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The dramatic mountain scenery, untouched beaches and crystal clear lakes of Albania and Macedonia are in a big contrast to their lack of economic prosperity.
Small, unknown and hidden in the heart of the Balkans, Macedonia and Albania offer visitors a unique blend of natural wonders, traditions, culture and hospitable people. Virgin beaches, mountains and lakes, churches and chapels, remains of ancient civilizations, breathtaking gorges and diverse wildlife are all available now to tour ists willing to enjoy this roundtrip in two of the economically poorest European countries. Our tour in Albania has no constant route. As infrastructure here is in a process of changes all the time we may be forced to react the bad roads by making slight alterations in the program. The accommodation facilities are also being developed in order to meet the requirements of tourists, but at this stage it may be still rather basic.

Tour Highlights:

♦Lake Ohrid - a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural heritage Site in 1980
♦One of the most attractive towns in Albania Gjirokastra - home of the biggest castle in Albania
♦The Butrint National Park which contains one of the Balkans’ largest and most romantic excavated ancient cities
♦Dures - the most ancient city of Albania, an important Byzantine port In the Middle Ages.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Skopje
After arrival in Skopje we may have some time for sightseeing. A short climb up to the Kale Fortress is well rewarded; from this hilltop where Skopje’s masters ruled for centuries one enjoys a commanding view of the city and its environs. Overnight on Skopje..

Day 2. Skopje - Ohrid
In the morning we will have transfer to the town of Ohrid (3 h). located in a valley between the mountains and the transparent waters of the blue Macedonian pearl – Ohrid Lake. We will take a walk down the city streets. Overnight in Ohrid.

Day 3. Ohrid - Permet
Ohrid Lake is no doubt one of the special highlights of Ohrid.  We will have a tour by lake in the morning, where the St. Naum church is also located. After a short transfer by the lake we cross the Macedonian/Albanian border.  We stop here to enjoy the view towards the Gramos Mountains, which are on the other hand the border with Greece. Our next stop is Permet, situated in the heart of the mountains in the valley of Vjosa River. Overnight in Permet. 

Day 4. Permet - Gjirokastra - Sarande
In the morning we leave Permet. The road goes through vineyards situated along the Vjosa River. On our way to we will visit the mineral springs of Beija before continuing further to Gjirokastra - probably the most traditional city in Albania. The last stop for the day is Sarande. Overnight in Sarande.

Day 5. Sarande - Butrinti - Llogora Nationalpark
A 20 minute drive from Sarande lies the ancient historical town of Butrinti, home to the Butrint National Park. After having a walk in the town we continue to Vlore (Vlora) along the coast of the Adriatic Sea – this is one of the most attractive routes in Albania. When we get in the mountains we enter the Llogora National Park. With its amazing Karst slopes, entering directly the Adriatic Sea and covered with coniferous trees, this place is a house of exceptionally reach flora and fauna. Overnight in Llogora.

Day 6. Vlora- Berat
After breakfast we visit Vlora and then continue our drive to one of the highlights of the trip – Apolonia. From this point the tour continues to Berat. The 2000 year old town of Berat is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns of Albania. Here we visit the fortress of Berat and one of the seven churches St. Onufri, famous for its frescoes and icons. Overnight in Berat. /+breakfast+dinner/

Day 7. Berat - Durres -Tirana
In the morning we visit the local Ethnographic Museum before heading further to Dures. After short sightseeing trip we have a transfer to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 8. Sightseeing trip in Tirana (if time allows) and departure.