10-Day Balkan Tour of Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.