Balkan Explorer

Fly from London to Albania’s capital, Tirana, and check-in at the 4-star Hotel Theatro for an overnight stay. Walking tour of the capital to learn about its history and eclectic architectural styles.
(D)

A morning visit to Bunk’Art, the huge, four-storey anti-nuclear bunker hewn into a hill. Drive east to North Macedonia, with a stop before the border crossing at Elbasan to visit the fortress; to beautiful Ohrid, spread along the shore of the namesake lake. An afternoon walking tour through the old town to the 13th-century St. John the Theologian, high on the Kaneo cliff, the poster image of this UNESCO proclaimed town. Spend two nights at the 4-star SU Hotel.
(B)

A walking tour includes the 6th-century St. Sophia; the frescoed Holy Virgin of Peribleptos; the Icon Gallery; and old the paper printing workshop. Our tour continues by driving to the Bay of Bones and to St. Naum Monastery. We finish off the day with a boat trip on the lake.
(B, D) 

Travel to Stobi to visit the Roman remains of a 7th-century BC city, strategically sited on the Diagonal Road linking Thrace with the Balkans. Continue to the Popova Kula Winery for a tasting, en route to Skopje, and enjoy a walking tour in the capital, historic landmarks include the photogenic Kameni Most (stone bridge), the 12th-century ‘Carsija’ Turkish bazaar, and the Mahmut Pasha Hammam. Overnight at the 4-star Next Door Park Hotel.
(B, L)

A drive takes you to Matka Canyon, the steep-sided gorge filled with the blue-green waters of an artificial lake; cross the border into Kosovo and visit Gadimë Cave, a karst limestone cavern. Transfer to Pristina for an orientation tour and overnight at the 4-star Hotel Prishtina.
(B)

We start the day with a walking tour of Pristina which includes the remarkable ‘cube and dome’ design of the National Library; the city’s new landmark, the Mother Teresa Cathedral with its tall belltower, the first church dedicated to the Albanian saint; the 15th century, Ottoman, Fatih and Carshia Mosques; and the capital’s celebration of freedom fighter, Skanderbeg, his monument echoing that of Tirana and epitomising the shared heritage of the two cities. Drive to Gracanica Monastery, a 14th century church, built over the ruins of a 6th century basilica, and boasting vibrant medieval murals; and to see the ancient remains of Illyrian/Roman Ulpiana nearby; continue to the Battle of Kosovo (Gazimestan) Monument, built in 1953 to commemorate the battle of 1389. Transfer to its historic capital, Prizren, and check-in at the Classic Hotel (4-star Hotel Kacinari, 4 Sep, 9 Oct & 14 May) for two nights.
(B, L)

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Prizren to landmarks including the lovely little Ottoman Stone Bridge, spanning the Lumbardh River in the heart of town; and the Museum of the League of Prizren, documenting the late 19th century struggle for rights for the Albanian community. Tour to the 14th century monastery complex of Decan, a UNESCO listed site which boasts the largest medieval church in the Balkans, with a thousand beautifully preserved frescoes. Continue to Peja to visit the Patriarchate of Pec, a Serbian Orthodox church and convent, still in use since its 13th century construction.
(B)

Travel on the Highways of the Nation (3 ½ hrs) to Tirana airport for return flight.
(B)