Albania, Macedonia and Beyond

Tour Operator Travcoa
Tour Code TAMAB
Vacation Quality Luxury
Vacation Type Escorted Tour
Number of Days 16
Starting Price $7995 (Select Dates)*
Countries Visited Albania, Greece, Macedonia
City Highlights Lake Ohrid, Meteora, Thessalonika, Tirana

Closed to travelers for decades, AlbaniaÇƒÙs glories are now blossoming in the countryÇƒÙs rebirth. Go where few have gone before and explore this hospitable country, rich in tradition and culture. Walk in the footsteps of Scanderberg, AlbaniaÇƒÙs national hero, as you visit his birthplace, the idyllic medieval town of Kruja. Cross the border to ancient Ioannina to visit MeteoraÇƒÙs majestic monasteries. Travel even further back in time as you explore the ruins of prehistoric Butrint. Along the way, marvel at pristine mountain lakes, the shimmering Adriati coastline, and a way of life that has remained much the same for centuries.

ITINERARY

Days 1 - 3, Friday - Sunday - Depart for Tirana, Albania
Depart from home on Friday.
Your journey through the history and culture of Albania, Macedonia and Ioannina begins in Tirana, where you explore Ethem Bey Mosque and visit the home of one of AlbaniaÇƒÙs foremost painters. Discover the hillside city of Kruja with its impressive fortress and bustling bazaar.

Days 4 - 6, Monday - Wednesday - Ohrid, Sveti Naum, Macedonia
Visit Kalishta Monastery where the monksÇƒÙ cells have been carved from the rock of the surrounding cliffs. The peaceful village of Vevcani tempts weary travelers with its famous springs. Stroll the ancient streets of Ohrid and be constantly reminded of its different periods in history. A daytrip takes you to Sveti Naum where hospitable peacocks welcome you to a fabulous Byzantine church high on a cliff overlooking cerulean Lake Ohrid.

Days 7 and 8, Thursday and Friday - Durres, Berat and Apollonia, Albania
Stroll along the ramparts of ancient Elbasan Castle before continuing to Durres where youÇƒÙll step into the past at the striking Roman amphitheater. On the banks of the Osum River, Berat boasts a magnificent hilltop fortress. Immerse yourself in antiquity at Apollonia, founded more than 2,000 years ago.

Days 9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday - Saranda, Gjirokastra and Butrint
Situated in a lush river valley, Gjirokastra enchants with its centuries-old Ottoman architecture and imposing citadel. Prehistoric Butrint boasts the best-preserved ruins in the country. Continue your walk through history with a gala dinner at 17th-century Lekursi Castle on the Adriatic Sea.

Days 11 and 12, Monday and Tuesday - Ioannina, Greece
Cross the border to the northwestern mountains of Greece and pay a visit to the oracle at Dodoni, the oldest in the ancient world. Discuss your fortunes over dinner at a traditional Greek taverna. A diamond in the middle of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina Island offers ancient churches and delicious cuisine.

Days 13 - 16, Wednesday - Saturday - Meteora and Thessaloniki
Explore MetsovoÇƒÙs romantic stone houses before continuing to the spectacular monasteries of Meteora, perched atop immense sandstone pillars. Visit the tombs of the ancient rulers of Macedonia. ThessalonikiÇƒÙs world-class archaeological museum provides a perfect summation on the final day of your journey through time in Albania, Macedonia and Ioannina.

WHATS INCLUDED

* Visit mountainous KrujaÇƒÙs fortress and bustling bazaar
* Envision your future at the ancient oracle of Dodoni
* Step into the past at Butrint, inhabited since prehistoric times
* Stroll along the ancient stone pathways of the peaceful village of Vevcani
* Dine like royalty at Lekursi Castle on the Adriatic Sea
* Ascend to the sky at the mountain monasteries of Meteora

COST OF JOURNEY DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Air transportation; airport taxes; passport expenses
Alcoholic beverages (except as noted in itinerary) and caviar
Expenses of guides, buses or cars for sightseeing not included in the itinerary
Laundry; expenses of a personal nature and gratuity for any personal services
Health, accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance
Excessive baggage charges imposed by airlines
Customary end-of-the-trip gratuity to the Travel Director

HOTELS

TIRANA - Sheraton Tirana
OHRID - Hotel Bellevue
DURRES - Adriatik Hotel
VLORA - Hotel Vlora International
SARANDA - Hotel Butrinti
IOANNINA - Hotel du Lac
KALAMBAKA - Amalia Kalambaka
THESSALONIKI - Makedonia Palace Hotel