Our first destination for today would be Ioannina, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. As we wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, you'll be transported back in time. The remains of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras are evident in the architecture, with ancient walls and charming houses. Our next stop will be the imposing Ioannina Castle, which dates back to the Byzantine era. Within the castle walls, we'll find a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and historic buildings. As we wander through the vibrant streets, you'll encounter charming cafes, inviting you to savor traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies. Have some free time to stroll through the old town of Ioannina. In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster. Overnight in Gjirokaster (Albania).

Today we will visit Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.
A short drive from Gjirokaster brings us to one of the region’s most enchanting vineyards. At The Barrels, a family-run vineyard and restaurant set among rolling hills and greenery, you can soak in the scenery before enjoying some free time for a meal, a glass of wine, or a leisurely stroll. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, 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. Overnight in Berat.

Today we will cross border towards North Macedonia but not before making a stop at the national park of Drilon. Drilon waters springs 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 the park.
Next, 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.
Later we will cross border towards North Macedonia and our first stop 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. Overnight in Ohird.

Today we will visit 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. After we will drive towards Tirana. Overnight in 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. Overnight in Tirana.

Our day starts with a city tour of the of Durres, which offers a blend of ancient ruins, cultural experiences, and seaside relaxation. During 7th-6th centuries BC the Illyrians named the city Epidamnus. Because of its geographic position, in the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Durres has always been a very important city throughout the history. Known also as the center of Archaeology in Albania, it has the largest Ancient Roman – style Amphitheatre in the region. We will continue our tour towards the promenade by the seaside “Vollga”. Have a coffee while enjoining the view of the endless sea and soak up the sunshine. Not to be missed when visiting Durres is the traditional ice cream which can be found at street vendors. Overnight in Durres.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast. As this day is organzie as a free day consider taking a gentle walk by the seaside. After enjoining a leisure day in Durres deepening on availability and pricing the transfer from Albania to Bari (Italy) might also be organized by ferry or by plane. In the evening, we will take the ferry to Bari, Italy. Overnight in the ferry. However, the transfer from Albania to Bari might also be organized by plane. In this case, the overnight will be spent in Bari, Italy.

Today get ready to explore the city of Bari, the capital of the Apulia region wich offers a combination of rich of history, culture, and local flavor. We will explore the city of Bari, known for its historic Bari Vecchia (Old Town), beautiful seafront, and delicious cuisine. You will have some free time to explore Bari and wander through its narrow, winding streets, where you'll encounter charming medieval architecture and lively local life. Do not miss a walk to Lungomare (seaside promenade) for a leisurely walk along the coast. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and beautiful views of the Adriatic. Overnight in Bari.

We set out from Bari and journey towards the enchanting town of Alberobello, known as the "city of Trulli." This fairy-tale town, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see when visiting the Puglia region. Alberobello’s historic center is a charming maze of streets lined with unique Trulli houses (stone huts). We will visit the Rione Monti quarter, which is perched on a small hill and features over 1,000 Trulli—remarkable for its almost exclusive use of this traditional building style. You’ll have time to wander around and soak in the magic of Alberobello. Enjoy a meal at a local Trulli restaurant, savoring the region’s delicious cuisine, and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir from one of the local shops to remember your visit.
After having explore the city of Trulli, we will drive towards the fascinating Basilicata region, and visit Matera. You might recognize this historic town from the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die. Matera is renowned for its Sassi, a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising an intricate network of ancient cave dwellings. Upon arrival, we’ll head to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through this picturesque square and take in the stunning views of the city. After exploring Matera, we’ll drive towards Salerno. Overnight near Salerno.

After brekfast, get ready to expereince one of the most scenic drives in the world reaching Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO listed site comprised of towns and village beaches. One look at the Amalfi Coast and you may believe that you've found heaven on earth. Its high cliffs, enchanting coves, small bays and terraces with citrus fruits, vines and olive trees, make it one of the most popular destinations in the world. You will be amazed by the spectacular strip of coastline with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea to one side and the peaks of the Lattari Mountains to the other. Overnight in Naples.

Today we will explore the vibrant city of Naples, the third-largest city in Italy. Situated along a lovely bay, Naples is known for its chaotic charm, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The town is full or Art, History, Music and Culture. Our first stop will be the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest squares in Naples. You can admire the Royal Palace and the San Francesco di Paola church. Just off the Piazza del Plebiscito, we will visit the Galleria Umberto I, an impressive shopping arcade with stunning architecture. Later we will walk towards Quartieri Spagnoli, or the Spanish Quarters, is a historic and vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Naples, The Quartieri Spagnoli is home to many traditional Neapolitan restaurants and pizzerias.
This evening, we say a fond farewell to the tour leader, who has guided you through an unforgettable journey across Europe. Tomorrow, you will continue your experience with a guided Local food walking tour of Rome, led by a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce you to the cultural and historical heart of the city. Overnight in Rome.

Today, you will make your own way at the meeting point to join the local food tour already booked for you by us. You will be welcomed by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its lively nightlife, charming streets, and hidden culinary gems. The tour begins at a bustling local market, where the air is filled with the irresistible aromas of fresh ingredients. At this stop, we will try all kinds of spreadable creams made of rich and unique flavors such as truffle, mushrooms and cheese. After sampling these treats, we raise a glass and toast to the day with a refreshing limoncello.
Next, we step into a charming store renowned for its selection of local products from the Norcia region. Here, we will try fresh prosciutto, ham, and salamis. The store’s warm atmosphere and the quality of the products make this stop a highlight for any food enthusiast.
Our local food tour adventure continues at a local pizzeria, where we’ll enjoy mouthwatering arancini—crispy rice balls that are a Roman specialty. We’ll then head to the next pizzeria to sample authentic Roman pizza, known for its super-crispy, thin crust. This classic pizza is simply topped with cheese, tomato, and a drizzle of fine olive oil, allowing the pure flavors to shine.
For our final stop, we’ll visit a gelateria to try authentic Italian gelato! Here, you will experience the smooth, rich textures and vibrant flavors that define this delicious and iconic Italian treat. This concludes the end of the local food tour of Rome.
Spend your last day exploring the city at your own pace. As the saying goes; "All roads lead to Rome". So here you are, at the heart of ancient Rome; take this opportunity to wander through the enchanting streets and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the city. Find a bustling café to savor an espresso and a Cannoli (filled pastry) while soaking in the Italian charm. Do not forget to buy some gifts and souvenirs as a memory of this amazing trip. This remarks the end of this unforgettable tour through the heart of Europe.