Hidden Europe Tour

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15 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Tucked away in a little visited corner of Europe lie Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, three charming and delightful countries that few people know much about. For years Albania was a closed society, ruled by the iron fist of Communism, but since the end of the Cold War it has been showing curious travelers its many charms, while as Europe’s newest nation, Kosovo is best known for its terrible war in the last years of the 20th century – not the best image for outsiders to have of it. The location of these countries between some of Europe’s most important empires has left them well endowed with a wealth of attractions from the Illyrian (Albanian ancestors), Greek, Roman and Ottoman eras. The region is home to a wealth of old Turkish architecture which sits side by side with elaborately decorated Orthodox churches and from more recent times the civic buildings of Communist Yugoslavia, as well as impressive Roman ruins and well preserved historic towns.

What's Included

Arrival and departure transfers, and all other transfers as per itinerary
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[2])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[12])
Breakfast
English speaking tour leader/manager
All accommodation on twin share basis
International flights
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visas
Drinks
Local guides (can be provided upon request)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 15 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Tirana–Airport transfer.

    1 stop
  • 1
    Tirana

    Arrive in Tirana and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Tirana - Kruja – Lezha – Shkoder .

    4 stops
  • 2
    Tirana

    Start the day exploring Albania’s capital. We visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. We then head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar. Today lunch will be included and the opportunity to eat some traditional food in Kruja.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Kruje

    We will visit the castle of Kruja and then have lunch

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Lezhe

    Later we continue to Lezha in the north west of the country where we visit the mausoleum of Skanderbeg and the castle before heading to Shkoder.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Shkoder

    Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once a capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Koman Lake –Junik - Gjakova – Rahovec Vinery - Prizren

    2 stops
  • 6
    Komani Lake By Wild Tour Albania

    We go from Shkoder to Koman Lake. The 2 hour trip on Lake Komani was called “One of the Great Boat Trips of the World” by the Bradt Guide, and certainly the scenery is stunning. The Drin River was flooded along part of its most mountainous passage to create the lakes in this region. The journey takes you along glassy clear water, twisting and turning through narrow passes and past silent mountain peaks.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 7
    Gjakova

    We cross the border into Kosovo and drive to Junik where we visit the famous Kullat e Junikut (Junik Tower).. Then continue to Gjakova which lies on the banks of the River Erenik. Visit its main sites including the old bazaar and clock tower, and then continue Rahovec Vinery where you will have the option to taste some wine.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    Monastery of Decan (UNESCO) - Peja - Boge.

    3 stops
  • 8
    Decan

    We then continue to the Monastery of Decan (UNESCO). The medieval church houses some of the most preserved fresco decoration in the Balkans and the grounds are also a delight.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Peje

    After arrival in to Peje we explore the Ottoman Empire time sites of the town including the Haxhi Beut Mosque and the old house of Jashar Pasha as well as the Sheremet Tower and the old bazaar.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Boge

    We continue to Boge, where we have a short stop at Patriarchana of Peja (13th Century) part of (UNESCO) sites in the Rugova Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in the region. On arrival at the hotel you will have the chance to take a walk amidst impressive scenery, and possibility for walking.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
    • Day 5

    Pristina

    1 stop
  • 11
    Pristina

    Drive to Pristina. Explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century. We then head to the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient Roman city that was once one of the most powerful in the Balkans. Later we visit the spectacular Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovo’s most beautiful sites and containing some impressive frescoes

    4 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 6

    Skopje

    1 stop
  • 12
    Skopje

    We continue to Macedonia stopping first at Gadime Cave. We cross the border and head to its capital Skopje. Upon arrival we visit some of the most important parts of the town, including the old Ottoman market, the monastery of Sveti Spas and the ancient Kale Fortress which dates back to Illyrian and Roman times.

    4 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 7

    Tetova - Ohrid (UNESCO)

    2 stops
  • 13
    Mavrovo National Park

    After breakfast continue to Mavrovo National Park, the biggest in Macedonia covering 73,000 hectares. We follow the Radika River along the way and stop at monasteries and churches en route.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 14
    Ohrid

    Then drive to the beautiful town of Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th century church of St Sofia as well as the Roman amphitheater.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 8

    Ohrid. (Bitola - optional)

    1 stop
  • 15
    Ohrid

    Leisure day in Ohrid. (Optional boat tour in Horid lake, or day trip to Bitola city, and visit Eraklea ancient site.Before we cross back into Albania, we visit the Sveti Naum Monastery, a beautiful site with impressive views of Lake Ohrid across to Albania.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 9

    Voskopoje - Korce

    2 stops
  • 16

    We continue to the ancient village of Voskopoja very famous for its monasteries, and sits 1,150 meters above sea-level and is a perfect place for hiking and walking. Visit to original 18th century Orthodox churches, complete with frescos (to include: St. Nicholas, St. Thanasius, and St. Maria) Visit the Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Shen Prodhom), with an original structure from the 15th centaury.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Korce

    After lunch continue to the historic town of Korce. Visit to the Museum of Medieval Art with the richest icon archive in all Europe; The First Albanian School; Traditional Old Bazaar; Cathedral(1992); Mosque of Ilyaz Bey Mirahori (1484), and The Old Bazaar.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 10

    Gjirokastra (UNESCO)

    1 stop
  • 18
    Gjirokaster

    We then take an amazing drive though spectacular scenery to Gjirokastra. The road is bumpy in parts but the views of this remote part of Albania are incredible. At Gjirokastra we visit the local museum, housed in the building in which the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born, as well as the pre-Ottoman era citadel which affords spectacular views and houses an impressive range of artillery and also bizarrely a reconnaissance US Air Force plane that was forced to land after losing its way in the 1950’s. Gjirokastra is a pretty town with traditional houses and cobbled streets spilling down the sides of the mountain.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 11

    Butrint (UNESCO) – Saranda

    1 stop
  • 19
    Butrint National Park

    On the way to Saranda we shall enjoy a short stop at Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye National park). Visit the ancient city of Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site and given special status by UNESCO. Spend time exploring this impressive site with the added bonus of it being situated in a beautiful natural setting. The walls, basilica, acropolis and theatre at Butrint are truly impressive. We then drive to Saranda on the coast.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 12

    Himara – Vlora

    2 stops
  • 20
    Himare

    Head north along a stunning coastline, stopping at Porto Palermo to visit the castle of Ali Pasha on the way.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 21
    Vlore

    Drive through mountains over the Llogara Pass (1020m above sea level) and continue to Vlora, on the ‘Albanian Riviera’. Tonight you will enjoy a delicious fish dinner at a restaurant on the beach.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 13

    Apollonia (UNESCO candidate) – Berat (UNESCO)

    2 stops
  • 22
    Apollonia Archaeological Park

    Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, dating back to the 6th century BC.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 23
    Berat

    We then drive to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania and with a superbly preserved historic centre that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit its citadel which contains old churches, mosques and museums.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 14

    Durres – Tirana.

    2 stops
  • 24
    Durres

    After breakfast drive to Durres. This port city has the largest Roman amphitheater (20,000 seats) in the Balkan region, dating back to the beginning of 2nd century which we will visit and Archeological museum.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 25
    Tirana

    Drive back to Tirana for our final night where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional food.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 15

    Departure –Tirana Airport.

    1 stop
  • 26
    Tirana

    Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Albania Explorer

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Classic Car Tours
Zombie
Zombie Slice

Cancellation Policy

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

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