Highlights of Albania and Northern Greece

Welcome to Tirana! Upon arrival at Mother Teresa Airport, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. At 6 PM, join your guide for a welcome meeting to go over your journey’s details. In the evening, explore the lively Blloku district, once restricted to Albania’s elite, now a bustling hub of trendy bars and cafés.

Travel Time: 45 Minutes (Airport to Tirana)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing for Ohrid, North Macedonia, at 10 AM. After checking in and having lunch, meet your guide at 3 PM for a city tour. Explore the historic Church of St. Sofia with its Byzantine frescoes and visit St. Clément’s Church. Continue to Tzar Samuel’s fortifications, the ancient theater, Plaošnik's Byzantine mosaics, and the lakeside St. Kanoe Church. End the day with dinner at a traditional lakeside restaurant. Conclude the day with accommodation in Ohrid.

Travel Time: 2.5 Hours (Tirana to Ohrid)

Spend the first part of your day kayaking on Ohrid Lake's pristine waters. Enjoy refreshing swim stops and admire one of the world’s oldest lakes. Afterward, visit the scenic Sveti Naum Monastery, founded in 905, offering panoramic views of the lake. Cross the border into Albania and head to Korça for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Hiking Time: 30 Minutes (Starting point of the hike)
Travel Time: 1.5 Hours (Transfer ending point of the hike to Korça)

In the event that weather conditions prevent kayaking, Galichica National Park will be used for a picturesque hike. After a short transfer, follow a well-marked trail to ascend Magaro Peak. Enjoy the panoramic views before descending and returning to the vehicle for your journey back to Tirana.

Explore Korça, a historic city nestled on the side of Morava Mountain. Visit the National Museum of Medieval Art, home to 7,500 artifacts, including iconic 13th–14th-century pieces. Stroll through the traditional market, once a bustling hub of international trade. End your city tour at the Grand Cathedral of Christ Resurrection, the largest Orthodox cathedral in Albania.

After the visit, enjoy a scenic drive toward northern Greece through mountain passes, forests, and charming villages. Stop for a home-cooked lunch with a local family, savoring fresh, garden-to-table dishes. Take in breathtaking views of the Melesin and Pindus Mountain Range, with coffee breaks along the way. Arrive in Monodendri, a picturesque village in the Zagoria Region, for dinner and an overnight stay. Afterward, wander the lively central square, surrounded by traditional tavernas beneath ancient plane trees.

Travel Time: 3.5 Hours (Transfer from Korça to Monodendri)

Hike through the breathtaking Vikos Canyon in the center of the Pindus Mountains for two days. Explore Zagoria’s dramatic landscape of towering peaks, river gorges, and dense forests. Discover the charm of its 46 traditional villages, connected by scenic mountain roads and historic arched bridges. Prepare for an unforgettable day immersed in nature’s beauty.

Hike through Vikos Canyon, the world’s second-deepest gorge. Stretching 12.4 miles with cliffs rising 400 to 1600 feet, the canyon’s limestone and dolomite layers tell a story millions of years old. The trail offers mostly easy terrain with a few challenging sections. Starting from Monodendri and ending in Vikos village, this adventure rewards you with breathtaking views of untouched landscapes.

Ascend: 1,463 feet (456 meters)
Descend: 2,382 feet (726 meters)
Distance: 9.2 Miles (14.6 Km)
Hiking Time: 6 Hours
Travel Time: 45 Minutes (Transfer ending point of the hike to Monodendri)
Alpine Hiking Scale: T3 - Difficult Mountain Hiking
Paths and Terrain: Paths are not always visible, but some are exposed. Partially exposed sections with the risk of slipping, gravel, or unexpected changes in path and terrain.
Hiking Requirements: With previous experience and competent agility needed. High-quality hiking boots are essentials. Basic to medium alpine experience is needed.

Hike along the picturesque Voidomatis Gorge following the crystal-clear Voidomatis River. Pass by ancient plane trees, historic monasteries, and monk-used caves. The journey ends at Klidonia’s iconic stone bridge, where you can take a refreshing dip if you're up for it. After lunch, return to Albania for your stay in Gjirokastra.

Ascend: 230 feet (71 meters)
Descend: 360 feet (110 meters)
Distance: 3.6 Miles (5.79 Km)
Hiking Time: 2 Hours
Travel Time: 50 Minutes (Starting point of the hike)
Travel Time: 1.15 Hours (Transfer ending point of the hike to Gjirokastër)
Alpine Hiking Scale: T3 - Difficult Mountain Hiking
Paths and Terrain: Paths are not always visible, but some are exposed. Partially exposed sections with the risk of slipping, gravel, or unexpected changes in path and terrain.
Hiking Requirements: With previous experience and competent agility needed. High-quality hiking boots are essentials. Basic to medium alpine experience is needed.

Start your day with breakfast before heading on a scenic 45-minute drive to Labova of the Cross. Discover its historic church, one of the Balkans’ most important Byzantine monuments, with stories dating back to the 6th century. Then, follow a pastoral trail through open meadows, once traveled by Greek migrants. After reaching Libohovë, a short drive takes you to a local farm. Enjoy genuine flavors and friendly hospitality as you get your hands dirty and help the hosts prepare a traditional Albanian meal. After meeting your hosts, dive into a hands-on cooking experience using fresh, local ingredients, many straight from the farmhouse garden. Savor the rewards of your efforts with a delicious homemade meal.

In the afternoon, explore Gjirokastra, a stunning Ottoman merchant town with cobbled alleys, white stone houses, and lively handicraft shops. Visit the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking valley views. Step through its centuries-old walls and discover its history, including its time as a communist prison. After that, visit a traditional museum house to learn more about the history of the area. Wrap up your day with dinner at a top local restaurant before settling in for the night.

Ascend: 660 feet (201 meters)
Descend: 820 feet (249 meters)
Distance: 4.3 Miles (6.96 Km)
Hiking Time: 2 Hours
Travel Time: 40 Minutes (Starting point of the hike)
Travel Time: 25 Minutes (Local farm in Libohove to Hotel)
Alpine Hiking Scale: T2 - Mountain Hiking
Paths and Terrain: Paths with continuous track bed. Sometimes steep terrain, slight risk of rockfall and feet slipping.
Hiking Requirements: Competent, agile, and with quality hiking shoes.

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Tirana. Settle into your hotel and have a relaxed lunch before exploring the city. Start at Skanderbeg Square, the vibrant heart of Tirana, surrounded by landmarks like the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower. The square’s colorful stones represent regions from across Albania. Stroll through the bustling streets, where Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences meet the city’s modern vibe.

In the afternoon, visit Bunk’Art, a vast underground bunker built in the 1970s to shelter Albania’s leaders from nuclear threats. Today, it is a strong museum with immersive exhibits that make history come to life. Later, stroll to the Castle of Tirana, a former Byzantine fortress turned Ottoman stronghold. Today, a bustling center of cafes, stores, and eateries is encircled by its historic walls. End the day with dinner in this historic setting before settling in for the night.

Travel Time: 3.5 Hours (Gjirokastër to Tirana)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure and conclude your journey through Albania’s rich history and stunning landscapes.