Albania, Kosovo, & Macedonia Adventure

Tirana

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Tirana Walking Tour

Tirana 1h - 1.5h

Head off on a CEO-led orientation walk starting at the very centre of the city, the Skanderbeg square, a large open area surrounded by several important sights of Tirana. This interesting meeting point is one of the best places to start your journey through the city. Walk to old Tirana neighbourhoods (or what is left of them), a taste of communist architecture with many recently-built modern architecture and venues.

Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodations:  Hotel Idea Signature Tirana

Tirana/Vlore

Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durres, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlore and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Tirana - Durres 0.75h - 1h 38km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit Durrës

Durres 1h - 1.5h

Explore Durres with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durres amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city's ancient history.

Private Vehicle

Durres - Vlore 2h 125km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk of Vlorë

Vlore 1h

Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlore's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlore. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlore looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Bologna Vlore

Vlore

Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlore. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Vlore - Tragjas 0.5h 22km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch

Tragjas 5h - 6h 5km

Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlore.

Private Vehicle

Tragjas - Vlore 0.5h 22km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Bologna Vlore

Vlore/Gjirokaster

Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokaster with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himare and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokaster in the evening and check into the hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Vlore - Himare 1.5h - 2h 66km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit Himarë

Himare 1h

Explore Himare with your CEO. The Old City of Himare and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Himare has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.

Private Vehicle

Himare - Ksamil 1.5h - 2h 62km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ali Pasha Castle

Ksamil

Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the "Mohametan Bonaparte" was made famous in Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron's Child Harold's Pilgrimage.

Butrint National Archaeological Park

Ksamil 2h

Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.

Private Vehicle

Ksamil - Gjirokaster 1.5h 70km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Number One

Gjirokaster

Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokaster. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Gjirokastër Walking Tour

Gjirokaster 1h - 1.5h

Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokaster and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.

Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner

Gjirokaster 4h

This exclusive experience will be hosted at a local vineyard, passionately run by a family deeply rooted in winemaking, traditional rural cuisine, and hospitality. Tour the vineyard with one of the local on-site experts who will share insights into local grape varieties and the meticulous care that goes into cultivating them. Continue with a tasting of both white and red wines, each paired with regionally sourced accompaniments and fresh farm fruits.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Hotel Number One

Gjirokaster/Berat

Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for an optional traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Gjirokaster - Berat 3h 180km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Berat Walking Tour

Berat 1.5h

Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname "Town of a 1001 Windows.")

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Kaceli Berat

Berat/Tirana

Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, arriving around midday. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore the city or to relax, then head out for an optional dinner in the evening with any new members who may be joining the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Berat - Tirana 2h 120km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

Tirana Afternoon

Sett off and explore historic Tirana on your own this afternoon.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Idea Signature Tirana

Tirana/Ohrid

Cross the border into North Macedonia and travel to the beautiful city of Ohrid, referred to as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" due to its 365 churches with one for each day of the year. Take some free time to find lunch in one of the bazaars and then take a short boat cruise to admire the city's highlights and the surrounding scenery. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring or to relax.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Tirana - Ohrid 3h 132km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

Ohrid Afternoon

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

Lake Cruise

Ohrid 0.5h

Climb aboard for a short boat cruise of Lake Ohrid, the deepest and oldest lake in Europe, boasting an imposing medieval fortress and mountainous backdrop. This pristine lake straddles the border between North Macedonia and Eastern Albania, and acts as home to more than 200 different species.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Village Ohrid

Ohrid

Set off with your CEO this morning on an walking exploration of Ohrid. Discover the old town with it's iconic landmarks and historic architecture then wander through the local bazaar. Later, join a chef to learn about local delicious specialties that will serve as a light lunch lunch before visiting the Roman amphitheatre. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax at the hotel before an optional dinner out in the evening.

While getting to know Ohrid, keep an eye out for the 900 year old tree located near Old Town - a true Ohrid landmark.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ohrid Walking Tour

Ohrid 3h 4km

Embark on a walking tour of the city where you'll enjoy the stunning exterior of the San Perivlepta and San Sofia churches. Next, head inside the architecturally striking Monastery of Saint Clement Ohrid, believed to have been built when Saint Clement first arrived in the area at the request of Boris I of Bulgaria. Finish off with a short tour at the Roman Amphitheatre, the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country, built in 200 BC.

Regional Cooking Demonstration and Light Lunch

Ohrid 1h - 1.5h

Make a stop along the walking tour to meet with a local chef. Learn all about the regional culinary delicacies of the area and how to prepare them while enjoying small plates of delicious food as a light lunch before continuing on your way.

Free Time

Ohrid Afternoon

There's plenty to see and do; today is your day to explore.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Village Ohrid
1
Optional Activities for Day 9
Show
Bay of Bones Museum
Ohrid
Explore the reconstructed village of stilt houses, showcasing historic artifacts recovered from Lake Ohrid,
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Ohrid/Skopje

Wave goodbye to Ohrid this morning as you depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Stop in Bitola for a pleasant walk along the pedestrian street called Shirok Sokak before travelling onward to wine region. Sample the local flavours before ending in the capital. Later, set off on foot with your CEO to see some of the city's striking architecture followed by a walk up to the Castle of Kale to revel in the city views. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring or to relax.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Ohrid - Bitola 1.25h 69km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sirok Sokak Walking Tour

Bitola 1h 1km

Wander through Sirok Sokak, the pedestrian street of Shirok Sokak. Known as the fashion street, locals tend to dress up to enjoy a walk and a coffee while enjoying beautiful views of the city.

Private Vehicle

Bitola - Gradsko 1.5h 90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Winery Tour with Tasting

Gradsko 1h - 1.5h

The historically rich Stobi region is located close to the archaeological site, ancient Paenian. It was captured into the Kingdom of Macedon where it became the capital and remains a significant historic site. Archaeologists found early evidence of wine making in the form of in home grape presses, showcasing the lengthy past of this delicious art. Learn the intricacies of wine making on a tour of the winery before sampling some wine and enjoying a light lunch.

Private Vehicle

Gradsko - Skopje 1h 79km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk Skopje

Skopje 2h - 3h 2km

Head out for an orientation walk passing Byzantine era buildings, Turkish baths, caravanserais and hamams, all reminders of the intricate Ottoman history. Witness the quirky electric street art and multiple imposing statutes dotted around the city. View the birthplace of Mother Theresa and stop in the hidden lower level of the iconic Gradski Trgovski Centar to see Skopje's largest collection of street art.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Riverside Skopje

Skopje/Prizren

Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving across the border into Kosovo and to the city of Prizren. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk through town along the Bistrica river, crossing the iconic old stone bridge and onto the cobble-stoned Shadervan square. The rest of the afternoon is free before re-grouping in the evening for a walk up to the town fortress for beautiful sunset views of the town, river and valley.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Orientation Walk Prizren

Prizren 1h - 2h 3km

Enjoy an exploratory walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like some of the main sights in the area, supermarkets, and ATMs.

Private Vehicle

Skopje - Prizren 1.25h 86km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Prizren Fortress Sunset Walk

Prizren 0.5h 1km

Dating back to 1100 BC, the Prizren Fortress was built by the Byzantines and expanded by Serbian kings throughout the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries before Ottoman rulers took over until their expulsion in 1912. Walk up the steep incline to this historic site to enjoy the sunset and views of the town, river, and valley.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Prior Prizren

Prizren

Enjoy a free day in Prinzen to explore the city, take a wine tasting excursion or to relax. Perhaps join your CEO for a morning visit to the filigree shops to browse the textiles and shops or head out on a leisurely hike along the Bistrica River to see the local shepherds.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Prizren Full Day

There's plenty of things to do; today is yours to explore.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Prior Prizren
3
Optional Activities for Day 12
Show
Sinan Pasha Mosque
Prizren
Explore this Ottoman-era mosque, built by the Albanian pasha Sofi Sinan in 1615
Mountain Bike Rentals
Prizren
Rent mountain bikes to explore the naturally beautiful terrain.
Cevapi Meal
Prizren
Sit down for a Cevapi meal - a dish of grilled minced meat created in the Balkans.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Prizren/Pristina

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Prizren before journeying onward to Pristina, the bustling commerce hub and capital of Kosovo. Explore the city's highlights with your CEO on a walking exploration and get immersed in its rich history before taking the rest of the day free for individual exploration or to relax at a cafe. Head out in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Prizren - Pristina 1.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Walking Tour Pristina

Pristina 1.5h

Get to know Pristina on a walking tour through the highlights. Witness the 1389 battle of Kosovo memorial, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gracanica Monastery, followed by the Newborn monument and the brass statue of Bill Clinton, commemorating his role in ending the war for independence.

Free Time

Pristina Afternoon

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Prima Pristina
2
Optional Activities for Day 13
Show
Ethnographic Museum
Pristina
Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a traditional 18th century house in the old bazaar area. Originally owned by Emin Gjinolli, turned museum in 2006. Enjoy the traditional architecture and exhibits on clothing, birth and burial rituals, handicrafts etc.
Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque
Pristina
Built for Mehmed the Conqueror around 1461, it was converted to a Catholic church before being renovated into a mosque once again after WWII. Locals refer to the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque as the 'Imperial Mosque'. Enjoy the intricately painted ceilings and beautiful interiors.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Pristina

Depart at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast