Albania, Macedonia & Beyond 12 Days, prices start at $6,995 > 여행/스포츠/레저

Go where few have gone before on your exploration of these hospitable countries. Visit the cliffside monastery of Kalishta and the Byzantine cathedral of Sveti Naum, perched high above Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid. Stroll the streets of Albanian Gjirokastra — a jewel of Ottoman architecture — and travel even further back in time as you explore the ruins of prehistoric Butrint. Then cross the border into ancient Greece to visit Meteora’s majestic hilltop monasteries. Along the way, marvel at the striking landscapes, learn about local culture from expert guides and immerse yourself in the history of these little-visited lands.

 

DAYS 1 – 3
Tirana, Albania
Arrive in Tirana on Day 2. You will be met at the airport and
transferred to your deluxe hotel. Enjoy cocktails and a welcome
dinner of regional specialties with your Travcoa Travel Director
and fellow travelers.
On Day 3, begin your exploration of Albania by touring Kruja,
the birthplace of Albania’s national hero and the capital city
of Tirana. Drive to the mountainside town of Kruja to visit
its immense castle. Take a guided tour of the fortress with its
magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Stroll
through the old bazaar where local craftspeople in wooden
shops sell traditional handicrafts. After dining on local
specialties at a restaurant in Kruja, drive back to Tirana.

several of the city’s major monuments, including the grand
Ethem Bey Mosque and its colossal clock tower, an emblem
of the city. Enjoy dinner at a Tirana restaurant while being
entertained with a folkloric show.
Sheraton Tirana, Tirana

 

DAYS 4 – 6
Lake Ohrid & Sveti Naum, Macedonia
The ancient city of Ohrid, seated on the banks of magnificent
Lake Ohrid, hides a cornucopia of delights in its twisting
cobbled streets and traditional architecture. The National
Museum beckons visitors with its exquisite displays of
Macedonian art and culture. Walk to the medieval church of
St. Sofia and marvel at its splendid architecture and well-preserved
frescoes. Visit the Samuil Fortress situated on a hill in the
center of Ohrid, which provides an ideal spot for a panoramic
view of the town, the lake, and the surrounding countryside.
On Day 6, take a full-day excursion across Lake Ohrid by boat
to the monastic complex of Sveti Naum, one of the most famous
sights in Macedonia. Your visit includes a guided tour of the
spectacular Byzantine church along with its ancient frescoes,
turreted towers, and spartan monastic quarters.
Hotel Gorica, Ohrid

DAY 7
Elbasan Castle & Durres
On your drive today from Ohrid to the Albanian Adriatic
port town of Durres, stop to visit Elbasan Castle. Excavations
suggest that the outer walls were first built in the 4th century
A.D., and today the castle stands as a monument to a bygone

era. This afternoon, arrive in Durres. For centuries the largest
port on the Adriatic, Durres now holds the title of Albania’s
second largest city. Most impressive are the ruins of a Roman
amphitheater in the center of town. Explore the site before
visiting the archaeological museum to learn more about this
historically rich area.
Adriatik Hotel, Durres

DAY 8
Berat & Apollonia
Depart Durres this morning, and drive to the ancient hilltop
town of Berat, a marvel of ancient houses, winding stone
paths and magnificent vistas. Stroll through Berat’s fortified
castle, one of the few castles in Europe still with houses and
inhabitants residing within its walls. No visit to Albania is
complete without a trip to the ruins of Apollonia. Founded by
the Greeks in the 6th century B.C., it developed into a cultural
center for literature and music until it fell into decline some
700 years later. Still only partially excavated, explore its ancient
roads, the expansive library, and an orthodox monastery which
was transformed into an archaeological museum.
Hotel Vlora International, Vlora

DAYS 9 & 10
Saranda, Gjirokastra & Butrint
Travel along the unspoiled coastline on your way to Saranda,
the southernmost town on the Albanian coast at the Ionian Sea.
Be delighted at the dramatic and rugged beauty of the Albanian
Riviera, with its steep backdrops to white sandy beaches. Set on
the Adriatic, Saranda looks across the sparkling waters to the
jewel-isle of Corfu.
Explore Butrint, marveling at the layers of civilizations —
Greek, Roman, Venetian and others, brought to light by the
excavations. Visit the Roman amphitheater, the well-preserved
Byzantine basilica, the ruins of a 2nd-century nymphaeum,
and the famous Lion’s Gate.
Hotel Butrinti, Saranda

DAYS 11 & 12
Gjirokastra, Albania & Ioannina, Greece
Perched on a cliff above the rushing clear waters of the Drino
River, Gjirokastra is famous for its uniquely well-preserved
Ottoman architecture. The original settlements, dating back to
the first century B.C., developed into a fortress — the imposing
Gjirokastra Castle. Explore the castle to learn about the history
of this region and its people.
Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Ioannina’s old town,
before taking a boat out to the island in the middle of sparkling
Pamvotis Lake. On this picturesque island, visit several churches
and see how the less than 100 permanent inhabitants go about
their daily lives. Lunch is served in a restaurant specializing in
local delicacies. Later, drive on to visit the Dodoni archeological
site. The oracle at Dodoni was the oldest in ancient Greece and
travelers would come from all over the world to ask questions
about their fate to the priests who lived there.
Grand Serai Hotel, Ioannina

 

DAY 13
Metsovo & Meteora
The tiny mountain village of Metsovo draws travelers with
its blend of beautiful scenery, picturesque architecture,
and cobblestone pathways. Spend the morning exploring
the charming Swiss-like village of Metsova, known for
its traditional way of life. Continue to Meteora for lunch.
Afterward, explore the stunning complex of mountaintop
monasteries that are wonders of the modern world. The
monastic cells and churches have been carved from massive
sandstone pillars. Ascend through the clouds to visit these
miraculous creations of ancient hermit monks.
Hotel Meteora, Meteora

DAYS 14 & 15
Kalambaka & Thessaloniki
Embark on a scenic drive through northern Greece on the way
to Vergina, the last resting place of the great Macedonian rulers
of old. The most impressive ruins are the monumental palace
with its intricate mosaics and glorious painted stuccoes, and
the necropolis which houses the tombs of Phillip II (Alexander
the Great’s father) and other Macedonian royalty. After lunch
in Vergina, continue to Thessaloniki.
Since its founding in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki has been home
to a number of civilizations with both a strong Hellenistic
presence and a rich Byzantine history. Visit the massive
Rotonda, built by Galerius Caesar in 300 A.D., as well as the
church of St. Dimitrious and the old city walls with marvelous
views of the Thermaic Gulf. Explore the Archaeological
Museum and its artifacts from the city’s more than 2,000 years
of history. On the evening of Day 15, enjoy a cocktail party
and farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and your
Travel Director.
Makedonia Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki

DAY 16
Depart for Home
This morning you will be taken to the airport in Thessaloniki
for your flight home or on to your next destination.

 

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Be one of the few to explore the ancient
Roman ruins at Albania’s Butrint
• Ascend to the sky at the mountain
monasteries of Meteora
• Visit remote Kruja, with its imposing fortress
and bustling bazaar
• Enjoy a private folk dance performance
in Tirana
• Consult the oracle at Dodoni, the oldest
of the ancient world
• Cruise to Sveti Naum, one of the most
famous sights in Macedonia
• Watch the sun set over the Adriatic Sea with
magnificent views of the Bay of Saranda
while enjoying refreshments at Lekursi Castle