On a journey of rich contrasts, we cross a landscape liberally scattered with UNESCO treasures, medieval fortresses and some of the most breathtaking scenery that this fascinating corner of Europe can offer.
Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo & N Macedonia, 4 Days Tour. Travel through the valleys, towns and mountain scapes of Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. In these countries there are plenty of shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches. From cafes in Tirana or Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 6-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.
Tirana, Durres, Shkoder
Kotor (Montenegro), Prizren (Kosovo), Skopje (N. Macedonia)
This tour combines the highlights of the Balkans; Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo, by trying to show the best each of these countries offers. Albania offers a mixture of cultural elements and a rich archaeological legacy. Macedonia offers some of the most excellent religious relics, while Ohrid has biggest Icon museum (Icon Gallery Ohrid) in the region as well as many beautiful churches.
Time of Drive: 5 Hours
Distance: 235 km
08.00 In the morning we pick from Hotel in Tirana or Durres and depart our tour driving north of Albania, crossing Shkoder and after 2 hours we arrive at the border of Montenegro: Border Crossing Muriqan – Sukobin.
First stop will be in Montenegro the city of Budva, a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature and old characteristic buildings. The city is separated between an old and new part. On the one hand, in the New Budva, there are many modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. On the other hand, in the Old Budva, there is the historical centre and many sights to visit, such as the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary and the medieval splendours of the old town, which we will visit on this tour.
Built during the Venetian period, the historic and fortified ramparts of Kotor lie beside what some have described as the southernmost fjord in Europe. Boasting one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic, its ancient walls stretch for some 4.5 kilometres and enclose within them some truly captivating heritage architecture. We’ll enjoy a guided tour through its historic heart this morning, after which the afternoon has been left free to continue exploring at your own pace. Away from Kotor’s obvious attractions lie some incredibly picturesque villages that dot the bay, such as Perast and Dobrota.
Many of the old buildings and churches have small plaques on it with their dates of construction and original use. We will visit the Saint Luke’s church which has a great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them. Overnight in Kotor or in the vicinity.
Time of Drive: 5 Hours
Distance: 235 km
After breakfast we will leave Kotor and drive to Lovcen Nation Park. During the road we will enjoy the best views of th bay of Kotor, and after 1 hour of driving in the mountain we will arrive to the mausoleum in Lovćen, in honor of Petar II Petrović.
On the occasion of the centenary of Njegoš’s death, in 1951, the Government of the People’s Republic of Montenegro made a decision to erect a mausoleum in Lovćen, in honor of Petar II Petrović, instead of the previous chapel. This monumental building was built in 1974 according to the design of the great Yugoslav architect and sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The mausoleum was built at an altitude of 1,660 m and stretches along the entire length of Jezerski Vrh. It is reached through a tunnel with 461 steps. (Entrance fee 8 Eurs).
Leaving Lovcen Park we will continue to Rijeka Crnojevica, a small village by the lake of Shkodra. We will have there the oportunity to make a boat trip in narrow streems of the lake in between the nature and hills, with many photo stops. Boat trip lasts 1 hour.
Leaving the lake we drive to Podgorica, passing near Moraca River, and continue our trip to another nature attraction, Niagara Waterfall near Tuzi. We will have our time for lunch there in a restaurant by Cemi river.
After Lunch we drive to Prizren-Kosovo via Albania, crossing the first border Montenegro-Albania in Hani Hotit and then the other border between Albania and Kosovo in Morine. (4 hours)
Tiny Kosovo is Europe’s newest (official) country: a handful of landlocked mountains, poppy-dotted meadows and oak forests smack bang in the middle of the Balkans. Journey to the south of the country today, to Kosovo’s second biggest, and arguably its most beautiful, city – Prizren
Prizren is commonly known as the gastronomic heart of Kosovo. Overnight in Prizren
Time of Drive: 5 Hours
Distance: 235 km
Today we will explore the city’s sights, after venturing out on an included visit to Prizren’s sixth century Kalaja Fortress. This fortress sits proudly on a hilltop above the town and has a 43-step staircase hidden in a tunnel that connects to the river, and gives you views over the city.We visit the House of the Albanian League of Prizren, where in 1878 the Assembly of Prizren gathered to consolidate Albanian leaders to unite and protect the country against foreign threats.
Leaving the city of Prizren we drive towards Skopje crossing the mountains. The highlands of Dragash lie to the south of the city, amongst the rugged and barren landscapes of the Sharr Mountains. Home to some of the highest peaks in the Balkans, these mountain ranges can boast no fewer than 30 peaks that rise above 2,500 metres
Skopje, Craggy mountain backdrops, time-weathered monasteries, stunning lake panoramas, hearty national cuisine – North Macedonia is jam-packed full of the good stuff. Excellent hiking can be had in the mountain forests, Lake Ohrid’s waters rival the clarity of Croatia’s, and 500 years of Ottoman rule can be acutely felt in the capital’s bazaars. And to round it all out, the locals will be delighted to have you.
Upon arrival, take an orientation walk past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths, and also newly built neo-classical buildings and grand monuments. In the afternoon, wander past the mosques, caravanserais and hamams that fill its winding streets – a testament to Skopje’s Ottoman past. Perhaps take a step back to those times with a visit to the Daut Pasha Hamam, or journey through the humbling Holocaust Museum to learn how Macedonia suffered during this tragic chapter of history.
Get lost in the narrow lanes of Carsija – Skopje’s most atmospheric neighbourhood or take in the stone bridge over the river Vardar – an iconic sight that acts as a handy connection between Macedonia Square and the Old Bazaar. For dinner this evening you could head to the Old Bazaar area. Overnight in Skopje
Time of Drive: 5 Hours
Distance: 235 km
After breakfast we leave Skopje to venture out to Matka Canyon – a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River, 15 kilometres southwest of the city. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves, and over 70 species of endemic butterflies.
There is the option to explore the canyon’s sights by boat. Alternatively, you can take one of the many nature walks in the canyon, or up to tracks that hug the ridge high above the valley. Return back to Skopje, with the remaining part of the day free for you to continue exploring this exciting city. Perhaps take the Mount Vodno cable car to Millennium Cross, and for the views back down across the city.
from Matka lake drive south to Ohrid for about 3 hours.
Later we will drive to Ohrid, situated on a lake with the same name (approximately 3 hours). Europe’s oldest lake, and one of the oldest human settlements in the world, Lake Ohrid has a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. Ohrid is an eternal town, a magical hill whose primordial pulsation links ancient and modern times forever.
The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’, while historical excavations date back to Neolithic times. Despite being a World Heritage site for over 30 years, the town remains under the radar of visitors.
Afternoon drive back to Tirana passing through Border Crossing Qafë Thanë.
