Enter North Macedonia: Ohrid Lake

Driloni National Park - Departing from Tirana, the journey leads to Lake Ohrid. As the scenic drive continues along the lake’s edge, the beautiful city of Pogradec is reached on the Albanian side, just before the border. A stop at Drilon Park offers a peaceful retreat by the Drilon River. This river, gracefully flowing into Lake Ohrid, has fostered a unique ecosystem, providing a home for many elegant swans.

Monastery of Saint Naum - Upon entering North Macedonian territory, the Saint Naum Monastery soon appears. The ancient Byzantine architecture, standing for a millennium, is admired before exploring the monastery’s interior. Inside, the central church is visited, and the picturesque view of the lake from this vantage point is enjoyed. Nature lovers will also appreciate the captivating peacocks that add to the monastery’s charm and beauty.

Ohrid - The journey culminates in Ohrid, a city seemingly untouched by time. Ohrid’s history stretches back to ancient Hellenistic times, through the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. With its remarkable blend of Orthodox and Islamic architecture and an astounding 365 churches, each representing a day of the year, Ohrid is truly unique. As the enchanting streets of the old town are explored, the main churches, such as Saint Sophia, Saint Jovani, and Saint Clement, are visited. The medieval Samoil Fortress is marveled at, the National Workshop for handmade paper is visited, and the rich culture at the Ohrid Amphitheatre is experienced, among other captivating experiences awaiting in this remarkable city.

Guests will be dropped off at their hotel. Enjoy the Ohrid market in the afternoon.

The Capitals: Skopje & Prishtina

Matka Canyon - After breakfast, the journey towards Skopje begins. Just 16km before Skopje, a stop is made at one of North Macedonia’s most famous natural attractions, Matka Canyon.

A boat tour through the canyon offers exploration of the cave and the secret lake of Matka Canyon.

Skopje - The journey continues towards Skopje. Located in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, along the Vardar River, Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. Surrounded by mountains and hills, it boasts a scenic setting. The capital’s history is ancient, dating back from the Greek colonies and Macedonian empire to the Yugoslav periods.

Pristina - The final destination for the day is Prishtina. Prishtina’s history is marked by various periods of rule and influences. In the 20th century, it became the capital of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, Kosovo declared independence in 2008, with Prishtina as its capital.

During a walking tour of the city center, several places are visited, including:
-Newborn Monument: A symbol of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
-Mother Teresa Square: This central square is named after Mother Teresa.
-Imperial Mosque (Xhamia Mbret): Dating back to the 15th century, this mosque is one of the oldest buildings in Prishtina.
-National Library of Kosovo: Known for its unique architectural design, the library is a prominent cultural institution in the city, and much more.

The Cultural Capitals: Prizren & Kruja

Prizren - The tour continues to Prizren, considered the cultural capital of Kosovo. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, it served as an important center during the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav periods. The city holds particular significance to Albania, as the first government of a united Albania was established here - the Albanian League of Prizren.
Prizren’s old town is characterized by cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and historic buildings.

Some of the attractions to be visited include:
-Sinan Pasha Mosque: One of the most prominent landmarks in Prizren.
-The Albanian League of Prizren building
-Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš: A Serbian Orthodox church dating back to the 14th century.
-Prizren Fortress (Kalaja e Prizrenit): The fortress offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Following a delightful lunch in the old town, the journey continues towards Kruja.

Kruja Castle - The amazing journey begins in Tirana. After picking up travelers at their hotels, the drive leads to the first destination, a small stop in Kruja City, often referred to as “The old capital of Albania.” The exploration begins with a visit to the remarkable Kruja Bazaar, a 500-year-old market established during Skanderbeg’s time and still bustling with activity today. The market is flanked by a unique stone road and showcases a plethora of artisanal handmade products, leaving every traveler in awe. As the market is wandered through, the entrance to the castle is reached, a structure with a history spanning a millennium. Within the castle’s walls, a walking tour is embarked upon, visiting various sites, including the watchtower, the Olive Tree of Skanderbeg, underground secret tunnels, and the remnants of religious places like Teqes, Sultan Mehmet Mosque, and much more. The castle’s pinnacle offers the most breathtaking view of the city.

Sari Salltik - The tour concludes on the top of the mountain of Kruja, where the center of the Bektashi religion is found. Enjoy the breathtaking views created by the sun setting on the Adriatic Sea.

Return to Tirana.

• Comfortable transportation with all necessary amenities
• Accommodation x2 (4-Star Hotels, City Center Location)
• Full Time English speaking Tour Leader
• Guided tours to all visited sites
• Breakfast
• Fees and Border Tax

• Everything not mentioned at the “Included” list

This tour stands out as it allows you to experience the highlights of three countries in just three days. It’s an ideal option for travelers keen on observing the diverse evolution of Albanian culture across different regions. The tour includes visits to two capital cities, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and two significant historic cities where crucial events have influenced the course of history.

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