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TOUR MACEDONIA AND ALBANIA
Travel Date: September 26 – October 8, 2019
Number of days: 13 days / 12 nights
Starting location: Skopje, Macedonia
Ending location: Tirana, Albania
Tour pace: easy to moderate
Brief itinerary:
Day 1 – September 26 – Arrive in Skopje. Transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day 2 – September 27 – One day sightseeing tour of Skopje and the Matka canyon
Day 3 – September 28 – One day tour to Pristina
Day 4 – September 29 – Skopje – Stobi – Bitola – Ohrid
Day 5 – September 30 – Tour to Sveti Naum – tour of Ohrid
Day 6 – October 1 – Ohrid – Pogradec – Korce
Day 7 – October 2 – Korce – Pogradec – Elbasan – Tirana
Day 8 – October 3 – Tirane – Kruje – Lezhe – Shkoder – Tirane
Day 9 – October 4 – Tirana – Berat (UNESCO) – Gjirokaster (UNESCO)
Day 10 – October 5 – Gjirokaster – Blue Eye National Park – Finiq Antic city – Butrint (UNESCO) – Saranda – Gjrokaster
Day 11 – October 6 – Gjrokaster –Apollonia city – Ardenica monastery – Durres
Day 12 – October 7 – Durres – Vlore – Orikum – Llogara National Park – Monastery pf Zvernec – Durres
Day 13 – October 8 – Transfer from Durres to the Tirane airport. End of service.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 – September 26 – Skopje arrive
Arrive at the Skopje airport. Transfer to your hotel. Rimender of the day – at leisure.
Accommodation in Skopje in hotel Aleksander Square **** (three nights)
Day 2 – September 27 – Skopje sightseeing tour including visit to the Matka canyon
In the morning meet your guide at the hotel and take a sightseeing tour of the old part of the Macedonian capital. Visit to the old Train station – first train station on the Balkans and in that time the most beautiful building. The monument and the house of Mother Teresa, the Stone Bridge – monumental building in the center of the city built in the beginning of the VI century, Daut Pasin Imam – monument of the Islam architecture from the XV century, the church St. Spas, built at the end of the XVII century, the Fortress Kale – the most outstanding tourist attraction of the city Skopje.
Departure to the Matka Canyon. Have lunch in the restaurant sitiuated on the shore of the river. Drive back to Skopje.
Return to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
B Accommodation in Skopje in hotel Aleksander Square ****
Day 3 – September 28 – Skopje – Gracanica monastery – Pristina – Skopje
After breakfast departure to Kosovo. First visit will be the monastery of Gracanica (UNESCO). Itwas constructed on the ruins of an older 13th-century church of theHoly Virgin which itself was built on the ruins of a 6th-century early Christian three-naved basilica. It was located in the centre of the Eparchy of Lipljan. The monastery was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importanceof Kosovo.
Proceed to Pristina. Here you will take a panoramic tour and see: the Kosova National Library that represents a modern architectural design, the Mother Teresa statue – born Gonxhe Bojaxhiu- (picture taking, if possible), George Kastrioti Skanderbeg statue, Open Air Archeological Park with artifacts from Neolithic period, the Kosova Museum that was built by Austrians for the Turkish army in 1898 and has an extensive collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts including the Neolithic Goddesses on a Throne terracotta, Çarshi Mosque which is Pristina oldest building constructed on 15th century by Turkish Sultan Bajazit; the Academy Building which is a 19th century Ottoman konak style private houses, the Clock Tower, a 26 meter high built by Jashar Pasha on 1764, the Fatih Mosque or Imperial Mosque built on 1461 under the Turkish Sultan Mehmed II Fatih, The Great Hammam bath complex built in 1470 and graced with 15 domes with small holes to let light stream in. Also the ethnographic museum, Emin Gjiku complex is a extremely well preserved building from 18th Century and it’s a the only original building left in old bazaar area. The tour finishes with the visit of Gazimestan Tower. Picture taking opportunity at the Bill Clinton monument. Drive back to Skopje. Rest of the day – time at leisure.
B Accommodation in Skopje in hotel Aleksander Square ****
Day 4 – September 29 – Skopie – Stobi – Bitola – Ohrid
After breakfast departure to South-Eastern Macedonia. Your first visit today is the archaeological site of Stobi. Stobi developed from a Paeonian settlement established in the Archaic period. Located on the northern side of a terrace, the early town covered an area of about 270,000 sq ft. Its proximity to the junction of the Erigón and Axiós Rivers as well as its position in the fertile central Vardar valley allowed it quickly to develop a flourishing economy and to establish trade. The city grew further in 69 BC once it became a municipium, at which time it began to produce coins printed with Municipium Stobensium. The citizens of Stobi enjoyed Ius Italicum(an honour conferred on particular cities of the Roman empire, granted to comminities outside of Italy)and were citizens of Rome. Roman times Stobi was the capital of the Roman province Macedonia Salutaris.
Continue to Bitola. It is one of the oldest cities on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, having been founded as Heraclea Lyncestisin the middle of the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon. The city was the last capital of Ottoman Rumelia, from 1836 to 1867. It stands at an important junction connecting the south of the Adriatic Searegion with the Aegean Seaand Central Europe, and is an administrative, cultural, industrial, commercial, and educational centre. It has been known since the Ottoman period as “The City of The Consuls”, since many European countries had consulates in the town. Continue to Ohrid. Accommodation. Overnight.
B Accommodation in Ohrid in Mal Sveti Kliment
Day 5 – September 30 – Visit the St Naum monastery and Sightseeing tour of Ohrid
In the morning drive some 30 mins to the St Naum monastery. As with most Byzantine churches, St. Naum was chosen primarily for its location – on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, above deep forests and life-giving springs of the river Crn Drim. The monastic complex and church of St. Naum were built originally at the turn of the tenth century by the monk that bared the same name; Macedonians believe you can still hear the saint’s heartbeat by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church. Drive back to Ohrid. Take a walking tour of Ohrid. Walk in the old town with its narrow streets and beautiful views to the Ohrid lake. Visit the church of St Kliment, the Fortress, the church of St Ioan Kaneo, the church of Saint Sofia. Take a walk on the main street with its numerous shops selling pearls from the lake.
B Accommodation in Ohrid in Mal Sveti Kliment
Day 6 – October 1 – Ohrid – Korce – Voskopje – Kamenica tumulus – (135 km, 3 h 15 min)
Pick up from your hotel in Ohrid, and departure to Albania via Tushemisht/Pogradec. As traveling toward Korca, you will enjoy the nice views of the nature around. Arrival in Korca. Visit one of the oldest schools teaching Albanian language established in 1887. The first girls’ school in the country was established in Korca in 1891. Next visit is the National Museum of Medieval Art of Albania, main promenade, church, old town, mosque. Drive to the Kamenica Tumulus. The Illyrian Burial Mound of Kamenica, close to the city of Korça is one of the most interesting burial sites in the Balkan region. This archaeological site is valued for the rare findings of a pregnant Illyrian woman and an old man, dating to 3,000 B.C.E. Continue to Voskopoje and visit some of its 18thcentury churches and monasteries. Voskopojë, is a small mountain village and along with few other local settlements is considered a holy place by the local Orthodox Christian community. Return to Korca.
B Accommodation in Korce in hotel Life Gallery ****
Day 7 – October 2 – Korce – Pogradec – Elbasan – Tirane – (175 km, 3 h 40 min)
After breakfast, continue to Pogradec and enjoy the wanderfull panorama of Ohrid lake. Next stop to visit will be in Elbasan. Elbasan which was a very important city in ancient time where in Roman empire time was called “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Rome-Naples-Bari-Durres-Elbasan-Ohrid-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. City tour to visit: Elbasan Castle (dating back to 4rth Century BC), The Clock, The Ethnographic Museum, The Church, The Old Mosque. Proceed to Tirane.
After arrival and check in hotel, start exploring Albania’s capital. Visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites, the Clock Tower (1822), the National Museum, Grand Park and Government buildings and BunkArt.
B D Accommodation in Tirana in Xheko Imperial Delux Boutique Hotel 4* – two nights
Day 8 – October 3 – Tirane – Kruje – Lezhe (UNESCO candidate) – Shkoder – Tirane – (195 km, 3 h 50 min)
After breakfast departure to Kruje. Visit the medieval city of Kruja (visit the castle and the impressive Scanderbeg Museum, Ethnographical Museum and shopping in Old Bazaar, mosques since the ottomans time.) Then, next stop will be in Lezha city. In the ancient period it was called Lissus. Visit to its castle and Mausoleum of Scanderbeg (Albanian National Hero). Lunch and wine tasting in Kallmet vinery in Lezha. Continue to Shkodra. A nice landscape with highland (Albanian Alps on north) are a full contrast. City tour of Shkodra, Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral and Mosque. Visit to the Castle of Rozafa and the museum inside it and we enjoy wonderful views of mountains, Shkodra’s lake, Drini, Buna and Kir rivers with the valleys around from the top of Rozafa castle, and “Ura e Mesit” over Kir River.Return to Tirana for overnight.
Note:Today’s ancient Lezha City castle, according to an interesting latest theseus, is also under consideration/evaluation and considered to be ancient Priam’s led Illius city in ally with other Illyrian-Pelasgian city-states Lycians (Shkodra) and Dardans (modern Kosovo Prizren city). It is very interesting to realize that every single detail of Trojan war prescribed in Iliad meet perfectly with the terrain, nature, neighbour cities, socials anthropological phenomenons, traditions, “besa” or famous Albanian given word/oath, ancient ritual to respect dead people, etc. which are same way still in use in this part of authentic Albania), which makes it interesting experience/perception to enjoy while traveling in this ancient Europe’s lands.
B Accommodation in Tirana in Xheko Imperial Delux Boutique Hotel 4*
Day 9 – October 4 – Tirana – Berat (UNESCO)– Gjirokaster (UNESCO) – 260 km – 4 h 40 mins
In the morning departure to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania, more than 2400 years old, and with special status from UNESCO. Visit to its castle of Berat with Onufri museum and other churches inside; Mosque of Berat and the old Bridge of Gorica, Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th c. Many of his wonderfully painted icons still remain in the museum while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked. Proceed to the town of Gjirokaster included in the list of UNESCO in 2005. Take a tour in its old part, visit the Castle, the Weapons Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. In the late afternoon have some free time to walk on the rocky street of this magnificent part of Europe, which is also a good possibility to meet local people.
B D Accommodation in Kodra Hotel 4* – two nights
Day 10 – October 5 – Gjrokaster – Blue Eye National Park – Finiq Antic city – Butrint (UNESCO) – Saranda – Gjrokaster – (162 km, 3 h 35 min)
On the way to Saranda enjoy a short stop at Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye National park). Then visit to Finiq Ancient city ruins. During antiquity the territory surrounding the settlement belonged to Chaonia, part of the Epirus kingdom. The site is rich in findings from the Classical to the Byzantine period. Ancient sources mentioned the wealth of the city, especially during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when Finiq was a prominent city in the Epirot League. Note: This city (Chaonia) is also part of an interesting theseus regarding Iliad, where the united armies of Achaenians where Achilles was ally with in the famous long durated war against Troyans up in North modern Albania (Modern Lezha city). Continue to Butrint,Albania’s most important archaeological site and given special status by UNESCO. Spend time exploring this impressive site with the added bonus of it being situated in a beautiful natural setting. The walls, basilica, acropolis and theatre at Butrint are truly impressive. Drive back to Gjirokaster.
B D Accommodation in Kodra Hotel 4*
Day 11 – October 6 – Gjrokaster – Apollonia city (UNESCO candidate) – Ardenica monastery – Durres – (219 km, 3 h 40 min)
After breakfast departure to the largest and most imoprtant archaeological site in Albania, Apollonia, which was founded in 588 BC and taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy, because of its distinct and separate communities. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar’s civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history with its bishop attending the councils of Ephesus and Chlalkis in 431 and 451 AD. Visit its museum, Shen Meri Monastery and Church.
Continueto the Ardenica Monastery. It is known as a place where our National Gjergj Kastriori Scandarbeg got married with princess Andronika Arianiti. It is a Byzantine structure occupying a surface area of about 2,500 m². This monument consists of the Saint Mary Church, the Saint Triad chapel, the konake, the oil mill, the oven and the stall. Continue to Durres,the most important ancient central mediterranean metropol until medieval time. In the 15th century it was occupied by Ottomans and it was only in 1912 when albani proclaimed its independence. It became its capital until 1920. The city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan region (20,000 seats), dating back to the 2nd century. Visit its archeological museum, the city castle wall, the busatine bazaar/forum and the Roman public baths.
B Accommodation in Aragosta Hotel 4* – two nights
Day 12 – October 7 – Vlore – Orikum – Llogara National Park – Monastery of Zvernec – Durres – (273 km, 4 h 30 min)
Head to Vlora where you can enjoy the atmosphere and interaction with local people and enjoying the spectacular views of Ionian See Riviera. Then drive through mountains over the Llogara Pass (1020m above sea level) and continue to Vlora, on the ‘Albanian Riviera’. Where we also visit the ancient city ruins of Orikum, and then continue to Vlora. City tour to visit its center, ancient city walls, 15th century mosque, etc. Then visit Monastery os Zvernce 9th Century AC. You will enjoy a delicious fish dinner at a restaurant on the beach. Return to Durres for overnight.
B L Accommodation in Aragosta Hotel 4*
Day 13 –October 8 –Transfer from Durres to Tirana Airport for departure. End of service. – (32 km, 0 h 40 min)
Price is based on a private tour of four travelers accommodated in double or twin bed rooms with private vehicle and a private English speaking tour guides.
PRICE INCLUDES:
ACCOMMODATION IN TOTAL 12 OVERNIGHTS
TRANSFERS AND TRANSPORTATION
TOURS / GUIDES / FOOD
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Additional private expenses
All that is not mentioned in section “Price includes”
Travel insurance package
Other meals than stated
Photo/video fees at sites and museums
Bank, credit card and pay pal fees
The above stated price is based on cash payment.
Using another method of payment: All taxes and fees are at the expense of the customer: supplement for paying by Visa card – 2,5%, Master card – 2,5 %, pay pal – 4%.
The trajectory of the tour in Macedonia you can see here : https://goo.gl/maps/K6fKxGqQ9WP2
The trajectory in Albania day by day :
Day 6 -https://goo.gl/maps/BJ5tpmjLeXP2
Day 7 – https://goo.gl/maps/oRKcv6to7Vv
Day 8 – https://goo.gl/maps/dJHfipgCg8Q2
Day 9 – https://goo.gl/maps/yDyxzR6fpKw
Day 10 – https://goo.gl/maps/biqdP1jqPVu
Day 11 – https://goo.gl/maps/di6JWL74f5t
Day 12 – https://goo.gl/maps/iL6nACNBccx
Day 13 – https://goo.gl/maps/yd4QfBP24jo