UNESCO Albania and North Macedonia - 7 days

Tirana (Albania) - Ohrid (North Macedonia)

Leaving Tirana at 09:00 we will head toward the South-East of Albania. After entering the Macedonian Border the first city is Struga, named after an ancient local legend of a young boy. Ohrid is situated next to Stuga, in the shores of the same lake for centuries has been the place when different cultures have to meet each other. Founded from Ancient Ilirain and Greek tribes it has passed into many different riling systems such as Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Turkish, Serbian, Yugoslavia and lately being part of the Independent Republic of North Macedonia. Situated into the Hills of the City it was built under the rule of Bulgarian Tsar Samuil on the 10th Century. It is believed that it has built-in the settlements of an ancient fortification of 4th century BCE, build by Philip 2nd.

Situated on the cliff over Kaneo Beach overlooking Lake Ohrid in the city of Ohrid, North Macedonia. The church is dedicated to John of Patmos, the writer of Revelation, who has been by some considered to be the same person as John the Apostle.

Visit the City center and the Old Bazaar area where we will see the typical houses of Ohrid. Most of the city is paved in Stone, a reason why it was first called Lyhnidas coming from the Latin Language (a precious stone that emits light)

Hotel / Guesthouse

Ohrid - Korca - Pogradec

Situated 28 Km from Ohrid it is an early X Century founded from St Naum of Ohrid himself. It is where he is also graved after his death. The Monastery Complex was part of Albanian border from 1912 – 1925 where it was given to Yugoslavia in return of their help, bringing him on power. Visit at Tushemisht Leaving Macedonian border we will head toward Albania and stop at Tushemisht. Different from most of the Villages if the Albanian Part, it is very similar to Ohrid with the main Orthodox religion

Korça is the city where the largest carnival in Albania is organized, taking place before Orthodox Easter. Musically, the city is known for the local songs, called “serenata”. We’ll get to know the city through a walking tour visiting Museums such as “The National Museum of Medieval Art”, The first Albanian school and the main monument to visit: the Orthodox Cathedral. Of course Not to be missed is “Pazari i Vjetër”, the most charming neighborhood in Korça and an area that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale; narrow streets, colored buildings, nice cafés and small boutiques can be found everywhere you look.

Late in the afternoon, we will head to Pogradec .

Hotel /Guesthouse

Pogradec - Berat

Visit : Berat old city UNESCO , Onufri Museum , Castle of Berat

Overnight in Berat - Hotel/Guesthouse

Berat - Gjirokastra

Visit : Gjirokastra Castle , Skenduras house/museum ,Ethnographic museum , Old Bazaar .

Overnight in Gjirokaster - Hotel /Guesthouse

Gjirokastra - Blue Eye - Butrint- Llogara National Park

Visit : Blue eye National Park , Butrint UNESCO heritage , Lekursi Castle , Porto Palermo fortress .

Overnight in Llogara - Hotel/Guesthouse

Llogara National Park - Apollonia- Tirana

Visit : Llogara National Park , Apollonia Archaeological Park ,Ardenica Monastery , Tirana city

Overnight in Tirana - Hotel / Guesthouse

Tirana

Visit : Bunk'Art 1 , Bunk'Art 2 , New Bazaar .