15-Day South Balkan Trip

Upon arrival in Tirana, you’ll head to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Once settled, you may choose to unwind from your travels or take a gentle walk through the bustling streets of Albania’s dynamic capital, immersing yourself in its colorful façades, lively cafés, and vibrant atmosphere before your adventure truly begins.

Overnight in Tirana

Today you’ll discover Tirana’s vibrant character, beginning with a guided walk through the old town and the city’s main squares, where you’ll get an introduction to its history and culture. Optional activities include a visit to Bunk’Art, an underground Cold War bunker turned museum that offers powerful insights into Albania’s recent past, as well as an extended tour with stops at other key landmarks such as the Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit), the Pyramid of Tirana, and lively neighborhoods that showcase the capital’s dynamic atmosphere.

Overnight in Tirana

You’ll begin the day with a relaxed morning in Tirana before setting out on a scenic drive towards Berat. Along the way, you can stop in Elbasan, a charming city rarely visited by tourists, nestled among beautiful mountains and rolling hills. Here, traces of Ottoman heritage and a quieter pace of life offer a glimpse into another side of Albania. By the afternoon, you’ll continue to Berat, the “city of a thousand windows,” where you will settle in and start discovering its unique blend of history and architecture.

Overnight in Berat

Today is dedicated to exploring Berat, one of Albania’s most enchanting UNESCO World Heritage sites. Known as the “city of a thousand windows,” Berat is famed for its white Ottoman houses climbing the hillsides, creating a stunning mosaic of history and architecture. With a guided tour of the town, you’ll wander through its old quarters, admire the characteristic façades, uncovering the stories that reflect Berat’s rich cultural heritage. Later on, you can choose to extend the knowledge of the city, visiting the impressive Berat Castle, still inhabited and offering panoramic views over the Osum River valley.

Overnight in Berat

From Berat, you’ll set out on a full-day excursion combining history, culture, and nature. The first stop is Gjirokastër, the UNESCO-listed “stone city” with its Ottoman houses and castle, before continuing to the Apollonia Archaeological Park. Once a thriving ancient Greek and Roman city, is today a tranquil countryside where ruins of temples, theaters, and monasteries rest. The journey culminates at the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a breathtaking natural spring of dazzling turquoise water surrounded by lush greenery. By late afternoon, you’ll return to Berat, spending the last night in this magic city.

Overnight in Berat

Note: A very long and scenic day.

Today you’ll leave Berat and drive across the border into North Macedonia to reach the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid. Famous for its lakeside setting, ancient churches, and vibrant old town, Ohrid is one of the Balkans’ cultural gems. During a guided city tour, you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dramatically above the lake, the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, the Church of St. Sophia, and the Samuel’s Fortress, offering sweeping views over the town and Lake Ohrid. The day ends with time to soak in the atmosphere of this historic lakeside city before an overnight stay.

Overnight in Ohrid

This day is dedicated to the unique charm of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. You’ll begin with a boat ride, gliding along its tranquil waters surrounded by dramatic mountains and traditional lakeside villages. The journey will take you to the southern shore, visiting the St. Naum Monastery, a jewel of Byzantine heritage dating back to the 10th century. Here, you can admire the richly decorated frescoes, wander through the peaceful courtyards, and enjoy views across the lake into neighboring Albania. After time to explore and relax, you’ll sail back to Ohrid to spend the evening by the lake.

Overnight in Ohrid

Leaving Ohrid, you’ll drive north with the option of stopping in Bitola, a lively town known for its Ottoman architecture, Shirok Sokak pedestrian street, and Roman ruins at Heraclea Lyncestis. By afternoon we arrive in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, where a guided city tour will introduce you to the main landmarks, including the Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, and the Mother Teresa Memorial House. In the evening, you’ll be free to explore the atmospheric Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest marketplaces in the Balkans, where you can enjoy its lively cafés, shops, and traditional atmosphere at your own pace.

Overnight in Skopje

From Skopje, you set out on a full-day excursion through some of North Macedonia’s cultural and natural highlights. Your first stop is Tetovo, where you’ll visit the famous Painted Mosque, an architectural gem covered in colorful floral and geometric decorations. You’ll then continue into the Sharr Mountains, a region of alpine meadows and rugged peaks, perfect for short walks and scenic viewpoints. Next, you’ll explore the dramatic Matka Canyon, known for its turquoise river, steep cliffs, and medieval monasteries. By evening, you return to Skopje for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Skopje

Today you’ll leave Skopje and cross the border into Kosovo, heading to the historic city of Prizren. Known as Kosovo’s cultural capital, Prizren is a lively town of cobbled streets, Ottoman bridges, and centuries-old mosques and churches set against the backdrop of the Sharr Mountains. A guided city tour will take you through its highlights, including the iconic Stone Bridge, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After exploring the old town and soaking in its multicultural atmosphere, you’ll settle in for an overnight stay in Prizren.

Overnight in Prizren

From Prizren, you’ll head out on a day trip to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. The city blends Ottoman heritage with striking modern landmarks, reflecting its dynamic recent history. On a guided city tour, you’ll discover key sites such as the National Library of Kosovo with its unique architecture, the Mother Teresa Cathedral, the Newborn Monument, and the Ethnological Museum, housed in a traditional Ottoman building. After time to walk through the bustling city center and enjoy its café culture, you’ll return to Prizren in the evening for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Prizren

Leaving Prizren, you’ll drive south back into Albania and continue to the historic city of Shkodër, one of the country’s oldest and most culturally rich centers. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the impressive Rozafa Castle, dramatically perched on a hill above the confluence of three rivers. The fortress offers sweeping views of Lake Shkodër, the surrounding mountains, and the city below, while its legends and layered history provide a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s past. You’ll then settle into the accommodation in Shkodër for the night.

Overnight in Shkoder

Today is dedicated to the natural beauty of Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans. The day is flexible, with time to enjoy a range of optional activities such as boat trips on the lake, kayaking through its quiet waters, birdwatching in the wetlands (home to pelicans and herons), or cycling along the lakeshore villages. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, swimming, lakeside walks, or simply enjoying the local cuisine in traditional restaurants are also possible. In the evening, you’ll return to Shkodër for another overnight stay.

Overnight in Shkoder

From Shkodër, you’ll drive south to the historic mountain town of Krujë, once the stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Here you’ll  explore the impressive Krujë Castle, which houses the Skanderbeg Museum and offers panoramic views over the surrounding valley. Afterwards, you’ll stroll through the Old Bazaar, a lively market street where traditional crafts, antiques, and souvenirs reflect centuries of local heritage. As this is the last full day of the journey, you will finish the evening in Krujë, spending the night surrounded by history and tradition.

Overnight in Krujë

On the final day, you’ll leave Krujë and drive to Tirana for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a short walk or a coffee in the city before heading to the airport. With memories of mountains, historic towns, and cultural treasures, you’ll bid farewell to Albania and the Balkans.