Secret charms of Albania and Macedonia from Tirana

Day 1: Departure – Tirana – Elbasan – Ohrid

This morning you will be meeting with your driver and guide and transfer to Elbasan with a stop on the route to Metalurgjiku. Those were the days of the great friendship with China and of import industrialization. In the 60s and 70s, thanks to the Chinese, the Metalurgjiku was built – the Albanians’ pride and joy, which processed the heavy metals that supplied the whole Albanian industry. Only a few kilometers to reach Elbasan for the visit of the Castle Walls and the old quarter, ruins of the Basilica, St. Mary Church and King Mosque. Visit local people at Qorri family, and enjoy local brandies and drink a Turkish coffee. After the visit, you will transfer in direction of Macedonia. Free time for lunch in Struga and a short walk on the main pedestrian street and the black Drin river source. Transfer to Ohrid for traditional dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Ohrid all day

This morning after breakfast you will meet with the local guide and start the sightseeing. Visit of the City center, the main square, and promenade. Short visit of 20 minutes in Ohrid Lake and free day for shopping or individual activities. Overnight in Ohrid

Day 3: Ohrid – Sveti Naum – NP Galicica & Prespa – Korca

This morning after breakfast you will continue for the visit of Sveti Naum monastery and a transfer to Korca throw the NP of Galicica and Prespa. Upon arrival, you will have free time for lunch and Korca sightseeing following the visit of the Orthodox Cathedral and the city center. The next transfer will be to Voskopoja. Walking around the village. Exploring Voskopoja. Visit of the many churches found in Vosokopoja like St. Athanasius, St.Nicolas, animals farm, etc. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Voskopoja – Thermal spring Benja/Permet – Gjirokaster

This morning you will have a breathtaking journey crossing different mountains and pristine nature. Leisure time to enjoy the packed lunch at the pools and explore the canyons. Transfer in direction of Gjirokaster for traditional dinner and overnight

Day 5: Gjirokaster all day

This morning after breakfast you will start the daily visits of the UNESCO city of Stone. Visit of the Castle “Argjiro” of Gjirokastra, traditional old houses and old quarters, old bazaar with craftsmen shops. Activity when you will enjoy at Babameto House Stone Coffee and transfer to explore the villages for lunch at a local house. You will have the opportunity to see how local people leave and work and hear about their history. Transfer back to Gjirokaster when you will have leisure time for shopping and free dinner at the tavernas in the bazaar. Overnight at hotel

Day 6: Gjirokaster – Butrint – Saranda – Llogara – Vlora

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Butrint. Visit of the biggest and most important archaeological park in Albania, part of UNESCO world heritage, Butrint and be back on the road in direction at Saranda. Free time for lunch and visit the promenade on the Saranda city center and the ruins of the synagogue. The next transfer to Llogara National Park with short stops along the way to admire the beautiful Albanian south coast. A short stop at the NP and reaching Vlora for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Vlora – Boat trip – Berat

This morning after breakfast a short visit of Vlora city center at the Flag square before embarking to enjoy the fantastic boat trip. Sazani island (photo stop from nearby) Karaburum to visit Haxhi Ali cave, Sain Jani and Sain Vasil and return back. Into this fantastic adventure, you will have music on board, picnic packed lunch and leisure time for sunbathing. After returning back to the port you will pick up the coach again to be transferred at Berat. Free time for dinner and to enjoy Berat by night. Overnight

Day 8: Return – Berat – Belsh – Tirana 

This morning you will start with the 3rd UNESCO visit the city of 1001 windows. Berat Sightseeing. Mangalemi quarter, Gorica bridge, cobbled stone streets, many Byzantine churches, and the castle. Wine tasting in the surrounding Exhibition will last for about 30. Socialist realism paintings from the private collection of Z.Avdyl Pilaf. Wine taste, with 4 types of wines.Two white and two red and brandy with nuts. Food fingers and transfer in direction of Tirana passing throw Belshi really famous in the region of Dumreja for having 84lakes. Visit of a local family and some farewell brandies as rakia before reaching Tirana when it will finish even this fantastic journey. Meet and greet with your driver and guide. End of services!