Treasures of Albania Greece and North Macedonia Tour

Morning: We drive toward the fascinating Archaeological Park of Apollonia,
one of Albania’s most important ancient sites. Founded by Greek colonists and later developed into a major Roman city, Apollonia played an important role in the ancient world.
Discover its remarkably preserved ruins scattered across a peaceful landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and Mediterranean nature.
Learn about the city’s connection to Julius Caesar and Octavian Augustus, who studied here before becoming Rome’s first emperor. Explore the ancient temples, monuments, colonnaded streets, and the impressive remains of the historic city while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of this archaeological park.
Afternoon: Continue to Vlora, one of Albania’s most important coastal cities and the birthplace of Albanian independence. In the historic center, visit the Muradie Mosque, an impressive 16th-century Ottoman monument traditionally attributed to the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, who was of Albanian origin and whose masterpieces include the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul and numerous other landmarks in the Ottoman Empire. After lunch, continue toward the coast and travel to the beautiful Zvërnec Island, a peaceful natural setting surrounded by the waters of the Narta Lagoon. Visit the picturesque Monastery of Zvërnec, a well-preserved Byzantine-era monastery located among pine trees and connected to the mainland by a charming wooden footbridge. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views of the lagoon and surrounding nature.
Overnight: Vlora.

Morning: After breakfast, depart toward Saranda, following the spectacular Albanian Riviera, one of the most scenic coastal routes in the country. Travel through traditional villages and along winding mountain roads, with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
At Llogara National Park, stop at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level to admire the spectacular panorama where the dramatic mountains meet the deep blue waters of the Ionian coast.
Continue south along the Riviera and visit the historic Porto Palermo Castle, also known as Ali Pasha Castle, positioned on a small peninsula surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Explore the fortress and enjoy the remarkable coastal scenery surrounding it.
Afternoon: Continue toward Ksamil, one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Albania.
(Optional visit to the Mussel House offers the opportunity to discover the local mussel-farming tradition and enjoy some of the freshest mussels, harvested directly from the nearby waters of Butrint Lagoon.)
Then continue to Butrint Archaeological Park, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Mediterranean.
Originally settled by Illyrian tribes and later colonized by the Greeks, Butrint was continuously inhabited and developed under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
Explore its remarkable archaeological layers, including the ancient theatre, Roman Forum, Baptistery, and impressive city walls, all surrounded by natural beauty of the peninsula.
Overnight: Saranda.

Morning: Visit the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest & 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.
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.Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, which is also the house where the Albanian dictator was born.
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.
(Optional: Lunch in Gjirokastra)
Afternoon: Board cross into Greece and continue toward Ioannina, a historic lakeside city surrounded by mountains and situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Pamvotida. Known for its rich Ottoman heritage, multicultural history, and strong connections with the wider region, Ioannina offers a fascinating blend of Greek, Ottoman, and Balkan influences. Upon arrival, discover the city’s historic atmosphere and picturesque waterfront, before continuing to explore its famous castle and the legacy of Ali Pasha.
Overnight: Ioannina.

Morning: Start the day with an optional boat ride to the Island of Ali Pasha, located on the picturesque waters of Lake Pamvotida. Visit the Ali Pasha Museum, housed in the former monastery of St. Panteleimon, where exhibits and historical objects bring to life the important events that took place on the island. Return to Ioannina and depart toward Meteora, continuing through the scenic landscapes of central Greece.
Afternoon: Arrive in the spectacular Meteora, one of Greece’s most extraordinary natural and cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the enormous rock formations rising dramatically hundreds of meters above the surrounding plains, creating the impression that these immense cliffs have descended from the sky, an impression reflected in the meaning of the name Meteora, “suspended in the air.”
Visit some of the historic monasteries of Meteora, including the Great Meteoron Monastery, the largest and one of the most important monasteries in the complex. Explore its historic interiors, religious treasures, and spectacular surroundings while learning about the centuries-old monastic tradition that continues to define Meteora.
Overnight: Kalambaka.

Morning: After breakfast, depart from Kalambaka and cross into North Macedonia, continuing toward Stobi, one of the country’s most important and impressive archaeological sites. Once a major crossroads of ancient civilizations, Stobi preserves a remarkable legacy of Roman and early Christian heritage, including the remains of ancient theatres, basilicas, palaces, public buildings, and beautifully preserved colorful mosaics. Explore the archaeological complex and discover the layers of history that reflect the importance of Stobi as a cultural and commercial center throughout antiquity.
Afternoon: Continue toward Bitola, historically known as Monastir and often referred to as the “City of Consuls” because of the many European consulates established here during the late Ottoman period. Discover the city’s architecture, historic streets, and multicultural heritage before visiting Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient city founded by Philip II of Macedon.
Explore the impressive archaeological remains, including ancient theatres, Roman baths, early Christian basilicas, and some of the site’s exceptional mosaic floors, which provide a fascinating insight into the artistic and cultural achievements of the ancient world.
Continue the journey toward Ohrid, situated on the shores of the spectacular Lake Ohrid.
Overnight: Ohrid.

Morning: After breakfast, continue exploring Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s most beautiful and historically significant cities, situated on the shores of the spectacular Lake Ohrid.
Begin with a visit to the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo, dramatically positioned on a small rocky peninsula extending into the lake at the western end of the Old Town. From this remarkable viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across Lake Ohrid and toward the surrounding mountains.
Continue through the historic heart of Ohrid, visiting some of the city’s most important cultural and religious landmarks, including Samuel’s Fortress, Saint Panteleimon Church, and Saint Sofia Church. Explore the charming Old Bazaar, where traditional shops, cafés, and historic buildings provide an authentic glimpse into the city’s centuries-old cultural and commercial life.
Afternoon: Continue along the scenic shores of Lake Ohrid toward the Monastery of St. Naum, one of the region’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks.
Explore the monastery and discover the fascinating life and legends of Saint Naum.
Admire the peaceful surroundings while learning about the centuries-old religious traditions that continue to make St. Naum a special place of pilgrimage.
Continue to the nearby springs of the Black Drin River, where crystal-clear waters emerge from the surrounding landscape and flow into Lake Ohrid.
(Optional: take ride no rowing boat in the springs site, offering a peaceful way to experience this unique natural environment.)
Overnight: Ohrid.

Morning: After breakfast, depart toward Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful historic towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as  “City of 1,001 Windows”.
Walking tour through the historic Mangalemi and Gorica Ascend to the 4th-century BC fortress overlooking the Osumi Valley. Berat’s unique, white-washed houses appear stacked upon each other. The castle is Albania’s only inhabited fortress, where families live exactly as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Explore Byzantine churches within the fortress walls.
We may visit a local family in the old quarter, offering a more personal insight into everyday life, traditions, and the way people continue to live within Berat’s historic neighborhoods.
This authentic encounter provides an opportunity to experience the city beyond its monuments and discover the living culture of Berat.
(Optional: Wine tour and lunch at a traditional winery in Roshnik village, one of Albania’s premier wine regions. (payment on spot for 20 Euro.)
Afternoon: Enjoy free time at leisure without the guide. You can explore the historic center at their own pace, stroll through the charming streets of the old quarters, browse local shops, enjoy a coffee at one of the traditional cafés, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed city.
This free time provides an opportunity to experience Berat independently.
Overnight: Berat.

Morning: After breakfast we drive to Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest and most historically important cities. Known to Greek and Roman authors as the “Admirable City”, was once renowned for its temples, statues, and magnificent monuments. Explore the city’s fascinating archaeological heritage, including the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Venetian Tower, and the remains of the historic city walls.
Discover how centuries of earthquakes, development, and continuous habitation have shaped the city and transformed its ancient landscape. Continue toward Krujë, a historic mountain town located approximately 33 km from Tirana and dramatically positioned on the slopes of Mount Krujë. Known for its spectacular natural surroundings and deep connection to Albanian history, Kruja is closely associated with Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, who used the city and its fortress as a stronghold during his resistance against the Ottoman Empire.

Visit Krujë Castle, a historic fortress overlooking the surrounding landscape and the Adriatic plain. Explore the National Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg and his role in defending Albania and Europe during the 15th century. The museum, built within the historic castle complex, offers an insight into his life, military campaigns, and the significance of Krujë during this important period of Albanian history.Continue to the famous Old Bazaar of Krujë, known for its traditional handicrafts, antiques, souvenirs, carpets, textiles, and locally made products.

Afternoon: After the guided visits, enjoy free time at leisure without the guide to explore the bazaar independently, browse the handicraft shops, enjoy a traditional coffee, or simply take in the panoramic views and historic atmosphere of Krujë at your own pace.
Overnight: Kruja.

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Shkodër, one of Albania’s oldest cities and an important center of Catholic heritage and culture. Visit the legendary Rozafa Castle, dramatically overlooking the city, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding mountains. Discover the fascinating legend of Rozafa, a story where history and mythology come together.
Continue with a walking tour through Gjuhadol, a beautifully renovated pedestrian area featuring distinctive Italian and Austrian architectural influences, reflecting Shkodër’s historic European connections.
Afternoon: Enjoy some free time in Shkodër, with optional visits to the Venice Art Mask Factory, known for its traditional papier-mâché masks, or the Marubi National Museum of Photography, home to an exceptional collection documenting Albanian life and culture through photography from the 19th and 20th centuries.
After exploring Shkodër, depart for Tirana.
Overnight: Tirana.

Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy some free time in Tirana for last-minute souvenir shopping, shopping, or simply exploring the city at your own pace.
Transfer: At the appropriate time, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Tirana International Airport (TIA) for your return flight.