Treasures of Albania Greece and North Macedonia Tour

After breakfast depart to Apollonia one of the most important ancient learning centers in Roman times on the famous Via Egnatia. Due to its fame and importance Caesar chose to send his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory there which is testimony to the importance of this ancient city. After the visits, continue on to Vlora where in the center we have a look at Muradie Mosque, one of the early works of the famous architect Sinan of Albanian origin who designed the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. After lunch drive to a beautiful natural island where we visit the Monastery of Zvernec amongst wonderful nature. Overnight in Vlora.

After breakfast we depart to Saranda through the spectacular Albanian Riviera with its traditional villages. At Llogara National Park we stop at around 1100 meters where spectacular views of the Ionian Sea can be admired. We continue and make a visit at the castle of Ali Pasha at Porto Palermo. 

Then we drive towards Kasmil, OPTIONAL visit The Mussel House, and have some free time to enjoy a nice glass of wine, accompanied by some of the freshest mussels you may ever eat - harvested from that very lake!

After lunch we will proceed to visit to the ancient city of Butrint, another UNESCO world heritage site. The city was first settled by the Illyrian tribes, then colonized by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of different civilizations, making it an important discovery in the Mediterranean. It is situated in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation offering visitors more than just old ruins. Overnight in Saranda. 

In the morning we depart for Gjirokastra, a Museum Town under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site with beautiful and very distinct architecture. In Gjirokastra we will visit the Castle, part of which was turned into a political prison for dissidents of the communist regime and the Arms Museum. Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, which is also the house where the Albanian dictator was born, as well as a 300-year-old house next to it, where the grandeur of Gjirokastra’s master builders can be observed. Lunch in Gjirokastra (optional). Depart to Ioannina, Greece, where we will visit the castle of Ali Pasha in the center of Town, the burial place of the pasha and the Mosque turned into his museum. Overnight in Ioannina

In the morning we can take an OPTIONAL boat ride to the Island of Ali Pasha and visit the history museum. Then we depart to Meteora, a wonderful monument of nature complemented by the ingenuousness of man. Breathtaking rocks hundreds of meters high situated in the middle of vast lowlands which seem to have fallen off the sky, very likely the word Meteora has been purposely been used based on this impression the rocks give to anyone who sees them. These rocks which on their own are stunning enough carry on their backs wonderfully crafted monasteries which make for a monumental interaction between nature and man which never ceases to impress new and repeat visitors to this place. The most famous and probably the best monastery out of all Meteora monasteries, the Great Meteora Monastery or as it is known locally the Metamorphisis. We will visit some monasteries and then overnight in Kalambaka just below the Meteora rocks.

After breakfast drive to Stobi in North Macedonia, one of the most important archaeological sites. This crossroad of ancient civilizations has left a rich legacy of antique theatres, palace ruins, brightly-colored mosaics and religious relics for visitors to enjoy today. After breakfast drive to Bitola (old Monastir) – the City of Consuls. After visits of Heraclea ancient site depart to Ohrid where we have our hotel.

After breakfast we visit the church of St. John at Kaneo, stands alone on a small peninsula which juts out into the Lake at the western end of the Old Town, and provides spectacular panoramic views of the Lake and surrounding mountains, Samuil fortress, Saint Panteleimon Church, Saint Sofia Church and old Bazaar. The tour continues to St. Naum Monastery. In the monastery we follow the path of St. Naum, meeting the legends of all the miracles he made before and after he built his church on the top of the rock. Visit of the monastery and the Springs of Black Drin River, you may enjoy on Optional ride no rowing boat in the springs site. Overnight in Ohrid.

After breakfast drive to Berat another wonderful town and UNESCO site. Visit the Castle, Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th century who had a preference for a particular red color he used so much that it is known today as the Onufrian Red. Many of his wonderfully painted Icons still remain in the museum while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked. We have a homemade lunch in Roshnik village (OPTIONAL) where we can go on a wine tour and enjoy some of the local wines and raki. After the lunch, in the downtown we visit the Leaden Mosque, the King's Mosque, the Bachelor's Mosque and the Alveti Tekke. Also, we might pay a visit to a local family to see how life is today in the Berat old quarter. Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast drive to Durres one of the oldest towns in Albania and visit the remains of the ancient amphitheaters thought to hold 15.000 people making it the largest in the Balkans. Afterwards depart for The historic city of Kruja lies on a panoramic mountain slope 33 km away from Tirana.The city is one of the most beautiful tourist spots due to its natural views and its history. Here Gjergj Kastrioti(Skanderbeg) protected Albania and Europe from the Ottomans. The most important attraction of the city is the Museum of the National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, situated in an Illyrian castle. 

We visit the Castle with and the Old Ottoman style bazaar. The traditional old bazaar of Kruja stands near the castle. It is one of Albania’s largest handicrafts markets. This bazaar has operated since the 15th century. Overnight in Kruje.

After breakfast drive to Shkodra, center of Roman Catholicism in Albania and a town with long historic routes, the only mentioned capital of the Illyrian Kingdom. Visit the legendary Rozafa castle with spectacular views all around. This is not just any fortress, the famous Rozafa Castle lives suspended between history and myth, between battles and legends. It was raised in the 4th century BC. and for hundreds of years, it remained an untouched, unassailable bastion in defense of the city. Here still the legend of Rozafa is handed down, the young woman who was offered in sacrifice and half-walled inside the walls of the fortress. Afterwards we will take a walking tour in “Gjuhadol” a newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. 

OPTIONAL we can visit the Venice Art Mask Factory, one of the most important mask factories in the world, where they continue making them in the old technique Papier Maché. 

For those with special interests there is a very interesting museum of Photography, Marubi Museum (master photographer of the end of 19th century) which houses an exposition of old prints. He took the first photograph in the Balkans in 1856. He has left a wealth of 500 000 glass negatives. The selection of prints we can view, show people and life of the area nearly 2 centuries ago. 

After visits return to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

After breakfast transfer to Airport.