Albania, Macedonia & Athens

In the morning, you will be collected at your independently booked hotel by our tour leader - please make sure you arrive in Tirana least one night before your tour begins and let us know where you are staying so we can pick you up!

Today, we'll explore Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, with a local guide for an authentic city experience. you will have the opportunity to start your journey with a traditional Albanian breakfast of Byrek, a pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. Visit Cam Bazaar, a lively market founded by the Albanian Cam community, and discover local culinary delights, including traditional Albanian desserts at a local pastry shop. Wander through bustling streets and markets, experiencing Albania’s coffee culture in a cosy café and observing the everyday life of Tirana.

Next, we’ll explore the Bicycle Bazaar, known for second-hand goods, before heading to the New Bazaar, a haven for food lovers. Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch of "Qofte" (grilled meatballs) with bread or Gjize (cottage cheese) with bread for vegetarians. To accompany our meal, we'll sip on Raki, a beloved Albanian drink.

Our final stop for the day is Bunkart, a fascinating museum housed in a former nuclear bunker built for communist leader Enver Hoxha and his inner circle. Concealed until 2014, the bunker has been transformed into a compelling museum showcasing Albania’s communist era and life under the regime.

Tirana (Albania) - Struga (Macedonia) - Ohrid. Today, we depart towards North Macedonia, with Struga as our first stop. We’ll enjoy a quick drink by the beautiful source of the Drini River, one of the longest in the Western Balkans, before continuing to Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Ohrid city and Lake Ohrid have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1980. The lake, once called “Lyhnidas” by the Romans, was inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Enkeleys.

Ohrid, an important centre of Orthodoxy, is known for its 365 Orthodox churches, one for each day of the year. Our tour includes visits to the famous viewpoint at the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque. During the Byzantine Empire, Ohrid became a significant Orthodox hub and expanded during the Ottoman period with houses built on the hills, offering stunning lake views. Today, the city is renowned for its architecture, churches, castle, amphitheatre, and the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains.

Ohrid - Saint Naum - Tushmisht (Albania) - Berat. Our first stop today is the serene Monastery of St. Naum, nestled at the source of the River Crni Drim, where the waters flow into the stunning Lake Ohrid. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Galicica National Park, this peaceful spot is a haven of tranquility. The crystal-clear springs reflect the lush green landscape and towering mountain peaks, creating an atmosphere that invites reflection and awe.

As we cross into Albania, we’ll discover the hidden gem of Tushemisht. This charming village, with its mix of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offers a warm welcome, inviting us to explore its scenic surroundings. Our journey continues to the enchanting Drilon National Park, where the peaceful lake, framed by weeping willow trees, provides a perfect place to unwind and take in the calm beauty of the landscape. From there, we’ll make our way to Berat, a city steeped in history, where we’ll spend the night.

Berat - Gjirokaster. After breakfast, we will explore Berat, the “town of 1001 windows” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we wander through its narrow stone streets, we’ll be captivated by the medieval houses, their windows seeming to rise one above the other. With origins dating back to the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement, Berat later became the fortified city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century B.C., and remarkably, people still live within the castle walls today.

We’ll visit the stunning medieval castle, ancient churches, mosques, and the vibrant lower town, with its historic houses clinging to the hillsides. A walk across the old stone bridge and a stop at museums that offer glimpses into Albania’s past will enrich our experience. Berat is also famous as the birthplace of Onufri, a renowned church painter, celebrated for his distinctive reddish tones. Our tour will continue with a visit to the Gorica Neighbourhood. In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster

Today, we will visit Gjirokaster, known as "The Stone City" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled on the eastern slopes of the Mali i Gjere mountain. Gjirokastra feels like a fortified city, with each house resembling a small fortress. Founded with the construction of Gjirokastra Castle in the 4th century A.D., it stands as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans.

Every five years, Gjirokastra transforms into the heart of Albanian folklore, as traditional music, dances, and costumes fill the streets. Before we reach the castle, we’ll wander through the medieval bazaar, where narrow, stone streets cascade down the hill, lined with stunning handmade crafts from local artisans. We’ll also visit one of the best-preserved houses, where everything remains authentically original. We will spend the night in Gjirokaster, soaking in the charm of this remarkable city.

Gjirokaster - Ioannina (Greece) - Meteora - Kalambaka. Today, we will be departing from Albania and making our way to Greece, with our first destination being Ioannina. Renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes, Ioannina offers a fascinating blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. As we explore the cobbled streets of the old town, we’ll be transported back in time, with remnants of ancient walls and charming houses at every turn.

Our next stop is the impressive Ioannina Castle, dating back to the Byzantine period. Inside the castle, we’ll discover a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. As we stroll, we can pause at charming cafes to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies.

In the afternoon, we’ll head towards Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where monasteries are perched on dramatic rock formations, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. As the sun sets, the sky above Meteora becomes a canvas of breathtaking colours, offering a truly magical experience. We will spend the night in Kalambaka.

Today marks the end of our Balkan Adventure, bringing to a close this incredible journey through the rich history and culture of this remarkable part of the world. We will make our way from Kalambaka with our tour leader, who will drop you off at your independently booked hotel in Athens at approximately 18:00 - 19:00. Alternatively, you can be dropped at the Igoumenitsa Port, where you can board the ferry to Corfu (tickets included) to continue your Greek adventure independently. Safe Travels!