Grand Tour of the Balkans

Day by day

1. 01

   Arrival in Skopje

   Welcome to North Macedonia

   Arrival at Skopje Airport and private transfer to the hotel, approximately 45 minutes.

   After settling in, meet your local guide for an introductory tour of Skopje, exploring the city’s fascinating mix of Ottoman, Byzantine and modern influences. Discover the atmospheric Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge and Macedonia Square before enjoying a traditional three-course dinner in a local restaurant close to the hotel.

   Skopje

2. 02

   Skopje & Matka Canyon

   Mountain Views, Monasteries & Dramatic Canyons

   After breakfast, leave the city behind and ascend Vodno Mountain, one of Skopje’s best-known landmarks. Visit the Millennium Cross and continue to St. Panteleimon Monastery, famous for its Byzantine frescoes.

   In the afternoon, head to Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia’s most impressive natural attractions. Enjoy a scenic hike through the canyon followed by a boat trip along the cliffs and tranquil waters.

   Return to Skopje in the late afternoon.

   Skopje

3. 03

   Tetovo, Mavrovo & Ohrid

   Painted Mosques, Mountain Lakes & Ancient Monasteries

   Depart Skopje for Tetovo, where you will visit the extraordinary Painted Mosque, one of the finest examples of Ottoman Islamic architecture in North Macedonia.

   Continue into the landscapes of Mavrovo National Park, with its forested mountains and peaceful lake. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeshore before continuing to the Monastery of St. John Bigorski, situated in the mountains and renowned for its intricate wooden iconostasis.

   In the late afternoon, arrive in Ohrid, one of the Balkans’ most enchanting historic towns.

   Ohrid

4. 04

   Ohrid & the Bay of Bones

   The Pearl of the Balkans

   Today is dedicated to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid.

   Explore the atmospheric Old Town, its cobbled lanes and historic churches, with a visit to the impressive Ohrid Fortress for views over the lake.

   After some free time, continue to the Bay of Bones, where a reconstruction of a prehistoric lakeside settlement offers a glimpse into life thousands of years ago.

   Walk along the remains of the former Roman fortifications and take in the beautiful lakeside scenery.

   Optional: Return to Ohrid by boat for a relaxing journey across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid.

   Ohrid

5. 05

   Bitola, Heraclea & Prilep

   Ancient Macedonia, Ottoman Heritage & Mountain Monasteries

   Today we travel south to Bitola, one of North Macedonia’s most elegant historic cities. Enjoy a walking tour along its lively pedestrian boulevard and discover its Ottoman and European architectural heritage.

   Continue to the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II of Macedon. Explore its well-preserved Roman theatre, mosaics and archaeological remains.

   The journey continues to Prilep and the Treskavec Monastery, dramatically perched in the mountains above the city.

   Return to Ohrid in the afternoon and round off the day with a local wine tasting accompanied by traditional snacks.

   Ohrid

6. 06

   Ohrid to Korçë, Albania

   Across the Border into Albania

   Enjoy a leisurely morning and a late breakfast before crossing the border from North Macedonia into Albania.

   Arrive in Pogradec, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Discover the town and visit Vila Art, associated with Albania’s communist-era history and the former summer residence of Enver Hoxha.

   Continue through the scenic countryside to Korçë, known for its elegant architecture, cultural traditions and lively cafés.

   Korçë

7. 07

   Voskopojë & Korçë

   Albania’s Hidden Mountain Heritage

   This morning, travel into the mountains to Voskopojë, a charming historic village once known as one of the most important cultural and commercial centres of the region.

   Explore its atmospheric streets and historic churches, decorated with beautiful frescoes.

   Return to Korçë in the afternoon for a walking tour through the historic centre. Discover the town’s distinctive architecture, traditional houses, lively squares and cultural heritage before enjoying some free time in its cafés and taking in the local atmosphere.

   Korçë

8. 08

   Korçë, Leskovik & Gjirokastër

   Through the Vjosa Valley to the Stone City

   Today’s journey takes us through the dramatic landscapes of southern Albania.

   Travel via Leskovik and follow the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last major free-flowing wild rivers.

   In the afternoon, arrive in Gjirokastër, the famous “Stone City” and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its steep cobbled streets, traditional Ottoman houses and atmospheric bazaar.

   Visit the imposing Gjirokastër Fortress, rising above the town and offering magnificent views across the surrounding mountains.

   Gjirokastër

9. 09

   Blue Eye, Butrint & Sarandë

   Albania’s Turquoise Waters & Ancient Civilizations

   After breakfast, travel to Syri i Kaltër, the Blue Eye, one of Albania’s most spectacular natural attractions. The brilliant turquoise spring emerges from deep underground, creating an extraordinary natural pool.

   Please note that vehicles can no longer drive directly to the spring, so visitors must walk approximately 4 km each way. The path is generally easy and does not require high fitness level.

   Continue to Butrint, one of Albania’s greatest archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian remains surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.

   Continue to the seaside resort of Sarandë for the evening.

   Sarandë

10. 10

    Sarandë, Porto Palermo & Vlorë

    The Albanian Riviera

    Today we follow the Albanian Riviera, with its dramatic mountains rising above the Ionian Sea.

    Travel north from Sarandë towards Porto Palermo, one of the most beautiful and evocative bays along the coast. Enjoy time to admire the scenery and explore the historic fortress.

    Continue along the coastal road to Vlorë, one of Albania’s most important historic cities and the place where Albanian independence was proclaimed in 1912.

    Vlorë

11. 11

    Apollonia, Berat & Tirana

    Ancient Ruins & the City of a Thousand Windows

    Depart Vlorë for the ancient archaeological site of Apollonia, an important Greek and Roman city surrounded by peaceful countryside.

    Continue to Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful historic towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its famous white Ottoman houses climbing the hillside, the historic castle district and the charming old quarters.

    In the afternoon, continue to Tirana, Albania’s colourful and energetic capital.

    Enjoy an introductory city tour including Skanderbeg Square and the historic centre, with entrance to the beautiful Et’hem Bey Mosque.

    Tirana

12. 12

    Tirana – Prizren & Peja

    From Albania to Kosovo

    After breakfast, travel north across the border into Kosovo and continue to the historic town of Prizren.

    Prizren is one of Kosovo’s most picturesque cities, known for its Ottoman architecture, stone bridges, mosques and lively riverside cafés.

    Take a stroll through the old town, visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city centre.

    Continue to Peja (Peć), dramatically situated beneath the Accursed Mountains.

    Visit the Patriarchate of Peć Monastery, a remarkable complex of medieval Serbian Orthodox churches and an important cultural and spiritual landmark.

    Afterwards, enjoy some free time to discover Peja and its atmospheric centre.

    Peja

13. 13

    Kosovo to Žabljak, Montenegro

    Into the Mountains of Montenegro

    Leave Kosovo behind and cross into Montenegro, travelling through the spectacular mountain landscapes around Rožaje.

    Continue towards Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park and one of Montenegro’s most beautiful mountain regions.

    The journey takes you through dramatic valleys and past the Tara River, one of Europe’s deepest canyons.

    Arrive in Žabljak and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

    Žabljak

14. 14

    Durmitor National Park

    Black Lake & the Wild Mountains of Montenegro

    Today is devoted to Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Balkan’s great mountain landscapes.

    Enjoy a guided hike through the pine forests to Black Lake (Crno Jezero). Continue towards Snake Lake (Zmijsko Jezero), surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Durmitor massif.

    Return to Žabljak in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening in the mountains.

    Žabljak

15. 15

    Ostrog Monastery, Podgorica & Budva

    Sacred Mountains & the Adriatic Coast

    Depart Žabljak and travel south through Montenegro’s spectacular mountain scenery.

    Visit the extraordinary Ostrog Monastery, one of the most important Orthodox pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. Built directly into a dramatic cliff face, the monastery offers a remarkable cultural experience as well as spectacular views over the surrounding landscape.

    Continue to Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, for an orientation tour.

    In the afternoon, continue towards the Adriatic coast and Budva, one of Montenegro’s most famous seaside destinations.

    Budva

16. 16

    Cetinje, Njeguši, Kotor & Perast

    Royal Montenegro & the Bay of Kotor

    Today brings some of the highlights of Montenegro.

    Begin with Cetinje, the former royal capital. Visit the historic royal palace and one of the town’s important churches before continuing through the mountains to Njeguši, a traditional mountain village known for its local smoked ham and sheep cheese.

    Enjoy a tasting of these traditional Montenegrin specialities before descending towards the Bay of Kotor.

    Explore the medieval town of Kotor, surrounded by limestone mountains and protected by impressive city walls.

    Continue to picturesque Perast, one of the most beautiful villages on the Bay of Kotor. From here, take a boat trip to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and its historic church.

    Return to Budva in the evening.

    Budva

17. 17

    Departure

    Farewell to Montenegro

    Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Budva, with time for a final walk through the Old Town, a coffee by the Adriatic or some last-minute shopping.

    Depending on the departure flight, transfer to Podgorica, Dubrovnik or Tivat Airport for the journey home.

    End of the tour.

    North Macedonia • Albania • Kosovo • Montenegro

    This journey can be further enhanced by extending your trip to Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar, Sarajevo).