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Tirana to Athens or Corfu; Tour of Albania, N. Macedonia & Greece

Not Rated

Duration

7

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

___

Overview

Number of PersonsPrice / Person
Group Price 8+ Pax1309€
Group Price 2-7 pax1637€
Solo Traveler Price3110€

Join this 7 day tour of 3 Balkan countries offering a delightful mix of history, culture and natural beauty form Tirana to Athens . This tour through the Balkan Countries of  Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece starting form Tirana to Athens offers a delightful mix 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 (736 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 an additional 45 Euros per night per person in 3 star hotel accommodation.

* Hotel upgrade is possible, please enquire within.

* 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 315 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 Greece. 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

  • Skanderbeg square in Tirana
  • Local fresh vegetables market
  • Çam Bazaar
  • New Bazaar
  • Bicycle Bazaar
  • Local Neighbourhoods
  • Bunk’Art in Tirana
  • Samuel's Fortress Ohrid
  • Viewpoint of St. John at Kaneo
  • Mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke in Ohrid
  • Ohrid bazaar and shopping area
  • The ruins of Ohrid Amphitheater
  • 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 Day tour of Tirana
Day 1 Day tour of Tirana

We will start these 7 days adventure in the Balkans by discovering Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion, and enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures.
Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the opportunity to try Byrek and have breakfast like a local. The famous traditional Albanian food is dough with all kinds of filling such as cheese, meat or spinach. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, founded by the Albanian Çam community, who originally came from an area called Çameria in today’s North-Western Greece. 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’ll skip past the tourist traps and discover the city’s culinary highlights in some of our favorite local neighborhoods, where you'll have the opportunity to savor a traditional dessert at an authentic pastry. We will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana, where dozens of street hawkers sell fresh vegetables and fruits. After walking through the busy streets, we'll introduce you to the country's rich coffee culture. We will join locals at a cozy café and taste traditional "Albanian coffee". 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 the so-called Bicycle bazaar, where you can find everything, from second hand clothes to second hand furniture. The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will try the traditional Albanian lunch – "Qofte" (meatballs) grilled to perfection and paired with freshly baked bread. Vegetarians can enjoy freshly baked bread with Albanian Gjize (cottage cheese).
To wash it all down, we will also taste some Albanian Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix!
Our last stop will be BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war. The bunker was hidden to the general public until 2014, when the Albanian government decided to initiate an interesting project that converted the nuclear bunker into a museum. BUNKART is video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime. Overnight in Tirana

Day 2 Tirana – Struga (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
Day 2 Tirana – Struga (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid

Today we will depart towards North Macedonia. Struga 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. The town of Ohrid is one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake). Our tour continues to the city of Ohrid (UNESCO world heritage) an important center of Orthodoxy. We will visit the famous view point of church of St. John, the church of St. Nicolas and the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke. Ohrid became an important center 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 city grew on the hills and surrounding areas by the lake. 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 amphitheater, the beautiful view of the lake surrounded by mountains and the pearls from the lake. Overnight in Ohrid

Day 3 Ohrid – St.Naum – Tushemisht (Albania) – Drilon – Berat
Day 3 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. Before heading to Berat we will also visit 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. Overnight in Berat

Day 4 Berat – Gjirokaster
Day 4 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. In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Day 5 Tour of Gjirokastra
Day 5 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. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Day 6 Gjirokaster – Ioannina (Greece) – Meteora (Kalbaka)
 Day 6 Gjirokaster – Ioannina (Greece) – Meteora (Kalbaka)

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.
After we will drive towards Meteora, also part of UNESCO world heritage dating back in the 14th – 15th century. The monasteries are built on top of the spectacular rock formations, creating a beautiful and impressive sight. Get ready to witness one of the best and stunning sunsets you have ever experienced. As the sun continues to sink, the sky above Meteora is painted with a vivid array of colors. Truly, one in a lifetime experience. Overnight in Kalabaka.

Day 7 Kalbaka – Transfer day to Athens or Corfu
Day 7 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 port. 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
  • Hotel drop off in Athens or Port Drop off in Igoumtinsa (including ferry tickets 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
  • * Tips are not a must in Albania or the Balkans, however, our recommendation is to tip the tour leader/driver as an international practice to tip good service.

Epic journeys

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

Tour's Location

15%
from 1,309.00€ 1,112.65€

Inquiry

Organized by

Choose Balkans

Member Since 2020

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://choosebalkans.com/

Phone

+355684400400

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