from 1,400.00€
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Albania, Kosovo & N. Macedonia; Semi – Private Tour with Dedicated Tour Leader & Car

Not Rated

Duration

8

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

___

Overview

Number of PersonsPrice / Person
Group 8+1400 €
Group 2-7 pax1750 €
Solo Traveler3325 €

This 8-day tour program is tailored to offer its participants the best combination of historical sites of Albania, Kosovo and N. Macedonia with some of the best national parks of these Balkan countries. During these eight days, you will be able to visit the most important tourist attractions of Albania, Kosovo and N. Macedonia.

Important information:

* All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.

*Please ensure you bring your passport or travel document with you during the trip.

*Kindly note that visa requirements are the responsibility of each traveler and Choose Balkans cannot advise on different requirements or restrictions.

* Single Supplement: To guarantee tour departure even for one participant we require a single supplement. If other participants join this tour, you will be refunded 50% of the single supplement amount (787 Euros) and your room occupancy will still be private. We organize small groups up to 8 pax. Please contact us if you are a larger group of participants for a quotation.

* Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in 3-star hotel accommodation.

* Single room occupancy is possible at 50 Euros per night per person in 3-star hotel accommodation.

* Hotel upgrade is possible on extra charge.

* Children pricing: Age 0 – 1.99 Free of charge; Age 2+ full fare.

* Choose Balkans reserves the rights to add other participants in and during the tour program. If you are interested in a private tour, please contact us for a quotation.

* Private tour is possible at 360 Euros/person.

* Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control.

* On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Albania, Kosovo N. Macedonia or Montenegro. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs.

* Please note that Choose Balkans needs to receive the net (full) quoted amount. Transaction and payment fees are on the sender (you in this case). We will notify you with a print screen of the amount received at our account as soon as we receive your down payment.

* Please note that Credit/Debit card payments are possible at our office in Tirana and apply a 5% bank commission.

* If you confirm to book this tour or any other service offered by Choose Balkans, via Choose Balkans official channels; email/facebook/whatsapp/phonecall or any other form of communication it means that you have read and agreed to the terms &conditions. 

https://choosebalkans.com/terms-conditions-tours/

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Old Bazaar in Kruja
  • Kruja castle
  • The Etnographic Museum OR Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja
  • Dollmës Tekke in Kruja
  • Shkodra castle (Kalaja e Rozafes)
  • The pedestrian street (Pedonale)
  • The Catholic Cathedral in Shkodra
  • The Great Mosque in Shkodra
  • Venetian Mask Factory
  • Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism
  • The Old Town in Prizren
  • The bazaar in Prizren
  • The castle in Prizren
  • The Archeological Museum and its tower in Prizren
  • Sinan Pasha Mosque in Prizren
  • Old Bazaar in Gjakova
  • Monastery of Decan
  • Rahovec Valley
  • Pristina City
  • Newborn Monument
  • Stone Bridge and Art Bridge in Skopje
  • Alexander the Great statue in Skopje
  • Old Bazaar in Skopje
  • Matka canyon
  • Samoils Fortress Ohrid
  • Viewpoint of St. John at Kaneo
  • Ohrid bazaar and shopping area
  • The ruins of Ohrid Amphitheater
  • Paper Museum in Ohrid
  • St Naum
  • Tushemisht
  • Drilon National Park
  • Fortress of Berat
  • Mangalem neighbourhood
  • Gorica neighbourhood in Berat
  • “Ura e Gorrices” – Gorrica Bridge in Berat
  • The Onufri Museum OR Ethnographic Museum in Berat
  • Local fresh vegetables market in Tirana
  • Çam Bazaar in Tirana
  • New Bazaar in Tirana
  • Skanderbeg Square in Tirana
  • Bicycle Bazaar in Tirana
  • Local Neighborhoods in Tirana
  • Communist Museum Theme Bar in Tirana

Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana (Albania) – Kruja – Shkodra
Day 1 Tirana (Albania) – Kruja – Shkodra

Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana in the morning. Our first destination for today is Kruja, a historical city symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the XV century. Kruja is situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain. Walking through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar (one of the biggest and oldest in Balkans) gives you a sense of a passage through the history. This is the best place to shop for souvenirs in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets, jewelries etc. The castle of Kruja (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on the top of a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack.
From Kruja, we will depart towards Shkoder, situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history of a thousand years of habitation. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together towards the Adriatic Sea. Shkodra’s architecture is a fusion of Illyrian foundations, Ottoman influence and Venetian elegance. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that the majority of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra. During our visit, we will stop at the city’s unique Venetian Mask Factory, one of the most fascinating artistic workshops in Albania. Inspired by Venetian traditions, this small factory handcrafts exquisite papier-mâché masks, each one painted and decorated entirely by hand. The vibrant studio is filled with color and creativity, where every mask tells a story, from classic Venetian carnival styles to imaginative modern creations. Overnight in Shkoder

Day 2 Shkoder – Mirizi i Zanave Agro tourism – Prizren (Kosovo)
Day 2 Shkoder – Mirizi i Zanave Agro tourism – Prizren (Kosovo)

Our first destination for today will be one of the best slow food Agro-tourism in the Balkans. We will take a tour around the farm. In addition, we will learn about the story of this farm and how it created jobs for more than 400 people in the surrounding area. The farm collects, elaborates and preserves regional bio fresh local products. We will also learn how this family business adapted some old communist buildings to serve as storage for local-made bio products. You will have some free time to enjoy a traditional lunch or buy some fresh produce products from the farm.
In the afternoon we will continue our tour towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Prizren has played an important role in the region as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that fight for your attention. Filigree artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride. Don’t miss the unique experience of shopping in one of the many filigree shops of the town, where you are welcomed to also see the metalsmithing magic happen. If you have to choose just one mosque to visit then visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque colour and pattern. The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town. Free afternoon in Prizren. Overnight in Prizren.

Day 3 Prizren – Gjakove – Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren
Day 3 Prizren – Gjakove – Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren

After breakfast we will continue our tour towards Gjakova. The city has the oldest and largest bazaar of Kosovo. Even though, it got destroyed during the first Balkan wars, the second world war and the Kosovo war, the bazaar got rebuilt again to its old state and is a nice place to enjoy a meal or to take a look at the stores that sell traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. Don’t hesitate to explore the artisan workshops, where you can watch traditional crafts being made using techniques passed down for centuries. Our next destination will be the Monastery of Decan. This one stands out for its white colour, but even more remarkable is the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food there, such as cheeses. The monastery became part of UNESCO in 2004 because of its frescoes, which portray the lives of people during the 14th century as well as the Palaeologan renaissance that changed the way of Byzantine painting. Before returning back to Prizren we will drive towards Rahovec Valley, known as the capital city of viticulture in Prizren. There is evidence that in this region grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times, 2000 years ago. Vineyards are positioned in the soft hillocks of Rahovec in altitude from 350 -520 meters of the sea level making Rahovec an ideal spot to produce high quality fine wines. A wine festival takes place in Rahovec annually every September. Overnight in Prizren

Day 4 Prizren - Pristine - Skopje (N. Macedonia)
Day 4 Prizren - Pristine - Skopje (N. Macedonia)

Before heading towards N. Macedonia, we will visit the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. We will visit the Newborn monument, symbol of the independence and being a young new country. We will walk towards the main boulevard in the capital. Sheshi Nena Tereza is a nice street to stroll through and enjoy a coffee at one of the bars. Here we will also pass the Skanderberg square with the statue of Skanderberg himself, the national Albanian hero.
Our tour continues towards Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. The city has European, Ottoman and even Asian influences. The Stone Bridge connects the new part to the old part of the city. Impossible to miss in Skopje is the Alexander the Great Statue in the center. Another bridge that stands out is the Art Bridge that leads to the Archaeological Museum. The bridge is lined with flamboyant street lanterns and statues of Macedonian artists and musicians. We will wander through the Old Bazaar of Skopje, the biggest one in the Balkans, that combines the modern way of living with centuries of history. The cross on top of the mountain can be seen kilometers away from Skopje and has become a symbol of the city. Overnight in Skopje

Day 5 Skopje - Matka Canyon - Ohrid
Day 5 Skopje - Matka Canyon - Ohrid

Our first destination for today will be Matka near Skopje. It is impressive how this beautiful nature paradise is located so close to the bustling capital. Besides the fun boat trip through the canyon, Matka has much more to offer, such as caves, medieval castles, spectacular hiking routes and the option to go swimming in the turquoise waters.
From Matka we will drive towards Ohrid, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and the Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake), it’s surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys.
We will visit the famous view point of Church of St. John at Kaneo. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. During the Ottoman Empire the houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake. Today the city is famous for its architecture, the churches, the castle on top of the city, the amphitheatre, the beautiful view of the lake surrounded by mountains and the pearls from the lake.
We will also stop at the Paper Museum, one of Ohrid’s most fascinating small museums. Here, you will learn about the ancient art of handmade paper production, crafted using techniques that date back to the time of Gutenberg. You will even have the opportunity to purchase a piece of handmade paper as a unique souvenir, a lasting reminder of your visit. Overnight in Ohrid

Day 6 Ohrid - St Naum - Tushemisht (Albania)- Drilon National Park – Berat
Day 6 Ohrid - St Naum - Tushemisht (Albania)- Drilon National Park – Berat

Our first stop for today will be St Naum. The monastery of St. Naum carries the name of a holy place. It is situated right at the source of River Crni Drim, which flows through Lake Ohrid. This monastery complex is part of the National Park Galicica and belongs to one of the strictly protected areas. Crystal clear, spring water reflects both the surrounding greenery and the mountain peaks in the background. As we cross border towards Albania we will stop in Tushemisht a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. You will have the chance to meet local street vendors who sell their homemade and handcrafted products, from local preserves, honey, and herbs to beautiful handmade souvenirs. It is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their traditions, and perhaps pick up a few authentic treats or crafts to take home.
Before heading back to Berat we will also visit the national park of Drilon. Drilon waters form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful greenery that makes a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. The weeping willow trees by the lake's shoreline creates a soothing ambiance, inviting travelers to relax and absorb the beauty of park. Overnight in Berat

Day 7 Berat – Tirane
Day 7 Berat – Tirane

Berat is known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood. We will drive to Tirana after the city tour. Overnight in Tirana

Day 8 Local Food and Walking tour of Tirana
Day 8 Local Food and Walking tour of Tirana

Today we will discover Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion to offer you a unique experience across the city, while passionately sharing our culinary treasures. Make sure to come with an empty stomach and get ready for a delicious adventure.
Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the chance to try Byrek, a classic Albanian specialty made of thin layers of dough filled with cheese, meat, spinach, or other ingredients. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price.
With your local companion by your side, you will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana. Here you will have the possibility to try fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other local flavours, while experiencing daily life up close.
The tour will continue through the charming neighborhoods of Tirana; observe the daily lives of the city's residents, admire colorful buildings, and get a feel for the authentic atmosphere. We will visit a lively market, known for second-hand goods of all kinds. Don’t be shy, explore the market and hunt for any pre-loved item that catches your interest.
The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will sit down for a traditional Albanian meal prepared with regional specialties.
To wash it all down, we will also taste the famous Albanian Grape Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix!
Now that you have seen Tirana from a local’s perspective, enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant capital on your own. This marks the end of this remarkable adventure through history and culture.

Included/Excluded

  • BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnights, in 3 stars hotel
  • Private transport provided by the company
  • Professional tour leader
  • Hotel pick up in Tirana
  • Entry tickets for the “will be visited” sites
  • Local Food Tour Experience in Tirana (including meal) on day 8
  • Tourist taxes
  • Road taxes
  • International car insurance
  • Petrol
  • Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks
  • Personal spending
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the included
  • *If you have enjoyed your experience, tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for your tour leader / driver efforts and dedication.

Epic journeys

BB for all overnights
Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
Personal Tour Guide
Road taxes
Tourists taxes

Tour's Location

from 1,400.00€

Inquiry

Organized by

Choose Balkans

Member Since 2020

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://choosebalkans.com

Phone

+355684400400

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