BALKAN HERITAGE – ALBANIA, KOSOVO & NORTH MACEDONIA

Welcome in Albania! Transfer to your hotel in Shkodra (1h30min) . Sightseeing the city, which is known as an old artisan center & a considerable transit trade, Shkodra is one of the most important cities of Albania also as the center of Albanian Catholicism, Culture and Harmony between different religions. The main cultural attraction is Rozafa Fortress, rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun . Overnight in Shkoder

Breakfast, check out of your hotel. Transfer to Koman Dam (2h30min). Aboard the ferry and enjoy a 2 ½ hour sail in Koman Lake amidst stunning panoramic views of the Drini River Valley, canyons, waterfalls and amazing rock formations. Arrive in Fierza in the afternoon and continue to Prizren. Upon arrival, we’ll discover Prizren, the cradle of cultural wealth of Kosovo people. The walking tour will explore the Old town with its Ottoman bridge, water fountain, their unique mosques and orthodox churches. Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, Stone B ridge and Shadervan Overnight in Prizren

This morning , we’ll depart to Skopje/North Macedonia, with stop en route to visit a beautiful monastery of Gracanica, built about 1313 –21 under the Serbian king Stefan Uroš II Milutin. The monastery is a fine work of Balkan architecture containing valuable frescoes and in 2006 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. You have possibility to have lunch in an Ethno House near the Monastery. Continue our driving to Skopje (1h30min) Overnight in Skopje

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Start panoramic city tour of Skopje , known for the contrast between old ottoman town and the modern city. The tour will highlight the Old Town, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the beautiful quay of the Macedonian river, “Vardar” , an exciting tour ist destination. Free time for shopping and lunch Continue driving to Ohrid for dinner and overnight (3hrs) Overnight in Ohrid

Ohrid – St. Naum – Ohrid After breakfast, walking tour of Ohrid old town (UNESCO heritage site), city of light with rich cultural and historical heritage in which a lot of civilizations left their own mark, city for which many world searchers of beauty use to call this city – Macedonian part of paradise. The highlight of the Ohrid tour include Church of St. Sophia, St.Bogorodica Perivlepta, Old Bazaar and Antique Theatre Optional boat ride on extraordinary Lake of Ohrid Afternoon visit to a monastic complex St Naum, known for its rich history of orthodox religion, some of the painting achievements and wood carving Overnight in Ohrid

Today, after breakfast and check out, we will drive to Berat/Albania to visit one of the most important medieval town in Albania, listed under UNESCO Heritage. The walking tour will explore the ancient fortress, main gates, towers, orthodox churches, the typical architecture of the dwelling sites, bearing 2500 years of heritage and the tour of Onufri Museum, located withi n St. Mary’s church. You may have an optional tour and wine testing to Cobo Winery . The Çobo Winery is scenically nestled at the base of Mt. and facilities currently consist of several cultivated vineyards, a spacious kulla (a form of traditional Albanian architecture), and the winery itself, and a wine presentation room, elegantly constructed and furnished in the Berat style. Overnight in Berat

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and departure to Tirana. Tirana, the capital of Albania, has a rich history by the interaction of cultural forces originating in the Islamic and European Christian worlds. During the tour, you will encounter the impact of these influences in the Tirana’s architecture. The tour will highlight some symbols and remains of the communism era to provide you with a general understanding of Albanian history. Visit National Historic Museum from outside due to closure for renovation Folk show – songs and dances accompanied by a band of music instruments. Overnight in Tirana

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and departure to the airport If the time permits, you may have an optional tour of Kruja Drive to Kruja and start touring the medieval fortress of Kruja hill town. The walking tour will take you through the cobble stone pathway of Ottoman bazaar, with wooden shops and displays of various gifts and antique household items. Visit within the walls of the castle wi ll include visit of an old house turned to an ethnographic museum, which will provide you to a unique cultural aspect of life in northern Albania . Free time for shopping until your departure to the airport Transfer to the airport (30min) End of Service • Bus at Disposal throughout the Tour • English Speaking guide who will escort the group Throughout the Tour • English Speaking Local Guides on Ohrid • 7 Nights’ Accommodation as per below: o Tradita Geg & Tosk Shkoder 4*on HB Basis (1 Night) or similar same standard and category o Hotel Theranda Prizren 4*on BB basis (1 Night) or similar same standard and category o Hotel Skopje City Center 4* on BB basis (1 Nights) or similar same standard and category o SU Hotel Ohrid 4* on HB Basis (2 Nights) or similar same standard and category o Hotel Belagrita Berat 4* on HB Basis (1 Night) or similar same standard and category o Hotel Victoria Tirana 4*(1 Night) on BB Basis or similar same standard and category • Accommodation Tax • Restaurants as follows: o Restaurant Old House in Skopje or similar o Restaurant in Prizren o Restaurant Oda in Tirana or similar with Folkshow Dinner • Entrances as per below: o Gracanica Monastery o Ohrid Monasteries o Berat Castle o Onufri Museum • Ferry o Ferry Koman Lake