Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
From CAD $3,658 Was CAD $4,065
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
It’s hard to find a patch of Europe as secluded as this one – among the rugged mountains and green fields of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, you’ll find shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches. Lacking in tourist crowds, it’s taken decades for the Balkans to wipe away memories of conflict and Communism, but (amazingly) they’ve emerged strong and smiling. From cool cafes in Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 15-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.
Highlights
- Explore the remote northern reaches of Albania and take one of the world’s best boat trips with a cruise through the mountainous corridors of Lake Koman.
- Experience daily life in the Valbona Valley with a stay at a local guesthouse. Clink glasses with the locals in the village and hike the rugged valley passes.
- Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction!
- Step back in time and learn about the infamous Battle of Kosovo on a daytrip to the Field of Blackbirds, before embracing the modern culture in Prishtina – Europe’s youngest capital.
- Lose yourself in the Albanian capital of Tirana, full of revitalised urban energy, and join the locals for a coffee and some people-watching.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3261
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Public bus,Private vehicle,Boat,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSX
Starts: Tirana, Albania
Finishes: Tirana, Albania
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),Guesthouse (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,658 ($244 /day)
Itinerary
Mire se vini! Welcome to Albania. Your adventure begins in Tirana – the progressive capital city that's working hard to alleviate the Soviet bloc feeling that lingered for so long. If you arrive early, perhaps get your bearings with a walk around town. Tirana is filled with activity, from its traffic to its nightlife, but on its doorstep are mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and museums. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - Sky Tower (400 ALL)
- Tirana - National History Museum (700 ALL)
- Tirana - National Art Gallery (200 ALL)
- Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery (500 ALL)
- Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car (1000 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head out on a leader-led orientation walk of central Tirana. See the architectural influences from Italy and Turkey, visit the Skanderbeg Monument, the mosaic on the National History Museum and the Palace of Culture. The Et'hem Bey Mosque, which sits right on the city's main square, is currently closed for extensive renovation works, but you can still look at the frescoes and portico that depict trees, waterfalls and bridges. After lunch, take a local bus to Shkoder – one of the oldest cities in Europe. When you arrive, head out on a short walk along the Pjaca (the main street), lined with 19th-century architecture and dominated by Ebu Beker Mosque. Later in the afternoon, why not head north of the city to visit the Venetian era Rozafa Castle, set high on a mountain with panoramic views of the Albanian countryside.
Optional Activities:
- Shkoder - Rozafa Castle (400 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an early morning transfer to Lake Koman, where you'll board a private boat between Koman and Fierza, in the remote north-eastern corner of the country. Passing through the gorge of the Albanian Alps, you’ll stop for refreshments and a swim along the way. Take in the scenery of cliff walls on both sides of the narrow lake – these mountains that surround the lake can reach over 1700 m and are almost uninhabited. This is one of the most beautiful boat rides you will ever take – think emerald waters, green vegetation and bright, white cliffs. Arrive in Fierza, where you'll be transferred to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley and tuck into your home cooked dinner.
Included Activities:
- Lake Koman - Private boat ride
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an excursion deeper into the remote Valbona Valley and explore the green meadows dotted with traditional houses, farmlands and alpine trees. Due to the remoteness of the region and the lack of tourist infrastructure, today's activities will come as a surprise to all of us, including the leader! You may go for a hike in the surrounding mountains, walking through wide valleys and thick forests, or you might simply hang out in the village with the locals. One of the best things about Albania is the people – their warmth to strangers is infectious and you're bound to find yourself having a chat and swapping stories over a glass of raki or two. This is a great place to discover the history of Albania from the people who have lived through it, and to learn about the local way of life. Perhaps discover more about the stories of bloody feuds, said to be carried out in the name of the Kanun code (the customs that governed all aspects of life in the mountains).
Included Activities:
- Valbona Valley - Village Tour
- Valbona Valley - Tea House
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you'll cross the border into Kosovo by private vehicle. Tiny Kosovo is Europe’s newest (official) country and is home to a handful of landlocked mountains, poppy-filled meadows and oak forests in the middle of the Balkans. The shadow of conflict in the late 1990s has kept Kosovo off traveller's radars but today, you’ll feel the shadow lifting. See the Decani Monastery – a place of artistic heritage, but whose symbolic significance as a Serbian Orthodox cultural monument unfortunately makes it vulnerable to destruction. Continue to Peja (Pec in Serbian) – the gateway to the Rugova Mountains and a major agricultural centre. Visit the beautifully restored Peja Bazaar, dating back to Ottoman times, and Bajrakli Mosque. Having been destroyed twice in the last 80 years, the bazaar has been fully rebuilt after the Kosovo War and is one of the many protected monuments in Kosovo.
Included Activities:
- Dečani Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head to the village of Drelaj, deep in the Rugova Valley. The Rugova Mountains rise over 2400 m and were declared a national park in 2013. This will be your base to explore the surrounding area on a guided hike. The valley is often compared to Switzerland and at the foot of Hjala mountain, you’ll be surrounded by tall grass pastures, wildflowers, simple wooden shacks and the sounds of cow bells drifting through the valley. After the hike, take the chance to rest as you tuck into lunch at a local family home. Head back to the hotel in the early evening and perhaps try the local Birra Peja brewed here in town.
Included Activities:
- Rugova Valley - Hike including Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey south today, to Kosovo's second biggest (and arguably its most beautiful) city – Prizren. Along the way, stop by Gjakova to walk to the Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order (one of the Dervish sects). Inside of the tekke, there are graves of all the previous shehs since 1600, when the order was established. After, walk along the Carshia (main street) and stop at the Mosque of Hadumi. If you’re lucky, the main Imam of Gjakova will speak to you and give an Albanian interpretation of Islamic dogmas (principles), with plenty of time for questions. Later, head to Prizren, stopping at a restaurant on the Drini River along the way. When you arrive in Prizen, you’ll head out an orientation walk along the Bistrica River, exploring the city’s famous mosques and abandoned Serbian Orthodox churches.
Included Activities:
- Gjakova - Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order
- Gjakova - Hadumi Mosque
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll visit Prizren's 6th-century Kalaja Fortress, which sits on a hilltop above the town. Discover the hidden 43-step staircase for incredible views over the city, then soak up a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the House of the Albanian League of Prizren, where in 1878 the Assembly of Prizren gathered to consolidate Albanian leaders to unite and protect the country against foreign threats. Perhaps walk upstream along the Bistrica River, where you might meet locals tending to their flocks of sheep. Or get your group together and hire a minibus to go for a wine tasting in the vineyards of Rahovec – this region is known as the gastronomic heart of Prizen, so there’s plenty of wineries and restaurants to explore.
Included Activities:
- Prizren - Kalaja Fortress Visit
Optional Activities:
- Prizren - House of the Albanian League of Prizren (1 EUR)
- Prizren - Church of Our Lady of Ljevis (3 EUR)
- Prizren - Church of the Holy Saviour (2 EUR)
- Prizren - Sinan Pasha Mosque - Free
- Prizren - Halveti’s Tekke - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a daytrip to Prishtina – the capital of Kosovo is currently reinventing itself as a major commercial centre. First, head to Kosovo Polje (Field of Blackbirds), which the country is named after. There’s a memorial here that commemorates the important 1389 battle of Kosovo – a skirmish that led to the Ottoman Empire finally taking control of this area of the Balkans. Nearby is the tomb of Sultan Murat, leader of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gracanica Monastery, then the afternoon is free to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Ethnographic Museum, the Sultan Fatih Mosque or the Kosovo Museum. Check out the Newborn Monument, which was unveiled on the day Kosovo declared its independence in 2008. After exploring the city, head to the nearby Bear Sanctuary – a 16-hectare area of woodland and home for rescued dancing bears.
Included Activities:
- Kosovo Polje - Field of the Battle of Blackbirds & Tomb of Sultan Murat
- Prishtina - Day Trip
- Gracanica - Gracanica Monastery
- Prishtina - Bear Sanctuary
Optional Activities:
- Prishtina - Ethnographic Museum - Free
- Prishtina - Sultan Fatih Mosque - Free
- Prishtina - Kosovo Museum (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you head to North Macedonia – full of scenic mountain backdrops, time-weathered monasteries and lake panoramas. When you arrive, take an orientation walk past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths and the newly built neo-classical buildings. After, wander past the mosques, caravanserais and hammams that fill these winding streets – a testament to Skopje’s Ottoman past. After, maybe visit the Daut Pasha Hammam or journey through the humbling Holocaust Museum to learn how Macedonia suffered during this tragic chapter of history. Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountain forests are home to some excellent hiking options, so maybe ask your leader about your options this afternoon if you’re feeling active.
Optional Activities:
- Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross (120 MKD)
- Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
- Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre (300 MKD)
- Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam (60 MKD)
- Skopje - City Museum - Free
- Skopje - Archaeological Museum (300 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Venture out to Matka Canyon – a deep ravine cut into the Suva Mountains by the Treska River. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves and over 70 species of endemic butterflies. When you arrive, you have the option to explore the canyon by boat. Alternatively, you can take one of the many nature walks in the canyon or up to tracks that hug the ridge above the valley. Return to Skopje, where the rest of the day is free. Maybe take the Mount Vodno cable car to Millennium Cross, get lost in the narrow lanes of Carsija, or take in the stone bridge over the Vardar River. For dinner this evening, you could head to the Old Bazaar or the restaurants in the Debar Maalo area.
Included Activities:
- Skopje - Matka Canyon visit and Boat Ride
Optional Activities:
- Matka Canyon - Boat Ride (400 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a local bus to Ohrid, which sits on a lake with the same name. Europe’s oldest lake, and one of the oldest human settlements in the world, Lake Ohrid has a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’, while historical excavations date back to Neolithic times. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years, the town remains under the radar of most tourists. Get your bearings on an orientation walk, then maybe go hunting for a bargain in the Old Bazaar.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Take to the lake on a morning cruise on Lake Ohrid. The rest of the day is free for you to discover the area at your own pace. There are many churches and monasteries to visit, but one of the most popular is the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo – sitting on a rocky outcrop above the town and overlooking the lake. Past the church, you can wander around the back of town, exploring the old walls and fortress. The Sveti Naum Monastery is also a great option, lying on the shores of the lake south of town, with well-kept grounds home to peacocks. The ancient Tsar Samoil’s fortress stands on the top of Ohrid Hill, while a 2000-year-old Roman theatre was uncovered near the Upper Gate – in summer it’s used for concerts and performances.
Included Activities:
- Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum (150 MKD)
- Ohrid - St Jovan Church (150 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the endless blues of the lake and as you head across the border into Albania for your journey back to Tirana. When you arrive, your day is free to explore. Maybe take the cable car up Dajti Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city below. Tonight, perhaps join your group for dinner and head to Blloku (the Block) – once the domain of the Communist party’s inner circle and now home to cafes, restaurants and boutique bars. For something a little more traditional, you could head to an old house restaurant, where the menus are filled with local Albanian recipes.
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car (1000 ALL)
- Kruja - Day Trip (900 ALL)
- Kruja - Skanderbeg Museum (500 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Tirana, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Susan - Traveled, September 2023
This was an epic adventure with a great mix of time spent in cities and nature, and such a range of experiences. Made even better by our guide, Kafu, who was a joy to spend time with. I learned so much about the history of the region and the way that people live there today.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2023
This was a fascinating trip which really took us off the tourist trail and gave an excellent flavour of the region. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the itinerary was a good mixture of cities and more rural areas. There was a good amount of inclusions and plenty of opportunity for additional activities. The food at the homestay in Valbona was excellent - my absolute favourite! It was made all the better by our charismatic leader Kafu, who went above and beyond in making the trip such a brilliant experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Jodell - Traveled, September 2023
Great itinerary and great leader! Nice mix of city and natural scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Marielle - Traveled, September 2023
This is an amazing trip to an incredible beautiful part of the world. The people are kind and hospitable and the nature is amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Laura - Traveled, September 2023
Do not miss out on booking this trip . I have the feeling that these amazing places will not be the same in a few years time. Friendly, kind , welcoming people. Delicious fresh local food. Jaw dropping scenery. I felt safe at all times. If you’re lucky enough to have Sando ( best trip leader of all time) looking after you then you’ve hit the jackpot. We loved every minute with our wonderful Intrepid family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Gordon - Traveled, September 2023
The trip notes may be updated after I have written this review as they have a number of errors, however if they haven't no problem the trip is actually better than described in the notes. This is a fantastic trip, 3 wonderful countries to see and learn about, beautiful scenery, cheap food, and there is lots of hiking for those who want to take part and even if you are not the fittest traveller the pace is easy. We were lucky enough to have the most fantastic tour leader Sando (Alexander), if you are fortunate enough to get him as your leader you will be blown away!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Eichi - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing history, nature, gastronomy and best of all, the group (Sando and the twelve apostles). Great intro to the history, culture, food and scenery. Perfect combination of hiking, free time, food, history, religious and castles sites, and city tours. Our tour leader Sando was great! He has an amazing grasp of the history of the region and is a passionaye storyteller with a natural style and fascinating anecdotes drawn from historical records and what he learned in school.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Bethany - Traveled, September 2023
I had the time of my life on this tour. Aldo was an incredible guide who taught us so much about the region. There is amazing history, food and scenery in these three countries you can't really go wrong. Would happily do this tour again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Josephine - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent Balkan trip, very good range of locations and sites, with a wide variety of great historical, cultural and outdoor activities, along with our fantastic Group Leader Kafu who made everyday a wonderful adventure to remember. Thanks so much! -Josie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
The Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia explorer trip in Summer to Fall 2023 was awesome....the hikes are scenic passing waterfalls, huge mountains with lush greenery around; many pine trees. From the home cooked meals and other meals were delicious. In Prizren did a wine tour and tasted some delicious wine with our fun group and host. The guide told us about a Elbar beer festival in Tirana that so fun with many musians...We swam the Ohrid Lake with fresh water that was refreshing...the people in these countries are inviting and friendly...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Graham - Traveled, September 2023
This was a fantastic trip, set at a good pace. I really enjoyed visiting each location and our tour leader Marija was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
The tour was very informative, the logistics was well done, the accommodation sometimes lacked a little and overall a good experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Morag - Traveled, July 2023
A super trip and Santo was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. History, amazing scenery and nature, great food: this trip has it all. Lots of jam packed days so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Tanor - Traveled, July 2023
Kafu was an awesome leader. The itinerary was well balanced and enjoyable. Summer was unsurprisingly hot which made some transportation and activities more difficult but I still had an awesome time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Barbara - Traveled, July 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to everyone. It was a great mix of culture, scenery and activities, and our guide Kafu went out of his way to make it a success.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Martin - Traveled, June 2023
Fascinating countries , authentic places, great food, stunning mountains and beautiful lakes. Feels a well kept secret - at the moment!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2023
A fabulous trip with Bashkim as our leader. He was so passionate about the area explaining the complex history. The mix of cities and hiking in the mountains made for a wonderful, unforgettable trip. I thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking of touring this area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2023
Laura - Traveled, June 2023
Fascinating trip through the Balkins with our excellent leader, Bashkim. A beautiful area with a complex history - really enjoyed the mix of cities, villages, and nature.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2023
Rosemary - Traveled, August 2023
This was an amazing trip to countries I knew very little about when I arrived. Marija was the best guide ever with her extensive knowledge, intelligent insights and warmth and friendliness. So many highlights! - the food was incredible, the mountains unbelievably beautiful, the boat rides on lakes so restful. So much intertwined history, politics and religion. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Catherine & Hans - Traveled, August 2023
We have taken home a fabulous impression of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The trip more than fulfilled our expectations and encourages us to find out more now that we are home about the places we visited with our 5* guide Marija. We can only recommend it to anyone interested in this exciting and forward moving area of the world. Bon voyage!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
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