8 Days Albania - Greece - North Macedonia

Day 1: Tirana APT – Kruja (25km – 30min)

Meet and greet the guests at Tirana International Airport and transfer to Kruja hill town (30min)PM – KRUJA, is considered one of the principal old town and is one of the most glorious cities in Albania. Visit the castle walls, Historical Museum dedicated Skanderbeg, and an old house converted into an ethnographic museum, invites you to a special cultural aspect of life in northern Albania. 

Overnight in Kruja

Day 2: Kruja – Berat – Vlora (230km - 4.5 hrs.)

AM – Today, we’ll head to Berat, a medieval town listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will walk up at the fortress and visit its unique architecture of stone houses, of multiple window buildings; walls and towers, orthodox churches and mosques, reflecting the harmonious coexistence between the Muslim population and the Orthodox Christian, a very positive example for the whole world. Enjoy your visit of Onufri Museum. Take some unforgettable pictures of the city of the “windows one above the other” PM: Tour & Wine Testing in Cobo Winery (Optional). The winery is scenically nestled at the base of Mt. Tomorri in the rolling hills that surround the city of Berat. Çobo's facilities currently consist of several cultivated vineyards, a spacious kulla (a form of traditional Albanian architecture), and the winery itself, and a wine presentation room, elegantly constructed and furnished in the Berat style.Continue our drive to Vlora city 

Overnight in Vlora

Day 03: Vlora – Saranda – Butrinti – Gjirokastra (280km – 6hrs) 

Today we’ll have a long drive along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera. Enjoy the scenic mountain ride, descending the rocky shore and pristine beaches of Ionian Sea, offering photo opportunities of the natural landscape & unique village settings. Upon arrival to Saranda, lunch and then visit of Butrinti Archaeological Park, a UNSECO World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance (two very important titles).This impressive walking tour will stir your imagination about the ancient word during the peak of the Roman power and the classical Greek mythology. Start with the Asclepius temple, theatre, Roman portico and baths, early Christian baptistery, byzantine basilica, defensive walls and their impressive gates. After a wonderful walk in Butrinti Natural Park, transfer to Gjirokastra. 

Overnight in Gjirokastra 

Day 04: Gjirokastra - Ioannina – Kalambaka (200km - 4 hrs.)

Many houses in Gjirokastra have a distinctive local style that has earned the city the nickname "Stone Town”. Visit of the Castle and explore the old town, the bazaar, with its characteristic shops and great opportunity to interact with local folks. This UNESCO site has something unique to offer to his visitors. Continue driving to Ioannina/GRECCE. Please note, border procedures and time difference between Albania & Greece: 0/+1Enjoy lunch in Ioannina and some free time in the city center. Proceed driving to Kalambaka, with stop en route for refreshments.

Overnight in Kalambaka

Day 05: Kalambaka – Bitola – Ohrid (300km - 5hrs)

Today we’ll start the visit of the Monasteries. METEORA - is actually a religious place with many Byzantine churches and Monasteries, built on top of rocks that looks like hanging rocks, overlooking a beautiful valley. Visit of two Monasteries the Holy Monastery of Varlaam & Monastery of St. StephanImportant notice: For entering the monasteries of Meteora, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies must not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts. However, all the monasteries have wrap skirts at the entrances that you can borrowAfter the visit, we’ll drive towards North Macedonia AM – Enjoy the drive through northern Greece, crossing the border to Macedonia, with stop en route for lunch. Please note, border procedures and time difference between Greece & North Macedonia: 0/-1After the border crossing, we may stop for a sightseeing of Bitola city, an administrative, cultural, industrial, commercial, and educational center and one of the oldest cities on the territory in the Republic of Macedonia, founded by Philip the second. Have a nice walk to Sirok Sokak, before our departure to Ohrid.

Overnight in Ohrid

Day 06: Ohrid – St. Naum – Ohrid (70km – 2hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel, and start the tour of Ohrid Old Town, which is situated at the lake side resort of Ohrid, classified as a UNESCO`s World Cultural Heritage site. Nicknamed the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, and was once considered to be the epicenter of religion and Slavic culture. Its history is evident in every building that lines the city’s old town. Visit St. Bogorodica Perivlepta Church & St Sophia Cathedral and the stunning St. John Kaneo Church (outside only). After lunch at a local restaurant in the old town, enjoy a boat ride on this extraordinary lake (Optional)Afternoon optional visit to a monastic complex of St. Naum  

Overnight in Ohrid 

Day 07: Ohrid – Tirana (140km – 3h30min)

AM – After breakfast at the hotel departure to Tirana/ALBANIA with stop en route for refreshments. Please note, border procedures: Guests are kindly asked to keep their passports handyPM –We shall explore the capital city of Albania, including some of the historical highlights, as city Centre, Skanderbeg Statue, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock tower, Italian buildings and Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. Visit the ex-communist buildings, painted with vibrant colors and the expansion of city.

Overnight in Tirana

Day 08: Tirana – Tirana APT (20km – 30min)

AM – Morning time to explore Tirana market place, or shopping. Visit of National Historic Museum Transfer to Airport 

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