Day 1. Airport – Tirana
After the group lands in Albania, you will be welcomed by the Albanian travel agency representatives. Next we transfer from the airport to the hotel in the capital city of Albania, Tirana. In the afternoon we will visit some of the best sites in Tirana, including Scanderbeg square, Et’hem Bey mosque, Toptan Castle, and the Pyramid.
Day 2. Tirana – Kruja – Tirana
In the morning we will visit Kruja, its castle, and Scanderbeg Museum. Kruja was the most important town for the Albanians during the 15th century. It successfully withstood at least three major sieges by the Ottoman Empire. The museum we will visit, is dedicated to the Albanian medieval hero Gjergj Kastrioti Scanderbeg. Lunch will be in the agritourist center of Marikaj where will experience true Albanian hospitality.
Day 3. Tirana – Koman Lake – Gjakova (Kosovo)
Our day starts with a trip to Koman Lake. We will see the three power-plants installed in the lake which together produce about 60-70% of Albania's electric needs. We will sail through the lake for about 2 hours, enjoying one of the most scenic routes in Albania. Once we reach the other side of the lake we will take the minibus and transfer to the town of Gjakova in Kosovo. In the afternoon the group will have some free time to explore the city.
Day 4. Gjakova – Prishtina – Peja – Gjakova
Our journey will take us to Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo. There we will visit the Museum of Kosovo, the Etnographic Museum and the center of the city. The next transfer is to Peja where we will visit one of the most important Serbian religious sites, the Patriarchate. The Patriarchate is part of UNESCO Heritage list. In the afternoon we travel to Gjakova to visit the Grand Bazaar, Hadumi Mosque and Tekke complex.
Day 5. Gjakova – Prizren – Ohrid
We will travel to a very important city during the Albanian National Awakening Movement of the 19th century, Prizren, Kosovo. There we will visit the memorial house of the Albanian League, Sinan Pasha’s mosque, the Orthodox church and the center. Prizren is well known for its beautiful mosques and preserved churches. During the Ottoman period, Prizren was one of the most important centers of the Kosivar Vilayet (an ottoman administrative district). Leaving Prizren, we will travel through the scenic route of the Sharri Mountains towards Ohrid, Macedonia.
Day 6. Ohrid – Saint Naum – Ohrid
With the assistance of the local guide, we we will visit Samuel castle, Saint John Caneo, the amphitheater, and more. Lunch will be in Ohrid. In the afternoon we will travel to visit Saint Naum monastery, deeply venerated by Macedonians. Saint Naum helped spread the Bible and increased the literacy rate in the region.
Day 7. Ohrid – Elbasan (Albania) – Tirana
Our journey will lead us toward Albania through Qafa e Thanes border control. The first stop will be in Elbasan where we will visit the Ottoman Castle and Saint Mary Church. We will then reach Tirana where our first visit will be in the newly opened bunker which was designed as an anti-atomic bunker for the chief of staff and the leadership during communism.
Day 8. Tirana – Airport
Breakfast in Tirana. In the morning before departure we visit the National History Museum. We will then head to the Airport where our tour will end.
