Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia Explorer
Experience Overview
It’s hard to find a patch of Europe that as secluded as this one. Hard, but not impossible. Among the rugged mountains and green fields of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia there are plenty of shepherds, monasteries, lakes, valleys and Byzantine churches – what’s lacking is crowds. It’s taken decades for the Balkans to wipe away memories of conflict and communism, but (amazingly) they’ve emerged strong and smiling. From hip cafes in Skopje and the soft shores of Lake Ohrid to the mosques of picture-perfect Prizren, this 15-day adventure showcases Balkan beauty at its very best.
Highlights
- Explore the remote northern reaches of Albania and take one of the world’s best boat trips with a cruise through the mountainous corridors of Lake Koman
- Experience daily life in the Valbona Valley with a stay at a local guesthouse. Clink glasses with the locals in the village and hike the rugged valley passes.
- Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction – nobody would want to let it go.
- Kososvo is rich in history and contrasts. Step back in time and learn about the infamous Battle of Kosovo on a day trip to the Field of Blackbirds, before embracing the modern culture thriving in Prishtina, Europe’s youngest capital.
- Lose yourself in Tirana, the Albanian capital full of a revitalised urban energy, and partake in the local's favourite pastime: drinking coffee and people-watching.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3261
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSX
Starts: Tirana, Albania
Finishes: Tirana, Albania
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Basic
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation:
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,880 ($259 /day)
Itinerary
Mire se vini – welcome to Tirana, Albania. If you arrive early, perhaps get your bearings of the city with a walk around town. Tirana is filled with activity, from its traffic to its nightlife, but on its doorstep are mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and museums. This is a truly progressive city that's working hard to alleviate the Soviet bloc feeling that pervaded it for so long. In the evening, perhaps head out for dinner with your new crew.
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - Sky Tower (400 ALL)
- Tirana - National History Museum (700 ALL)
- Tirana - National Art Gallery (200 ALL)
- Tirana - Bunk'Art Gallery (500 ALL)
- Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car (1000 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning head out on a leader-led orientation walk of central Tirana. It’s the capital of Albania and its biggest city, but it's still small and compact, with architectural influences from Italy and Turkey. Visit the Skanderbeg Monument, the mosaic on the National History Museum and the Palace of Culture, which are all located on Skanderbeg Square. The main sight in Tirana is the Et'hem Bey Mosque, which sits right on the city's main square. The mosque is currently closed for extensive renovation works, but you can still take a look at the frescoes outside and in the portico that depict trees, waterfalls and bridges. After lunch, take a local bus to Shkoder, one of the oldest cities in Europe (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, head out on a short walk with your leader along the Pjaca – the main pedestrian street – lined with 19th-century architecture and dominated by Ebu Beker Mosque. Later in the afternoon, why not head north of the city to visit the Venetian era Rozafa Castle, set high on a mountain with panoramic views of the Albanian countryside.
Optional Activities:
- Shkoder - Rozafa Castle (400 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an early morning transfer to Lake Koman (approximately 1.5 hours), where you'll board a private boat between Koman and Fierza, in the remote north eastern corner of the country, passing through Albanian Alps gorge (approximately 3 hours). Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop for a refreshments and swim. Take in the scenery of cliff walls on both sides of the narrow lake. The mountains that surround the lake and can reach over 1700 metres in height are almost uninhabited, except for the occasional settlement. This is one of the most beautiful boat rides you will ever take – emerald water merging with the green vegetation dotting the bright white cliffs. Upon arrival to Fierza, you'll be transferred to your guesthouse in Valbona Valley, where a delicious home cooked meal awaits.
Included Activities:
- Lake Koman - Private boat ride
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an excursion deeper into the remote Valbona Valley – complete with green meadows of traditional houses, farmland, and alpine trees. Due to the remoteness of the region and the lack of tourist infrastructure, today's activities will come as a surprise to all of us, including the leader! You may go for a hike in the surrounding mountains, walking through wide valleys and thick forests, or you might simply hang out in the village with the locals. One of the best things about Albania is the people – their warmth to strangers is infectious and you're bound to find yourself having a chat and swapping stories over a glass of raki or two. This is a great place to discover the history of Albania from the people who have lived through it, and to learn about the local way of life. Perhaps discover more about the stories of bloody feuds, said to be carried out in the name of the Kanun code: the customs that governed all aspects of life in the mountains.
Included Activities:
- Valbona Valley - Village Tour
- Valbona Valley - Tea House
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll cross the border into Kosovo by private vehicle (approximately 2 hours). Tiny Kosovo is Europe’s newest (official) country: a handful of landlocked mountains, poppy-dotted meadows and oak forests smack bang in the middle of the Balkans. The shadow of conflict in the late 90s has kept Kosovo off traveller's radars but go there today and you can feel that shadow lifting, and Europe’s youngest member is definitely making up for lost time. The first stop in this newly independent country will be the Decani Monastery. Time stands still here – a place of stunning art heritage, but whose symbolic significance as a Serbian Orthodox cultural monument unfortunately makes it vulnerable to destruction. Continue on to Peja (Pec in Serbian) – the gateway to the Rugova Mountains and a major agricultural centre (approximately 30 minutes). Visit the beautifully restored Peja Bazaar, dating back to Ottoman times, and Bajrakli Mosque. Having been destroyed twice in the last 80 years, the bazaar has been fully rebuilt after the Kosovo War, according to historical Ottoman architecture, and is one of the many protected monuments in Kosovo.
Included Activities:
- Dečani Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the village of Drelaj, which is deep in the Rugova Valley and close to the Montenegrin border (approximately 30 minutes). The Rugova Mountains rise to over 2400 metres and were declared a national park in 2013. Drelaj will be your base to explore the surrounding area on a 3 to 4-hour guided hike. The Rugova Valley is often compared to Switzerland in its landscape, and here at the foot of Hjala mountain, be surrounded by tall grass pastures dotted with wildflowers, the sound of cow bells drifting through the valley, and simple wooden shacks and stone houses with smoke drifting up to the granite cliffs above. Afterwards, you'll be able to rest your weary bones with lunch at a local family home. Head back to the hotel in the early evening, with your night then free – perhaps try the local Birra Peja, brewed here in town.
Included Activities:
- Rugova Valley - Hike including Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey to the south of the country today, to Kosovo's second biggest, and arguably its most beautiful, city – Prizren (approximately 1.5 hours). Along the way, you’ll stop by Gjakova to walk to the Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order (one of the Dervish sects). It is very interesting as we get to talk often to the Sheh of the order. Inside of the tekke, there are graves of all the previous sheh's since 1600 when the order was established. Afterwards, walking along the Carshia (main street), and stop at the Mosque of Hadumi. If you’re lucky, the main Imam of Gjakova will speak to you and give an Albanian interpretation of Islamic dogmas (principles), with plenty of time for questions. Later on, head to Prizren, with a stop at a restaurant on the Drini River. On arrival, head out an orientation walk, strolling alongside the Bistrica river, taking in the cobbled Shadervan square and the Old Stone Bridge. Explore the city’s famous mosques contrasted with abandoned Serbian Orthodox churches. Wander the streets and do some people watching in in Shadervan square, before another memorable Balkan sunset.
Included Activities:
- Gjakova - Sufi Tekke of the Halveti Order
- Gjakova - Hadumi Mosque
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free to explore the city's sights, after venturing out on an included visit to Prizren's sixth century Kalaja Fortress. This fortress sits proudly on a hilltop above the town and has a 43-step staircase hidden in a tunnel that connects to the river, and gives you views over the city. Make sure you visit the House of the Albanian League of Prizren, where in 1878 the Assembly of Prizren gathered to consolidate Albanian leaders to unite and protect the country against foreign threats. If you feel energetic, you may want to consider walking upstream along the Bistrica River, where you might meet locals tending to their flocks of sheep among mountainous scenery. Otherwise, if your group is up for it, get together to hire a minibus and drive for about an hour for lunch and wine tasting in the vineyards of Rahovec. The owners of wineries and cultivators of grapes are there to talk about the production technologies and approaches. After this, you could go for a walk along the vineyards just outside the town. This region in Kosovo is picturesque and has been a highlight for many travellers. Afterwards, spend another night in Prizren, where there’s a lot of great eateries. Prizren is commonly known as the gastronomic heart of Kosovo.
Included Activities:
- Prizren - Kalaja Fortress Visit
Optional Activities:
- Prizren - House of the Albanian League of Prizren (1 EUR)
- Prizren - Church of Our Lady of Ljevis (3 EUR)
- Prizren - Church of the Holy Saviour (2 EUR)
- Prizren - Sinan Pasha Mosque - Free
- Prizren - Halveti’s Tekke - Free
- Prizren - Day Trip to Sharr Mountains National Park (Black Lake) - from (180 EUR)
- Prizren - Day Trip to Rahovec with Wine Tasting & Lunch - from (60 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a day trip to Prishtina and surrounds. The capital of Kosovo is currently reinventing itself as a major commercial centre in the region, and its historical importance makes it an essential highlight. First head to Kosovo Polje (Field of Blackbirds), which the country is named after. There is a memorial here that commemorates the important 1389 battle of Kosovo – a skirmish that led to the Ottoman Empire finally taking control of this area of the Balkans. Nearby is the tomb of Sultan Murat, leader of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. You'll then get to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gracanica Monastery – one of King Milutin's last monumental endowments. The afternoon is free to explore the vibrant city of Prishtina, perhaps visiting the Ethnographic Museum, the Sultan Fatih Mosque or the Kosovo Museum. Check out the Newborn Monument, which was unveiled on the day Kosovo declared its independence in 2008. Nearby is a brass statue of Bill Clinton – thanks for the President’s role in ending the war. After exploring the city, head to the nearby Bear Sanctuary – a 16-hectare area of woodland providing a home for rescued dancing bears.
Included Activities:
- Kosovo Polje - Field of the Battle of Blackbirds & Tomb of Sultan Murat
- Prishtina - Day Trip
- Gracanica - Gracanica Monastery
- Prishtina - Bear Sanctuary
Optional Activities:
- Prishtina - Ethnographic Museum - Free
- Prishtina - Sultan Fatih Mosque - Free
- Prishtina - Kosovo Museum (2 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Craggy mountain backdrops, time-weathered monasteries, stunning lake panoramas, hearty national cuisine – North Macedonia is jam-packed full of the good stuff. Excellent hiking can be had in the mountain forests, Lake Ohrid’s waters rival the clarity of Croatia’s, and 500 years of Ottoman rule can be acutely felt in the capital’s bazaars. And to round it all out, the locals will be delighted to have you. This morning head out early and travel to Skopje, North Macedonia's capital city. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk past Byzantine domes, Turkish baths, and also newly built neo-classical buildings and grand monuments. In the afternoon, wander past the mosques, caravanserais and hamams that fill its winding streets – a testament to Skopje’s Ottoman past. Perhaps take a step back to those times with a visit to the Daut Pasha Hamam, or journey through the humbling Holocaust Museum to learn how Macedonia suffered during this tragic chapter of history.
Optional Activities:
- Skopje - Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross (100 MKD)
- Skopje - Kale Fortress - Free
- Skopje - Holocaust Memorial Centre (300 MKD)
- Skopje - Daut Pasha Hammam (60 MKD)
- Skopje - City Museum - Free
- Skopje - Archaeological Museum (300 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Venture out to Matka Canyon – a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River, 15 kilometres southwest of the city. This area is home to several medieval monasteries, caves, and over 70 species of endemic butterflies. There is the option to explore the canyon's sights by boat. Alternatively, you can take one of the many nature walks in the canyon, or up to tracks that hug the ridge high above the valley. Return back to Skopje, with the remaining part of the day free for you to continue exploring this exciting city. Perhaps take the Mount Vodno cable car to Millennium Cross, and for the views back down across the city. Get lost in the narrow lanes of Carsija – Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood or take in the stone bridge over the river Vardar – an iconic sight that acts as a handy connection between Macedonia Square and the Old Bazaar. Perhaps visit the Museum of the City of Skopje, housed in the old Railway Station, which is itself a unique piece of history. For dinner this evening you could head to the Old Bazaar or the restaurants in the Debar Maalo area.
Included Activities:
- Skopje - Matka Canyon visit and Boat Ride
Optional Activities:
- Matka Canyon - Boat Ride (400 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by local bus from Skopje to Ohrid, situated on a lake with the same name (approximately 3 hours). Europe’s oldest lake, and one of the oldest human settlements in the world, Lake Ohrid has a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments to discover. Ohrid is an eternal town, a magical hill whose primordial pulsation links ancient and modern times forever. The town is said to have once been home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, earning it the nickname ‘the Macedonian Jerusalem’, while historical excavations date back to Neolithic times. Despite being a World Heritage site for over 30 years, the town remains under the radar of visitors. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around Ohrid, maybe picking up a bargain or two in the vibrant Old Bazaar.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Take to the lake on a morning cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid. The rest of the day is free for you to discover the area. There are many churches and monasteries to visit, but one of the most popular is the Macedonian Orthodox Church of Sveti Jovana Kaneo, situated on a rocky outcrop above the town, overlooking the lake. Past the church you can wander around to the back of town, exploring the old walls and fortress, and admiring the views of the lake. The Sveti Naum Monastery is also a great option, lying on the shores of the lake south of town, with well-kept grounds that are home to peacocks. The ancient Tsar Samoil’s fortress stands on the top of Ohrid Hill and looks across the town, while a 2000-year-old Roman theatre was uncovered near the Upper Gate – in summer it’s again being used for concerts and performances.
Included Activities:
- Ohrid - Lake Ohrid Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Ohrid - Robev Family House National Museum (150 MKD)
- Ohrid - St Jovan Church (150 MKD)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the endless, merging blues of lake and sky as you board your private transfer across the border into Albania for your journey back to Tirana (approximately 3 hours). On arrival, your day is then free to explore. Feel the urban energy of this transforming city, where colour splashes enliven drab communist architecture, and if there’s time perhaps take a cable car ride up Dajti Mountain for a breathtaking overview of the city below. If you stay in town longer consider heading out to Kruja, the old capital of Albania. Tonight, perhaps gather together the group for dinner. You could head to Blloku (the Block) – once the domain of the Communist party’s inner circle and now home to designer cafes, glizy restaurants, and boutique bars. For something a little more traditional maybe head to an old house restaurant, where the menus are filled with Albanian recipes. Raise a raki to this adventure!
Optional Activities:
- Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car (1000 ALL)
- Kruja - Day Trip (900 ALL)
- Kruja - Skanderbeg Museum (500 ALL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the final day and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to stay on in Tirana we are able to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Susan - Traveled, September 2023
This was an epic adventure with a great mix of time spent in cities and nature, and such a range of experiences. Made even better by our guide, Kafu, who was a joy to spend time with. I learned so much about the history of the region and the way that people live there today.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2023
This was a fascinating trip which really took us off the tourist trail and gave an excellent flavour of the region. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the itinerary was a good mixture of cities and more rural areas. There was a good amount of inclusions and plenty of opportunity for additional activities. The food at the homestay in Valbona was excellent - my absolute favourite! It was made all the better by our charismatic leader Kafu, who went above and beyond in making the trip such a brilliant experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Jodell - Traveled, September 2023
Great itinerary and great leader! Nice mix of city and natural scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Marielle - Traveled, September 2023
This is an amazing trip to an incredible beautiful part of the world. The people are kind and hospitable and the nature is amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Laura - Traveled, September 2023
Do not miss out on booking this trip . I have the feeling that these amazing places will not be the same in a few years time. Friendly, kind , welcoming people. Delicious fresh local food. Jaw dropping scenery. I felt safe at all times. If you’re lucky enough to have Sando ( best trip leader of all time) looking after you then you’ve hit the jackpot. We loved every minute with our wonderful Intrepid family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Gordon - Traveled, September 2023
The trip notes may be updated after I have written this review as they have a number of errors, however if they haven't no problem the trip is actually better than described in the notes. This is a fantastic trip, 3 wonderful countries to see and learn about, beautiful scenery, cheap food, and there is lots of hiking for those who want to take part and even if you are not the fittest traveller the pace is easy. We were lucky enough to have the most fantastic tour leader Sando (Alexander), if you are fortunate enough to get him as your leader you will be blown away!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Eichi - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing history, nature, gastronomy and best of all, the group (Sando and the twelve apostles). Great intro to the history, culture, food and scenery. Perfect combination of hiking, free time, food, history, religious and castles sites, and city tours. Our tour leader Sando was great! He has an amazing grasp of the history of the region and is a passionaye storyteller with a natural style and fascinating anecdotes drawn from historical records and what he learned in school.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Bethany - Traveled, September 2023
I had the time of my life on this tour. Aldo was an incredible guide who taught us so much about the region. There is amazing history, food and scenery in these three countries you can't really go wrong. Would happily do this tour again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Josephine - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent Balkan trip, very good range of locations and sites, with a wide variety of great historical, cultural and outdoor activities, along with our fantastic Group Leader Kafu who made everyday a wonderful adventure to remember. Thanks so much! -Josie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
The Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia explorer trip in Summer to Fall 2023 was awesome....the hikes are scenic passing waterfalls, huge mountains with lush greenery around; many pine trees. From the home cooked meals and other meals were delicious. In Prizren did a wine tour and tasted some delicious wine with our fun group and host. The guide told us about a Elbar beer festival in Tirana that so fun with many musians...We swam the Ohrid Lake with fresh water that was refreshing...the people in these countries are inviting and friendly...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2023
Graham - Traveled, September 2023
This was a fantastic trip, set at a good pace. I really enjoyed visiting each location and our tour leader Marija was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
The tour was very informative, the logistics was well done, the accommodation sometimes lacked a little and overall a good experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Morag - Traveled, July 2023
A super trip and Santo was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. History, amazing scenery and nature, great food: this trip has it all. Lots of jam packed days so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Tanor - Traveled, July 2023
Kafu was an awesome leader. The itinerary was well balanced and enjoyable. Summer was unsurprisingly hot which made some transportation and activities more difficult but I still had an awesome time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Barbara - Traveled, July 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to everyone. It was a great mix of culture, scenery and activities, and our guide Kafu went out of his way to make it a success.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Martin - Traveled, June 2023
Fascinating countries , authentic places, great food, stunning mountains and beautiful lakes. Feels a well kept secret - at the moment!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2023
A fabulous trip with Bashkim as our leader. He was so passionate about the area explaining the complex history. The mix of cities and hiking in the mountains made for a wonderful, unforgettable trip. I thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking of touring this area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2023
Laura - Traveled, June 2023
Fascinating trip through the Balkins with our excellent leader, Bashkim. A beautiful area with a complex history - really enjoyed the mix of cities, villages, and nature.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2023
Rosemary - Traveled, August 2023
This was an amazing trip to countries I knew very little about when I arrived. Marija was the best guide ever with her extensive knowledge, intelligent insights and warmth and friendliness. So many highlights! - the food was incredible, the mountains unbelievably beautiful, the boat rides on lakes so restful. So much intertwined history, politics and religion. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Catherine & Hans - Traveled, August 2023
We have taken home a fabulous impression of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The trip more than fulfilled our expectations and encourages us to find out more now that we are home about the places we visited with our 5* guide Marija. We can only recommend it to anyone interested in this exciting and forward moving area of the world. Bon voyage!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
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