Day 1: Tue 13 May Auckland – Dubai
Meet your fellow travellers and your Project Expeditions Tour leading at Auckland Airport. Departing mid-evening we will fly overnight to Dubai to connect with our flight to Tirana the next day.
Day 2: Wed 14 May Dubai – Tirana
Departing Dubai this morning we arrive in Tirana just before midday. We will be met by our local guide and the rest of the day is free to relax and recover from our flights. Overnight in Tirana
Day 3: Thu 15 May Tirana – Kruja – Tirana
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.
We will return to Tirana, where we will enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Albanian food. Overnight in Tirana. (B,D)
Day 4: Fri 16 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. While we can’t visit the island now that it is an exclusive residential enclave, the the view of Sveti Stefan is fantastic – 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. After some free time to stroll the narrow streets of the old town, we will continue to Kotor for the night. Overnight in Kotor. (B)
Day 5: Sat 17 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 visit the smaller Saint Luke’s church alongside, but of great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them. You will have the afternoon to yourselves to explore this majestic UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight in Kotor. (B)
Day 6: Sun 18 May Kotor – Shkodra
Our journey continues to Shkodra, back in Albania. The city is situated in the north- western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is also one of the oldest cities in Albania.
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 hub through the centuries, making it possible for different civilisations to encounter.
Overnight in Shkodra. (B)
Day 7: Mon 19 May Shkodra – Mrizi I Zanave Agro Tourism – 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, processes and preserves regional fresh local products. We will also learn how this family business adopted some old communist buildings to serve as storage for locally made bio products. You will be taken on a unique gastronomic adventure of slow foods that combine a grandmothers’ recipes 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. Continue to Prizren where we overnight. Overnight in Prizren. (B)
Day 8: Tue 20 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.
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 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. In the afternoon you will have some free time to explore independently. Overnight in Prizren. (B)
Day 9: Wed 21 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. Later continue to Ohrid where we will overnight. Overnight in Ohrid. (B)
Day 10: Thu 22 May Ohrid
Ohrid is one of the most seductive destinations in North Macedonia and is acknowledged as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe.
Ohrid City and Ohrid Lake have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites 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, one church for each day of the year.
The houses were built with a specific style of architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels, and tiny yards on the hilly terrain which allows every house to have a good view of the lake. Overnight in Ohrid. (B)
Day 11: Fri 23 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 enjoy 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. Close to the town centre, Drilon National Park was the favourite holiday destination of the Albanian 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. Overnight in Pogradec. (B)
Day 12: Sat 24 May Pogradec – Berat
Our next destination is Berat, also known as the city of 1001 windows, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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)
Day 13: Sun 25 May Berat – Vlora – Llogara
Our main destination for today will be Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. The city is known for its balmy year-round temperatures and little rainfall, making it a popular destination.
Vlora was founded in the 6th century BC under the name of Aulona. The city is known as the “City of the Flag”; Albania’s independence was declared here on the 28th of November 1912. We will visit the Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument and walk in Muradie Neighborhood and visit Vlore’s main mosque a stunning Ottoman building which has been well preserved for almost half a millennium.
Our next stop will be “Lungomare”, a promenade by the seaside. Here you will have a bit of free time and perhaps enjoy a coffee with a fantastic view of Sazani Island and Karaburun Peninsula.
After the coffee break, we will drive just a little further and you will immediately notice the wild rocky beaches of the Ionian Sea, also known as Albanian Riviera. The Southern Albania is blessed with beautiful beaches lapped by turquoise waters, coastal towns, and hidden bays.
This afternoon is fee to explore the area, sample the local seafood or even have a swim. Overnight in Llogara. (B)
Day 14: Mon 26 May Llogara –Dhermi– Himara – Albanian Riviera
While driving along the Albanian Riviera, we will pass some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Palase, Llamani and Dhermi beaches.
We will pass 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.
Our first stop 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.
Ournext destination Himara, 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 combines local cuisine that is influenced by neighbouring Greece. The promenade by the seaside gives us the opportunity to try fresh fruit juice and even shop handmade souvenirs. Overnight near the Albanian Riviera. (B)
Day 15: Tue 27 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.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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 a tropical paradise with its amazing white sandy beaches 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 discovered.
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)
Day 16: Wed 28 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)
Day 17: Thu 29 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 remarkably 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.
We will stroll around the bustling streets of Tirana and visit BUNKART. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war, it is now one of Albanian most unique and interesting museums. Our tour will also visit Tirana Castle and the colourful, vibrant neighbourhood of Blloku.
Tonight, we share a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of a great tour. Overnight in Tirana. (B,D)
Day 18: Fri 30 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
Day 19: Sat 31 May Dubai – Auckland
Early morning transfer back to Dubai International Airport and continue with Emirates on our overnight flight to Auckland.
Day 20: Sun 1 June Arrive Auckland
Arrive in Auckland mid-morning.
