Albania, North Macedonia & Kosovo: Capitals and UNESCO - 7 Days

Upon arrival in Albania, enjoy a hassle-free transfer to your hotel in Tirana with our airport pick-up service. Settle in and, if time permits, join a guided walking tour of Tirana’s vibrant city center. Discover Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid, and the trendy Blloku area.

Gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers in the evening for a warm welcome dinner.

Begin your journey in Tirana and head directly to the historic city of Kruja.

Start with a guided tour of the Dollma Bektashi Teqe, explore its surroundings, then continue to Kruja Castle and the renowned Skanderbeg Museum. Enjoy some free time strolling through the charming Old Bazaar, where cobblestone alleys and traditional architecture invite you to wander. Pause for lunch overlooking the beautiful scenery.

In the afternoon, travel to the coastal town of Durres for a guided tour of its historical sites, including the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, Venetian Tower, and the Roman Amphitheater. As you explore, take in the vibrant street art that surrounds these ancient ruins.

Return to Tirana in the late afternoon.

Transfer to Berat passing through suggestive hills full of olive trees.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," with a guided walking tour through its UNESCO-recognized old town. Start your exploration at the White Mosque, a symbol of the city's diverse architectural heritage. Next, marvel at the Holy Trinity Church, a striking example of Byzantine architecture with its beautiful frescoes.

Visit Onufri National Iconographic Museum, built in 1986. The Museum’s name honors the Albanian master painter of the 16th century, Onufri, who is responsible for a rich legacy of iconography in the country. The museum contains an immense collection of one-hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries.

Stroll across the iconic Gorica Bridge, an elegant stone structure that connects the old town with the Gorica district, offering picturesque views of the Osum River and the city's distinctive whitewashed houses.

At Berat Castle, perched majestically on a hill, take a step back in time. Wander through the ancient fortifications, enjoy panoramic views of the city below, and relax with a traditional coffee and raki break inside the castle’s historic walls.

In the late afternoon, travel to Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery, nestled among rolling hills just outside Berat. Discover the intricacies of local winemaking as you tour the vineyard and winery facilities. Learn about the traditional methods of vinification and explore the picturesque surroundings.

Enjoy dinner at Alpeta, where seasonal, home-grown produce takes center stage. Savor a delightful meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients and accompanied by their fine wines.

Start the day with a scenic transfer to Ohrid, stopping en route in Struga for a coffee break by the shores of Lake Ohrid.

After arriving in Ohrid, settle into the hotel and take some time to enjoy lunch with a view of the lake.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, led by a knowledgeable local guide.

Highlights of your tour include:

Admiring the remarkable Church of Saint Sophia.
Visiting the National Workshop for a unique handmade paper-making demonstration.
Exploring Samuel’s Fortress and walking along its historic 4th-century walls.
Discovering the Ancient Theater of Ohrid, showcasing Hellenistic architecture.
Concluding with a walk to the cliff-top Church of Saint John at Kaneo for stunning panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
End the day soaking in the beauty and history of this enchanting lakeside city.

Please note: Travelers should be prepared to show their passports at the border crossing between Albania and North Macedonia

Begin the day with a scenic transfer to Skopje, stopping along the way at Matka Canyon, famous for its butterfly colonies. Here, enjoy a picturesque boat ride to explore Vrelo Cave, one of the world’s deepest underwater caves.

Continue to Skopje, where you'll check into the hotel and have free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, set out on a tour of North Macedonia's capital, discovering Skopje’s rich history and unique charm. Highlights of the tour include:

The Mother Teresa Memorial House, opened in 2009 to honor the life of the renowned humanitarian.
The old railway station, a symbol of resilience after the 1963 earthquake.
The historic Stone Bridge, built in 1451, which beautifully connects the city’s old and new parts.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon immersing yourself in Skopje’s cultural treasures and vibrant atmosphere.

Arrive in Prishtina, the lively capital of Kosovo, after a short drive. Begin your exploration of the city, known for its mosques, cathedrals, and bustling markets.

Start with a visit to the iconic Newborn Monument, a powerful symbol of Kosovo's independence and its spirit as a young, vibrant nation. Next, admire the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, featuring its own clock tower and offering beautiful views over the city. Then, marvel at the unique architecture of the National Library of Kosovo, with its striking design of 73 white domes that make it a true standout.

Wander through the historic Old Bazaar, and be sure to stop by the Ethnographic Museum nearby for a glimpse into traditional Kosovar life.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Stroll along the main boulevard, Sheshi Nena Tereza, where you can relax with a delicious meal or coffee at one of its charming restaurants and cafés.

Please note: Travelers should be prepared to show their passports at the border crossing between North Macedonia & Kosovo.

This morning, journey to the village of Prekaz, the historic home of Adem Jashari, a key founder of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and leader of the resistance against Serbian president Slobodan Milošević's regime.

Visit the Memorial Complex and Museum, a deeply moving site for those interested in history and political legacy. The complex stands as a stark reminder of the intense Serbian attack on the Jashari family home. Over three days of relentless shelling, Adem Jashari and more than fifty of his family members, including women, children, and the elderly, lost their lives. Only Besarta, his ten-year-old niece, survived, making her story a powerful testament to the tragedy.

From here, transfer to Prizren, an enchanting Ottoman-era town nestled among mountains and bisected by the Bistrica River.

Begin your exploration with a guided walking tour through Prizren’s ancient streets, lined with historical buildings, churches, and mosques like the notable Sinan Pasha Mosque. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, discovering the flavors and charm of this picturesque city.

After breakfast, we depart at 09.00 for Tirana/Tirana Airport