Classic Albania – Land of the Eagle with Two-night Macedonia Extension

Touch down in the Albanian capital, Tirana, and transfer to your hotel for the first day of your tour. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to settle in and meet your fellow travellers before finding dinner in the city.

Enjoy an early breakfast in the hotel ahead of a morning’s exploration of the Albanian Capital. Following a short walk from your city hotel approximately 08.30, you’ll be met by your local guide at vast Skanderbeg Square. This is Tirana’s main piazza celebrating the legendary Albanian general of the same name. At the square’s centre, you’ll find the impressive Skanderbeg monument and surrounding it a collection of landmarks showcasing Albania’s diverse range of styles and influences. Immerse yourself in Tirana’s Islamic heritage with a visit to the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Tirana Clock Tower, a pair of monuments built by the famed Muslim poet, Haxhi Et’hem Bey.

Next on your tour of the Albanian capital will be Tirana Castle, also known as the Fortress of Justinian, which is currently a part of a national cultural restoration project. Though only its 20-foot-tall Ottoman gate remains open to the public, the castle is home to a lively courtyard of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Continuing through the city’s streets, you’ll come upon the Cloud Monument, a vast mesh of white steel rods which emulates its namesake. Your final stop this morning will be the Pyramid of Tirana, a stark reminder of the city’s communist past now reimagined as a colourful centre for youth projects. There will be some time for you to have lunch on your own account before visiting Bunk’Art2.

Having explored Tirana’s captivating medieval landmarks, you’ll also have the opportunity to celebrate Albanian creativity with a glimpse of the city’s post-communist innovation with a visit to Bunk’Art 2. This mushroom-like concrete bunker, one of over 750,000 built under Enver Hoxha’s rule, is now used as an art installation which depicts life in Albania under Albania’s former communist leader and his secretive ‘Sigurimi’ (secret service). Witness the terror of Albania’s political prisoners under the Hoxha regime and discover the murky secrets of his Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Your afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to continue exploring at your own pace.

Fuel yourself for the day’s activities with breakfast in the hotel ahead of a morning visit to one of Albanian’s most intriguing towns, Krujë. This historic city, nestled amongst mountains canyons, offers glimpses of Albania’s breathtaking alpine landscapes and the region’s storied past. 

Once home to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, who valiantly stood against the Ottoman empire in the 15th century, Krujë Castle will be the first stop. Set within the castle walls, the Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum provides fascinating insights and period relics which tell the tale of the Albanian hero’s 25-year resistance against invading forces. You’ll then continue to Krujë’s town centre with a visit to the old bazaar, a charming market filled with colourful local crafts, where you’ll have time to browse the stalls.  

After a brief stop for lunch, you’ll travel to charming Shkodër, known locally as ‘The City of Bicycles’. Steeped in long-held traditions and a rich blend of cultures, Skhodër’s most famous landmark, the Rozafa Castle will be visited. This thousand-year-old monument, overlooking the city centre from the surrounding hillsides, boasts an enticing view of the region’s history. Finally, take a leisurely stroll through Shkodër’s colourful streets before boarding your coach back to Tirana. 

Return to your Tirana hotel this evening.

Take an early breakfast this morning and check out of your Tirana hotel ahead of a trip to several historic areas, including Vlorë.

Start the day's exploration with a visit to ancient Durrës, a fascinating coastal city on the Adriatic. Dating back nearly 3,000 years, and with a host of bounteous archaeological sites, Durrës historic attractions have earned it the nickname, ‘The Eternal City on the Adriatic Sea’. You will visit the Venetian Tower, once part of a larger 5th-century Byzantine castle, before taking to Durrës’ Roman Amphitheatre, the largest structure of its kind in the Balkans.

Stop at the city’s Byzantine Forum before continuing to the historic Ardenica Monastery. This marvel of Albanian Orthodoxy, widely recognised as one of the masterpieces of Byzantine Orthodox architecture, was saved from ruin thanks to its reputation as the wedding venue of Skanderbeg.

Continue to Vlorë, the city where Albanian Independence was declared, and the Independence Monument can be found. This landmark, dedicated to the Albanian Declaration of Independence, is the centrepiece of Flag’s Square and commemorates several key historical figures.

Bring the day’s activities to a close with a scenic walk along the city’s promenade before checking into your new hotel for an evening under your own steam.

Rise early today ahead of a day spent exploring Albania's most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Having taken a hearty breakfast at your Sarandë hotel, board your coach for a short drive to the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park which was once home to ancient Greeks and Romans. Based on the strait of Corfu and having long since overrun the former polis (city), nature now thrives in the national park.

Continuing north, your next stop today will be ‘The Stone City’, Gjirokastër. This UNESCO-listed city boasts one of the most enchanting old towns on the Balkan Peninsula with winding cobbled streets and original Ottoman architecture. During your stop, you’ll have time to look around Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest of its kind in Albania. Delve into the castle’s rich history from its use under King Zog’s regime to its Italian and German occupation World War II, and then again during the communist regime, as well. A visit to the Ethnographic museum is also included showcasing life through the ages in an old, traditional house.

Complete your time in Gjirokastër with a stop at the city’s old bazaar, where a wide range of boutiques sell souvenirs and keepsakes. Cafés and byrek (pie) shops in the bazaar also offer traditional Albanian dishes which you’ll be free to sample on your own time after checking into your local hotel.

Take breakfast ahead of a trip to Apollonia Archaeological Park, a Greek polis founded in 588 BC by Corinthian colonists. Apollonia, once a thriving harbour town, is steeped in a unique blend of Albanian and ancient Greek culture and you’ll have the chance to witness its ancient history as you walk through the ruins of this former commercial hub.

Later, you’ll continue to the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ in Berat. Not only does the area boast excellent Balkan architecture to enjoy but is itself a living museum of traditional Albanian life. Berat, known for its original Ottoman houses and scenic river valley, promises captivating sights and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. You’ll have the chance to enjoy breath-taking views of the vibrant city from the walls of the impressive Berat Castle, a fortress containing several Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, before discovering its fascinating history with a visit to the Onufri Museum. Dedicated to the Orthodox archpriest, Onufri, who was famed for his religious murals and frescoes, the museum has over 200 pieces of art and Orthodox relics, and you’ll have time now to wander its halls at leisure. Last pay a visit to Berat’s promenade and the city’s Historic House where you can try the coffee and an Albanian delicacy, gliko (jam).

Find dinner in the city before settling into your final hotel.

This morning, once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll journey from Berat towards the shores of Lake Ohrid, crossing into North Macedonia and arriving in the town of Ohrid. Along the way, stop in the Albanian town of Elbasan, once an important stop along the ancient Roman Via Egnatia trade route, surrounded by old city walls and with Ottoman-era architecture and cobbled streets. 

Continuing your drive, cross the border into North Macedonia and travel onwards to Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its crystal-clear waters and biodiversity. Arrive in the town of Ohrid, often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for its abundance of churches.  

Check into your hotel and find somewhere for dinner

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a full day to explore Ohrid at your own pace.  

In the city centre, you can explore some of Ohrid’s most treasured landmarks, including Samoil’s Fortress, which dates back to the 10th century and offers sweeping views over the lake and old town. Then, head to the Church of Hagia Sophia, one of North Macedonia’s most important medieval monuments, renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine frescoes. Next, discover St. Clement at Plaošnik, believed to be one of the oldest universities in Europe and Church of Saint John at Kaneo, dramatically perched on a cliff above the lake. 

In the afternoon, the serene Monastery of Saint Naum, located near the Albanian border, is worth visiting. Founded in the 10th century, this place of worship is dedicated to Saint Naum, a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and is enclosed by natural springs that feed into Lake Ohrid.  

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Tirana airport, re-crossing the border from Macedonia to Albania.