TIRANA - LIN - DRILON - POGRADEC

Lin - The journey to Pogradec begins with a stop at Lin Village. Lin is located on a small peninsula on Lake Ohrid and has been inhabited since the Iron Age. Archaeological discoveries on the hill above the current village include foundation walls and mosaics from a 6th-century early Christian Byzantine church. This church is part of the potential UNESCO site of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region. The ruins of the paleo-Christian church in Lin, along with its 4th-5th century floor mosaics, highlight the early presence of Christianity. Following this, the drive continues to the city of Pogradec.

Pogradec - Pogradec is a serene city on the shores of Lake Ohrid, near the Macedonian border. It was a favored retreat for Albania’s former king Zog and communist leader Enver Hoxha. Pogradec is one of Albania’s oldest settled areas. Lake Ohrid, of tectonic origin (2 – 4 million years old), is the deepest lake in the Balkans and is under UNESCO protection due to its unique value and 17 species of aquatic animals. For dinner, Fish Koran is recommended. Among the many culinary traditions, the renowned delicacy in Pogradec is a golden-skinned, salmon-colored fish called Koran (also known as the Ohrid trout), found only in Lake Ohrid.

Driloni National Park - A truly traditional village in the area! Gentle water streams flow through the village into the lake, gently rocking boats on its surface, with lush gardens surrounded by weeping willows. This picturesque setting makes Drilon one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Its flora and fauna are among the most diverse in the country. It is no wonder that communist leader Enver Hoxha chose this refreshing and relaxing environment for his vacations.

POGRADEC - SAINT NAUM MONASTERY - VOSKOPOJA

Monastery of Saint Naum - After breakfast, the journey continues to the border between Albania and North Macedonia. The car will be parked near the Albanian border, and then there will be a 30-minute walk to the Saint Naum Monastery. The original monastery was built on this plateau in 905 by Saint Naum of Ohrid. It was dismantled between the 11th and 13th centuries and rebuilt in the 16th century as the multi-domed Byzantine structure seen today. St. Naum of Ohrid (Sveti Naum in Macedonian) was a medieval scholar and writer who, along with Saint Clement, continued the mission of spreading Christianity among the Slavic-speaking people of the region. Building on the work of the sainted brothers Cyril and Methodius, St. Naum is linked to the creation of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts. Known as a living saint for his many miracles, St. Naum of Ohrid passed away in 910 at the age of 80 and was buried inside the monastery. The journey then returns to the border.

VOSKOPOJA - KORCA - ELBASAN - TIRANA

Korce - The tour proceeds to Korça, one of Albania’s most beautiful cities, often referred to as the ‘little Paris of Albania’. The city is known for its typical neighborhoods, featuring low houses and villas paved with cobblestones. Korça offers a variety of museums, such as the Education Museum (located in the building where the first Albanian school opened in 1887), the renewed National Museum of Medieval Art (a must-visit), the Prehistoric Museum, the House-Museum of the renowned landscape painter Vangjush Mio, the Museum of Oriental Art “Bratko”, and the Gjon Mili Photography Museum. Nearby is the cemetery of French soldiers who fell during the First World War. Besides museums and monuments, Korça hosts Albania’s largest carnival, held before Orthodox Easter, and is famous for its local serenade songs. The journey then continues to Elbasan.

Elbasan - Before returning to Tirana, there is a stop in Elbasan, a city at the heart of Albania. Its central location, from North to South and East to West, has earned it the nickname “Kërthiza e Shqipërisë” (The Bellybutton of Albania). In Elbasan, the old town and the castle will be visited. The Elbasan Castle is located in the town center. Although only two ancient walls remain, the area inside is filled with old houses, cobblestone streets, and an excellent restaurant. One castle wall features the impressive sahati (clock tower). The journey concludes with a drive to the hotel in Tirana, marking the end of the service.

• 2 nights accommodation
• Professional guide
• Breakfast included
• Air-conditioned minivan transport

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Other

Situated on the edge of Lake Ohrid, Pogradec boasts a rich history and a wealth of cultural, geological, and natural artefacts. Archaeological digs on the city’s nearby hill have revealed an Illyrian community dating back to the 5th century BC, linked to the ancient tribes of Desaret and potentially the Enkelej. Located on Lake Ohrid’s western shore is Lin, a tiny peninsula featuring a village with homes constructed from stone and brick.

Korça is a beloved city in Albania, appreciated for its preserved original architecture, clean air, cultural exuberance, and culinary delights. Its vibrant art and culture scene captivates the gaze at every turn. On a tour of Korça, you’ll encounter numerous historical and cultural sites. The city is also home to unique traditional dishes that are local specialities. The plethora of museums in Korça narrate its enduring cultural activities over the centuries.

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