ALBANIA, GREECE & NORTH MACEDONIA – 8 DAYS

Welcome to Tirana. Meet and greet the guests at Tirana International Airport and transfer to Kruja (40 min) PM: KRUJA is considered one of the principal old towns and is one of the most glorious cities in Albania. Visit the castle walls, the Historical Museum dedicated to Skanderbeg, and the architecture of the old houses to experience a special cultural aspect of life in northern Albania. Overnight in Kruja

09.00 – 11.30 Today, we’ll head to Berat, a medieval town listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 11.30 – 13.00 We will walk up to the fortress and visit its unique architecture of stone houses, of multiple-window buildings, walls and towers, orthodox churches and mosques, reflecting the harmonious coexistence between the Muslim population and the Orthodox Christian, a very positive example for the whole world. Enjoy your visit to the Onufri Museum. Take some unforgettable pictures of the city of the “windows one above the other” 13.00 – 14.30 Time for lunch 15.00 – 17.00 Tour & Wine Tasting in Cobo Winery (Optional). The winery is scenically nestled at the base of Mt. Tomorri in the rolling hills surrounding Berat. Çobo’s facilities currently consist of several cultivated vineyards, a spacious kulla (a form of traditional Albanian architecture), the winery itself, and a wine presentation room, elegantly constructed and furnished in the Berat style. 17.00 – 18.30 Continue our drive to Vlora Overnight in Vlora

09.00 – 12.30 Today, we’ll have a long drive along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera. Enjoy the scenic mountain ride, descending the rocky shore and pristine beaches of Ionian Sea, offering photo opportunities of the natural landscape & unique village settings. 12.30 – 14.00 Upon arrival to Saranda, lunch 14.30 – 16.30 Visit of Butrint Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance (two very important titles). This impressive walking tour will stir your imagination about the ancient world during the peak of Roman power and classical Greek mythology. Start with the Asclepius temple, theatre, Roman portico and baths, early Christian baptistery, Byzantine Basilica, defensive walls, and their impressive gates. 16.30 – 17.30 After a wonderful walk in Butrinti Natural Park, transfer to Saranda Overnight in Saranda

08.30 – 11.00 Breakfast and check out. Drive to Ioannina/Greece Please note, border procedures and time difference between Albania & Greece: 0/+1 12.00 – 13.30 Start your day with a panoramic visit to the Ioannina Castle, one of the most significant Byzantine-era fortresses in Greece. Explore the Old Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and Lake Pamvotis. Inside the castle, you’ll find the Aslan Pasha Mosque and the Byzantine Museum, which showcase the city’s multicultural past. Don’t miss the Kastros (Old City) within the castle, where narrow winding streets and traditional houses make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 13.30 – 15.00 For lunch, explore the local tavernas in the city center, where you can enjoy traditional Epirotic cuisine such as grilled meats and pies. 15.00 – 17.00 Proceed driving to Kalambaka, with a stop en route for refreshments. Overnight in Kalambaka

09.00 – 11.30 Today we’ll start the visit to the Monasteries. METEORA – is a religious place with many Byzantine churches and Monasteries, built on top of rocks that look like hanging rocks, overlooking a beautiful valley. Visit of two Monasteries: the Holy Monastery of Varlaam & Monastery of St. Stephan Important notice: For entering the monasteries of Meteora, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies must not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts. However, all the monasteries have wrap skirts at the entrances that you can borrow 12.00 – 13.30 Early lunch 13.30 16.30 After lunch, we’ll drive towards Bitola/North Macedonia, with stops en route for refreshments. Please note, border procedures and time difference between Greece & North Macedonia: 0/-1 15.30 – 17.00 After crossing the border, we may stop in Bitola, a city that serves as an administrative, cultural, industrial, commercial, and educational center. It is also one of the oldest cities in the Republic of Macedonia, founded by Philip II. Enjoy a pleasant walk along Širok Sokak. 17.00 – 18.30 Proceed driving to Ohrid Overnight in Ohrid

Breakfast in the hotel, and start the tour of Ohrid Old Town, located by the lakeside in the resort town of Ohrid, which is classified as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Nicknamed the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans,’ Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and was once considered the epicenter of religion and Slavic culture. Its rich history is reflected in every building that lines up the city’s old town. Visit the St. Bogorodica Perivlepta Church, the St. Sophia Cathedral, and the stunning St. John Kaneo Church (exterior view only) 12.30 – 13.30 After lunch at a local restaurant in the old town, enjoy a boat ride on this extraordinary lake 14.30 – 17.30 Afternoon optional visit to the monastic complex of St. Naum. Upon arrival at the Monastery of St. Naum, visitors are greeted by a serene and picturesque setting. Nestled on the edge of Lake Ohrid, the monastery complex provides breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the distance. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for reflection and prayer. Overnight in Ohrid

After breakfast at the hotel, departure to Tirana/ALBANIA with a stop en route for refreshments. Please note, border procedures: Guests are kindly asked to keep their passports handy We will explore the capital city of Albania, taking in some of its historical highlights, including the city center, the Skanderbeg Statue, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Italian-style buildings, and Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. We will also visit the former communist-era buildings, now painted in vibrant colors, and see the city’s modern expansion Overnight in Tirana

In the morning, you will have time to explore Tirana’s marketplace or go shopping. Transfer to Airport. Time to say goodbye and board your flight back home. End of Our Service! Highlights: • Kruje: historic museum • Berat: onufri; • Sarande: Butrint • Ioannina: Panoramic Guided tour • Kalambaka: ST Stephan Monastery & Varlaam Monastery • Bitola: Panoramic Walk in Sirok Sokak • Ohrid: St. Sophia Church & St. Perivlepta Church • Boat tour in Ohrid Lake (30 min) • Optional tour: Visit to St. Naum Monastery Tour & Wine tasting in Cobo Winery (Optional).