Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Tirana

   Overnight: Tirana

   • Arrive in Tirana and meet your guide for a city introduction.

   • Visit Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the capital.

   • Explore the Et’hem Bey Mosque and admire its restored interior.

   • Walk through the New Bazaar, filled with cafés and local products.

   • Tour Bunk’Art 2 or the House of Leaves to learn about Albania’s communist-era history.

   • Enjoy a relaxing walk in the Grand Park of Tirana.

2. Day 2: Krujë and Shkodër

   Overnight: Shkodër
   Drive times: Tirana → Krujë (45 minutes), Krujë → Shkodër (1 hour)

   Morning – Krujë

   • Explore Krujë Castle, the stronghold of Albania’s national hero.

   • Visit the Skanderbeg Museum inside the fortress.

   • Stroll through the Old Bazaar, known for its handicrafts and souvenirs.

   Afternoon – Shkodër

   • Visit Rozafa Castle for sweeping views of the lake and mountains.

   • Walk along the Shkodër Lake promenade.

   • Visit the Catholic Cathedral and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.

   • Optional visit to the Marubi Photography Museum.

3. Day 3: Montenegro – Kotor and Budva

   Overnight: Shkodër
   Drive: Shkodër → Kotor (2 hours)

   Morning – Kotor

   • Explore the UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town.

   • Walk the fortified walls and visit medieval churches and Venetian-era architecture.

   Afternoon – Budva

   • Visit the Budva Riviera, known for beaches and coastal charm.

   • Explore the Budva Citadel and Old Town.

   • Enjoy a seaside walk before returning to Shkodër.

4. Day 4: Prizren (Kosovo)

   Overnight: Prizren
   Drive: Shkodër → Prizren (3 hours)

   Highlights:

   • Walk across the historic Stone Bridge.

   • Visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque.

   • Hike or drive to the Prizren Fortress for a spectacular sunset.

   • Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Shadervan Square in the evening.

5. Day 5: Pristina and Drive to Skopje

   Overnight: Skopje
   Drive: Prizren → Pristina (1 hour 15 minutes), Pristina → Skopje (1.5 hours)

   Morning – Pristina

   • Visit the Mother Teresa Cathedral.

   • Explore the central promenade and Skanderbeg Square.

   • See the NEWBORN monument.

   • Visit the National Library, known for its unconventional architecture.

   Afternoon – Skopje

   • Explore Macedonia Square, the largest in the Balkans.

   • Walk across the Stone Bridge to the Old Bazaar.

   • See the Skopje Fortress.

   • Enjoy the sculptures and vibrant boulevard of the modern city center.

6. Day 6: Skopje to Matka Canyon and Ohrid

   Overnight: Ohrid
   Drive: Skopje → Matka (30 minutes), Matka → Ohrid (2.5 hours)

   Morning – Matka Canyon

   • Take a boat ride into the canyon.

   • Walk along the lakeside trail and explore the serene surroundings.

   Afternoon – Drive to Ohrid

   • Arrive in Ohrid and enjoy a relaxed evening by the lake.

7. Day 7: Explore Ohrid

   Overnight: Ohrid

   • Walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

   • Visit the Ancient Theater of Ohrid.

   • Explore Samuel’s Fortress for panoramic views.

   • Visit the famous Church of St. John at Kaneo overlooking the lake.

   • Walk along the lakeside promenade.

   Optional boat ride on Lake Ohrid.

8. Day 8: Visit Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

   Overnight: Berat
   Drive: Ohrid → Berat (3.5 hours)

   Afternoon – Explore Berat

   • Walk through the Mangalem and Gorica quarters.

   • Visit Berat Castle, still inhabited by local families.

   • Tour the Onufri Icon Museum and the beautiful Church of Saint Mary.

   • Walk across the historic Gorica Bridge.

   Optional evening winery tour.

9. Day 9: Explore Gjirokastër

   Overnight: Gjirokastër
   Drive: Berat → Gjirokastër (2.5 hours)

   Morning and Afternoon – Gjirokastër

   • Visit Gjirokastër Castle for stunning valley views.

   • Explore the Old Bazaar and its traditional shops.

   • Tour Skenduli House or Zekate House to learn about Ottoman-era family life.

   • Admire the well-preserved stone architecture throughout the town.

   Optional visit to the Cold War Tunnel.

10. Day 10: Return to Tirana and Departure

    Drive: Gjirokastër → Tirana (4 hours)

    • Drive back to Tirana in the morning.

    • Enjoy free time for souvenirs, cafés, and relaxation.

    • Transfer to the airport for your departure.