Albania-North Macedonia-Kosovo, 7 Days Tour. Travel through the valleys, towns and mountain scapes of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. In these countries there are plenty of shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches. From cafes in Tirana or Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 6-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.
Tirana
Shkoder, Valbone, Prizren, Skopje, Ohrid, Tirana
This tour combines the highlights of the Balkans; Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo, by trying to show the best each of these countries offers. Albania offers a mixture of cultural elements with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a rich archaeological legacy. Macedonia offers some of the most excellent religious relics, while Ohrid has biggest Icon museum in the region as well as many beautiful churches.
Depending of the arrival time, pick up from the airport and transfer to 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, we will drive 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 Piaza – 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. Overnight in Shkoder
After breakfast we will be transfered to Lake Koman (approximately 1.5 hours), where you’ll board a ferry between Koman and Fierza, in the remote north eastern corner of the country (approximately 3 hours). Locals use the boats here when returning from shopping trips or school in the cities, with the boat drifting to the sides to drop off or pick up passengers waiting on the banks, waving for attention.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to 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. Overnight in Valbone
Today you’ll cross the border into Kosovo (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 – 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.
Today we will 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.
We 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.
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 we 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 the night in Prizren, where there’s a lot of great eateries. Prizren is commonly known as the gastronomic heart of Kosovo. Overnight in Prizren
Pristina, 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.
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.
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. For dinner this evening you could head to the Old Bazaar area. Overnight in 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.
Later we will drive 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. Overnight in Ohrid
Lake of Pogradec, has a beauty on its own. Park of Drilon and the small village of Tushemisht are the main attraction, in 10 minutes after passing the border of North Macedonia.
The city of Pogradec, with the main road by the lake and plenty of restaurants offering many fish dishes, like famous Koran. After lunch depart for Tirana. Overnight in Tirana
This is the last day, free time in the city, Depending on the flight time, transfer to airport.
