Albania and North Macedonia – The Unesco Heritage Tour

Morning: Depart Tirana and travel toward Lake Ohrid, enjoying the scenic landscapes of eastern Albania as you make your way toward North Macedonia.

(Optional): Embark on an exciting 4x4 adventure to Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, a protected natural area renowned for its mountain scenery, rich biodiversity and ancient beech forests. Enjoy a short hike through the beautiful surroundings of the Primeval Beech Forests, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Continue toward St. Naum Monastery, located on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid, just across the border in North Macedonia. Visit this historic monastery, originally founded in the 9th century with its peaceful setting, traditional architecture and stunning views of the lake.

Afterward, we continue to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage destination celebrated for its exceptional cultural heritage and one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. Explore the charming Old Town of Ohrid on a guided walking tour, discovering its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses and historic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Church of St. Sophia, admire the heritage of St. Clement's Church, and explore the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid.

(Optional): Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Ohrid, offering beautiful panoramic views of the lakeside town, historic churches and surrounding mountains.

Overnight: Ohrid.

Morning: After breakfast, depart Ohrid and travel to Struga, a charming lakeside town located where the Black Drin River flows out of Lake Ohrid. Enjoy a short stop along the riverside promenade, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views before continuing toward the mountains of western North Macedonia.

Afternoon: Explore Mavrovo National Park, the largest national park in North Macedonia, known for its impressive mountain peaks, forests, alpine landscapes and traditional villages. Enjoy a scenic drive through the park, admiring the natural beauty of the region and the breathtaking views of Lake Mavrovo.

Continue to the historic St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery, one of North Macedonia’s most remarkable Orthodox monasteries, renowned for its traditional architecture and peaceful mountain setting. Discover its rich religious and cultural heritage during your visit.

(Optional: Enjoy lunch at a traditional slow-food restaurant, where you can sample authentic regional specialties prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.)

After the visit, cross the border into Albania and continue toward Bulqizë, a mining town in the Dibër region famous for its rich chromium deposits and mining heritage. The surrounding region preserves a distinctive Albanian cultural identity, including traditional stone tower houses known as Kulla, which reflect the area's historic architecture and way of life.

Overnight: Bulqizë.

Morning: After breakfast, begin the day in Bulqizë, a town whose history and economy are closely linked to Albania’s chromium mining industry. Discover the importance of chromium extraction to the local community and learn about the region’s mining heritage.

Visit the local chromium mining area to gain insight into the extraction process and you may also visit a Mining Museum, if available, to discover tools, equipment and minerals associated with Albania’s mining history.

Afternoon: Continue toward Belsh, a peaceful town in the heart of the Dumre region, known for its picturesque lakes and rolling countryside. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the lakeside promenade and take a break at a local café to enjoy a cup of traditional Albanian coffee.

Later, travel to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its remarkable Ottoman-era architecture, historic neighborhoods and rich cultural heritage.Visit Berat Castle, situated on the hill overlooking the historic city. The castle remains a living historic quarter, where traditional life continues within its centuries-old walls.

Mangalem Quarter: Discover the iconic Mangalem neighborhood, famous for its distinctive Ottoman-era houses climbing the hillside above the Osum River. Gorica Quarter & Bridge: Cross the historic Gorica Bridge, one of Berat’s most recognizable landmarks, connecting the old Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods across the Osum River. Old Town Walk: Stroll through the historic center of Berat, taking in its unique blend of Ottoman architecture, religious heritage, and traditional Albanian life.

Enjoy the evening at leisure, with the opportunity to experience Berat’s welcoming atmosphere and sample authentic Albanian cuisine at a traditional local restaurant.

Overnight: Berat.

Morning: Depart Berat and travel south toward Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage city famously known as the “City of Stone” for its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture, slate-roofed houses and cobblestone streets.

Gjirokastër Castle: Visit the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Albania, offering panoramic views over the historic city and surrounding valley. Explore its historic courtyards, fortifications, and fascinating exhibits that reveal the city’s rich past.

(Optional: Visit the Weapons Museum inside the castle, showcasing military artifacts from different periods, and explore the former prison, which offers insight into Albania’s more recent history. Availability may vary.)

Old Bazaar: Walk through the historic bazaar and its atmospheric cobbled streets, lined with traditional stone houses, local shops, and artisan stores. Discover the distinctive Ottoman character of Gjirokastër and experience the city’s enduring local traditions.

Traditional House Visit: Step inside one of Gjirokastër’s beautifully preserved traditional stone houses and discover how local families lived in the past. Admire the distinctive architecture, wooden interiors, stone fireplaces, and traditional furnishings while learning about the customs and daily life of Gjirokastër’s residents.

Enjoy the opportunity to sample traditional Gjirokastër cuisine at a local restaurant. Be sure to try qifqi, the region’s famous herb-seasoned rice balls, a beloved local specialty.

Overnight: Gjirokastër.

Morning: After breakfast, depart Gjirokastër and travel toward the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër), one of southern Albania’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Upon arrival at the Blue Eye, enjoy a walk through the surrounding natural park, following shaded pathways through lush vegetation until you reach the crystal-clear spring.

Afternoon: Continue to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage. Discover fascinating ruins, including the ancient theatre, the baptistery, the basilica and the impressive city gates, while enjoying the site's unique setting among wooded hills near Lake Butrint.

Afterward, travel to the coastal city of Sarandë, where you can enjoy views of the sparkling Ionian Sea. Continue toward Lëkurësi Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, Sarandë Bay and the island of Corfu in the distance. If time permits, stop to admire the panoramic views and take photographs.

Late Afternoon: Follow the scenic Albanian Riviera north toward Himarë, a charming seaside town known for its beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Enjoy the lively coastal atmosphere at your own pace, with opportunities to discover local restaurants and bars.

Overnight: Himarë.

Morning: After breakfast, depart Gjirokastër and travel toward the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër), one of southern Albania’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Upon arrival at the Blue Eye, enjoy a walk through the surrounding natural park, following shaded pathways through lush vegetation until you reach the crystal-clear spring.

Afternoon: Continue to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage. Discover fascinating ruins, including the ancient theatre, the baptistery, the basilica and the impressive city gates, while enjoying the site's unique setting among wooded hills near Lake Butrint.

Afterward, travel to the coastal city of Sarandë, where you can enjoy views of the sparkling Ionian Sea. Continue toward Lëkurësi Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, Sarandë Bay and the island of Corfu in the distance. If time permits, stop to admire the panoramic views and take photographs.

Late Afternoon: Follow the scenic Albanian Riviera north toward Himarë, a charming seaside town known for its beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Enjoy the lively coastal atmosphere at your own pace, with opportunities to discover local restaurants and bars.

Overnight: Himarë.