from 3,430.00€
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Rome to Athens / Corfu; Semi – Private Tour with Dedicated Tour Leader & Car

Not Rated

Duration

14 Day

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

___

Overview

Number of PersonsPrice / Person
Group Price 8+ pax3430 €
Group Price 2-7 pax4288 €
Solo Traveler Price8148 €

Join this tour through Mediterranean marvels of Italy, Albania Greece, & North Macedonia from Rome to Athens. Embark on this enchanting tour to experience; the ancient city of Rome, the dynamic city of Naples, drive through the scenic Amalfi Coast, immerse yourself in the lively capital of Albania – Tirana, and marvel at the UNESCO sites of Alberobello, Ohrid, Berat, Gjirokaster, and Kalabaka. This journey through the Mediterranean Marvels of Italy, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece promises a delightful blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and urban exploration.

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 (1930) 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 an additional 80 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 an additional 840 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 Italy or neighboring countries such as Albania, Kosovo, N. Macedonia or Greece. Please contact us for more information.

* 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

  • Rome
  • Trastevere in Rome
  • Local Markets of Rome (Trastevere neigorhood)
  • Naples
  • Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples
  • Galleria Umberto I in Naples
  • Quartieri Spagnoli in Naples
  • Amalfi Coast
  • Materra
  • Alberobello
  • Rione Monti
  • Bari Old Town
  • Durres City
  • Durres Amphitheatre
  • Vollga in Durres
  • Local fresh vegetables market
  • Çam Bazaar
  • New Bazaar
  • Skanderbeg Square
  • Bicycle Bazaar
  • Local Neighborhoods
  • Communist Museum Theme Bar
  • 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 Monastery
  • Tushemisht
  • Drilon National Park
  • Fortress of Berat
  • Mangalem neighbourhood in Berat
  • Gorica neighbourhood in Berat
  • “Ura e Gorrices” – Gorrica Bridge in Berat
  • The Onufri Museum in Berat
  • Xhamia e Beqarit – Bachelor’s Mosque in Berat
  • The fortress (Kalaja e Gjirokastres)
  • The old city Gjirokaster
  • Zekate or Skenduli preserved house
  • Medieval bazaar in Gjirokaster
  • The polyphonic festival stage inside the castle in Gjirokaster
  • Ioannina Old Town
  • Ioannina Castel
  • Meteora in Kalabaka
  • Monasteries of Meteora

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Rome (Italy)
Day 1 Arrival in Rome (Italy)

Benvenuti a Roma! After your arrival in Rome, you will make your own way to the hotel already booked for you by Choose Balkans, where you will be welcomed by hotel staff assisting you with the check in procedures. After freshening up and settling in, spend your first 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 cannoli (filled pastry) while soaking in the Italian charm. Overnight in Rome

Day 2 Rome Local Food Tour
Day 2 Rome Local Food Tour

Today, you will meet your tour leader who will accompany you at the meeting point to join the local food tour, led by a local knowledgeable 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 marks the end of our unique food adventure.
Afterwards, have the rest of the day to explore Rome on your own. Overnight in Rome

Day 3 Pick-up in Rome – Naples
Day 3 Pick-up in Rome – Naples

After having experienced the capital of Italy and the ancient city of Rome, our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel at around 10am. We will begin this amazing journey by driving towards 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 and our first stop will be the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest squares in Naples where 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 wander towards Quartieri Spagnoli, or the Spanish Quarters, a historic and vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Naples. The Quartieri Spagnoli is home to many traditional Neapolitan restaurants and pizzerias and you may enjoy some free time here amongst the best local cuisines including classic pizza, pasta, and street food. Overnight in Naples.

Day 4 Naples – Amalfi Coast – Salerno
Day 4 Naples – Amalfi Coast – Salerno

After breakfast, get ready to experience one of the most scenic drives in the world reaching the stunning 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 near Salerno.

Day 5 Salerno – Materra – Alberobello – Bari
Day 5 Salerno – Materra – Alberobello – Bari

Today we cross into the Basilicata region to reach Matera. You may well recognize the town from the latest James Bond movie, No Time to Die. The Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a network of ancient cave houses. We will walk to Piazza Vittorio Veneto and stroll through this picturesque square, enjoying the beautiful views of the city.
After this we will drive towards the city of trulli (stone huts), Alberobello. A visit to the fairytale town is a must when travelling to the Puglia region. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the town attracts a wealth of history buffs, photography enthusiasts and culture lovers. Alberobello has a dreamy historic center that consists of two districts with picturesque streets lined with trulli; Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola and we will visit the Rione Monti quarter within the 'trulli zone'. Up a small hill, it contains over 1,000 trulli and almost no other type of building style. After walking around and exploring, you will have some time on your own to find a traditional trulli restaurant to enjoy local cuisine and take home a souvenier to remember this experience. Overnight in Bari.

Day 6 Bari – Overnight Ferry/flight to Durres/Tirana (Albania)
Day 6 Bari – Overnight Ferry/flight to Durres/Tirana (Albania)

After breakfast 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 to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and beautiful views of the Adriatic. In the evening, we will take the ferry to Durres, Albania. Overnight in the ferry. (However, depending on availability and pricing, the transfer from Bari to Albania might also be organized by plane). In this case, the overnight will be spent in Tirana, Albania.

Day 7 Durres – Tirana
Day 7 Durres – Tirana

Our day starts with a city tour of the ancient town 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” where you may have a coffee while enjoining the views of the endless sea. Not to be missed when visiting Durres is the traditional ice cream which can be found at street vendors. In the afternoon, we will drive towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 8 Local Food and Walking of Tirana
Day 8 Local Food and Walking 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. Male 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! Overnight in Tirana

Day 9 Tirana – Struga (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
Day 9 Tirana – Struga (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid

Today we will depart towards North Macedonia. Struga (N. Macedonia) will be our first stop. We will have a quick drink by the beautiful source of Drini River, one of the longest in Western Balkans. After a short visit in Struga 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’ll 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 10 Ohrid – St.Naum – Tushemisht (Albania) – Drilon – Berat
Day 10 Ohrid – St.Naum – Tushemisht (Albania) – Drilon – 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 11 Berat – Gjirokaster
Day 11 Berat – Gjirokaster

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. Overnight in Gjirokaster

Day 12 Tour of Gjirokastra
Day 12 Tour of Gjirokastra

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. After the tour we will to The Barrels Winery, a lovely family-run vineyard nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery. Have some free time to enjoy lunch surrounded by the peaceful natural setting, savoring local flavors amid the scenic beauty of the countryside. Overnight in Gjirokaster

Day 13 Gjirokaster – Ioannina (Greece) – Meteora (Kalbaka)
Day 13 Gjirokaster – Ioannina (Greece) – Meteora (Kalbaka)

Our first destination for today would be Ioannin, 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 remnants 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 meander through the vibrant streets, you'll encounter charming cafes, inviting you to savor traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies. After we will drive towards Meteora, also part of UNESCO world heritage and constructed in the 14th – 15th century. The monasteries are built on top of the spectacular rock formations, creating a beautiful and impressive sight. You may catch one of the best sunsets painted with a vivid array of colors. Overnight in Kalabaka

Day 14 Kalbaka – Transfer Day to Athens or Corfu
Day 14 Kalbaka – Transfer Day to Athens or Corfu

This is the last day of your Balkan adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Your tour leader will drop you off at your hotel in Athens or at Igoumentisa Port where you will take the ferry (tickets included) to Corfu. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories of these Balkan Countries to cherish for a lifetime!

Included/Excluded

  • BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnights in 3 star hotels
  • Private transport provided by the company
  • Professional tour leader
  • Local food tour in Rome (Day 2)
  • Local food tour in Tirana (Day 8)
  • Hotel Pick up in Rome (Day 3)
  • Ferry Ticket form Bari (Italy) to Durres (Albania) or flight from Bari to Tirana
  • Hotel drop off in Athens or Port Drop off in Igoumtinsa (including ferry ticket to Corfu port)
  • Entry tickets for the "will be visited’" sites
  • Tourist taxes
  • International car insurance
  • Road taxes
  • Petrol
  • Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks
  • Souvenirs
  • 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
Local Transport
Personal Tour Guide
Road taxes
Tourists taxes

Tour's Location

from 3,430.00€

Inquiry

Organized by

Choose Balkans

Member Since 2020

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://choosebalkans.com/

Phone

+355684400400

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