Off the Beaten Path in Albania and North Macedonia

Eat Your Way

Styles of Tirana

If you'd like to get properly acquainted with Tirana, the best way is to spend a day with a local, starting with a brief walking tour of the city covering all the main sights, including the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Skanderbeg square, The Martyr's Cemetery, Grand Park and various government buildings. The tour concludes in the former Communist Party elite’s residential area, Blokku. This is now a buzzing district packed with modern bars, restaurants and pubs.

Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip

An ancient, hilltop town, Krujë is a must-see for those staying in Tirana. The restored old bazaar is packed with authentic handmade goods, including carpets, which you can watch being made on a loom. Inside the walls of Kruja Castle, you will visit an ethnographic museum in an Ottoman tower house and the Bektashi Sufi Shrine, where you can learn more about how people have lived here for centuries. After Kruja, you'll visit the city of Durres where you can enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the sea, followed by a visit to one of the largest Roman amphitheaters, which saw gladiatorial combat.

Infinitive Evening

Over the summer, Vlore becomes one of the liveliest cities in the region, and it is becoming the party capital of Albania. Although Vlore has a long and interesting history, it is best known for its beaches, long and wide promenades along the coast, and great bars and nightclubs. After your evening stroll along the promenade, we suggest chilling in one of many bars. If you are up for a longer stay due to Vlora's great reputation for nightlife, this destination will certainly suit all-nighters.

Sazan Private Boat Tour

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the island of Sazan. The adventure begins by boarding a boat in Rradhima, a village just south of Vlora. Upon reaching the island of Sazan, you'll head inland to visit its ghost town. Once home to a sizable garrison, this strategic island hosted quarters for officer's families, as well as a hospital, schools, cinema, and quite a few bunkers. After exploring the ruins, and the time spent snorkeling, you'll get to savor a delicious picnic lunch before heading back to the mainland.

The Turquoise Riviera

Known as the home to some of Albania's most beautiful beaches, Himare is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Unlike most of its counterparts up and down the Adriatic, this stretch of the Riviera is mostly sand, with crystal clear waters perfect for water activities or just lying around.

Summer Chills

Learn All About Ohrid

Boating on Lake Ohrid

One of the best ways to enjoy Lake Ohrid is by taking a boat ride around its most attractive sites. There are more than a few boat providers available in Ohrid's central port area, and they are always ready to make the best deal with you, so don't hesitate to approach them randomly and strike a deal. Some of the most important sites you should see are the Church of St. Sophia, dating from the 9th century, the Church of Saint John at Kaneo, dating from the 15th Century, and the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, built on the foundations of an early Christian basilica back in the 9th century. The whole area is spectacular not only for its significant historical heritage but also for the nature that shows its best in many ways. We are sure a boat ride might be one of your best experiences while in Ohrid.

Bizzare, Bazaar, Skopje

For a capital city, Skopje is fairly small and walkable. For your first evening, we suggest walking along the Vardar River, passing the charming bridges and impressive buildings lining both banks. The many monuments in the city center may create a bizarre atmosphere, but they're undeniably interesting. Enjoy evening drinks on one of the fake ships built atop the shallow river. The boat offers a charming atmosphere, and the river's fresh breezes are helpful if you're visiting in summer. Finish your day with a dinner in one of the many restaurants offering live music.

Scoping out Skopje

This walking tour of Skopje includes all of the highlights of this fantastic city. You'll start with the old railway station, one of the most striking buildings in the Balkans. You'll also get to see the monument to Mother Teresa, the house of Mother Teresa and the Stone Bridge which is known as the most imposing monument in Macedonia. Another part of the tour takes you to Skopje's Old Town, with a walk through the Skopje Bazar, and finally a visit to a gorgeous church. You'll see the most interesting sights of this unique destination and get a real feel for its culture.

Matka Canyon

Kosovo Private Day Trip

Why not make a guided tour of Kosovo one of the highlights of your holiday? Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, you'll see local history come alive before your eyes as you stroll through the streets of Pristina. Pristina's vibrant and often volatile past has made it the city it is today. You won't miss any of the most notable sights as you explore the city and you'll come to a better understanding of the layout of the place as well as it's special character.