Little known but incredibly hospitable, Macedonia is a small country rich in culture and traditions, history and nature.
So is Albania, one of the least known and least visited coastlines in the Mediterranean.
Will you join us?
Discover some of the most unknown countries in the Balkans and immerse yourself in the history, culture and traditions of Macedonia and Albania. Become the protagonist of this great Balkan experience with local hosts. Visit one of the most beautiful lakes of the entire peninsula in Ohrid, visit the beautiful church of St. Bogorodica Perivlepta with its spectacular Byzantine art, visit an apple farm run by the “Women of Prespa”,
learn the history of Struga’s Poetry Nights through the eyes of its official photographer for 50 years, discover the history of the Macedonian ruby and visit the birthplace of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
In Albania, visit the largest lake in the Balkans and enjoy a delicious meal in an agricultural restaurant, discover the amphitheater of Durres and dive into the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Mediterranean.
Itinerary
DAY 1: City of origin - Skopje
Arrival at the international airport of Skopje. Transfer to the hotel.
Free time to explore the city.
Accommodation in a 4 or 5* hotel in the city center.
(- / – / – )
DAY 2: Skopje - St. Pantaleon
Breakfast and visit to the Monastery of St. Pantaleon on the heights of Skopje, near Nerezi, rich in frescoes of special iconographic significance. The Orthodox Church of St. Pantaleon was built under the Byzantine dynasty of Komnenos and is part of the monastery of the same name.
Guided walking tour of Skopje. We will see: the Kalé Fortress, located in the Old Town, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Church of St. Saviour or Ascension with the incredible iconostasis of six meters high and ten meters long, made by the Filipovski brothers between 1819-1824. Visit to the old Muslim quarter. We will stroll through the Old Bazaar and the Stone Bridge, which has gained this symbolic status not only for its historical value, but also because it connects two very different parts of the city.
We will have a very special experience with Deko, who will tell us the story of the Macedonian ruby, an endemic and recently discovered type of ruby.
To end our day in Skopje, we will visit the Memorial Center dedicated to Mother Teresa, as well as her birthplace.
(B/L/D)
DAY 3: Skopje - Tetovo - San Juan Bigorski - Struga - Ohrid
In the morning we will leave for Tetovo, where we will visit its famous 17th century Painted Mosque. Considered a masterpiece of Ottoman art, it was built thanks to the donation of Hurshida and Mensure, whose tombs are located in the garden of the mosque.
We will then travel to one of the most beautiful natural regions of Macedonia to visit the most important Macedonian monastery of St. John Bigrorski.
We will continue to Struga, famous for the Struga Poetry Nights festival where poets from all over the world attend to recite their poetry. Here we will meet Dusko Gjorgon, who was until 2011 the official photographer of this event for 50 years. We will visit his gallery, which is part of the family home. Here we will see an extensive photographic archive of the poets who have attended, including Pablo Neruda.
Finally, arrival and lodging in Ohrid.
(B/L/D)
DAY 4: Ohrid
In the morning, we will visit the old town of Ohrid. The most beautiful city in Macedonia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid, the city is known for its beautiful white houses, winding streets and the prestige of the artistic treasures and its 365 churches, one for each day. We will visit the Church of St. Bogorodica Perivlepta (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) which dates back to 1259 and is characterized by its Byzantine forms and motifs. We will visit the Cathedral of St. Sophia, which was erected between 1037-1056 and its impressive frescoes date back to the 14th century. We will pass the courtyards of St. Clement and Panteleimon and the Church of St. Kaneo, one of the symbols of Ohrid and the Church of St. John. During our tour of the old town of Ohrid, we will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the world famous Ohrid pearls, handcrafted by the Filevi family and visit the Gutenberg printing press.
(B/L/D)
DAY 5: Ohrid – Podmocani – Carev Dvor – Heraclea – Bitola – Ohrid
After breakfast, departure to Podmocani to visit its Ethnographic Museum.
After the visit, we will continue to Carev Dvor, where we will meet our hosts at the Spirit of Prespa apple farm run by the women’s organization “Women of Prespa”, who will prepare local delicacies. We will visit the apple farm with the possibility to participate in apple picking and other activities.
Lunch.
Departure to visit the ancient city of Heraclea, founded by Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, in the mid-fourth century B.C. Among the most remarkable ruins are the hot springs, the colonnade, the amphitheater, the remains of two churches with wonderful and colorful mosaics (V century) depicting geometric figures, trees, birds, flowers and animals.
We will then visit the center of Bitola, the second largest city in Macedonia. Here we will have dinner at the home of a local family. We will have the opportunity to experience Macedonian hospitality first hand, enjoy a delicious traditional dinner prepared by our hosts, taste rakija (brandy) and homemade liqueurs.
Return to Ohrid.
(B/L/D)
DAY 6: Ohrid - San Naum - Berat
In the morning, we will sail on Lake Ohrid. At the other end of the lake, we will visit St. Naum’s Monastery.
The time has come to say goodbye to the surprising Macedonia and welcome the neighboring country: Albania.
We will drive to Berat, where we will visit its castle and the iconographic museum Onufri, located inside the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary.
(B/L/D)
DAY 7: Berat - Ardenica - Apolonia - Berat
After breakfast, departure to Ardenica to visit the Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos, an Eastern Orthodox monastery, considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in Albania.
Continue to the city of Apollonia, founded around 600 BC by the Greeks and where the Emperor Augustus studied.
Return to Berat.
(B/L/D)
DAY 8: Berat - Durres - Tirana
Departure to Durres where we will visit its famous Roman amphitheater from the 1st century.
We will continue to the Albanian capital. Here we will visit the National Historical Museum that tells the history of the country through mosaics, icons, photos…
They will also tell us the history of Skanderbeg Square, the Tanners Bridge, the Clock Tower.
Rest of the day free so you can explore the city at your own pace.
(B/L/D)
DAY 9: Tirana – Shkodra – Kruja – Tirana
Departure to Shkodra. We will discover this city of more than 2000 years, located on the shores of the largest lake in the Balkans. We will also visit the fortress of Rozafay the lead mosque with 18 domesand the Marubi museum which has more than 100,000 photos and was founded by the Italian refugee Pietro Marubi (1858-1903).
Lunch at Mrzi i Zaneve agrorestaurant.
We continue to Kruja, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Skanderbeg. Here we will discover its imposing castle, the mosque, the old bazaar… We will also visit the Skanderbeg National Museum. And finally, we will be welcomed by our local host, who handcrafts the famous Albanian hats in his workshop and who will tell us the story of nine generations dedicated to this craft over the centuries.
Return to Tirana.
(B/L/D)
DAY 10: Tirana - City of origin
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to your home city or continue the trip to visit the Albanian coast.
(B/-/-)
* Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Important notes
✔ Transfers throughout the itinerary
✔ All activities described in the itinerary
✔ Local English-speaking tour guides
✔ Experiences with local hosts
✔ All meals
Not included:
✘ International flights.
✘ Unspecified taxes.
✘ Travel insurance.
✘ Personal expenses.
✘ Tips.
✘ Any service not specified in the itinerary above.
Alojamientos
Alojamientos con proveedores locales.
Naturaleza
Visitaremos lugares de gran valor ecológico y natural. El lago Ohrid es el lago más profundo de los Balcanes, y uno de los antiguos del mundo, con un ecosistema acuático único de importancia mundial, con más de 200 especies endémicas.
Cultura y tradición
Actividades ligadas a la cultura local, participación en experiencias locales de manera que puedas incentivar la valoración el territorio, de su gente, su cultura y sus tradiciones. Se busca la inmersión total del viajero.
Gastronomía y producto local
Productos locales, restaurantes familiares, una de las comidas es con familia local.
Passport or ID card
Macedonia: EU citizens can enter the country with a valid ID card or with a validity of more than 3 months.
Albania: EU citizens may enter the country with a valid ID card or with a validity of more than 3 months.
Citizens of other countries are advised to contact their nearest corresponding embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.
Vaccines
Macedonia: No mandatory vaccinations are required.
Albania: No mandatory vaccinations are required.
Clothing
Macedonia: Depending on the time of the year. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Albania: Depending on the time of the year. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended.
Electricity
Macedonia: In Macedonia the common voltage is 230 V. The frequency is 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets are type F.
Albania: In Albania the common voltage is 230 V. The frequency is 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets are C/ F type.
Currency
Macedonia: The local currency is the Macedonian dinar (Makedonski denar, MKD). One euro is equivalent to approximately 61.30 dinars.
Albania: The currency of Albania is the lek (ALL).
Language
Macedonia: The official language is Macedonian and Albanian.
Albania: The official language is Albanian and two dialects are also spoken: Guego (north) and Tosco (south).
Weather
Macedonia: The climate in Macedonia is continentalized Mediterranean. Cold in winter and hot in summer.
Albania: The climate is Mediterranean on the coast, with mild, rainy winters and warm, sunny summers, while it becomes a bit more continental inland, but only cold in the mountain areas.
Our trips are tailor-made so you can choose what suits you best.
Find your inspiration in this itinerary and we will help you organize your next Inspirience.
