Depart in the early morning on a drive through Albania, known for its centuries of notable world history. Travel from the north to south of the ancient nation, where we will uncover pieces of archeological history that still stand today, including churches and castles.  Learn and understand how life was organized more than 2 millennia ago. We will visit notable people’s homes, including dictators and Nobel winners in the Palorto Neighborhood in our last stop, Gjirokaster, after visiting the beaches and basilicas in Saranda, Ksamil Beach, and Butrint. The drive will take us through the Albanian Riviera, where the natural beauty of the nation can be taken in before discovering the history of the ancient world’s architecture in the next stops. The journey will end in Tirana, with stops in between the three-hour return journey.

We will pick you up at Scanderbeg Square in Tirana, 8:30 am, and drive you up to Kruja town, where you’ll experience a step back in medieval history by visiting the castle and Scanderbeg Museum. Kruja was the most important town for the Albanians during the 15th century which withstood successfully to at least 3 major sieges by the Ottoman Empire. The medieval hero Gjergj Kastrioti called “Scanderbeg” is considered not only by Albanians as a symbol of resistance and savior but also by ottomans who believed that a supernatural force dwelt in him. Therefore after his death they destroyed his tomb and took parts of his bones to keep them as a charm for good luck. Walk in the Old Bazaar full of old shops that sell traditional handmade items. Next we will drive you to Tirana, the capital of Albania. As you walk around the Scanderbeg square, you’ll see an interesting complex of building which reflect the periods that have influenced Tirana’s architecture. Only the Clock Tower and Et’hem Bey Mosque remain as reminders of the city’s Ottoman past. The communist government left its own footprint by destroying the Ottoman Bazaar and building the new Opera and Ballet House on the site. The next stop on the itinerary is Et’hem Bey Mosque, where you’ll learn about the difficulties faced by the clergy especially after 1967 when freedom of religious expression was prohibited. The mosque was built in 1821 by Et’hem Bey in a typical Turkish style. Continue to King’s Palace and National Martyrs Boulevard. Here you’ll get to know a piece of daily life of former dictator Enver Hoxha, by visiting the pyramid, meant to be a museum for his life and the “Bllok” zone where he and other communist leaders lived in. The area that was once prohibited for people is now the most favorite neighborhood for young people, businesses and coffee shops. In the end, around 3:30 pm, we will take you back to Scanderbeg square, in the center of Tirana city, where we started our day and here your wonderful tour is over.

Meet at 9:00 AM at your hotel in Tirana. Head towards Shkodra and begin to explore its main attractions. Located at the entrance of the town, 3km south of the city center, Rozafa Castle (fortress of Shkodra) is located on a rocky hill. It's one of the biggest and most famous castles in Albania. The Rozafa castle has a fascinating history. Archaeological excavations have yielded finds extending from the early Bronze Age. Within its massive defensive walls stand the Church of St. Stephen, several Venetian administrative buildings, and some medieval rooms. On the border of Montenegro and Albania, you'll find Shkodra Lake, a former ocean bay that was cut off from the Adriatic Sea when the sea levels dropped thousands of years ago. The lake is the largest in the Balkans at 41km long and with a surface area between 370-530 km2. The bottom of the lake is well below sea level, making it what's known as a crypto depression. Shkodra Lake is also one of the largest bird reserves in Europe, having some 240 bird species inhabiting its shores, including some of the last pelicans in Europe. Thus, it's very popular with bird watchers.  See the Catholic Cathedral, one of the biggest in Balkans and dedicated to St. Stephen. After a reconstruction in 1991, the cathedral was inaugurated by Mother Theresa and two years later it was visited by Pope John Paul II. Inside the cathedral is a copy of the Shroud of Turin, bearing the negative image of a man, which some claim is Jesus of Nazareth. After visiting the cathedral, enjoy walking on the main boulevard in Shkodra.  You will arrive back in Tirana around 6:00 PM.

Explore the natural beauty of Albania on this hiking day trip on Mount Gamti. Depart from Tirana and have the option of hiking to the peak or taking an easier route to the 'Balcony of Bovilla' viewpoint. Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel in Tirana and enjoy the scenic drive to lake Bovilla. Start your hike at on a trail to Gamti peak. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like foxes, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons as you climb.  Choose if you would like to take a the easy trail or the more challenging trail. Take the easy trail up to the 'Balcony of Bovilla' where you can experience sweeping views of the forests, valleys, and the Bovilla lake hydropower dam.  Stop for some free time where you can purchase a delicious lunch at a local farm-style restaurant with stunning views of the lake. Select the more difficult trail and climb to the peak of Gamti where you are rewarded with splendid views of the mountain range. Return to your accommodation in Tirana.

Travel to Berat in the morning at 08:30. Once you get to the city, you will learn that it was invaded three times by Ottomans, Romans and Bulgarians and then became a big principality under the rule of the Albanian noble family of Muzaka in the 14th century. Your will walk on well preserved cobblestone streets. Explore the Onufri Museum inside of the Cathedral of the Saint Mary Assumption (18th century) and admire the icons of the mysterious work of the Onufri painter. Visit the castle, one the most marvelous sights of the city and one of the biggest inhabited castles with many Byzantine churches, as well as some mosques built under the Ottoman era which began in 1417. You will also visit the King Mosque and Helveti Teke. Your next stop will be the old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica connected with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River. Both quarters take pride in their architecture and the rare shapes of their houses. Finally, return to Tirana.

Starting from your hotel in Skopje, travel to Ohrid for about 2 hours. Afterwards, break in Ohrid for a half-day tour with a licensed tour guide. The walking tour will start from the town’s harbor. Then, you will head towards the old part of the town and stop at the Lower Gate and the Museum of Robevi (the Robevi family). Have a tour of the Church of St. Sophia which dates from the 11th century and then go up to the Roman amphitheater, dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Afterwards, continue walking to Icon Gallery, which shows a range of some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world right after the ones in Athos and in Russia. In the vicinity of the gallery, you will find the Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivleptos (St Clement’s Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious) which dates from the 13th century and possesses some of the most beautiful and valuable frescoes from the 13th century, not only in this country but in the Balkans as well. Then, carry on walking to Tsar Samoil’s Fortress which was named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs, who having conquered Byzantium, brought most of Macedonia under his rule. Then, walk to Plaoshnik, the place where you will visit the newly built St. Clement’s Monastery Church which is dedicated to St. Clement (the patron of Ohrid) and St Pantelejmon, which stands beside the original site of St. Clement’s University, the first university of the Macedonian Slavs started in the 9th century A.D. Inside the church, you will also see the tomb with St. Clement’s relics. Besides the church, see the foundations of the 5th century basilica with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and some swastikas also discovered on the floors. From here, head towards the Church of St. Jovan at Kaneo, which was built at the end of the 13th century, and is one of the most frequently visited churches in Ohrid because of its beautiful location on the cliffs directly above the lake. After this, go back to the town on foot. Another option will be to return to the town by boat and at the same time, to make a tour of the lake providing you with a great view of the town. There will also be the possibility for free time or lunch. Continue your trip to Tirana with a drop-off at your address or hotel accommodation.

Departing from Tirana, travel north to cross the border into the Stone Age city of Pristina. Visit and tour a medieval Orthodox monastery before continuing to the architectural marvel of the National Library in Pristina, home of 15th-century material literature. In Pristina, a city tour will also explore 14th-century mosques. Leaving Pristina we will head toward Prizren, sometimes called the cultural capital of Kosovo. The city played a major role in Albanian history and politics of the 19th century. Continue to Prizren, where the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Our Lady Ljevis resides. Visit the House of the Prizren League, one of the most important buildings of the 19th century in Albanian history. End the day with a relaxing journey back to Tirana.

Begin your day tour with a transfer from Tirana. Once there, visit the medieval bazaar and the Ottoman-style houses in the old part of the town. Witness artisan women making handmade doilies, carving wood or silver and other guild shops in the narrow cobbled stone streets of this suburb. While visiting people in their homes, traditional coffee (ground in stone) and mountain tea will be served.  You will also visit Gjirokastra city, the castle and much more. Later, you will have the chance to taste the typical local food cooked by local women. You will also visit the Skenduli House, you'll most likely be shown around by Mr Skenduli himself. The house was built around the year 1700 and has many fascinating features. Later, you will visit the Ethnographic Museum. In the end, you will enjoy free time around the city.

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.

Discover the ancient city of Apollonia on this half-day guided tour. Enjoy its special atmosphere, archaeology, and landscape. Be transported in comfort from Vlora to Apollonia, enjoying the natural beauty of the Narta Lagoon on the way. Enjoy your journey to Pojan to reach the Apollonia Archaeological Park. This archaeological site is the largest in the Balkan region. The center of Apollonia's life was the agora, which contained several buildings. Visit important buildings such as the Greek theater and a monument dedicated to the nymphs. Delve deep into this ancient commercial and cultural center. Your guide will take you through the legends, history, and evolution of this site. Unravel layers of history and understand the importance of Apollonia through the years. Learn how it became one of the most important ports of the region.