Things to do in

Pogradec

Following a pickup from your accommodation in Durrës or Tirana, embark on a guided tour of the charming city of Ohrid. Begin the tour at the magnificent Church of Saint Sophia. Then visit the National Workshop for a handmade paper-making demonstration. Next, pass by Samuil’s Fortress and walk along its historic 4th-century walls. See the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid built in Hellenistic style and walk up to the cliff-top church of Saint John at Kaneo for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Enjoy your free time with a lunch in the city. After your lunch, continue the tour to the Medieval Monastery of Saint Naum. See the resident peacocks that roam the grounds and enter the monastery to marvel at its intricate frescoes. On the way to Ohrid, visit the one of a kind Bay of Bones Museum, a prehistoric settlement located on Lake Ohrid. It is an authentic reconstruction from the pile-dwelling settlement, dating back between 1200 and 700 BC. Transfer to Tirana in the late afternoon with a short stop in the town of Pogradec.

Venture into the heart of southeast Albania on this day trip from Tirana. Immserse yourself in the beauty of Drilon Natural park on Ohrid lake and take in the unique architecture in the cities of Korca and Pogradec, and the charming village of Tushemisht. Have your guide pick you up from your location in Tirana and relax in a comfortable vehicle on the way to Korca, which is close to the boarder with Greece. Stop at the Old Bazaar which was first established 500 years ago and has Ottoman and Roman-style buildings. Head to the tree-lined Pedestrian Boulevard and pass by shops and cafes. Admire the architecture of the main Orthodox Cathedral which was built just after the communist period. Uncover the history of how the city had the first Albanian school and was once a flourishing trade center. Visit Drilon Natural park to take in the greenery before continuing to Korca. Continue to the hillside city of Pogradec which is by the shores of Ohrid lake. Go to Drilon, a park with willow trees and swamps, which has been the poetic muse of many poets and artists. Travel to the village of Tushemisht which is mainly inhabited by Orthodox Albanians. Experience the unique culture of this village and see how the streams cross through the village. Hear about its part in Albanian cinematography. Make your way to the city of Pogradec to see the old town where some traditional architecture is still preserved. Combine the old with the new as you view the modern part of the city and take some time to take in views of the lake before returning to Tirana.

Experience idyllic scenery, enjoy great food and immerse yourself in local culture on this journey through the towns and villages of Albania and North Macedonia. Day 1: Start your trip with convenient hotel pickup in Tirana, and board your luxury coach to start your journey. After a short drive, stretch your legs at your first stop in the city of Elbasan. Admire old Ottoman houses and Turkish baths, and walk the tiny streets in the shadow of its castle. Visit the lakeside city of Struga in your next step, and see its famous Cave Churches and monastery complex. Enjoy lunch on the water before traveling on to your hotel in Ohrid. Enjoy a free evening and explore the city's historic old town at your leisure. Day 2: Start your day in Ohrid with an inclusive breakfast, before joining a walking tour of city, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step inside the magnificent Church of Saint Sophia and witness a hand paper-making demonstration at the National Workshop. Continue your tour with a walk along the 4th-century walls of Samuel’s Fortress. Take in the Hellenistic-style Ancient Theater, and admire panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the cliff-top Church of Saint John at Kaneo. Feel free to take advantage of other activities which your dedicated tour director can arrange, including a boat tour or wine tasting. Enjoy some more free time for your final night in Ohrid. Day 3: Say goodbye to the lake with a delicious breakfast and a trip to the Bay of Bones Museum, a prehistoric settlement featuring fascinating bronze and stone age artifacts. Explore the medieval Monastery at Saint Naum, with its intricate frescoes and resident peacocks, before heading to the border at Pogradec. Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch, before returning to Tirana and the end of your trip.

On this day trip out of Tirana, visit the beautiful southeast of Albania. See Pogradec's famous main boulevard and stunning Ohrid Lake, visit the romantic National Park of Drilon, and stroll through the picturesque villages of Tushemisht and Lin. Meet your guide outside your Tirana accommodation and begin your tour to Pogradec. Spend time with the locals wandering along Pogradec's traditional main boulevard, see the pristine Ohrid Lake, and learn about Pogradec's long history. With your guide, continue to the beautiful National Park of Drilon, where you can enjoy a walk through nature. Keep an eye out for happy couples; the rippling water, willow trees, and picturesque swamps make the National Park a popular spot for wedding photos. After leaving the park, head to one of the area's quaint villages, Tushemisht. This traditional Orthodox village is a favorite for Albanian filmmakers because of its beautiful springs running above the houses. Finish your day trip with a tour of the ancient area of Lin. Resting on a peninsula overlooking Ohrid Lake, Lin offers a stunning view of crystal clear waters and rugged lakeshores. After taking in the beautiful sights of Lin, return to your Tirana accommodation with your guide.