Albania, Macedonia & Athens - 7 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
15 - 99Start / End
- Tirana
- Corfu
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 8Meals included
6Highlights
- Tirana - Visit Cam Bazaar and a local pastry shop, wander through the Bicycle Bazaar and New Bazaar, and discover the Bunkart museum, housed in a former nuclear bunker
- Struga - Drink by the Drini River source, one of the longest in the Western Balkans, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this picturesque town
- Ohrid - Visit UNESCO World Heritage Lake Ohrid and the city, admire the Church of St. John, Church of St. Nicholas, and Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque, and explore the 365 Orthodox churches and Ottoman architecture
- Berat - Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage “Town of 1001 windows”, visit the castle, ancient churches, mosques, and museums, and learn about Onufri, the famous church painter, at the Onufri Museum
- Gjirokaster - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage "Stone City", visit the castle, stroll the medieval bazaar, and see well-preserved traditional houses while experiencing the local folklore
- Ioannina - Roam through the old town with its blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences, and explore the maze of streets and historic buildings inside the castle
- Meteora - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site with monasteries perched on rock formations, and enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the spectacular landscape
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Summary
Explore Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece over 7 days, starting in Tirana with visits to the Cam Bazaar and Bunkart museum. Continue to Struga and Ohrid, renowned for Lake Ohrid and its Orthodox history. Discover the Monastery of St. Naum, Tushemisht village, and Drilon Park before heading to Berat and Gjirokaster in Albania. Finish in Greece with a tour of Ioannina and the dramatic Meteora monasteries, before concluding in Athens or Corfu.
Itinerary
Day 1
Tirana City Tour
In the morning, you will be collected at your independently booked hotel by our tour leader - please make sure you arrive in Tirana least one night before your tour begins and let us know where you are staying so we can pick you up!
Today, we'll explore Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, with a local guide for an authentic city experience. you will have the opportunity to start your journey with a traditional Albanian breakfast of Byrek, a pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. Visit Cam Bazaar, a lively market founded by the Albanian Cam community, and discover local culinary delights, including traditional Albanian desserts at a local pastry shop. Wander through bustling streets and markets, experiencing Albania’s coffee culture in a cosy café and observing the everyday life of Tirana.
Next, we’ll explore the Bicycle Bazaar, known for second-hand goods, before heading to the New Bazaar, a haven for food lovers. Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch of "Qofte" (grilled meatballs) with bread or Gjize (cottage cheese) with bread for vegetarians. To accompany our meal, we'll sip on Raki, a beloved Albanian drink.
Our final stop for the day is Bunkart, a fascinating museum housed in a former nuclear bunker built for communist leader Enver Hoxha and his inner circle. Concealed until 2014, the bunker has been transformed into a compelling museum showcasing Albania’s communist era and life under the regime.
Day 2
Struga & Ohrid
Tirana (Albania) - Struga (Macedonia) - Ohrid. Today, we depart towards North Macedonia, with Struga as our first stop. We’ll enjoy a quick drink by the beautiful source of the Drini River, one of the longest in the Western Balkans, before continuing to Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Ohrid city and Lake Ohrid have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1980. The lake, once called “Lyhnidas” by the Romans, was inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Enkeleys.
Ohrid, an important centre of Orthodoxy, is known for its 365 Orthodox churches, one for each day of the year. Our tour includes visits to the famous viewpoint at the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque. During the Byzantine Empire, Ohrid became a significant Orthodox hub and expanded during the Ottoman period with houses built on the hills, offering stunning lake views. Today, the city is renowned for its architecture, churches, castle, amphitheatre, and the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains.
Day 3
Ohrid to Berat
Ohrid - Saint Naum - Tushmisht (Albania) - Berat. Our first stop today is the serene Monastery of St. Naum, nestled at the source of the River Crni Drim, where the waters flow into the stunning Lake Ohrid. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Galicica National Park, this peaceful spot is a haven of tranquility. The crystal-clear springs reflect the lush green landscape and towering mountain peaks, creating an atmosphere that invites reflection and awe.
As we cross into Albania, we’ll discover the hidden gem of Tushemisht. This charming village, with its mix of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offers a warm welcome, inviting us to explore its scenic surroundings. Our journey continues to the enchanting Drilon National Park, where the peaceful lake, framed by weeping willow trees, provides a perfect place to unwind and take in the calm beauty of the landscape. From there, we’ll make our way to Berat, a city steeped in history, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 4
Berat & Gjirokaster
Berat - Gjirokaster. After breakfast, we will explore Berat, the “town of 1001 windows” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we wander through its narrow stone streets, we’ll be captivated by the medieval houses, their windows seeming to rise one above the other. With origins dating back to the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement, Berat later became the fortified city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century B.C., and remarkably, people still live within the castle walls today.
We’ll visit the stunning medieval castle, ancient churches, mosques, and the vibrant lower town, with its historic houses clinging to the hillsides. A walk across the old stone bridge and a stop at museums that offer glimpses into Albania’s past will enrich our experience. Berat is also famous as the birthplace of Onufri, a renowned church painter, celebrated for his distinctive reddish tones. Our tour will continue with a visit to the Gorica Neighbourhood. In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster
Day 5
Gjirokaster Exploration
Today, we will visit Gjirokaster, known as "The Stone City" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled on the eastern slopes of the Mali i Gjere mountain. Gjirokastra feels like a fortified city, with each house resembling a small fortress. Founded with the construction of Gjirokastra Castle in the 4th century A.D., it stands as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans.
Every five years, Gjirokastra transforms into the heart of Albanian folklore, as traditional music, dances, and costumes fill the streets. Before we reach the castle, we’ll wander through the medieval bazaar, where narrow, stone streets cascade down the hill, lined with stunning handmade crafts from local artisans. We’ll also visit one of the best-preserved houses, where everything remains authentically original. We will spend the night in Gjirokaster, soaking in the charm of this remarkable city.
Day 6
Ioannina & Meteora
Gjirokaster - Ioannina (Greece) - Meteora - Kalambaka. Today, we will be departing from Albania and making our way to Greece, with our first destination being Ioannina. Renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes, Ioannina offers a fascinating blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. As we explore the cobbled streets of the old town, we’ll be transported back in time, with remnants of ancient walls and charming houses at every turn.
Our next stop is the impressive Ioannina Castle, dating back to the Byzantine period. Inside the castle, we’ll discover a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. As we stroll, we can pause at charming cafes to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies.
In the afternoon, we’ll head towards Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where monasteries are perched on dramatic rock formations, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. As the sun sets, the sky above Meteora becomes a canvas of breathtaking colours, offering a truly magical experience. We will spend the night in Kalambaka.
Day 7
End in Athens or Corfu
Today marks the end of our Balkan Adventure, bringing to a close this incredible journey through the rich history and culture of this remarkable part of the world. We will make our way from Kalambaka with our tour leader, who will drop you off at your independently booked hotel in Athens at approximately 18:00 - 19:00. Alternatively, you can be dropped at the Igoumenitsa Port, where you can board the ferry to Corfu (tickets included) to continue your Greek adventure independently. Safe Travels!
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
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- Save 21%Sat 2 Aug 2025 > Fri 8 Aug 2025Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 8 left£2,185Best offer£1,737
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Essential trip information
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