Skopje – Boat tour in Matka Valley – City tour of Skopje
After breakfast we depart toward Matka Valley, A gorge in which a rich complex of mediaeval building survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the mediaeval town of Matka). There are dozens of caves and large number of endemic plants and animals. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km south-west of Skopje. By its morphogenetic characteristic, it is a breakthrough gorge. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip in the lake, and further lunch with traditional menu in the local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Skopje, where we start the city tour, inhabited since at least 4000 BC We visit the city center, the old bazaar, Kale Fortress, and the memorial house of Mother Tereza.

Skopje – Prizren (Kosovo) – Shkodra
Today we transfer towards Albania, driving through Kosovo.
Along the way we stop for a visit of the city of Prizren. The city is located in the foothills of the Sharr Mountains, and is enrolled in the UNESCO list. Walking tour in the old town and time for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch time we continue further towards Shkodra, a historical town in north Albania. Shkodra is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once a capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, before reaching Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains – from the top of the hill. Dinner and overnight in Shkodra.

Shkodra – Kruja – Tirana
After breakfast we head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar of souvenirs. Here we can meet the local artisans and see the handmade production of the carpets, bags or other local products,
Lunch with traditional menu in a local restaurant with amazing views of the castle. Further we transfer to Albanian capital city, Tirana. Afternoon walking tour of Tirana city center, passing by Skanderberg Square, the Clock Tower, Et´hem Bey Mosque, the bazaar, the ruins of Tirana castle and the quarter of ex blloku. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Tirana – Durres – Ardenica – Apollonia – Vlora
Today we travel to Apollonia, one of the most well-known archeological sites in the country and recently a national archaeological park. Along the way, we stop at the coastal city of Durres, to visit the ancient roman amphitheater, which is the second biggest amphitheater in the region. We then spend some time in the promenade by the seaside.
Further we stop to visit Monastery of Ardenica, an Eastern Orthodox monastery. Here we can see the fantastic interiors of the 18th century Church of St Mary. Arriving in Apollonia we stop for lunch in a local restaurant nearby the archeological park, before starting the guided tour. We visit the Odeon and see some monuments like the Encircling Wall, the Bouleterion, the Mosaics House and the Nymphaioum. Afternoon arrival in the coastal city of Vlora. It is the town of Albania’s independence proclamation. Enjoy evening by the seaside promenade. Overnight in Vlora.

Vlora – Berat *UNESCO
Today we proceed towards the UNESCO town of Berat, the pride of Albanian antiquity and architecture. Berat forms a wonderful combination of eastern and western cultures, costumes and traditions. The architecture of the old houses, with large windows that overlook the town, is the first think that impresses the visitors. First stop: the Citadel. It overlooks the river and the modern city as well as the old Christian quarter across the river. The citadel can be reached by a steep road and is still inhabited. Inside the citadel, we visit The iconographic museum Onufri, with painting from the 16 the century, from the famous orthodox painter of that period, Onufri. Traditional lunch can be organized in a local restaurant inside the castle, before continuing with the visits of the old town. Dinner and Overnight in Berat.

Berat – Sveti Naum Monastery – Ohrid *UNESCO
This morning we return to North Macedonia. After crossing the border we visit the Monastery of Sveti Naum. Set amidst lush verdure where the River Crna Drin tumbles into the lake, the monastery of St. Naum is a refuge of tranquility at the very southwestern corner of the Macedonian Republic. As with most Byzantine churches, St. Naum was chosen primarily for its location – on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, above deep forests and life-giving springs of the river Crn Drim. The monastic complex and church of St. Naum were built originally at the turn of the tenth century by the monk that beard the same name; Macedonians believe you can still hear the saint’s heartbeat by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church. In the afternoon we turn to Ohrid. Guided tour of the old town. In it’s narrow alleys lies history dating back over 3.000 years. Both the city and the lake are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. We walk through the streets of Ohrid to reach the highest point – Samuil’s Fortress, which offers wonderful landscapes of the city and Lake. We will visit the cathedral Church of St. Sofia, the Ancient theatre, and from the medieval church St. John the Evangelist. Dinner by the lake with fresh trout menu, and overnight.

Ohrid – National Park of Mavrovo – The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski – The painted mosque in Tetovo – Skopje
This morning we return towards Skopje. First we pass through the panoramic mountain road in Mavrovo National Park.While in Mavrovo we visit the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski. Hidden away on the side of a mountain just off the main road between Debar and Gostivar and dedicated to John the Baptist, it’s said that the history of this masterpiece of a monastery dates back 1,000 years. Destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1743 with further expansions taking place the following century, the complex was seriously damaged by fire in 2009 and much of what you see today is a modern imitation. Thankfully however most of the important artefacts, including some outstanding gold-encrusted icons, one of which is said to date from the 11th century, and the church’s gorgeous carved wooden iconostasis, survive. Further, we stop at the small town of Tetovo for a short sightseeing and entrance to the mosque, called Šarena Džamija- meaning the decorated mosque. Afternoon arrival in Skopje and overnight.

Return flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning in Skopje. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.