Day 1: Skopje (North Macedonia) – Pristina (Kosovo) – Prizren
Your tour leader will pick you up at your hotel in Skopje and head towards the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Visit the Newborn monument and walk towards the main boulevard in the capital where you may enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes.
Continue your tour towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing rich history, nature, religious tolerance, and gastronomic delights. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city.
Day 2: Prizren – Kruja (Albania) – Tirana
Cross the border to Albania, your first destination being Kruja, a historical symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century. Walk through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar.
This is the best place to shop for souvenirs in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets and jewelry. The castle of Kruja (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on the top of a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack.
Drive towards Tirana, the capital of Albania, and walk towards Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. After strolling the bustling streets of Tirana, visit BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana.
Continue towards Tirana Castle, in the city center, now a pedestrian street where modern and tradition perfectly merge. Your last attraction will be the lively and vibrant Blloku neighborhood. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 3: Tirana – Berat – Ohrid (North Macedonia)
After breakfast, drive towards Berat, 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 is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans. Overnight in Ohrid.
Day 4: Ohrid – Skopje
Continue your city tour of Ohrid, 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. Visit the famous viewpoint of the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Nicolas, and the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke.
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.
Drive back to Skopje, marking the end of this amazing Balkan tour.
