| Duration: | 12 Day(s) - 11 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Albania is undoubtedly the most unknown jewel of the Adriatic. Today's visitors are pioneers because tourism is still relatively undiscovered. Located on strategic routes connecting the West and the East, Albania has, since ancient times, been at the center of the ambitions of great Mediterranean powers, all of whom have left their mark.
Located between the West and the East, very close to the Mediterranean, and built on the remains of antiquity, the first Christian kingdoms, and the great Ottoman period, North Macedonia represents a country where cultural heritage is incredibly dense and complex.
Located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, this landlocked country is one of the hidden jewels of the region. Visitors have much to discover in Kosovo. Indeed, its rolling hills, lush forests, charming old towns, and rich local traditions showcase the beauty of Kosovo.
Day 1: Tirana, Albania
Meet our guide upon your arrival at Tirana International Airport and transfer to the Albanian capital. Tirana is a city in constant evolution. Formerly dull and grey, the city has experienced an international boom post-communism, becoming a lively and colorful metropolis thanks to its unique atmosphere. Fascinating, Tirana represents both the past and the future of Albania.
Dinner and overnight in Tirana. Hotel Austria 4*
Day 2: Tirana - Berat - Vlora, Albania
After breakfast, depart for Berat, one of the rare cities with an architectural style typical of the Ottoman period. Visit a city characterized by the coexistence of different religious and cultural communities over the centuries.
Enjoy a panoramic visit of Berat and head to the heights of the city to visit its fortress "Kala," built in the 13th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum, which consists of a collection of objects belonging to Albanian churches and monasteries, with paintings dating from the 16th to the 20th century.
Then continue toward the Albanian coast and join Vlora.
On the way, stop at a family vineyard for a wine tasting at "Çobo Winery" and discover Albania’s wine heritage.
Arrive in Vlora and check into your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Vlora. Hotel Bologna 4*
Day 3: Vlora - Dhermi - Saranda, Albania
After breakfast, drive to Dhermi. On the way, stop at Llogora National Pass and enjoy the stunning scenery between mountains and sea.
Arrive in Dhermi, a charming seaside resort, enjoy lunch by the sea, and relax on its beautiful beaches.
Embark on a boat trip to discover the wonders of the Adriatic Sea, including Gjippe Canyon, pirate caves, and the Pëllumbas caves.
Continue south and stop at Ali Pasha Castle. The famous governor of the region under the Ottoman Empire was often compared to Napoleon for his strategies and military alliances.
Proceed to Saranda, the largest seaside resort in Albania, located opposite the island of Corfu in Greece. Check into your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Saranda. Hotel Andon Lapa 3*
Day 4: Saranda - Butrint - Ksamil - Saranda, Albania
After breakfast, head to Butrint and begin your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, an ancient city believed to have been built by the Trojans after the fall of Troy.
Explore ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations.
Enjoy lunch at a mussel farm restaurant on the shores of Lake Butrint.
On your way back, stop at Ksamil, a small seaside resort where you can relax on beautiful beaches.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with Albanian music and dances in a castle overlooking Saranda (subject to availability).
Overnight in Saranda. Hotel Palma / Hotel Andon Lapa 3*
Day 5: Saranda - Gjirokastra - Permët, Albania
After breakfast, depart for Gjirokastra, another fine example of Ottoman architecture.
On the way, stop at the "Blue Eye" (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring known for its stunning beauty (visit may be seasonal).
Arrive in Gjirokastra and enjoy lunch. Begin a sightseeing tour, admiring its 17th-century houses and visiting the citadel overlooking the city. Also visit the Skenduli House, a traditional Ottoman home from the 18th century.
Continue to Permët, known for its agrotourism, organic farms, and local products like rakia and honey.
In the afternoon, visit a unique cheese factory bunker and learn about local production.
Dinner at the cheese factory with tastings of local products, wines, and rakia. Learn about the family’s history.
Overnight in Permët. Hotel Permeti 3*
Day 6: Permët - Korça, Albania
After breakfast, travel toward Korça through the scenic landscapes of plains and mountains.
Stop at the thermal baths of Permët (Benja), known for their healing properties, and admire the Kadiut stone bridge.
Continue and stop at a mountain ranch for a traditional lunch.
Arrive in Korça, known as "Little Paris" for its Francophone influence and café culture.
Enjoy a guided tour of Korça, including the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral and the old bazaar.
Dinner and overnight in Korça. Hotel Hani I Pazarit 4*
Day 7: Korça, Albania – Ohrid, North Macedonia
After breakfast, travel to North Macedonia and head to Ohrid.
Cross the border and drive along the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Visit the Saint Naum Monastery, built in the 10th century.
Stop at the Bay of Bones Museum, a reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement.
Arrive in Ohrid and have lunch.
Begin a guided tour of this UNESCO-listed city, known as the Cradle of Orthodoxy.
Visit sites such as the Church of Saint Jovan and the ancient Roman theater.
Dinner and overnight in Ohrid. Nova Riviera Hotel 3*
Day 8: Ohrid - Tetovo - Skopje, North Macedonia
After breakfast, travel through Mavrovo National Park, enjoying views of Mavrovo Lake and Radika Canyon.
Lunch options:
Option 1: Lunch in Janche village
Option 2: Lunch at Saint Jovan Bigorski's restaurant
Visit Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery.
Continue to Tetovo and visit the Painted Mosque (Sarena Dzamija).
Arrive in Skopje, the capital city.
Dinner and overnight in Skopje. Premium Hotel 4*
Day 9: Skopje - Matka Canyon - Skopje, North Macedonia
After breakfast, visit Matka Canyon.
Take a boat trip to explore the Vrelo caves, among the deepest in Europe.
Return to Skopje for lunch.
Enjoy a guided city tour of Skopje, rebuilt after the 1963 earthquake.
Visit landmarks such as Kale Fortress, Stone Bridge, and the Old Bazaar.
Dinner and overnight in Skopje. Hotel Bushi Resort & Spa 4*
Day 10: Skopje, North Macedonia – Prizren, Kosovo
After breakfast, travel to Kosovo via the Sharr Mountains.
Arrive in Prizren, a historic and cultural city.
Explore the old Ottoman center, visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, St. George’s Cathedral, and the Catholic Cathedral.
Visit the Albanian League of Prizren.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Free time to visit Prizren Fortress and local handicraft shops (Filigran jewelry).
Dinner and overnight in Prizren. Hotel Centrum 4*
Day 11: Prizren, Kosovo – Kruje, Albania
After breakfast, return to Albania.
Enjoy lunch at the famous "Mrizi i Zanave" restaurant.
Continue to Kruje, a historic Albanian city.
Visit the old bazaar and Skanderbeg Fortress.
Dinner and overnight in Kruje. Hotel Panorama 4*
Day 12: Tirana, Albania
Breakfast and free time until transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price Includes:
Transport by tour bus
French-speaking guide throughout
Accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels
Full board from Day 1 dinner to Day 12 breakfast
Entrance fees to monuments
All activities mentioned
Visit to Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo
Wine tasting in Berat
Boat trip in Dhermi
Gala dinner in Saranda
Cheese tasting in Permët
Boat trip at Matka Canyon
Lunch at a top Albanian restaurant
Price Does Not Include:
Personal expenses
Drinks
Tips
Insurance
International flights
