Sun 11 May: Auckland – Dubai

Depart Auckland on Emirates overnight flight to Dubai

Mon 12 May: Dubai – Tirana

Reconnect with Emirates codeshare flight to Tirana, capital of Albania
On arrival early afternoon we will be meet by our professional tour guide and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and recover from the long flights. (B)

Tue 13 May: Kruja

After breakfast, our guide will pick us up at our hotel in Tirana to start our journey towards Northern Albania. Our first destination for today is Kruja, a historical city symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the XV century. Kruja is situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain. Walking through Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar (one of the biggest and oldest in Balkans) gives us a sense of a passage through the history. The castle of Kruja (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on the top of a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack. Our local guide will take us through some hidden paths, used by the locals to leave the castle without being noticed during periods when the enemies surrounded the castle. Overnight in Tirana. (B)

Wed 14 May: Tirana –Sveti Stefan– Budva – Kotor

From Albania, we will cross the border to Montenegro. Our first stop will be to view Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. Even while standing on the coast, Sveti Stefan is a sight for sore eyes – worthy of a picture. Our next destination is Budva, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature, and old characteristic buildings. The city is separated between an old and new part. On the one hand, in the New Budva, there are many modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. On the other hand, in the Old Budva, there is the historical centre with many sights to visit, such as the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary, and the Citadel. Overnight in Kotor. (B)

Thu 15 May: Kotor

Kotor is a UNESCO world heritage city. We will wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. This street plan seems quite chaotic, but it was created this way on purpose. The intention was to confuse intruders who came to plunder the town, while nowadays it characterizes the city. Many of the old buildings and churches have small plaques on it with their dates of construction and original use. We will stop at the Saint Tryphon cathedral, which is one of the only two Roman cathedrals in the city. The Saint Tryphon relics are kept inside the cathedral. Next, we visit the smaller Saint Luke’s church alongside, but of great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them. We will also walk to the San Giovanni fortress from which we will have an amazing view over the city. On our way to the top, we will pass by ruins of military buildings and a church from the 15th century. Overnight in Kotor. (B)

Fri 16 May: Kotor – Shkodra

Our journey continues to Shkoder, back in Albania. The city is situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. The oldest wall of the Shkodra castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melding all together in the Adriatic Sea. The city’s architecture is highly influenced by the Venetian style. It is interesting to know that most of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra! The city’s favourable geographic position has always been an important trading tie through the centuries, making it possible for different civilisations to encounter. Overnight in Shkodra. (B)

Sat 17 May: Shkoder – Decan – Peja – Prizren

Our main destination for today is one of the best Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans. We will experience a tour around the farm, learn more about its history and how it created jobs for more than 400 people of the region. The farm collects, elaborates and preserves regional fresh local products. We will also learn how this family business adopted some old communist buildings to serve as storage for local-made bio products. You will taste a unique gastronomic adventure of slow foods that combine grand mothers’ recipe with the chef’s modern touch for lunch. While enjoying a wide variety of delicious foods, we will learn about the history, culture, and food offerings that makes the region so unique from the rest of Albania

On our way to Peja, we will pass the Monastery of Decan in Kosovo. This one stands out for its white colour, but even more remarkable is the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food there, such as cheeses. The monastery became part of UNESCO in 2004 because of its frescoes. Peja itself also has one cultural UNESCO heritage site, the Patriarchate of Peja, located near the entrance of the Rugova Valley. This medieval Orthodox Monastery was built in the 13th century, having four churches in a beautiful red colour. We will also wander through the characteristic Old Bazaar of the city. Overnight in Prizren. (B)

Sun 18 May: Prizren

Prizren is considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance, and gastronomic delights. Prizren has played an important role in the region as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. In August the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that fight for our attention. Filigree artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride. Don’t miss the unique experience of shopping in one of the many filigree shops of the town, where we are welcomed to also see the metalsmithing magic happen. The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis is also a UNESCO World Heritage site If there is just just one mosque to visit then it’s the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque colour and pattern. The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town. Overnight in Prizren. (B)

Mon 19 May: Prizren – Skopje – Ohrid

Our tour continues towards Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. The city has European, Ottoman and even Asian influences. The Stone Bridge connects the new part to the old part of the city. Impossible to miss in Skopje is the Alexander the Great Statue in the centre. Another bridge that stands out is the Art Bridge that leads to the Archaeological Museum. The bridge is lined with flamboyant street lanterns and statues of Macedonian artists and musicians. We will wander through the Old Bazaar of Skopje, the biggest one in the Balkans, that combines the modern way of living with centuries of history. The cross on top of the mountain can be seen kilometres away from Skopje and has become a symbol of the city. It is as high as a 20-story building and can be reached by cable car. Overnight in Ohrid. (B)

Tue 20 May:  Ohrid

Ohrid is one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia, indicated also as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid City and Ohrid Lake have been part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings were inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The city became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. The houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels, and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake. Overnight in Ohrid.
(B)

Wed 21 May: Ohrid – Korça – Pogradec

We continue our journey towards Korça in the south-eastern region of Albania, one of the most beautiful and important cities in the country. Because of its beauty, French-style villas and coffee culture, Korça is also called the ‘little Paris of Albania’. We will take a city tour of this lovely, enchanting town. Not to be missed is “Pazari i Vjetër”, the most charming neighbourhood in Korça and an area that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale; narrow streets, coloured buildings, nice cafés, and small boutiques can be found everywhere we look. Late in the afternoon we head to Pogradec on the Albanian side of the Ohrid lake. Overnight in Pogradec. (B)

Thu 22 May: Pogradec – Berat

Located next to Pogradec is Drilon National Park. This park was the favourite place of the dictator Enver Hoxha, who used to come here to relax. Today Drilon is an attractive summer destination, thanks to its beauty, sandy beaches, and delicious cuisine. Our next destination is Berat, also known as the city of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communism era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. Overnight in Berat. (B)

Fri 23 May: Berat – Vlora – Llogara

On our way to Vlora, we will visit the Narta Lagoon, the island of Zvërnec and its ancient Monastery of Saint Mary (XIII century). Our tour continues towards Vlora where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. The city was founded in the 6th century BC under the name of Aulona. Vlora is known as the ‘’City of the Flag’’; the independence of Albania was declared here on the 28th of November 1912. We will visit the Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument. We will then have a walk in Muradie Neighbourhood, visit Vlore’s main mosque an Albanian National Monument built in 1537. The Muradie mosque is a stunning Ottoman building which has been well preserved for almost half a millennium. The Mosque even managed to survive Albania’s communist regime that oversaw the shuttering of many religious buildings. Today we have a free afternoon by the seaside to relax and swim. Overnight in Llogara. (B)

Sat 24 May: Llogara – Himara – Dhermi – Albanian Riviera

While driving along the Albanian Riviera, we will pass some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Palase, Llamani and Dhermi beaches. Himara will be our first destination for this day. Himara town is located next to imposing mountain peaks covered in deep green forests, crystal-clear seas fringed by long white beaches and sparkling springs. We can enjoy a walk by the seaside where we can sample fantastic, tasty food that combine local cuisine influences by neighbouring Greece. The promenade by the seaside gives us the opportunity to try fresh fruit juice and even shop handmade souvenirs Our next destination will be Dhermi, one of the most famous beaches in Albania. Known for its hidden coves, pebble beaches and crystal-clear water inviting us to dive in. We will have some free time to absorb and store all the sunshine. Later we will also pass some small villages one by one, clinging to rock faces by the seaside, all tumbledown stone walls and narrow pathways, overhung with vines full of grapes, and trees heavy with figs and walnuts. Overnight near the Albanian Riviera. (B)

Sun 25 May: Albanian Riviera – Saranda – Butrint – Ksamil – Blue Eye – Gjirokastra

Today we will drive along the beautiful coastline as well. Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania. It was the first site in Albania that became part of the UNESCO list. The ruins combined with the stunning natural surroundings make it worth a visit. After we will stop in Ksmail. It will feel like exploring some tropical paradise with its amazing white sandy beache and views of the four islands in front of the beach. Ksamil is the pearl of the Albanian Riviera and is one of the best beach destinations in Europe with its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Albanian Riviera has many pretty beaches; however, this beach gives you that ‘Bora Bora’ feeling We then move towards Gjirokastra, but not before making a stop at the natural wonder of the Blue Eye, a source of fresh water surrounded by evergreen trees. The source comes from “Mali i Gjere” and reaches a depth that has not yet been chartered. So far divers have gone down to 50 meters. The water temperature does not go above 10 degrees. The Blue Eye looks like it comes straight out of fairy tale and will not be able to keep our eyes off the mesmerizing crystal-clear blue water. Overnight in Gjirokastra. (B)

Mon 26 May: Gjirokastra – Tirana

Our day begins with a city tour. Gjirokastra is also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage and is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra we will have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful, narrowed stone decorated streets, where we will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. We return to Tirana in the late afternoon. Overnight in Tirana. (B)

Tue 27 May: Tirana

Tirana, the capital of Albania, where we have a full day city tour. Colourful, lively, vibrant, dynamic, 24/7 and crazy nightlife – these are some of the words that better describe this city where the communist and capitalist-era buildings battle daily. Tirana offers a great combination of very interesting museums, historic sites, national parks, mountains and Ottoman, Italian and communist style architecture all clashing with each other, but offering a great pleasure to wander through. Not to be missed is Tirana’s delicious food varieties, from the tasty and cheap street food to the finest gourmet options. This marks the end of this amazing experience through history and culture.
Tonight, we share a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of a great tour
Overnight in Tirana. (B,D)

Wed 28 May: Tirana – Dubai

Morning free to relax before our midday day departure on Emirates to Dubai
Arrive late evening and transfer to our hotel
Overnight Dubai

Thu 29 May: Dubai – Auckland

Early morning transfer back to Dubai International Airport and continue with Emirates on our overnight flight to Auckland (B)

Fri 30 May: Arrive Auckland mid-morning