Off the Beaten Path in Albania and North Macedonia

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Tirana

   Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

   Welcome to Albania! You will be met at Tirana's Mother Teresa Airport by our driver and taken directly to your accommodations in the city center. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Eat Your Way

   Tirana has a wealth of tasty restaurants and cool cafes where you can taste local delicacies and cosmopolitan cuisine from around the world. If you’re looking for a unique place to enjoy a hearty meal or a drink, check out the Blloku neighborhood. Here you’ll find the city’s most interesting places, where young in-the-know locals congregate and you’re always sure to see something interesting. It’s hard to go wrong here, and it’s not a huge neighborhood, so you’d do well to wander around a bit to choose where you’d like to enjoy your afternoon or evening.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Tirana

   

   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.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Tirana

   

   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.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Vlore by Private Transfer / Arrival in Vlore

   

   Today you will be traveling to the beautiful Albanian Riviera. We will arrange for a private driver to pick you up at your accommodations at your preferred departure time. The drive to Vlore takes about 2.5 hours, but we have added a stop en route at Berat. This town is UNESCO-protected thanks to its unique style of architecture, with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries. In Berat, you'll enjoy a tour with a local licensed guide.

   Vlore has a history as extensive as the beaches and sea caves that line the nearby coast. Founded by the Greeks, and expanded by the Romans and Byzantines, the concrete-heavy center of this city is unremarkable, but the surrounding national park, sea caves, monasteries, beaches, and birding opportunities are anything but.

   Upon arrival in Vlore, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   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.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Vlore

   

   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.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Himare by Private Transfer / Arrival in Himare

   

   Today a private driver will take you to Himare. This non-guided scenic drive will take about 2 hours.

   Himara has two parts, the lower town featuring a seaside promenade that runs between crystal blue water, and taverns and fish restaurants. Uphill lies the Old Town, built around the ruins of a massive, ancient castle. Up and down the coast, it's easy to find Albania's best beaches, amidst dramatic caves and headlands. Scattered inland lie Byzantine monasteries and churches.

   Upon arrival in Himare, your driver will take you to your accommodations.

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Himare

   

   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.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Summer Chills

   Himare is predominantly a summer destination, vibrant but not too busy, where you'll see much of the Greek charm. Besides spending lazy days on lovely beaches, those who are a bit more active could go for a coastal hike to the famous Livadhi beach or take one of the boat rides and explore nearby beaches, among them Porto Palermo and its historic castle.

8. Day 8 Traveling to Ohrid by Private Transfer / Arrival in Ohrid

   

   It's time to trade the seaside for lakeside. Your next destination is magical Ohrid! Our driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you on a scenic 5.5 hour drive. This non-guided transfer may take a bit longer, depending on the border crossing time.

   A serene city on a beautiful lake, Ohrid combines ample history, scenery, and outdoor activities, which helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is set on a hill with a wealth of sites to explore, from monasteries to an ancient Greek amphitheater, and an imposing fortress. Since the city is right on Lake Ohrid, everywhere you go you’ll have breathtaking views of the water and all the surrounding natural beauty. One of the most incredible things to see is the view of the Old Town jutting out into the lake, especially when lit up at night, an image summing up the lake region's unique charm. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find a rich cultural atmosphere, with many concerts and outdoor events. The lake gives the region its unique charm and also offers many excellent outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, kick back, and relax at one of the beachfront bars, or even climb aboard a boat. The water is very clean and is consistently warm, since it’s fed by hot springs spread across the lake. One of the activities our guests love best here is a trip to the St. Naum monastery at the other end of the lake. But that’s just one of the boating options that will give you a chance to enjoy the lake from the center of it, and to get a new point of view on the city. Ohrid is reasonably priced, so you can really live it up while you’re here. The city remains relatively untouched, but it does seem poised at the edge of a tourist boom. See it before the crowds do.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in Ohrid.

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Ohrid

   

   Learn All About Ohrid

   Today, you will explore the city of Ohrid and visit the breathtaking Lake Ohrid. You will explore some of the old and new architecture that makes this place special. Ohrid is one of the rare towns that will have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. You will visit all of the important buildings and enjoy the best panoramic view of the entire city and the lake. Returning to the city center, you will walk through Ohrid Bazaar and even have the opportunity to buy a famous Ohrid pearl. You will come away with a complete appreciation of this amazing destination.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Traveling to Skopje by Private Car / Arrival in Skopje

    

    It’s time to leave Ohrid behind and head to the Macedonian capital, Skopje. The direct drive is about 3 hours, but for an additional fee, you can take the scenic route through Mavrovo National Park, a natural paradise of mountains and forests with a large lake. You can make a stop for lunch in a small town or village and taste more local specialties. Another must-see along the route is the monastery of St. John Bigorski, a still-functioning Macedonian Orthodox monastery dedicated to John the Baptist. It somehow manages to combine a tourist attraction with a place of peace and quiet reflection. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

    The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Skopje.

    

    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.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Skopje

    

    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.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Watch the video

    

    Matka Canyon

    Today, you will be taken to Matka Canyon, where you will have opportunities to visit its beautiful lake, monasteries, and churches. A boat trip on the lake to Vrelo Cave is included. YOu can grab your own delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the canyon. If you wish to enjoy some hiking on marked and secured trails along the canyon, you'll have fantastic views. Finally, the tour also includes a visit to the Monastery of St. Pantelejmon before you are taken back to your accommodations.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Watch the video

12. Day 12 Your Second Full Day in Skopje

    

    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.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 10 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

13. Day 13 Departure Day

    Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Skopje airport for your departing flight.