Albania, Kosovo & Macedonia

Tirana (Albania) - Sveti Stefan (Montenegro) - Budva - Kotor - Montenegrin Riviera. In the morning, our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel in Tirana, so make sure you arrive in the city at least one night before your tour begins.

Our first destination is Budva in Montenegro. Before reaching Budva, we will stop at a viewpoint to admire Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing village on a small island near the coast. Although now an exclusive residential resort and not open to the public, the view from the coast is stunning and perfect for photos.

Continuing to Budva, a popular tourist spot, we will take in its beautiful beaches, striking natural scenery, and distinctive old architecture. Budva is divided into the old town and new areas. New Budva features modern buildings, offices, shopping centres, restaurants, and bars, while the historical Old Budva is home to attractions such as St. Ivan Church, the small Church of St. Mary, and the medieval wonders of the old town, which we will explore during the tour.

Our second stop for the day is Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is renowned for its labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, historically designed to confuse attackers, a feature that now adds to its charm. Numerous historic buildings and churches display plaques indicating their construction dates and original purposes. We will visit Saint Luke’s Church, a symbol of unity for the locals. We will spend the night near the Montenegrin Riviera.

Montenegrin Riviera (Montenegro) - Shkoder (Albania). After breakfast, we cross the border into Shkoder, Albania, in the northwest of the country. This historic city shares its name with the largest lake in the Balkans and is one of the oldest in Albania, with a history spanning over a thousand years.

The oldest walls of Shkodra Castle date back to the 1st millennium BCE, and the Roman historian Livy recorded it as the capital of the Illyrian King Gent, who resisted the Romans in 168 BCE. Our visit includes Rozafa Castle, which offers stunning views of the lake and the meeting point of three rivers flowing into the Adriatic Sea.

Shkoder’s architecture is heavily influenced by Venetian design, and those visiting in February may experience the lively carnival festival. Many are surprised to learn that most Venetian masks are still handcrafted in Shkoder. Due to its strategic location, the city has long been an important trading hub, bringing together different cultures.

Shkoder (Albania) - Mirizi i Zanave Agro-tourism - Prizren (Kosovo). Our first destination today is the premier slow food Agro-tourism spot, one of the best slow food locations in the Balkans. We’ll tour the farm, learning about its history and how it has created jobs for over 400 people in the surrounding area. Specialising in the collection, processing, and preservation of regional organic products, the farm has also repurposed old communist-era buildings into storage for locally-made goods. You’ll have leisure time to enjoy a traditional lunch or purchase fresh products directly from the farm.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Prizren, often regarded as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Known for its rich history, stunning nature, religious diversity, and culinary delights, Prizren has been shaped by its role as a crossroads for the Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, reflected in its unique architecture. The river weaves through the old town, flowing under many charming bridges. If visiting in August, you’ll experience Dokufest, one of the world’s most renowned short film festivals. We’ll wander the streets lined with elegant medieval houses, visit the filigree shops to witness expert metalsmithing, and admire the Sinan Pasha Mosque, with its intricate arabesque colours and patterns. The view from the fortress on the hill offers a breathtaking panorama of this remarkable town. You’ll have free time to explore Prizren at your leisure.

Prizren - Pristina (Kosovo) - Skopje (Macedonia) - Ohrid. After breakfast, we’ll begin our day by making our way to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Our first stop is the Newborn monument, a powerful symbol of Kosovo’s independence and youth. We’ll then stroll along Sheshi Nënë Tereza, a lively boulevard perfect for enjoying a coffee at a local bar. Passing through Skanderbeg Square, we’ll admire the statue of Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero.

Next, we’ll travel to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, a city rich in European, Ottoman, and Asian influences. The iconic Stone Bridge connects the old and new parts of the city. In the centre, the striking Alexander the Great Statue is a must-see. The elegant Art Bridge, adorned with statues of Macedonian artists and musicians, is another highlight.

We’ll then explore Skopje’s Old Bazaar, the largest in the Balkans, where modern life meets centuries of history. Towering above the city, the cross atop a nearby mountain stands as a symbol of Skopje, visible from miles away. We will then make our way to Ohrid, where we will spend the night.

Ohrid - Berat (Albania) - Tirana. Today, we continue our with a city tour of Ohrid, among Europe’s oldest human settlements. Since 1980, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ohrid was a key centre of Orthodox Christianity during the Byzantine Empire, famed for its 365 churches - one for each day of the year. During the Ottoman period, the city expanded across the hills and lakeside. Today, it is renowned for its historic architecture, churches, the hilltop castle, an ancient amphitheatre, stunning lake views surrounded by mountains, and pearls from the lake. We will visit notable landmarks such as the Church of St John, the Church of St Nicholas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque.

Later, we travel to Berat in Albania, known as the "town of a thousand windows" and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking its narrow stone streets offers fantastic views of medieval houses, their windows appearing stacked upon one another. Berat’s history dates back to the 6th-5th century BC as an Illyrian settlement, later becoming the fortified city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century BC. Remarkably, people still reside within the castle walls today.

Berat boasts a magnificent medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a vibrant lower town with grand old houses on steep slopes, an old stone bridge, excellent museums, and remnants from Albania’s communist era. It is also celebrated as the birthplace of Onufri, a renowned Balkan painter known for his unique red pigment, still difficult to replicate.

We will continue our tour with a visit to the Gorica Neighbourhood. After exploring Berat, we return to Tirana, where our tour comes to an end at approximately 18:00 - 19:00.