).

After breakfast, we will depart for Bari. Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, is a city where time seems to have stopped. The presence of the relics of the Patron Saint Nicholas in the homonymous Basilica make it one of the most important religious destinations of southern Italy. The ancient village, also called "Bari vecchia" is a magical place, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of Bari and exchange a few words with the friendly inhabitants. On the doorstep of the houses the women will invite you to taste the local specialties while they prepare the famous orecchiette, the typical handmade pasta. You will not be able to resist the scent of the focaccia and the very tasty street food. In the evening we onboard the Ferry trip to Durres Albania.
Day 14 Day 14: Durres - Tirana.
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Durres - Tirana.

After arrival in Durres, we will have a city tour. Durres city lies on the Adriatic coast and is the main commercial port of Albania. Durres, Albania’s second largest city was known formerly as Durrahium and is one of the oldest towns in the country. Legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson, Dyrrah. It was for centuries the largest port on the Adriatic, and the start of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople/Istanbul. We visit the Roman amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum, situated near the sea and rich in objects excavated in Durres. We also will visit the Roman Baths behind the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre on the central square. Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.
Day 15 Day 15: Elbasan - Ohrid (Unesco) (North Macedonia) (135 Km, 2 H 30 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Elbasan - Ohrid (Unesco) (North Macedonia) (135 Km, 2 H 30 Min).

After breakfast, we will travel to Elbasan. Elbasan was a very important city in ancient Illyrian time, where in Roman empire time was famous for the so-called “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Rome-Naples-Bari-Durres-Elbasan-Ohrid-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. City tour to visit: Elbasan Castle (dating back to 4rth Century BC), The Clock, The ethnographic Museum, Church, The Old Mosque.

Then we continue the beautiful city of Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the Sveti Naum Monastery, a beautiful site with impressive views of Lake Ohrid across to Albania. Explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th century church of St Sofia as well as the Roman theater.

Overnight in Ohrid. (Hotel Diplomat 3*, or similar).
Day 16 Day 16: Bitola (Unesco) (Ancient Heraclea) - Edessa. (164 Km, 2 H 55 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Bitola (Unesco) (Ancient Heraclea) - Edessa. (164 Km, 2 H 55 Min).

After breakfast, we will continue the road to Bitola. The road leads to the city of Resen and the biggest apple orchards in this part of the Balkans. First we will visit the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, the best preserved ancient city in Macedonia. Built in the 4th century BC, and conquered by the Romans 2 centuries later. Heraclea Lincestis is famous for its beautiful mosaics, antique theater and roman baths. First excavations were taken after the First World War and then was discovered the beauty and importance of this ancient city – the Roman baths, Episcope basilica, Synagogue, portico, Roman theater – in which in modern times plays and music concerts are held.

Overnight in Edessa. (Hotel Alfa 3*, or similar).
Day 17 Day 17: Pella - Thessaloniki (Unesco). (94 Km, 1 H 40 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Pella - Thessaloniki (Unesco). (94 Km, 1 H 40 Min).

In the morning, after breakfast, we will continue to Pella, which is an ancient Macedonian city located in Greece, best known as the historical capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. On the site of the ancient city is the Archaeological Museum of Pella.

Then continue to Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is one of the best places to visit not only for city breaks but also for longer holidays! And that is because Thessaloniki is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the numerous Byzantine monuments, but it is also a beautiful modern European city full of life! Possibility to visit Galerius Arch (Kamara), Rotunda, Archaeological Museum, St. Demetrius church, Roman Forum, Our Lady "of the Coppersmiths’’ church, Bey Hamam Baths (Paradise Baths, church of Holy Wisdom, Museum of Byzantine Civilization, White Tower.

Overnight in Hotel Abc, or similar.
Day 18 Day 18: Kavala - Alexandroupolis. (302 Km, 3 H 25 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Kavala - Alexandroupolis. (302 Km, 3 H 25 Min)

After breakfast, continue to Kavala. Kavala’s past and present sparkle with the first rays of dawn. It is very beautiful due to its location on the slope of the mountain: white city houses with terraces descend to the sea, along which stretches a beautiful embankment with many old and modern houses, museums, beautiful beaches, taverns, shops and simply picturesque places. Kavala has long been a tourist destination in Greece from all over the World. Walking tour in the Old Town through ancient cobblestone streets, you will visit the old Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by four towers and the highest point of the city - the central tower from which you can see an amazing view of the whole city and the Aegean Sea.
Day 19 Day 19: Tekirdag (Turkey) - Istanbul (Unesco). (302 Km, 3 H 50 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Tekirdag (Turkey) - Istanbul (Unesco). (302 Km, 3 H 50 Min).

After breakfast, continue to Tekirdagi. Tekirdağ is a city in Turkey. It is a part of the region historically known as Eastern Thrace. Tekirdağ is the capital of Tekirdağ Province. Tekirdag is on the Marmara Sea coast of Thrace, and has been settled from the beginning of history like other important places of the region. Its ancient name was Bisanthe, while today’s name originates from the color of the surrounding mountains. There are several historical places in the city, some of which are the Rakoczy Museum, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, the Tekirdag Museum and the statue of Namik Kemal, the celebrated patriotic poet whose birth-place is Tekirdag. Corlu, is a small town of Tekirdag, was a citadel on the antique road between Istanbul and West Europe in the Illyrin-Roman-Byzantine-Ottoman period.

Then continue to Istanbul. Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. Explore the historic Old City on a fascinating place where we can see Istanbul’s top 6 attractions: the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Accomodation in hotel (Marcello 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 20 Day 20: Istanbul (Unesco)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Istanbul (Unesco)

After breakfast Bosphorus Boat Tour. In the afternoon leisure time to explore the city on your own and the possibility of shopping around at numerous souvenir shops, etc.

Accomodation in hotel (Marcello 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 21 Day 21: Edirne (Unesco). (254 Km 2H 55 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Edirne (Unesco). (254 Km 2H 55 Min).

After breakfast, continue to Edirne. Edirne, formerly Adrianople of Adrianople, city, extreme western Turkey. It lies at the junction of the Tunca and Maritsa (Turkish: Meriç) rivers, near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria. The largest and oldest part of the town occupies a meander of the Tunca around the ruins of an ancient citadel. Edirne’s site and turbulent history were determined by its strategic position on the main route from Asia Minor (Anatolia) to the Balkans. We will visit Selimiye Mosque, Old Mosque, Uc Serefeli Mosque and Tower Gate in the city center.

Accommodation in hotel (Adresin 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 22 Day 22: Plovdiv (Unesco) (Bulgaria). (177 Km 2H 15 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Plovdiv (Unesco) (Bulgaria). (177 Km 2H 15 Min).

This morning we will continue to reach Plovdiv, the “City of the seven hills’’. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, still existing today. It was called Philippopolis in the IV century B.C. in honor of King Philip II of Macedonia. Today Plovdiv is a cultural center and is selected as European Capital of Culture for 2019. walking through the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town, The Ancient Roman Theater, Kapana Creative District, The Roman Stadium, The Longest Pedestrian Street in Europe and The Secretive Tobacco Town that once was the heart of the tobacco industry in Bulgaria.

Accomodation in hotel (Evmolpia 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 23 Day 23: Sofia. (144 Km 2H 15 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Sofia. (144 Km 2H 15 Min).

After breakfast, departure to Sofia. Panoramic tour around the Bulgarian capital an 8500-years old city called “My Rome” by the emperor Constantine The Great. Visit the most fascinating places of interest: the forum of Ancient Serdica (the old name of the city) with the newest archeological discoveries from Roman time, which are exhibited next to the Bulgarian presidency. Next is the St. Nedelya square, where 4 worship buildings of the main religions in Bulgaria are located next to each other. These are the Orthodox Church St. Nedelya, the Catholic church, the Synagogue and the Mosque. They form a quadrangle, symbolizing the peace between different religions in Bulgaria. Our tour continues with the “Alexander I” square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, “Tzar Osvoboditel” boulevard, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means wisdom), which had given the name of the city, the Sofia University and the “Alexander Nevski” Cathedral (the biggest Orthodox church on the Balkan peninsula).

Accommodation in hotel (Lion Sofia 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 24 Day 24: Skopje (North Macedonia). (244 Km 3H 30 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Skopje (North Macedonia). (244 Km 3H 30 Min)

After breakfast continue to Skopje. After we arrive, a city tour. Walk through the landmarks of the old part of Skopje, starting with the Skopje Castle placed on a hill, which gives a view to the old and the new part of Skopje. Then continue with walking down toward Mustafa Pasha Mosque (1492) and the church of Holy Savior (18th Century), then to the historical district known as the Skopje’s Old Bazaar characterized by architectural mixture of churches, mosques, inns, baths, many craftsmen’s shops, old buildings, restaurants and pubs and small shops.

Accomodation in hotel (De Koka 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 25 Day 25: Ulpiana (Kosova) - Gracanica Monastery (Unesco) - Prishtine (177 Km 2H 3 Min).
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Ulpiana (Kosova) - Gracanica Monastery (Unesco) - Prishtine (177 Km 2H 3 Min).

After breakfast, drive to Pristina where we stop first to visit the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient Dardanian-Illyrian city dating back to Roman invasion period of the 1st century that was once one of the most powerful in the Balkans. Later we will visit the spectacular Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovo’s most beautiful sites and containing some impressive frescoes.

Proceed to Pristina Kosova’s capital. Where we have a walking tour to explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century.

Overnight in Pristina, Hotel Begolli, or similar.
Day 26 Day 26: Peja - Gjakova - Prizren. (160 Km 2H 55 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Peja - Gjakova - Prizren. (160 Km 2H 55 Min)

After breakfast, we will depart for Peja city. Peja lies at the foot of the gigantic Damned Mountains (Bjeshk’t e Nemuna), on the river Bistrica and the entrance of the Rugova Gorge. Peja is the main economic and cultural center of northern Dukagjin and one of the best known tourist resorts of the region. Afterward, continue to Gjakova. Visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, which marks the center of the Old Bazaar, the grain market and see the handicrafts of quilt-workers, saddler makers, silversmiths and embroiderers. We then will visit the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga,” a traditional house for a tea break. We also will visit the 16th century inn of “Hani i Haraçisë,” the old bazaar shopping area, and the Ethnographic Museum.

We continue to Prizren. This city, pro
Day 27 Day 27: Kukes (Albania) - Rubik. (125 Km 1H 35 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Kukes (Albania) - Rubik. (125 Km 1H 35 Min)

After breakfast, continue the tour by enjoying the wonderful panorama of Black Drini River Valley and Firza Lake to arrive in Kukes. This city became famous and later was a Nobel Candidate city for the hospitality shown for about 1 million refugees from the Kosovo War in 1999.

Then continue to Rubik via Has and Kukes in Drini River valley and the Rruga e Kombit Hiwayay. Visit in Info Kulla Rubik, where you will be introduced to the history of Mirdita which is the most authentic region in Albania, because it was never fully occupied fully in the last two millenniums by the various invaders starting from Hellenic, Roman, Byzantines, and the Ottomans. Introduction to Kanuni i Maleve, or known as “The Illyrian Code, Or Code of Lek Dukagjini”, where a similar one is found in Hittite civilization dating back 3500 year ago. Visit to the Shelbuemi Church of Rubik (dated in 1162), built over an ancient Illyrian Temple/Castle over the hill/rock in the strategic control of Fani River Valley.

Overnight Hotel Marubi or similar.
Day 28 Day 28: Kruje - Tirana.(95 Km 1H 55 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Kruje - Tirana.(95 Km 1H 55 Min)

After breakfast, we will depart for Kruje. We will visit the medieval city of Kruja (visit the castle and the impressive Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographical Museum and shopping in Old Bazaar, mosques from the time of the ottomans time. Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.

Overnight in Tirana.

+25

28 days tour

Europe Explorer Grand Tour Imperial And Egnatia Route

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Europe Explorer Grand Tour Imperial And Egnatia Route

Day 1: Tirana - Kruja - Ferry To Bari (Italy). (82 Km, 1H 15 Min; +8 Hrs And Overnight In Ferry).

Day 2: Foggia - Pescara. (312 Km, 2H 55 Min).

Day 3: Ancona - Rimini. (273 Km, 3H 05 Min).

Day 4: San Marino (Unesco) - Bologna. (131 Km, 1H 25 Min).

Day 5: Florence (Unesco) (103 Km, 1H 15 Min).

Day 6: Pisa (Unesco) - Livorno. (110 Km, 1H 35 Min).

Day 7: Tuscany Region/Siena (Unesco) - Pienza (Unesco) - Val D’Orcia (Unesco). (204 Km, 2H 55 Min).

Day 8: Tarquinia (Unesco) - Civitavecchia (Unesco) (144 Km, 2H 20 Min).

Day 9: Rome (Unesco). (75 Km, 1H 10 Min).

Day 10: Casserta (Unesco) - Naples (Unesco). (219 Km, 2H 15 Min).

Day 11: Pompeii (Unesco) - Amalfi (Unesco) - Naples. (132 Km, 2H 50 Min).

Day 12: Castel Del Monte (Unesco) (254 Km, 2 H 45 Min)

Day 13: Bari (62 Km, 0 H 55 Min) - Ferry To Durres (Albania) Overnight In Ferry, (300 Km, 8 H 0 Min).

Day 14: Durres - Tirana.

Day 15: Elbasan - Ohrid (Unesco) (North Macedonia) (135 Km, 2 H 30 Min).

Day 16: Bitola (Unesco) (Ancient Heraclea) - Edessa. (164 Km, 2 H 55 Min).

Day 17: Pella - Thessaloniki (Unesco). (94 Km, 1 H 40 Min).

Day 18: Kavala - Alexandroupolis. (302 Km, 3 H 25 Min)

Day 19: Tekirdag (Turkey) - Istanbul (Unesco). (302 Km, 3 H 50 Min).

Day 20: Istanbul (Unesco)

Day 21: Edirne (Unesco). (254 Km 2H 55 Min).

Day 22: Plovdiv (Unesco) (Bulgaria). (177 Km 2H 15 Min).

Day 23: Sofia. (144 Km 2H 15 Min).

Day 24: Skopje (North Macedonia). (244 Km 3H 30 Min)

Day 25: Ulpiana (Kosova) - Gracanica Monastery (Unesco) - Prishtine (177 Km 2H 3 Min).

Day 26: Peja - Gjakova - Prizren. (160 Km 2H 55 Min)

Day 27: Kukes (Albania) - Rubik. (125 Km 1H 35 Min)

Day 28: Kruje - Tirana.(95 Km 1H 55 Min)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania