Compare Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer by Intrepid Travel vs Hidden Balkan with Greece by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1 Tirana

Mire se vini – welcome to Tirana, Albania. If you arrive early, perhaps get your bearings of the city with a walk around town. Tirana is filled with activity, from its traffic to its nightlife, but on its doorstep are mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and museums. This is a truly progressive city that's working hard to alleviate the Soviet bloc feeling that pervaded it for so long. In the evening, perhaps head out for dinner with your new crew.

Day 2 Tirana / Shkoder

This morning head out on a leader-led orientation walk of central Tirana. It’s the capital of Albania and its biggest city, but it's still small and compact, with architectural influences from Italy and Turkey. Visit the Skanderbeg Monument, the mosaic on the National History Museum and the Palace of Culture, which are all located on Skanderbeg Square. The main sight in Tirana is the Et'hem Bey Mosque, which sits right on the city's main square. The mosque is currently closed for extensive renovation works, but you can still take a look at the frescoes outside and in the portico that depict trees, waterfalls and bridges. After lunch, take a local bus to Shkoder, one of the oldest cities in Europe (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, head out on a short walk with your leader along the Pjaca – the main pedestrian street – lined with 19th-century architecture and dominated by Ebu Beker Mosque. Later in the afternoon, why not head north of the city to visit the Venetian era Rozafa Castle, set high on a mountain with panoramic views of the Albanian countryside.

Day 3 Lake Koman / Valbona Valley

Take an early morning transfer to Lake Koman (approximately 1.5 hours), where you'll board a private boat between Koman and Fierza, in the remote north eastern corner of the country, passing through Albanian Alps gorge (approximately 3 hours). Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop for a refreshments and swim. Take in the scenery of cliff walls on both sides of the narrow lake. The mountains that surround the lake and can reach over 1700 metres in height are almost uninhabited, except for the occasional settlement. This is one of the most beautiful boat rides you will ever take – emerald water merging with the green vegetation dotting the bright white cliffs. Upon arrival to Fierza, you'll be transferred to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley, where a delicious home cooked meal awaits.

Day 4 Valbona Valley

Take an excursion deeper into the remote Valbona Valley – complete with green meadows of traditional houses, farmland, and alpine trees. Due to the remoteness of the region and the lack of tourist infrastructure, today's activities will come as a surprise to all of us, including the leader! You may go for a hike in the surrounding mountains, walking through wide valleys and thick forests, or you might simply hang out in the village with the locals. One of the best things about Albania is the people – their warmth to strangers is infectious and you're bound to find yourself having a chat and swapping stories over a glass of raki or two. This is a great place to discover the history of Albania from the people who have lived through it, and to learn about the local way of life. Perhaps discover more about the stories of bloody feuds, said to be carried out in the name of the Kanun code: the customs that governed all aspects of life in the mountains.

Day 5 Peja

Today you'll cross the border into Kosovo by private vehicle (approximately 2 hours). Tiny Kosovo is Europe’s newest (official) country: a handful of landlocked mountains, poppy-dotted meadows and oak forests smack bang in the middle of the Balkans. The shadow of conflict in the late 90s has kept Kosovo off traveller's radars but go there today and you can feel that shadow lifting, and Europe’s youngest member is definitely making up for lost time. The first stop in this newly independent country will be the Decani Monastery. Time stands still here – a place of stunning art heritage, but whose symbolic significance as a Serbian Orthodox cultural monument unfortunately makes it vulnerable to destruction. Continue on to Peja (Pec in Serbian) – the gateway to the Rugova Mountains and a major agricultural centre (approximately 30 minutes). Visit the beautifully restored Peja Bazaar, dating back to Ottoman times, and Bajrakli Mosque. Having been destroyed twice in the last 80 years, the bazaar has been fully rebuilt after the Kosovo War, according to historical Ottoman architecture, and is one of the many protected monuments in Kosovo.

Day 6 Rugova Valley / Peja

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the village of Drelaj, which is deep in the Rugova Valley and close to the Montenegrin border (approximately 30 minutes). The Rugova Mountains rise to over 2400 metres and were declared a national park in 2013. Drelaj will be your base to explore the surrounding area on a 3 to 4-hour guided hike. The Rugova Valley is often compared to Switzerland in its landscape, and here at the foot of Hjala mountain, be surrounded by tall grass pastures dotted with wildflowers, the sound of cow bells drifting through the valley, and simple wooden shacks and stone houses with smoke drifting up to the granite cliffs above. Afterwards, you'll be able to rest your weary bones with lunch at a local family home. Head back to the hotel in the early evening, with your night then free – perhaps try the local Birra Peja, brewed here in town.

Day 7 Gjakova / Prizren

Journey to the south of the country today, to Kosovo's second biggest, and arguably its most beautiful, city – Prizren (approximately 1.5 hours). Along the way, you’ll stop by Gjakova to walk to the Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order (one of the Dervish sects). It is very interesting as we get to talk often to the Sheh of the order. Inside of the tekke, there are graves of all the previous sheh's since 1600 when the order was established. Afterwards, walking along the Carshia (main street), and stop at the Mosque of Hadumi. If you’re lucky, the main Imam of Gjakova will speak to you and give an Albanian interpretation of Islamic dogmas (principles), with plenty of time for questions. Later on, head to Prizren, with a stop at a restaurant on the Drini River. On arrival, head out an orientation walk, strolling alongside the Bistrica river, taking in the cobbled Shadervan square and the Old Stone Bridge. Explore the city’s famous mosques contrasted with abandoned Serbian Orthodox churches. Wander the streets and do some people watching in in Shadervan square, before another memorable Balkan sunset.

Day 8 Prizren

Today is free to explore the city's sights, after venturing out on an included visit to Prizren's sixth century Kalaja Fortress. This fortress sits proudly on a hilltop above the town and has a 43-step staircase hidden in a tunnel that connects to the river, and gives you views over the city. Make sure you visit the House of the Albanian League of Prizren, where in 1878 the Assembly of Prizren gathered to consolidate Albanian leaders to unite and protect the country against foreign threats. If you feel energetic, you may want to consider walking upstream along the Bistrica River, where you might meet locals tending to their flocks of sheep among mountainous scenery. Otherwise, if your group is up for it, get together to hire a minibus and drive for about an hour for lunch and wine tasting in the vineyards of Rahovec. The owners of wineries and cultivators of grapes are there to talk about the production technologies and approaches. After this, you could go for a walk along the vineyards just outside the town. This region in Kosovo is picturesque and has been a highlight for many travellers. Afterwards, spend another night in Prizren, where there’s a lot of great eateries. Prizren is commonly known as the gastronomic heart of Kosovo.

Day 9 Prishtina / Prizren

Take a day trip to Prishtina and surrounds. The capital of Kosovo is currently reinventing itself as a major commercial centre in the region, and its historical importance makes it an essential highlight. First head to Kosovo Polje (Field of Blackbirds), which the country is named after. There is a memorial here that commemorates the important 1389 battle of Kosovo – a skirmish that led to the Ottoman Empire finally taking control of this area of the Balkans. Nearby is the tomb of Sultan Murat, leader of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. You'll then get to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gracanica Monastery – one of King Milutin's last monumental endowments. The afternoon is free to explore the vibrant city of Prishtina, perhaps visiting the Ethnographic Museum, the Sultan Fatih Mosque or the Kosovo Museum. Check out the Newborn Monument, which was unveiled on the day Kosovo declared its independence in 2008. Nearby is a brass statue of Bill Clinton – thanks for the President’s role in ending the war. After exploring the city, head to the nearby Bear Sanctuary – a 16-hectare area of woodland providing a home for rescued dancing bears.

Day 10 Skopje

Craggy mountain backdrops, time-weathered monasteries, stunning lake panoramas, hearty national cuisine – North Macedonia is jam-packed full of the good stuff. Excellent hiking can be had in the mountain forests, Lake Ohrid’s waters rival the clarity of Croatia’s, and 500 years of Ottoman rule can be acutely felt in the capital’s bazaars. And to round it all out, the locals will be delighted to have you. This morning head out early and travel to Skopje, North Macedonia's capital city. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths, and also newly built neo-classical buildings and grand monuments. In the afternoon, wander past the mosques, caravanserais and hamams that fill its winding streets – a testament to Skopje’s Ottoman past. Perhaps take a step back to those times with a visit to the Daut Pasha Hamam, or journey through the humbling Holocaust Museum to learn how Macedonia suffered during this tragic chapter of history.

Day 11 Matka Canyon / Skopje

Venture out to Matka Canyon – a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River, 15 kilometres southwest of the city. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves, and over 70 species of endemic butterflies. There is the option to explore the canyon's sights by boat. Alternatively, you can take one of the many nature walks in the canyon, or up to tracks that hug the ridge high above the valley. Return back to Skopje, with the remaining part of the day free for you to continue exploring this exciting city. Perhaps take the Mount Vodno cable car to Millennium Cross, and for the views back down across the city. Get lost in the narrow lanes of Carsija – Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood or take in the stone bridge over the river Vardar – an iconic sight that acts as a handy connection between Macedonia Square and the Old Bazaar. Perhaps visit the Museum of the City of Skopje, housed in the old Railway Station, which is itself a unique piece of history. For dinner this evening you could head to the Old Bazaar or the restaurants in the Debar Maalo area.

Day 12 Lake Ohrid

Travel by local bus from Skopje to Ohrid, situated on a lake with the same name (approximately 3 hours). Europe’s oldest lake, and one of the oldest human settlements in the world, Lake Ohrid has a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. Ohrid is an eternal town, a magical hill whose primordial pulsation links ancient and modern times forever. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’, while historical excavations date back to Neolithic times. Despite being a World Heritage site for over 30 years, the town remains under the radar of visitors. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around Ohrid, maybe picking up a bargain or two in the vibrant Old Bazaar.

Day 13 Lake Ohrid

Take to the lake on a morning cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid. The rest of the day is free for you to discover the area. There are many churches and monasteries to visit, but one of the most popular is the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town, overlooking the lake. Past the church you can wander around to the back of town, exploring the old walls and fortress, and admiring the views of the lake. The Sveti Naum Monastery is also a great option, lying on the shores of the lake south of town, with well-kept grounds that are home to peacocks. The ancient Tsar Samoil’s fortress stands on the top of Ohrid Hill and looks across the town, while a 2000-year-old Roman theatre was uncovered near the Upper Gate – in summer it’s again being used for concerts and performances.

Day 14 Tirana

Say goodbye to the endless, merging blues of lake and sky as you board your private transfer across the border into Albania for your journey back to Tirana (approximately 3 hours). On arrival, your day is then free to explore. Feel the urban energy of this transforming city, where colour splashes enliven drab communist architecture, and if there’s time perhaps take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for a breathtaking overview of the city below. If you stay in town longer consider heading out to Kruja, the old capital of Albania. Tonight, perhaps gather together the group for dinner. You could head to Blloku (the Block) – once the domain of the Communist party’s inner circle and now home to designer cafes, glizy restaurants, and boutique bars. For something a little more traditional maybe head to an old house restaurant, where the menus are filled with Albanian recipes. Raise a raki to this adventure!

Day 15 Tirana

There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to stay on in Tirana we are able to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $55 (Standard package) or $90 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Day 1: Arrival to Belgrade

Upon arrival in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Nikola Tesla airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of New Belgrade with its prominent ‘blocks’ – a classic example of Socialist architecture, built after World War II – and modern business centres, including the imposing Ušće Tower. Along the way, your driver will show you and tell some stories about the Western Gate of Belgrade, the famous Belgrade Arena and the monumental Palace of Serbia. Check-in at your hotel.

Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7pm in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. You will also meet the other travellers in the group. For the rest of the evening, we recommend you take a short, leisurely walk through one of the oldest quarters towards the bohemian heart of Belgrade – Skadarlija. In a charming 19th century cobbled street you will find many numerous ‘kafanas’ where you can try delicious local specialties while listening to traditional music. Overnight.

Day 2: Belgrade – Fruška Gora – Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad – Belgrade

Breakfast. On this tour, you will explore the most interesting sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of Serbia. You will be driven through picturesque scenery and Serbia’s famous wine region towards the ‘Serbian Holy Land’, home to 17 functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries. You will visit well preserved monastery Krušedol, where you’ll have the opportunity to buy wine and rakija made by the monks.

The tour continues on to town of Sremski Karlovci. A real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, Sremski Karlovci feels like a ‘museum town’ with its Baroque centre, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). It is also famous for wine production and the town’s annual Wineball festival. You will finish your tour of this charming town with a visit and wine tasting at one the region’s most prominent wineries.

Further on the tour, you will visit the 2021 European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad. Located on the historical border of two former empires – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman – as a result, the capital of Vojvodina is a multi-cultural city with an interesting mix of architectural influences. On a sightseeing tour around the city, you will walk around the city’s pedestrian zone, past the City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city centre, the former house of Albert Einstein’s wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska and a synagogue. Then you’ll follow the right bank of Danube and visit Petrovaradin, or the so-called ‘Danube’s Gibraltar’, where the fortress is located. Drive back to Belgrade. Overnight.

Day 3: Leisure day

Belgrade Great Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour (driving and walking) around Belgrade, a capital city well known for its various architectural styles, dynamic history and fantastic views of one of the biggest river confluences in the whole of Europe. Start the tour visiting the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex devoted to the life and deeds of Josip Broz Tito, the political leader of Yugoslavia. Next, you will pass by the stadium of FC Red Star – the former European and World Cup champions, and proceed to the Temple of Saint Sava, Belgrade’s patron saint. Very much a symbol of the city, this impressive building can be seen from any part of the capital.

After a short break at the Temple’s plateau, the panoramic tour will then take you from Slavija Square, to Saint Mark’s Church, the Serbian National Parliament and White Palace, and on to Republic Square. This most central point of Belgrade is surrounded by such cultural institutions as the National Theatre and National Museum. The tour will then head along the lively Knez Mihailo Street, the main pedestrian and shopping zone, before stopping for a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is located just across from the Building of Patriarchate. Your guide will tell you about the tavern around the corner, the oldest in the city and intriguingly known as “?” (Question Mark), before continuing on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city, situated on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube.

Day 4: Belgrade – Šargan Eight – Wooden-town – Zlatibor

Breakfast and check-out. Morning departure from Belgrade, heading west towards the picturesque Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, through which the West Morava River meanders. The tour will continue on to Tara National Park, and you will have time to reflect on its beauty from aboard the authentic, retro ‘Nostalgia’ train which runs along the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Šargan Eight. Travelling from the bottom of Šargan mountain on route shaped like the number eight (hence the name), you will be transported back in time while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery and numerous tunnels and viaducts. At the beginning of the 20th century, the railway used to be a part of the railway from Belgrade to Sarajevo. After enjoying the breathtaking nature, you will arrive at the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village, which includes the Mećavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema and a church, is made of natural materials, mostly wood. Since 2008, the village plays host to the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival and Drvengrad has been visited by the likes of Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, Jim Jarmusch and many others.

After exploring Drvengrad, there will be a short drive to the famous Zlatibor Mountain, home of the first royal resort in Serbia. Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the quaint town centre of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, an enjoyable dinner of traditional Serbian food typical of the region will be served in the hotel. Overnight.

Day 5: Zlatibor – Višegrad – Sarajevo

Breakfast and check-out. The tour continues to Bosnia and Herzegovina and a short drive takes you to Višegrad, where Emir Kusturica used his imagination and creativity to build Andrićgrad (also known as Stone Town). It is a cultural centre with numerous buildings and facilities built on the banks of the Drina River near the famous bridge (a monument under the protection of UNESCO). The bridge is referenced in the title of Ivo Andrić’s novel The Bridge on the Drina and in honour of the Nobel Prize winning author, Kusturica’s town was called Andrićgrad (literally translated as Andrić’s Town). In Andrićgrad, the tour will stop for lunch at an unusual restaurant called Zlatna Moruna, the interior of which is decorated with frescoes by well-known artist Bisenija Tereščenko.

After lunch, the tour will continue on to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check-in at the hotel. After a short rest, the Sarajevo sightseeing tour will start, covering all the main sights including: Vijećnica or Sarajevo City Hall, the building of which was finished during the Austro-Hungarian period; the old downtown of the city called Baščaršija; the historical and cultural centre of Sarajevo with authentic shops and souqs from the Ottoman era; the Orthodox Church from the 16th century; the Gazi Husrev-bey mosque; the Sahat Tower from the 17th century; and the first public toilet in Europe. Next you will head on to the Latin Bridge where Gavrilo Princip shot the successor to the Austro-Hungarian throne Franz Ferdinand, consequently starting the First World War. After crossing the bridge, you will reach Bezistan, a market complex from the 16th century, and then on to the main pedestrian zone Ferhadiya with the Sarajevo Synagogue from 1580 and a Catholic cathedral from 1881. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 6: Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Trebinje

Breakfast and check-out. Drive to one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula, Mostar. During the walking tour, you will visit the symbol of the city, Balkan TOP 10 and the most photographed sight in the country – the Old Bridge (a UNESCO protected landmark). You will then proceed to Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. Free time in Mostar for getting lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with an amazing view of the bridge that rises above you.

The excursion continues to Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the 15th century where the Kosača noble family ruled. Blagaj was also the crib of Islam of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina, when dervish Sari Satluk built a khanqah at the riverhead of Buna. During the short tour, enjoy the view of the monastery located in a fairy-tale environment, beneath the cliffs, on the shores of the emerald green river Buna.

The next destination of the day is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a wonderful mix of sights originating from a mix of different cultures. The tour starts with a visit to Arslanagića Bridge, a dream for artists and photographers alike; this stone bridge with its peaceful atmosphere will take you 400 years back in time. During the leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll see the most important sights of Trebinje as you make your way to the so called ‘Poet’s Square’ where you can sit under the 115 year old trees, which are the symbol of the town. In this beautiful town, Emir Kusturica, the world famous movie director, made one of his last movies, with Monica Belluci in the leading role. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 7: Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Budva

Breakfast and check – out. Drive and arrival in Dubrovnik, one of the most significant monuments in the world and one of Europe’s best preserved walled cities, known since the 7th century. The old town is surrounded by a 2 km long wall that gives a great opportunity to see old Dubrovnik from above during a one hour relaxing walk; the city’s churches, fortifications and monuments are a real must-see. Dubrovnik has enchanted a lot of famous persons to devote their pieces of art to the city, thus in this city of marble and light coloured stone, you will find numerous art galleries and unique shops. In the historical centre of Dubrovnik, you will visit the main street Stradun, the main square Placa, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port and other hidden gems.

Drive to Budva, the town known as the tourist capital of Montenegro and for all the right reasons. Highlights include walk through the mediaeval cobbled streets of Budva’s Old Town, a cocktail on the warm sandy beach and incredible views of the natural beauty of Budva, the bay and neighbouring islands. Located on a small peninsula, the Old Town represents a treasure chest of cultural heritage. Along the narrow streets and around the squares you will find famous buildings such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, which houses the tomb of the exquisite writer Stjepan Mitrov Ljubiša, and the churches of Saint Ivan, Santa Maria in Punta and Saint Sava. At the end of the tour, you will have some free time and we suggest using it to enjoy some fresh seafood and local wines at one of the many restaurants. Check–in to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 8: Leisure day

Budva – Kotor – Budva

Breakfast. Today we are heading to the Bay of Kotor. With its unique landscape, it is a must-see location for more than 500 cruisers during a year. Our first stop a stop will be at the town of Perast, little settlement in baroque style. From Perast you’ll start a relaxing boat ride along Boka Kotorska Bay to picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rock. This manmade Island hosts a church with valuable paintings of local artists, silver votive tablets and a famous votive tapestry.

After the boat ride, you will continue to Kotor, an old Mediterranean town that dates back to the 12th and 14th century. A walking tour will allow you to explore this UNESCO site, including the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and other cultural moments. You will have free time to continue wandering around the old paved town, or have lunch in a restaurant on one of romantic squares.

Back to Budva and free time for individual activities and enjoying in modern Mediterranean town.

Overnight.

Day 9: Budva – Shkodër – Tirana

Breakfast and check-out. The tour continues through pristine nature, a national park and past Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe. The Albanian spirit is best felt by visiting charming town of Shkodër, one of the oldest towns in Europe, unique by its narrow streets, stone walls and ancient houses. At the entrance of the town, the tour will start with a visit to the remains of the Venetian fortress Rozafa, one of the biggest and most famous castles in Albania. It rises imposingly on a rocky hill, surrounded by the Buna and Drina rivers, and offers amazing views of Shkodër, Lake Skadar and its water-intersected surroundings. Continue on the tour to the centre of the town, walking through the well preserved and most popular pedestrian street Kole Idromeno towards the other sights of the town, including the Ebu Bekr Mosque, the Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity and the monument of Mother Teresa.

Drive to Tirana, the capital city of Albania as well as its largest city. Situated on the banks of the Lana River, Tirana has outstanding architecture, wide boulevards, parks, shops and cafés. The heart of Tirana is the Skanderbeg Square, where you will find many important ministry buildings, as well as the National Opera, the National Bank and the National Library. The square is dominated by a statue of Lord Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero and symbol of freedom and independence. During the sightseeing tour, you will be introduced to the architecture of the Mussolini period and see the city’s most important landmarks, including the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower and the Presidential Palace. As you stroll through the central part of the city, you can enjoy the many murals and works of art painted on the buildings by various artists and understand why Tirana is known as ‘the city of colourful buildings’.

Check-in to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 10: Tirana – Elbasan – Ohrid – Skopje

Breakfast and check-out. On the way to North Macedonia, we will make a stop in Elbasan, the third largest city in Albania, located on the Shkumbin River. While the city was the main centre of Albanian nationalism during Ottoman rule, Elbasan is best known for its castle district. Here you can still admire the old city walls built by the Ottoman sultan Mehmet II on the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine fortifications, which gave the city the name of Eli-Bashan (“I put the hand”). Inside the fortress, while walking the cobblestone streets past old houses and excellent restaurants, you will see the Royal Mosque that dates back to the 15th century, the Orthodox Church of Saint Mary and the Sahati Clock Tower.

Continue to Ohrid, the soul of the Balkans and the cradle of Slavic literacy. Thanks to its extraordinary natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage, Ohrid was proclaimed as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. One of the oldest lakes in the world will welcome you with a photographic setting, impeccably clear water that reflects the lake’s picturesque high mountain surroundings. This former capital of the First Bulgarian Empire is the spiritual and national centre of Northern Macedonia. In the same area where the first Slavic university was founded, you will have the chance to visit over 300 Orthodox churches and monasteries.

Drive to Skopje. Check-in to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 11: Leisure day

Skopje Sightseeing Tour

Breakfast. The capital of North Macedonia, for a long time Skopje has been the meeting point of different nations and cultures in the heart of the Balkans. After an earthquake in 1963, Skopje was rebuilt and it is now a modern city with a population of almost one million. With its fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites and the nearby Matka canyon, it is a very attractive tourist destination. Start your sightseeing tour in the old part of city with a stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Bazaar, the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today. With the 1500-year old Kale fortress perched above, listen to stories about the Sultan Murad Mosque and Daut Pasha Hamam before walking across the Stone Bridge, close by the Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia, towards Macedonia Square and its amazing fountain with the ‘Warrior on a Horse’ monument. In the newer and more modern part of the city, you will also see the Porta Macedonia, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Art Bridge and numerous statues of prominent North Macedonian figures.

For the remainder of the day, we suggest you use your free time to rest in the hotel before heading out to experience the city’s nightlife. We recommend heading to Debar Maalo — an area famed for its restaurants — and trying numerous North Macedonian delicacies including shopska salad, ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), sarma (minced meat rolled in cabbage/vine leaves), tavče gravče (baked beans) and stuffed peppers. Back to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 12: Skopje – Thessaloniki

Breakfast and check-out. Drive to Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and one of the oldest in Europe. For many tourists all over the world, Thessaloniki is the perfect destination for leisure tourism, with its quality museums, concerts and rich nightlife.

The main sights of Thessaloniki date back to the Roman and Byzantine times and include the Roman Arch of Galerius, the Monument of Rotunda, the Church of Saint Demetrius and the mediaeval castle Heptapyrgion. During the Thessaloniki city tour, you will visit Aristotelous Square, the city’s most central square and home to monumental mansions. It is one of the biggest and most impressive squares in Greece and offers a wonderful view of the Thermaic Gulf — with clear skies, you can see Mount Olympus in the distance. A walk along Nikis Avenue will take you along the coast, from the city’s port to the statue of Alexander the Great. Lined with many cafés, bars and stores, this avenue is one of the city’s most favoured places to walk for locals and visitors alike. Continuing on the tour, you certainly will not miss a visit to the White Tower, the most popular monument and a symbol of the city; the Arch of Galerius erected to commemorate the victory of the Roman Emperor Galerius over the Persians; the Rotunda which served as a mausoleum for Galerius and is now the Church of Saint George; and one of the oldest churches in city, the Church of Hagia Sofia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Use your free time in the evening to further explore this ancient city and afterwards, enjoy some local Mediterranean specialties and a glass of delicious Greek wine in one of the many restaurants overlooking the Bay of Thessaloniki. Overnight.

Day 13: Thessaloniki – Meteora – Athens

Breakfast and check-out. On the way to Athens, you will have a chance to visit the Meteora, a unique complex of Orthodox monasteries named after the Greek word for levitating stones. A place that, until 100 years ago, could only be reached by a rope net, today it is must-see location on a tour of Greece. Set on huge, steep cliffs, the monasteries evoke a mixture of awe and amazement, and it will come as no surprise that it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered as a unique cultural heritage phenomenon and one of the most important points on a cultural map of Greece. The stunning natural phenomenon of great geological age is also home to a resilient community of monks that inhabits six of the original 24 monasteries.

On the way to the Greek capital, enjoy the picturesque scenery of southern Greece, the part of Europe where the sun always shines. Check-in to the hotel. Free time to rest or to get out and catch the vibes of modern and vibrant capital. Overnight.

Day 14: Leisure day

Athens Sightseeing

Breakfast. Start the day by exploring Athens, the capital of Greece, birthplace of democracy and home to the most important archaeological sites. The historic capital of Europe is best known for the Acropolis of Athens, the site of masterpieces of world architecture and art, among which the Parthenon — the greatest symbol of Ancient Greece and democracy — stands out.

As you explore the Acropolis, you will also see the Erechtheion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the world-famous sight Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Besides the Acropolis, the sights of this wonderful city not to be missed are the city’s main central squares: Syntagma Square, at the foot of the Old Royal Palace, and Omonoia Square, where you will find some of the city’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings. On the sightseeing tour you will also visit the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games in modern history were held, as well as Monastiraki, a characteristic area of “old” Athens, with narrow streets and small buildings surrounding one of the oldest churches in Athens, the beautiful Church of Panagia Kapnikarea. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the historic Plaka district, also known as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’. With its tight, twisting alleys and colourful 19th century facades, this area is packed with small shops selling handmade souvenirs and local home-made food.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Athens on your own and discover the fashionable boutiques, sophisticated restaurants, cool bars and traditional taverns. Overnight.

Day 15: Athens Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Serbia Tour Operator to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us.

End of services.

If you are departing from Athens a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $80 (Standard package) or $110 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.