Athens to Tirana; Greece, Albania & N. Macedonia in 7 days
Visit the the amazing mountain formations in Kalabaka, admire the beauty of Ohrid Lake, be amazed by the Stari Most bridge and walk through the streets of Berat on this tour of seven countries. This small group tour brings you to the most important sites in seven different West Balkan countries, so you can stripe them off your bucket list! You will be visiting the UNESCO world heritage sites, with every place having its own charm and fascinating history.
ItineraryDay 1: Pickup in Athens (Greece) – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)Pass By: Athens, Athens, Attica
After having experienced the capital of Greece and cultural capital of Europe, Athens (by yourself), our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Athens.
Stop At: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
We will begin this amazing journey by driving towards Delphi, UNESCO world heritage site. This ancient Greek archaeological site is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, including multiple monuments such as the Temple of Apollo, the Castallian Fountain and the Large Sphynx of Naxos. You will be astonished by Treasury of the Athenians, the Theatre, the Stadium and the Museum with the famous statue of Antinoos and the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dated from 475 B.C
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka 422 00 Greece
After we will drive towards Meteora, also part of UNESCO world heritage dating back in the 14th – 15th century. The monasteries are built on top of the spectacular rock formations, creating a beautiful and impressive sight. Get ready to witness one of the best and stunning sunsets you have ever experienced. As the sun continues to sink, the sky above Meteora is painted with a vivid array of colors. Truly, one in a lifetime experience.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kalabaka.
Day 2: Meteora – Ioannina – Gjirokaster (Albania)Stop At: Ioannina, Ioannina, Ioannina Region, Epirus
Our first destination for today would be Ioannina, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. As we wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, you'll be transported back in time. The remains of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras are evident in the architecture, with ancient walls and charming houses. Our next stop will be the imposing Ioannina Castle, which dates back to the Byzantine era. Within the castle walls, we'll find a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and historic buildings. As we wander through the vibrant streets, you'll encounter charming cafes, inviting you to savor traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies. Have some free time to stroll through the old town of Ioannina.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gjirokaster (Albania)
Day 3: Day tour of Gjirokaster – Gjirokaster Stop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
Today we will visit Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town, Gjirokaster Albania
Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Skenduli House, Rruga Sokaku i Te Mareve, Gjirokaster Albania
We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Day 4: Gjirokaster – Berat Stop At: Berat, Berat, Berat County
Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Berat Castle, Rruga Mihal Komnena, Berat 5001 Albania
. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: National Iconographic Museum Onufri, Located in the Inner Part of Saint Mary Church in Berat Castel, Berat Albania
Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gorica Bridge, Berat 5001 Albania
We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Berat
Day 5: Berat – Drilon – Tushemisht – St. Naum (N. Macedonia) – OhridStop At: Driloni National Park, Rruga e Drilonit, Pogradec 7301 Albania
Today we will cross border towards North Macedonia but not before making a stop at the national park of Drilon. Drilon waters springs form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful greenery that makes a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. The weeping willow trees by the lake's shoreline creates a soothing ambiance, inviting travelers to relax and absorb the beauty of the park
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tushemisht, Tushemisht, Korce County
Next, we will stop in Tushemisht a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Monastery of Saint Naum, Ohrid Republic of North Macedonia
Later we will cross border towards North Macedonia and our first stop will be St Naum. The monastery of St. Naum carries the name of a holy place. It is situated right at the source of River Crni Drim, which flows through Lake Ohrid. This monastery complex is part of the National Park Galicica and belongs to one of the strictly protected areas. Crystal clear, spring water reflects both the surrounding greenery and the mountain peaks in the background.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Ohird.
Day 6: Ohrid (N. Macedonia) – Tirana (Albania)Stop At: Ohrid, Ohrid, Southwestern Region
Today we will visit Ohrid, one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake). Our tour continues to the city of Ohrid (UNESCO world heritage) an important center of Orthodoxy. We will continue our tour and visit the famous view point of church of St. John, the church of St. Nicolas and the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. During the Ottoman Empire the city grew on the hills and surrounding areas by the lake.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tirana.
Day 7: Day tour of TiranaStop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Today we will discover Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion, and enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tregu Çam, Tiranë, Albania
Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the opportunity to try Byrek and have breakfast like a local. The famous traditional Albanian food is dough with all kinds of filling such as cheese, meat or spinach. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, founded by the Albanian Çam community, who originally came from an area called Çameria in today’s North-Western Greece. Here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
With your local companion by your side, you’ll skip past the tourist traps and discover the city’s culinary highlights in some of our favorite local neighborhoods, where you'll have the opportunity to savor a traditional dessert at an authentic pastry. We will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana, where dozens of street hawkers sell fresh vegetables and fruits. After walking through the busy streets, we'll introduce you to the country's rich coffee culture. We will join locals at a cozy café and taste traditional "Albanian coffee". The tour will continue through the charming neighborhoods of Tirana; observe the daily lives of the city's residents, admire colorful buildings, and get a feel for the authentic atmosphere.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pazari i Ri, Shenasi Dishnica, Tirana 1001 Albania
We will visit the so-called Bicycle bazaar, where you can find everything, from second hand clothes to second hand furniture. The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will try the traditional Albanian lunch – "Qofte" (meatballs) grilled to perfection and paired with freshly baked bread. Vegetarians can enjoy freshly baked bread with Albanian Gjize (cottage cheese).
To wash it all down, we will also taste some Albanian Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix!
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: BunkArt 2, Rruga Abdi Toptani, Tirana Albania
Our last stop will be BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war. The bunker was hidden to the general public until 2014, when the Albanian government decided to initiate an interesting project that converted the nuclear bunker into a museum. BUNKART is video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime. This marks the end of this remarkable adventure through history and culture.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance."
"Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control."
"Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation."
"Tips are not a must in the Balkans, however, our recommendation is to tip the tour leader/driver as an international practice to tip good service."
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
09:00 AM
Duration: 7 Days
Start location: Athens, Greece
Traveler pickup is offered
Cancellations and refunds:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Portugues
Español
English
