(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we depart Kalabaka and journey northwest toward the charming Greek city of Ioannina, a gem nestled beside Lake Pamvotida.
Stroll through the cobbled streets of Ioannina’s old town, where a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences can still be felt in its architecture. Highlights of our visit include:

·        Ioannina Castle – one of the oldest Byzantine castles in Greece, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, historic mosques, and museums housed within the fortified walls.

·        Traditional houses and ancient city walls, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich past.

Enjoy some leisure time to explore at your own pace, perhaps relaxing by the lakefront or sampling local delicacies at a café.
We then continue our scenic drive towards the Albanian border and cross into Albania. Our destination is Gjirokaster, famously known as the “Stone City” for its unique Ottoman-era stone houses and rooftops. This UNESCO World Heritage site greets you with cobblestone streets and a timeless atmosphere.
Settle in for your overnight stay in this historic town.
Overnight Stay: Gjirokaster

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, prepare to step back in time as we explore the enchanting UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokaster, famously known as the “Stone City”. With its Ottoman architecture and fortress-like homes, Gjirokaster is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans.

Begin your journey with a stroll through the medieval bazaar, where cobbled streets are lined with quaint shops selling local handmade crafts and souvenirs. Admire the town’s graceful hillside setting and stone-built houses that give Gjirokaster its fortress-like appearance.

Continue to Gjirokaster Castle, originally built in the 4th century AD. Explore its imposing walls, towers, and sweeping views of the Drino Valley below. Inside, discover fascinating exhibits showcasing the region’s rich history.

We will also visit one of the city’s finest traditional houses, carefully preserved to showcase its authentic Ottoman-era interiors and architectural details.

Enjoy a leisurely evening in this timeless town, soaking up its serene ambiance. Overnight Stay: Gjirokaster

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we depart Gjirokaster and journey through scenic Albanian landscapes to reach Berat, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, Berat offers breathtaking views of medieval houses stacked gracefully on steep hillsides.
Tracing its roots back to an ancient Illyrian settlement, Berat evolved into the fortified city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century BC. Uniquely, many of the historic houses within the castle walls remain inhabited to this day.

Our exploration includes:

·        Berat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit) – a magnificent fortress where cobbled streets lead to ancient churches, mosques, and homes.

·        The Gorica neighborhood – a picturesque quarter with traditional architecture and stunning views across the Osum River.

·        Visits to local museums and landmarks reflecting Berat’s rich Byzantine, Ottoman, and communist heritage.

·        Insights into the life and work of Onufri, Albania’s most celebrated church painter, known for his vibrant red tones that adorn churches across the Balkans.

The charming lower town and its elegant stone bridge add to Berat’s allure, making it a photographer’s dream.
Overnight Stay: Berat

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Berat and journey onwards, making a stop at Albania’s Drilon National Park. This picturesque park is famed for its tranquil spring waters that form a serene lake, surrounded by lush greenery and centuries-old weeping willow trees. A perfect setting for a peaceful stroll and photos.
Next, we visit the charming Albanian village of Tushemisht, renowned for its traditional atmosphere and lakeside beauty.
We then cross the border into North Macedonia and arrive at St. Naum Monastery, a jewel of spiritual and natural heritage. Situated at the springs of the Crni Drim River, this historic monastery lies within the protected Galicica National Park, offering breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid. Explore its serene gardens, peacocks roaming freely, and the richly decorated church that dates back to the 10th century.
Our journey concludes in Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its medieval churches, lakeside promenade, and stunning vistas over Lake Ohrid. Overnight Stay: Ohrid

(Breakfast included)
This morning, we dive into the rich history of Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Since 1980, both the city and the shimmering Lake Ohrid have held UNESCO World Heritage status for their extraordinary cultural and natural significance.
Once inhabited by the Illyrian Enkeleys tribe and later named “Lyhnidas” (The Light Lake) by the Romans, Ohrid flourished during the Byzantine Empire as a major center of Orthodox Christianity—earning its reputation for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year.
Our sightseeing highlights include:

·        Church of St. John at Kaneo – an iconic lakeside viewpoint offering postcard-perfect panoramas.

·        Church of St. Nicholas – showcasing classic Byzantine architecture.

·        Halveti Hayati Tekke Mosque – reflecting the city’s multi-faith history and Ottoman legacy.

Enjoy some time by the lakeshore, soaking in the atmosphere of this timeless town, before we journey south back into Albania.
Our destination is Tirana, the vibrant capital, where you’ll settle in for the night. Overnight Stay: Tirana

(Breakfast included)
Begin your final day in Albania’s vibrant capital with a truly local experience. With the guidance of a local expert, we set out to discover Tirana’s hidden gems and culinary delights.

Our first stop is a local favorite for breakfast—try Byrek, a traditional Albanian pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, for an authentic start to the day.

Continue to Cam Bazaar, where you can browse and barter like a local among colorful stalls. Alongside your guide, step off the tourist trail and explore the city’s lesser-known streets, uncovering Tirana’s gastronomic highlights and cultural quirks. Stop at a cozy café to sample Albania’s rich coffee culture with a cup of strong, traditional “Albanian coffee”.

We’ll also explore Tirana’s bustling neighborhoods, including visits to the Bicycle Bazaar and New Bazaar, where you can enjoy freshly grilled Qofte (Albanian meatballs) served with warm bread—a true taste of Albanian street food.

Our final stop is the fascinating BUNK’ART Museum. Originally built as a secret Cold War nuclear bunker for communist leader Enver Hoxha and his inner circle, it’s now a multimedia museum showcasing Albania’s communist history and daily life during that era.

The tour concludes around 18:00–19:00. You’ll then be transferred to Tirana International Airport for your onward journey or extended stay. End of Tour