Tirana: 9-Day Albania - Balkans Tour with Accommodation

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Balkans
• Explore the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the Old Bazaar in Krujë
• Discover the charming coastal town of Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
• Enjoy a wine or raki tasting to experience local flavors

Description

Day 1: Tirana Arrive in Tirana and check into your hotel. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Bunk’Art 2 Museum to get a sense of Albania’s history. In the afternoon, stroll through the Blloku neighborhood, known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and art installations. Enjoy a wine or raki tasting to experience local flavors. Day 2: Tirana – Krujë – Shkodër Drive to Krujë, an important city in Albanian history. Visit the Krujë Castle, which houses the Skanderbeg Museum dedicated to the national hero. Also, explore the Old Bazaar, known for traditional handicrafts. Continue to Shkodër, one of the oldest cities in Albania. Explore Rozafa Castle for views over Lake Shkodër and learn about the city’s ancient legends. Walk through the city center, visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, and stroll by Shkodër Lake. Day 3: Shkodër – Kotor (Montenegro) Cross the border into Montenegro and drive to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Venetian architecture and stunning bay. Explore the Old Town of Kotor, with highlights such as the Kotor Fortress, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and the Sea Gate. Walk along the bay and enjoy a sunset view. Day 4: Kotor and Surroundings Take a day trip around the Bay of Kotor, stopping at the charming coastal town of Perast. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island church with beautiful artifacts. Return to Kotor for lunch and explore more of the city, perhaps visiting the local markets or relaxing by the bay. Day 5: Kotor – Prizren (Kosovo) Drive to Prizren, a charming and culturally rich city in Kosovo. Explore the Old Town, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, Our Lady of Ljeviš Church (a UNESCO site), and Prizren Fortress for panoramic views over the city. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Kosovo’s traditional cuisine. Day 6: Prizren – Ohrid (North Macedonia) Travel to Ohrid, North Macedonia, known for its historic sites and lakeside views. Discover Ohrid’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with highlights like Saint Sophia Church, Church of St. John at Kaneo (known for its lakeside setting), and Samuel’s Fortress. Spend the evening by Lake Ohrid, enjoying the lakeside ambiance. Day 7: Ohrid – Pogradec – Korçë Cross back into Albania, arriving in Pogradec on Lake Ohrid. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake and stop for coffee. Continue to Korçë, known for its rich history and culture. Visit the National Museum of Medieval Art and stroll around the charming Old Bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a local dinner with a traditional serenade performance. Day 8: Korçë – Tirana Drive back to Tirana, stopping along the way for scenic photos or a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Tirana for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant in Tirana. Day 9: Tirana Departure Spend the morning in Tirana before departing, with a chance for a relaxed breakfast or final walk around the city.

Includes

Accommodation for 8 nights (hotels and guesthouses) Daily breakfast Guided tours and activities as per itinerary Transportation between destinations Entrance fees to museums and historical sites Local experiences such as wine tasting and cultural visits

Excludes

International flights Travel insurance Meals not specified in the itinerary Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.) Optional activities Visa fees (if applicable) Additional transport outside the planned itinerary Any service charges not mentioned

Important Information

• Visa requirements may apply depending on nationality Travel insurance is recommended Be prepared for a mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities Currency exchange may be needed for different countries visited

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund