TIRANA AIRPORT - TIRANA (17 KM)

Tirana - We meet with our guide and head to the hotel. Free afternoon in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

TIRANA - KRUJA - ARDENICA MONASTERY - APOLLONIA - VLORA (210 KM)

Kruje - After breakfast we will drive to Kruja. Krujë was inhabited by the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Albani. In 1190 Krujë became the capital of the first Albanian state in the middle ages, the Principality of Arbër. Later it was the capital of the Kingdom of Albania, while in the early 15th century Krujë was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, but then recaptured in 1443 by Skanderbeg. Rich in history and tradition, Kruja is home of the patriots and the epicenter of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. It was here that Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, Albania’s greatest national hero, defended the country from the invasion of the Ottomans. The National Museum dedicated to the hero is housed in the famous Kruja Castle and shows both the legendary hero’s history and the traditional way of life of the city’s population. The city’s famous bazaar serves as a bridge between this glorious past and the present, offering a rich array of traditional products made from local artisans.

Ardenica Monastery - After the visit to Kruja, continue to Ardenica. Located 237 meters above sea level and only a 20-minute drive from Fier are the Ardenica hills, famous for the Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos and many breathtaking landscapes. A pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis had existed where the Monastery sits now, which explains the origin of the name Ardenica. Covering an area of 2,500 square meters, the Monastery was built in 282, commissioned by the emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos of Byzantium. Perhaps the most interesting historical event recorded in Ardenica is Skanderbeg’s wedding to his lifelong wife Donika, hosted on April of 1451 at the Chapel of St. Trinity Church, the monastery’s very first church, built in the 10th century.

Apollonia Archaeological Park - After the visit to Ardenica Monastery, we continue Apollonia Archaeological Park. Visit of the Apollonia Archaeological Park. Following the paths under the shade of olives, oaks and vigorous vegetation, we see the imposing walls of stone blocks, the agora, the Buleterioni, also known as the Agoneoteti time, marble colonnades, the amphitheater, the library, the stoa, necropolis, the baths, the gymnasium, nympheum, mosaics and other monuments that enrich this enchanted world.

Vlore - After the visit of Apollonia we will drive to Vlora. Home to Albania’s independence in 1912, this city is at once home to the traditional polyphonic music, exquisite culinary delicacies, a vibrant nightlife, and some of the best beaches of the south, many of which are found in Vlora or right off the city’s coast. Beautiful waters, lush forests, and historic monasteries of the Zvërnec and Sazan islands, the popular Orikum beach, the spectacular island of Karaburun, and the Lagoon of Narta, housing the country’s richest flora and fauna are only some! For some fresh mountain air, you may leave Vlora and take on the intimidating Llogara Pass, where you will find the most delicious meats as well as freshly made yogurt and honey. On the other side of Llogara, countless historic villages, castles, churches. Overnight in Vlora.

VLORA - BUTRINT (UNESCO) - SARANDA - BLUE EYE - GJIROKASTRA (235 KM)

Butrint National Park - After breakfast we will travel all morning along the Albanian Riviera passing through small villages like Lukova, Qeparo, Borsh, Himara or Dhemi. Stop along the route in the Llogara National Park, where the altitude in the Llogara pass reaches up to 1010 m above sea level. Later he moved to the ancient city of Butrint. Visit the Ancient Amphitheater, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Baptistery with colorful mosaics and the ancient city walls. An old fortress that houses a small museum oversees the entire site, which is one of the last pristine and ancient natural areas of the Mediterranean.

The Blue Eye - Next stop, Blue Eye. Blu Eye is a water source, a natural phenomenon. Very popular tourist attraction, the crystal clear water of the river flows from a beautiful pool of over fifty meters. The divers have fallen to fifty meters, but it is still unclear what the actual depth of the Karsts hole is.

Gjirokaster - Free afternoon in Gjirokastra. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

GJIROKASTRA (UNESCO) - BERAT (UNESCO) ( 160 KM)

Gjirokaster - After breakfast we will visit Gjirokastra, which is also one of the three UNESCO sites in Albania. The city is dominated by the fortress of Gjirokastër, where the Gjirokastër national folklore festival takes place every five years. It is the birthplace of former Albanian Communist leader Enver Hoxha and well-known writer Ismail Kadare. Many houses in Gjirokastër have a distinctive local style that has earned the city the nickname “City of Stone” because most of the old houses have flat stone roofs. Gjirokastër presents an ancient Ottoman bazaar that was originally built in the 17th century; it was rebuilt in the 19th century after a fire. Today in Gjirokastër there are more than 500 houses preserved as “cultural monuments”.

Berat - Free afternoon in Berat. Overnight in Berat.

BERAT (UNESCO) - OHRID (160 KM)

Berat - After breakfast we will explore the City of Berat. It is the distinctive traditional architecture of this so-called “City of 1000 windows” that has placed Berat in UNESCO’s list of world Heritage Sites. Beautifully split by the Osum River into two historic neighborhoods, the city is joined by the grandiose bridge of Gorica. The characteristic windows of the traditional houses mirror one another beautifully from across the river. Flanked on both sides by Tomorr and Shpirag, two of the most mythical mountains in Albania, Berat is also a nature lover’s paradise. Mountain climbing, cycling, hiking, rafting and kayaking are only some of the preferred outdoor activities around this city. The medieval Castle of Berat houses old churches, museums and iconography by the greatest Albanian artists as well as old bazaars, cafes, and a surprisingly vibrant local life.

Ohrid - After visiting Berat we will cross the border with Macedonia and we will arrive in Ohrid. Free afternoon in Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid.

OHRID (WALKING TOUR)

Ohrid - Ohrid is one of the most picturesque and charming towns of the Balkan Peninsula, considered as the cultural capital of Macedonia. The best thing to do in town is to stroll through its lovely city center and wander through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era houses. Then visit the Svetja Sofja cathedral, with its beautiful frescoes. We head to the stunning Sveti Jovan Kaneo to contemplate the most stunning panorama of the country. This ancient church is situated in a spectacular location in front of the lake and surrounded by majestic mountains. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you to take amazing pictures. From Kaneo, continue up to Plaošnik, the most important archaeological site of Macedonia, and visit the Saint Panteleimon Monastery, the place where it is said that Saint Clemens invented the actual Cyrillic alphabet. Near the monastery, there are another two not-to-miss places to visit in town: Samuel’s Fortress and the ancient theatre.

OHRID - TIRANA (135 KM)

Tirana - In Tirana we start with Skanderbeg Square. Once you’ve been there, you’ll understand why; this main square, named after an Albanian national hero, is the heart of the city. A statue of Skanderbeg sits in the middle of the square. It’s an iconic place, which has recently been renewed, and is a must-see for everyone who visits Albania. With an opera house, the National History Museum, the Et’Hem Bey Mosque along the sides, this huge square is perfect for a stroll. BunkArt and BunkArt2, two museums built inside two coveted anti-nuclear buildings. While BunkArt is bigger and located on the outskirts of Tirana, BunkArt2 is right in the middle of the town, near the main landmarks of the city. Enver Hoxha Pyramid was designed as a museum by the late Albanian communist leader’s daughter, and opened in 1988 to show his power and to maintain his legacy. During communist rule, Ish-Blloku was reserved for high-ranking communist officials; even the leader of Albania, Enver Hoxha, lived here.

TIRANA - TIRANA AIRPORT (17 KM)

Tirana - After breakfast transfer to Airport. End of our service.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast included
• Experienced professional tour guide

• Lunches
• Dinners
• All fees and/or taxes

The contrasts are striking in Albania and Macedonia: stunning mountains, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lakes provide a sharp juxtaposition to their economic hardships. As small, relatively unknown countries nestled in the core of the Balkans, they present a unique mix of natural beauty, tradition, culture, and friendly locals. Unspoiled beaches, mountain ranges, and lakes, along with sacred churches, antiquated ruins, dramatic canyons, and a variety of wildlife, are all accessible now for travelers prepared to undertake a circular tour of these two European nations.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.