Western Balkan Explorer Tour “silver Route”
$ 2,335 .71 USD
Total price per person
Reserve with $2,335.71
Whats included?
Itinerary
Accommodation included: 7 nights
Accommodation included: 7 nights
Hotel: Accommodation 3* hotels on...
Hotel: Accommodation 3* hotels on double occupancy in good locations of respective cities/places.
Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus/bus...
Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus/bus and other transportation listed in itinerary.
Breakfast: Daily breakfast. All others...
Breakfast: Daily breakfast. All others meals not listed are at your expense.
Guide: Professional bilingual English, speaking...
Guide: Professional bilingual English, speaking tour guide/leader, etc.
Not included:
Admission/entry Fees.
Admission/entry Fees.
Travel insurance, visa fees. (if...
Travel insurance, visa fees. (if applicable)
Any charges for additional itinerary...
Any charges for additional itinerary are not listed in itinerary.
A mandatory service fee for...
A mandatory service fee for tour guide/bus driver (min. 5-7 Euro /day per person).
Excess baggage charges from Airlines.
Excess baggage charges from Airlines.
Personal expenses such as room...
Personal expenses such as room service, telephone, laundry service charges.
Losses or additional expenses.
Losses or additional expenses.
Lunch and Dinner charges. (if...
Lunch and Dinner charges. (if applicable)
Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.
Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.
Entry/Admission - Antigonea Archaeological Park
Entry/Admission - Antigonea Archaeological Park
Entry/Admission - Apollonia Archaeological Park
Entry/Admission - Apollonia Archaeological Park
Start planning your experience
About experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Tirana - Elbasan - Lin Ohrid Lake - Pogradec - Korce. (163 km, 2h 50 min)
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Start the day exploring Albania’s capital. We 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Elbasan, Elbasan, Elbasan County
We then head to Elbasan which was a very important city in ancient times where in Roman empire time was 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lin, Albania
Then we continue to the village of Lin, on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid where we visit the fascinating basilicate on top of the hill with a spectacular view of Ohrid Lake.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Korce, Korce, Korce County
Afterward, we will continue to Korca by the scenic road and the wonderful countryside. Visit to the Museum of Medieval Art with the richest icon archive in all Europe; The First Albanian School; Traditional Market; Cathedral (1992); Mosque of Iliaz Bey Mirahori (1484), and The Old Bazaar.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Hotel Vila Eden or similar (B).
Day 2: Kastoria - Kalambaka (UNESCO). (412 km, 3h 20 min)
Stop At: Kastoria, Kastoria, Kastoria Region, West Macedonia
After breakfast, we will travel to Kastoria. From a distance it looks like an Impressionist painting; houses, churches, trees seen through a haze, their reflections shimmering in the lake. This landscape is magnificent. We have a walking tour to enjoy from closer and to see impressive aristocratic lakeside mansions surrounded by clusters of tall trees, interspersed by Byzantine churches. We will see the locals sipping coffee or promenading by the lake, with the fishermen in their flat-bottomed boats offshore and pelicans keeping hopeful watch alongside.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
Then continue to Meteora, for a visit to the fascinating cliff-top monasteries. The cliffs, which average a height of 1,000 feet, were first inhabited in the 9th century by a group of hermit monks who lived on the rock towers. In the 11th and 12th centuries, basic monasteries were built and by the 14th century the great monastery of Meteoron was constructed. The difficult access gave the monks an ideal refuge, as well as protection during the Turkish occupation. Today 6 monasteries remain out of the original 20. Views of the entire valley from the magnificent rock towers, and the peace of the surroundings, make this a unique place to visit. At the end of the day you’ll drive to Kalambaka, a lovely city with beautiful gardens and magnificent views of the Meteora rocks.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kalambaka, Hotel Doupiani House 3*, or similar.
Day 3: Metsovo - Ioannina - Dodona (UNESCO). (145 km, 2h 35 min)
Stop At: Metsovo 442 00, Greece
We depart with a routing through the mountains we arrive at the village of Metsovo. Hidden and isolated, this is one of the most beautiful villages of the Greek countryside. Pebble paved streets, wooden houses and typical unspoiled local color fascinate the visitor.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ioannina, Greece
Afterwards, we will continue our trip towards Ioannina in Greece, which is the capital of the Prefecture of Epirus, which during the Osmanic period and especially during the government of Ali Pasha played an important role as one of four Albanian Vilayets. Visit Ioannina lake and the monasteries on the lake’s island.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dodoni 455 00, Greece
Then, we visit the sanctuary of Dodoni, the oldest oracle in Greece, which is located 6 km south from the city.
Duration: 35 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Ioannina, Filokalia Hotel or similar.
Day 4: Arta - Preveza - Nikopolis (UNESCO) - Lefkada. (148 km, 2h 25 min)
Stop At: Arta, Arta, Arta Region, Epirus
We continue to Arta. The prefecture of Arta contains imposing mountains covered in spruces, fertile plains, roaring rivers and lagoons with important ecosystems. It is one of Greece's most beautiful regions and is located between the Tzoumerka mountain range and the Amvrakikos gulf. The city was known in ancient times as Ambracia. Walking tour to visit The Bridge of Arta is a stone bridge that crosses the Arachthos river, Maksim Grek monastery, and Paregoretissa is the 13th-century Byzantine.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Nikopolis, Nikopolis, Preveza Region, Epirus
Then we head to Preveza where we will visit the ancient city of NIkopolis. Nikopolis – city of Nike (victory) – was founded in 31 BC by Octavian Augustus, in honor of his victory over Antonios and Cleopatra at the naval battle of Aktio.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Lefkada, Lefkada, Ionian Islands
Afterward, continue to Lefkada. Lefkada Town is the capital of the island located at its north eastern side. It is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Lefkada and has a population of about 8,000 inhabitants who are mostly engaged in agriculture and tourism. The capital is a small town that lies around the natural harbour. Free walking tour to enjoy the evening in this very typical greek city.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Lefkas, or similar.
Day 5: Parga - Butrint (UNESCO) - Saranda. (168 km, 2h 46 min)
Stop At: Parga, Parga, Preveza Region, Epirus
Continue to Parga which is a small town on the Ionian coast of mainland Greece, just between the cities of Igoumenitsa and Preveza, in the region of Epirus. We will have a visit to the historical castle which overlooks the town (from a headland to the west of the town) and the beaches. We will have a walk in the town, then continue to Butrint in Albania.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Saranda, Saranda, Vlore County
Where we visit ruins of Butrint antic city, Albania's most important archaeological site, part of UNESCO heritage list since . Butrint dates from the 8th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony, then falling under the sway of the Venetians and Turks. Virgil claimed that the Trojans settled Butrint, but no evidence of this has yet been found. Butrint in as an important settlement had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which we can still visit. The rediscovered city is a microcosm of almost 3,000 years of Mediterranean history, and its 8th century BC fortification evokes the city's military power and symbolizes the rich culture of the once thriving ancient city. Exploration of amphitheater, Venetian tower, Mosaic, Lion gate, etc. Then continue to Saranda where we will have a shortstop in Ksamil in forn of three scenic islands and turquoise crystal clear Ionian seas waters. Then arrive in Saranda for a walking gotur and overnight.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel Titania, or similar.
Day 6: Finiq – Antigone - Gjirokaster (UNESCO).
Stop At: Finiq, Finiq, Vlore County
In the morning, we continue to Gjirokaster. On the way to get there, there will be a visit to Finiq Ancient city ruins. During antiquity the territory surrounding the settlement belonged to Chaonia, part of the Epirus kingdom. The site is rich in findings from the Classical to the Byzantine period. Ancient sources mentioned the wealth of the city, especially during the Hellenistic period, between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, when Finiq was a prominent city in the Epirote League. Then continue to “Blue Eye '' National Park, and a coffee break.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Antigonea Archaeological Park, Gjirokaster Albania
Before Gjirokaster, next visit is Antigone ancient city ruins. Antigoneia was a very short-lived city, lasting for approximately 150 years. It was founded by one of the most famous names of the ancient world, King Pyrrhus of Epirus (319-272 BC), from whom the phrase “a Pyrrhic victory” derives. At the outset of the 3rd-century BC Pyrrhus was forced to go and fight in Egypt. His abilities impressed Berenice, the wife of King Ptolemy of Egypt, who decided to offer him her daughter, Antigone, in marriage. In token of his gratitude to his mother-in-law and his first wife, Pyrrhus decided to build Antigoneia.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
Arrival to Gjirokaster past of (UNESCO) heritage since 2005. City tour, than visit to the Castle, Weapons Museum.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation to Gjirokaster Hotel 3*, or similar.
Day 7: Apollonia-Ardenica Monastery-Durres-Tirana. (162 km, 2h50min).
Stop At: Apollonia Archaeological Park, Pojan Albania
After breakfast drive to Apolonia. Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, dating back to the 6th century BC. Then continue to visit Ardenica Monastery.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Durres, Durres, Durres County
Afterward, continue to Durres. This port city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan (20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of 2nd century built during Trajan Emperor rule. Visit to an archeological museum, amphitheater, roman Baths, Byzantine Bazar.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Drive back to Tirana for our final night where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional food.
Duration: 50 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Hotel Kruja or similar.
Day 1: Tirana - Elbasan - Lin Ohrid Lake - Pogradec - Korce. (163 km, 2h 50 min)
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Start the day exploring Albania’s capital. We 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Elbasan, Elbasan, Elbasan County
We then head to Elbasan which was a very important city in ancient times where in Roman empire time was 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lin, Albania
Then we continue to the village of Lin, on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid where we visit the fascinating basilicate on top of the hill with a spectacular view of Ohrid Lake.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Korce, Korce, Korce County
Afterward, we will continue to Korca by the scenic road and the wonderful countryside. Visit to the Museum of Medieval Art with the richest icon archive in all Europe; The First Albanian School; Traditional Market; Cathedral (1992); Mosque of Iliaz Bey Mirahori (1484), and The Old Bazaar.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Hotel Vila Eden or similar (B).
Day 2: Kastoria - Kalambaka (UNESCO). (412 km, 3h 20 min)
Stop At: Kastoria, Kastoria, Kastoria Region, West Macedonia
After breakfast, we will travel to Kastoria. From a distance it looks like an Impressionist painting; houses, churches, trees seen through a haze, their reflections shimmering in the lake. This landscape is magnificent. We have a walking tour to enjoy from closer and to see impressive aristocratic lakeside mansions surrounded by clusters of tall trees, interspersed by Byzantine churches. We will see the locals sipping coffee or promenading by the lake, with the fishermen in their flat-bottomed boats offshore and pelicans keeping hopeful watch alongside.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
Then continue to Meteora, for a visit to the fascinating cliff-top monasteries. The cliffs, which average a height of 1,000 feet, were first inhabited in the 9th century by a group of hermit monks who lived on the rock towers. In the 11th and 12th centuries, basic monasteries were built and by the 14th century the great monastery of Meteoron was constructed. The difficult access gave the monks an ideal refuge, as well as protection during the Turkish occupation. Today 6 monasteries remain out of the original 20. Views of the entire valley from the magnificent rock towers, and the peace of the surroundings, make this a unique place to visit. At the end of the day you’ll drive to Kalambaka, a lovely city with beautiful gardens and magnificent views of the Meteora rocks.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kalambaka, Hotel Doupiani House 3*, or similar.
Day 3: Metsovo - Ioannina - Dodona (UNESCO). (145 km, 2h 35 min)
Stop At: Metsovo 442 00, Greece
We depart with a routing through the mountains we arrive at the village of Metsovo. Hidden and isolated, this is one of the most beautiful villages of the Greek countryside. Pebble paved streets, wooden houses and typical unspoiled local color fascinate the visitor.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ioannina, Greece
Afterwards, we will continue our trip towards Ioannina in Greece, which is the capital of the Prefecture of Epirus, which during the Osmanic period and especially during the government of Ali Pasha played an important role as one of four Albanian Vilayets. Visit Ioannina lake and the monasteries on the lake’s island.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dodoni 455 00, Greece
Then, we visit the sanctuary of Dodoni, the oldest oracle in Greece, which is located 6 km south from the city.
Duration: 35 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Ioannina, Filokalia Hotel or similar.
Day 4: Arta - Preveza - Nikopolis (UNESCO) - Lefkada. (148 km, 2h 25 min)
Stop At: Arta, Arta, Arta Region, Epirus
We continue to Arta. The prefecture of Arta contains imposing mountains covered in spruces, fertile plains, roaring rivers and lagoons with important ecosystems. It is one of Greece's most beautiful regions and is located between the Tzoumerka mountain range and the Amvrakikos gulf. The city was known in ancient times as Ambracia. Walking tour to visit The Bridge of Arta is a stone bridge that crosses the Arachthos river, Maksim Grek monastery, and Paregoretissa is the 13th-century Byzantine.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Nikopolis, Nikopolis, Preveza Region, Epirus
Then we head to Preveza where we will visit the ancient city of NIkopolis. Nikopolis – city of Nike (victory) – was founded in 31 BC by Octavian Augustus, in honor of his victory over Antonios and Cleopatra at the naval battle of Aktio.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Lefkada, Lefkada, Ionian Islands
Afterward, continue to Lefkada. Lefkada Town is the capital of the island located at its north eastern side. It is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Lefkada and has a population of about 8,000 inhabitants who are mostly engaged in agriculture and tourism. The capital is a small town that lies around the natural harbour. Free walking tour to enjoy the evening in this very typical greek city.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Lefkas, or similar.
Day 5: Parga - Butrint (UNESCO) - Saranda. (168 km, 2h 46 min)
Stop At: Parga, Parga, Preveza Region, Epirus
Continue to Parga which is a small town on the Ionian coast of mainland Greece, just between the cities of Igoumenitsa and Preveza, in the region of Epirus. We will have a visit to the historical castle which overlooks the town (from a headland to the west of the town) and the beaches. We will have a walk in the town, then continue to Butrint in Albania.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Saranda, Saranda, Vlore County
Where we visit ruins of Butrint antic city, Albania's most important archaeological site, part of UNESCO heritage list since . Butrint dates from the 8th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony, then falling under the sway of the Venetians and Turks. Virgil claimed that the Trojans settled Butrint, but no evidence of this has yet been found. Butrint in as an important settlement had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which we can still visit. The rediscovered city is a microcosm of almost 3,000 years of Mediterranean history, and its 8th century BC fortification evokes the city's military power and symbolizes the rich culture of the once thriving ancient city. Exploration of amphitheater, Venetian tower, Mosaic, Lion gate, etc. Then continue to Saranda where we will have a shortstop in Ksamil in forn of three scenic islands and turquoise crystal clear Ionian seas waters. Then arrive in Saranda for a walking gotur and overnight.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Hotel Titania, or similar.
Day 6: Finiq – Antigone - Gjirokaster (UNESCO).
Stop At: Finiq, Finiq, Vlore County
In the morning, we continue to Gjirokaster. On the way to get there, there will be a visit to Finiq Ancient city ruins. During antiquity the territory surrounding the settlement belonged to Chaonia, part of the Epirus kingdom. The site is rich in findings from the Classical to the Byzantine period. Ancient sources mentioned the wealth of the city, especially during the Hellenistic period, between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, when Finiq was a prominent city in the Epirote League. Then continue to “Blue Eye '' National Park, and a coffee break.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Antigonea Archaeological Park, Gjirokaster Albania
Before Gjirokaster, next visit is Antigone ancient city ruins. Antigoneia was a very short-lived city, lasting for approximately 150 years. It was founded by one of the most famous names of the ancient world, King Pyrrhus of Epirus (319-272 BC), from whom the phrase “a Pyrrhic victory” derives. At the outset of the 3rd-century BC Pyrrhus was forced to go and fight in Egypt. His abilities impressed Berenice, the wife of King Ptolemy of Egypt, who decided to offer him her daughter, Antigone, in marriage. In token of his gratitude to his mother-in-law and his first wife, Pyrrhus decided to build Antigoneia.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
Arrival to Gjirokaster past of (UNESCO) heritage since 2005. City tour, than visit to the Castle, Weapons Museum.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation to Gjirokaster Hotel 3*, or similar.
Day 7: Apollonia-Ardenica Monastery-Durres-Tirana. (162 km, 2h50min).
Stop At: Apollonia Archaeological Park, Pojan Albania
After breakfast drive to Apolonia. Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, dating back to the 6th century BC. Then continue to visit Ardenica Monastery.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Durres, Durres, Durres County
Afterward, continue to Durres. This port city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan (20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of 2nd century built during Trajan Emperor rule. Visit to an archeological museum, amphitheater, roman Baths, Byzantine Bazar.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Drive back to Tirana for our final night where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional food.
Duration: 50 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Hotel Kruja or similar.
Select a country to define if the visa is required
Who talk about us:
Best cities to travel to
America
Europe
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Paris
Travel to Madrid
Travel to Budapest
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Barcelona
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Vienna
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Berlin
Travel to Copenhagen
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Amsterdam
Travel to Munich