TIRANA AIRPORT - GJIROKASTRA

Gjirokaster - Upon arrival at the airport, guests will be transported to Gjirokastra. Known as “The Stone City,” Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Southern Albania on the eastern side of the “Mali i Gjere” mountain. Visitors will explore the medieval bazaar and the Ottoman-style houses in the town’s historic area, where artisan women craft handmade doilies, and carve wood or silver in the narrow cobblestone streets. The tour includes a visit to the castle and the Skenduli House, built around 1700, which boasts many intriguing features. Overnight stay in Gjirokastra.

GJIROKASTRA - IOANNINA - METEORA

Ioannina - After breakfast, the journey continues to Ioannina, Greece. A stroll through the city evokes a sense of a bygone era, filled with hidden places and enduring legends. The itinerary includes the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman mosque of Veli Pasha, and the historic city center, showcasing a blend of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences. The Stoa Louli arcade, once an inn and later a significant mercantile exchange, is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of these cultures. The tour also covers the castle town of Ioannina and Lake Pamvotida, before heading to Kalambaka.

Meteora - Meteora is a stunning natural wonder enhanced by human ingenuity. Towering rocks, hundreds of meters high, rise from the plains, creating an awe-inspiring sight. These rocks support beautifully crafted monasteries, offering a remarkable blend of nature and human achievement that captivates both new and returning visitors. The Great Meteora Monastery, also known as the Megalo Meteoro Monastery or Metamorphisis, is the most renowned. Guests will visit several monasteries and spend the night in Kalambaka, beneath the Meteora rocks. Overnight in Meteora.

METEORA - KORCA

Korce - After breakfast, the tour proceeds to the Albanian border (Kapshtica) towards Korca. This town exudes romance, from its traditional Albanian serenades to its picturesque winter snow. Its charming villas, sunlit cobblestone streets, fresh mountain air, and warm hospitality create a unique and festive atmosphere year-round. Both locals and visitors hold Korça in high regard, often returning to this postcard-perfect town. Once dubbed “the little Paris,” Korça is a hub of Albanian arts and history, home to some of the country’s most captivating museums.

KORCA - TIRANA

Tirana - After breakfast, the journey continues to Tirana. The tour begins at Skanderbeg Square and the National Museum, followed by visits to other significant landmarks: Palace of Culture, Opera House, National Library, Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Tirana Castle, Parliament, Ura e Tabakeve, National Art Gallery, government buildings, Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals, the Pyramid, Prime Minister building, Palace of Congresses, Mother Teresa Square, Archaeological Museum (featuring discoveries from the Stone Age to the Medieval period), Presidential Palace, Ex-Blloku (formerly the exclusive area for ex-communist leaders’ families). The tour also includes the Cold War corner (featuring a Bunker, part of the famous Spac Political Prison, and a piece of the Berlin Wall).

TIRANA - TIRANA AIRPORT

Tirana - After breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airport, marking the end of the service.

• Professional guide
• 4 nights accommodation
• Breakfast
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Other

Explore the historic heritage and cultural diversity of these lands. This tour will uncover the beauty and extensive Greek, Roman, and Ottoman legacies. The journey will lead to the bustling, post-communist, and eclectic Tirana, the capital of Albania, as well as the Ottoman-era towns of Gjirokaster and Korca, known as the city of Serenades. After gaining a deeper understanding of Albania’s rich history, the tour will cross into Greece to admire the natural beauty of the Pindus Mountains in the Zagoria region. The winding roads through the mountains pass by quaint villages and dramatic gorges. The tour will explore multicultural Ioannina and visit the renowned Meteora monasteries.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.