Enter North Macedonia

Driloni National Park - From Tirana, we will head to Lake Ohrid. Continuing our scenic drive along the lake’s perimeter, we reach Pogradec, a beautiful city on the Albanian side just before the border. Stop in Drilon Park, a serene spot by the Drilon River. This river, flowing gracefully into Lake Ohrid, has created a unique ecosystem, serving as a habitat for many graceful swans.

Monastery of Saint Naum - After entering North Macedonian territory, we will soon encounter the Saint Naum Monastery. As we admire the ancient Byzantine architecture that has stood for a thousand years, we’ll proceed to explore the monastery’s interior. Inside, we will visit the central church of the monastery and enjoy the picturesque view of the lake from this vantage point. For nature enthusiasts, the monastery also houses captivating peacocks, adding to its overall charm and beauty.

Ohrid - Our journey culminates in Ohrid, a city that seems untouched by time. Ohrid boasts a history that stretches back to ancient Hellenistic times, passing through the eras of the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. With its remarkable fusion of Orthodox and Islamic architecture and an astounding number of 365 churches, each symbolizing a day of the year, Ohrid is truly unique. As we stroll through the enchanting streets of the old town, we will explore the main churches, such as Saint Sophia, Saint Jovani, and Saint Clement. We’ll also marvel at the medieval Samoil Fortress, visit the National Workshop for handmade paper, and immerse ourselves in the rich culture at the Ohrid Amphitheatre, among other captivating experiences that await us in this remarkable city.

You will be dropped off at your hotel. Enjoy the market of Ohrid during the afternoon.

The Capitals: Skopje & Prishtina

Matka Canyon - After breakfast, we will start our journey towards Skopje. Just 16km before Skopje, we will stop at one of the most famous nature attractions of North Macedonia, Matka Canyon.

Take a boat tour by the canyon and explore the cave and the secret lake of Matka Canyon.

Skopje - Continue your journey towards Skopje. Situated in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, along the Vardar River, Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is surrounded by mountains and hills, contributing to its scenic setting. The history of the capital is very old, dating back from the Greek colonies and Macedonian empire to the Yugoslav periods.

Pristina - Finally, we arrive at our last destination for the day, Prishtina. The history of Prishtina is marked by various periods of rule and influences. In the 20th century, it became the capital of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, Kosovo declared independence in 2008, with Prishtina as its capital.

During our walking tour of the city center, we will visit several places like:
-Newborn Monument: A symbol of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
-Mother Teresa Square: This central square is named after Mother Teresa.
-Imperial Mosque (Xhamia Mbret): Dating back to the 15th century, this mosque is one of the oldest buildings in Prishtina.
-National Library of Kosovo: Known for its unique architectural design, the library is a prominent cultural institution in the city, and much more.

The Cultural Capitals: Prizren & Kruja

Prizren - We will continue our tour to Prizren, considered the cultural capital of Kosovo. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and served as an important center during the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav periods. The city has particular importance to Albania since the first government of a united Albania was established here - the Albanian League of Prizren. Prizren’s old town is characterized by cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and historic buildings.

Some of the attraction sites that we are going to visit are:
-Sinan Pasha Mosque: This mosque is one of the most prominent landmarks in Prizren.
-The Albanian League of Prizren building
-Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš: A Serbian Orthodox church dating back to the 14th century.
-Prizren Fortress (Kalaja e Prizrenit): The fortress offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Following a delightful lunch in the old town, our journey will continue towards Kruja.

Kruja Castle - Our amazing journey starts in Tirana. After picking up the travelers at their hotels, we will drive towards our first destination, a small stop in Kruja City often referred to as “The old capital of Albania.” Our exploration begins with a visit to the remarkable Kruja Bazaar, a 500-year-old market established during Skanderbeg’s time and still bustling with activity today. The market is flanked by a unique stone road and showcases a plethora of artisanal handmade products, leaving every traveler in awe. As we wander through the market, we will reach the entrance to the castle, a structure that boasts a history spanning a millennium. Within the castle’s walls, we’ll embark on a walking tour, visiting various sites, including the watchtower, the Olive Tree of Skanderbeg, underground secret tunnels, and the remnants of religious places like Teqes, Sultan Mehmet Mosque, and much more. The castle’s pinnacle offers the most breathtaking view of the city.

Sari Salltik - Conclude the tour on the top of the mountain of Kruja, where the center of the Bektashi religion is found. Enjoy the breathtaking views created by the sun setting on the Adriatic Sea.

Return to Tirana

• All entry fees
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes