Tirana ––Monastery of Ardenica 1.5 hrs – Apollonia Archeological Site 30 min – Vlora 30 min
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, 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: the iconostasis dominates the nave, but equally impressive is the golden pulpit, which positively heaves with adornments, not to mention the frescoes of the Zografi brothers that can be seen on display upstairs.Arriving in Apollonia we stop for lunch in a local restaurant nearby the archeological park, before starting the guided tour. (optional)
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.

Albanian Riviera – Vlore – Llogara – Dhermi – Himare – Butrint 4 hrs (UNESCO) – 30 min Sarande
After breakfast we depart for the coastal city Saranda, on the south of Albania
Drive on the spectacular Albanian Riviera looking down at the Ionian Sea. Breathtaking sceneries await us at the Llogara pass – 1000 m above sea level. We stop in Llogara National Park to enjoy the view, photo shooting from above & enjoy degustation of a special local product – Yogurt with honey & nuts. (Optional, supplement 3.5 E/pax)
We continue on to Saranda, passing through the small coastal villages of Dhermi and Himara. Arriving in Saranda, we stop for lunch by the seaside, before starting the guided visit of Butrint. we visit the ancient city of Butrint, an UNESCO world heritage site.
The city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of different civilizations, making it an important discovery in the Mediterranean, rich in ancient sites. It is situated in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation, offering visitors more than just old ruins. Overnight in Saranda.

Saranda – Gjirokaster 1.5 hrs (UNESCO) – Berat (UNESCO ) 3 hrs
Today proceed to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO site and museum town with beautiful and very distinct architecture.
Morning visit the Unesco town of Gjirokastra, including the castle which offers a spectacular view of the city from above, the Ethnographic museum which is the birth house of the ex dictator Enver Hoxha and narrow streets of the old bazaar.
Further we proceed towards another UNESCO town – Berat, the pride of Albanian antiquity and architecture. Free afternoon in Berat. 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. overnight in Berat.

Berat – Ohrid 3.5 hrs
After breakfast, guided tour of Berat. 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. Free time for lunch in Berat. Further transfer towards Macedonia, the UNESCO town of Ohrid. Relaxing afternoon by the lake Ohrid and Overnight.

Ohrid full day
Morning tour of Ohrid. This immortal city is the sublime lakeside point that for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience, a kingdom of light and water, a repository of ancient ruins from Macedonia’s earlier kingdoms. Ohrid’s major attractions are all located within a remarkably concentrated and eminently walkable area, among and above the narrow streets of the Old Town lined with restaurants and cafés perfectly suited for relaxing in the cool summer evenings.
We visit the old churches, the Amphitheater and enjoy a boat ride in the lake. Visit the old town, the amphitheater and the church of St Sofija. Free afternoon in Ohrid and overnight.

Ohrid – Mavrovo National Park – Skopje
This morning we continue to Skopje, Macedonian capital city – driving through the Mavrovo National Park, the biggest in Macedonia covering 73,000 hectares. We follow the Radika River along the way and with optional stops along the rout. ebar 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.
Afternoon arrival in Skopje, Free evening and overnight.

Skopje City Tour and Boat Ride in Matka Valley
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 free time for lunch
Return to Skopje for the guided tour. We visit the city center, the old bazaar in the Otoman styles, The bridges, Kale Fortress, and the memorial house of Mother Tereza, Overnight in Skopje.

Skopje –Return Flight (30 min)
After breakfast free time in the city, Transfer to the airport for the return flight, where we say good bye!