Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia in 1 Week

The experience starts by exploring the largest port city in Albania. Durres is an ancient Illyrian city with a rich history from the Roman Empire to the present day. We will visit the Roman amphitheater, city center, and walk along the Vollga promenade by the Adriatic Sea. The journey continues to the city of thousands of windows. Berat is a museum city with unusual architecture around its old town. Mangalem, Gorice, and Kala represent the diverse culture of the city through centuries. Accommodation in Berat.

In the morning we depart towards Lake Ohrid. The first stop is the peaceful town of Pogradec on the lakeshore. Next, we spend some free time in Drilon Park, where you can try the endemic koran fish from Lake Ohrid. After crossing the border of North Macedonia, you will visit St.Naum Monastery. This is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for locals and is beautifully located on the springs of the lake. In the afternoon arrive in Ohrid and have free time. Accommodation in Ohrid.

After breakfast, we start the day slowly enjoying a calm walk by the oldest lake in Europe. Ohrid is known for its historic buildings in the old town situated by the lake shores. Since antiquity, many empires have passed on this important trading route. The walking tour strolls around hundreds of churches, the ancient amphitheater, and the medieval Samuel’s fortress on the top of the hill.

Next, we transfer to the second-largest city in the country. Bitola is known as “the city of consuls” from the administration of the Ottoman Empire that resided here. The tour takes you to Heraclea, the ancient city that offers great historic ruins of Greeks and Romans. Walking along the Shirok Sokak promenade, you will bond with locals and many Ottoman monuments. Accommodation in Bitola.

Today we will explore the mountain city of Krusevo. It is situated at 1350m above sea level and represents an important history of locals. We will visit the Makedonium complex, the symbol of struggle and the eternal aspiration of the Macedonian people for freedom. Later we head to the capital Skopje. The walking tour includes the fortress of Kale, the old bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and Alexander the Great Square. A visit is dedicated to the Memorial House of Mother Theresa. Accommodation in Skopje.

The trip continues to the youngest country in Europe. Kosovo is an interesting destination with many sites to discover. Our first destination is Gracanica Monastery from the 14th century, which has impressive frescos. The capital of Prishtina is quite new and renovated after the war at the end of the 90s. The guided tour strolls across Mother Theresa Cathedral, the National Library, the Newborn Monument, and Skanderbeg Square. Later we transfer to Kosovo Polje, the area where the famous war between the Ottoman Empire and the Serbian Empire took place in the 14th century. In the afternoon we transfer for accommodation in Peja.

In the morning we visit the beautiful town of Peja. First, we take a walking tour around the old bazaar and center city. Next, we transfer to White Drin waterfall, located at the source of the river with the same name. Afterward, we continue to the Patriarchate of Peja. This medieval monastery is a complex of churches with beautiful frescos. The tour continues to another site listed under UNESCO. The Visoki Decan monastery hosts a 14th-century great church with an interesting history. For lunch, we stop at the Grand Bazaar of Gjakovo. Here we will visit the Hadum mosque. In the evening transfer to Prizren for accommodation.

After breakfast, we start exploring the old town. Prizren is the historical city of Kosovo with an Ottoman influence. We will visit the Albanian League of Prizren to learn more about the resistance of Albanians for independence. Then we walk across the Stone Bridge, the Turkish hammam, the Sadervan Square, and the Sinan Pasha mosque. The ancient fortress of Prizren offers beautiful panoramic views of the city. After lunch, we drive towards Albania. In the afternoon we reach the capital Tirana.