Untamed Northern Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia

Welcome to Albania! Albania’s stunning mountain scenery, crumbling castles, boisterous capital and dreamy beaches are ready to enchant. Upon arrival at Tirana Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Tirana, the vibrant capital city of Albania.  The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.Overnight – Hotel Opera or similar

Following breakfast you will being your exploration of Tirana, a city blending rich history with modern development. Centred around the bustling Skanderbeg Square, Tirana features a mix of Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet-era architecture, alongside contemporary buildings and colourful street art from urban beautification efforts. Start by visiting Skanderbeg Square, the vibrant heart of Tirana, named after Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Next, visit the historic Ethem Bey Mosque, a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture built in the late 18th century with a graceful minaret and a beautifully adorned prayer hall painted with intricate frescoes and decorative motifs.. It is one of the oldest mosques in the city and is named after its Founder, Et’hem Be, a prominent Albanian nobleman.From here, head to the Bektashi Temple and Headquarters, offering insights into the Bektashi Order, a Sufi sect with a significant presence in Albania. Continue to Lundra, also known as Lundër, a serene town nestled in Albania’s countryside. Lundër provides an authentic glimpse into rural Albanian life. Explore its charming streets and be absorbed in the local culture, centred around the cultivation of grapes, olives, and crops.Stop for a gourmet lunch at a renowned restaurant, curated by a famous chef. After lunch, return to Tirana and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Tirana at your own pace. Why not visit the Block area, known for its bustling nightlife, trendy bars, and cafes? (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Opera or similar

After breakfast, visit BunkArt1, a historical artistic centre housed in an anti-nuclear bunker inaugurated by dictator Enver Hoxha in June 1978. This underground complex has 106 rooms and a congress hall and offers insight into Albania’s communist past.Continue to the small historical town of Kruje for a short visit of the town including its old bazaar that dates back to the 17th Century. Next is Fishte village where you will enjoy a unique dining experience at “Mrizi Zanave,” a community-based village farm restaurant. Enjoy excellent regional cuisine in a stunning setting.After lunch, visit Vasili Studio Ceramics to experience handmade ceramic work. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work, using time-honoured techniques to create beautiful ceramic pieces.Continue to Shkodër and enjoy a short walking tour of the pedestrian area, soaking in the city’s charm. One of the charming streets is named after Kole Idromeno, a famous Albanian painter, sculptor, and photographer. The boulevard’s architecture reflects a blend of Italian and Austrian influences, with beautifully restored buildings that add to its picturesque appeal.End your day with a boat tour on Shiroka Lake, where you can admire the view and enjoy the sunset. This tranquil experience is a wonderful way to end your day before returning to Shkodër. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Cocja Boutique or similar

After breakfast, visit Rozafa Castle. This ancient fortress, steeped in history, offers incredible views of Lake Shkodra, the city’s rivers, and expansive mountain ranges. Enjoy exploring the sights of Shkodra starting with Ebu Bekr Mosque, an important religious site for the local Muslim community with a striking design.  Next visit the Catholic and Franciscan Churches, which showcase the city’s diverse religious heritage and architectural beauty.Continue to the ancient Castle of Shkodra, also known as Rozafa Castle. Built during Antiquity, enduring the Roman and Ottoman empires, and remaining intact up to the present day, Rozafa Castle has witnessed the dramatic changes of tide over the course Albania’s fascinating history. Needless to say then that this archaeological area is incredibly rich in historical tales.Head to the Factory of Venetian Masks. Here, you can learn about the intricate process of mask-making, a traditional craft that has been perfected over generations. Admire a variety of handcrafted masks, each with its unique design and story.Stop for lunch at Restaurant Shqiponja. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Shkoder at your own pace. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Cocja Boutique or similar

This morning, you will transfer to Koman (110km, 2hr 50min). Upon arrival, board a ferry to Fierze. Experience the beauty of the Albanian landscape as you cross the waters on the ferry. Take a bus to Valbone before stopping for lunch at a local house, Gjon Kola.After lunch, meet your guide who will lead you on an optional hike to Valbona Waterfall. Enjoy stunning views of the Albanian Alps and the serene beauty of the cascading waterfall as you follow a 13km loop trail (hike is moderately challenging, and optional).After the hike, enjoy some free time at leisure. (B,L)Overnight – Vila Dini or Similar

After breakfast, transfer to Junik where you will visit a 200-year-old fortified tower, a traditional structure unique of this area. Cross into Kosovo and drive to Decani where you will visit the Visoki Decani Monastery, a medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery. The monastery was founded in the early 14th century by Serbian King Stefan Uros III Decanski, after whom it was named. The interior of the church is adorned with vibrant frescoes that cover almost every inch of its walls and ceilings, depicting scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and various religious motifs. These frescoes are considered among the finest examples of Byzantine art in the Balkans and have earned Decani Monastery a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing in the afternoon to Peja Brewery, one of Kosovo’s most renowned breweries. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see the beer-making process, from the selection of quality ingredients to the brewing, fermentation, and packaging stages. Learn about the history of Peja Brewery, established in 1971, and its significance in the region’s beer culture.Next you will take a short hike in the scenic surroundings of Peja. This is followed by a walk around the city centre of Peja to explore the area. Discover local shops, cafes, and historical landmarks, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city. Later, return to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Seraphine Plaza or similar

After breakfast, visit Patriarchate of Peja, also known as Patriarchate of Pec, a historic site dating back to the 13th century. This complex features several religious buildings, including churches and accommodations still inhabited by nuns. Explore the crumbling yet captivating architecture and immerse yourself in the rich history of this sacred place.You will then have free time in Peja to explore at your own pace. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Seraphine Plaza or similar

After breakfast, visit the Gracanica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and rich history. Explore the monastery and marvel at its intricate frescoes and religious significance. Then, continue to Pristina and enjoy a tour of the city. Visit the city centre, including landmarks such as Newborn, a famous monument symbolising Kosovo’s independence, the Youth centre, and the city’s bibliotic where you can delve into Pristina’s literary and intellectual heritage. Learn about the city’s culture, history, and modern-day significance as you explore its lively streets.Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and then visit Prizren, with some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Prizren is renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings, including mosques, churches, and traditional stone houses, which reflect its diverse history and multicultural heritage. (B,L)Overnight – Monarch Boutique Hotel or similar

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Arlind Family in Prizren, where you’ll experience traditional hospitality. Enjoy a Turkish coffee and sample homemade rose syrup, a delightful and refreshing traditional drink.Next, enjoy a city tour of Prizren. Explore the city centre and the charming old town with it’s cobblestone streets. Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, dating back to the 17th century, stands as a symbol of the city’s Ottoman heritage. Named after its patron, Sinan Pasha, a prominent Ottoman military commander, this mosque is renowned for its elegant design and historical significance. Sinan Pasha Mosque has served as a spiritual and cultural centre for the Muslim community of Prizren. Today, it continues to be a cherished landmark and a symbol of religious tolerance and diversity in Kosovo. Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.You will then travel to Stone Castle Winery in Rahovec where you will taste a selection of locally produced wines and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Following this, drive back to Prizren and visit the Prizren Fortress. This medieval fortress, also known as Kalaja Fortress, dates back to the Byzantine era, with subsequent additions made during the Ottoman period. Its strategic location played a vital role in guarding the city and controlling trade routes throughout history. (B,L)Overnight – Monarch Boutique Hotel or similar

After breakfast, depart for Skopje (161km, 2hrs), the capital city of North Macedonia. Skopje has plenty of charm. Its Ottoman- and Byzantine-era sights are focused around the city’s delightful Čaršija, bordered by the 15th-century Kameni Most (Stone Bridge) and Tvrdina Kale Fortress – Skopje’s guardian since the 5th century. Begin your exploration of Skopje with a ride on the Millennium Cross Cable Car. Enjoy panoramic views of Skopje and the surrounding mountains as you ascend to the top of Vodno Mountain, where the Millennium Cross stands proudly overlooking the city.Following your cable car ride, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before heading to Skopje’s Old Town. Explore the cobblestone streets and historic buildings of the old bazaar, where you’ll encounter bustling markets, artisan shops, and centuries-old architecture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, and Mother Teresa’s house.Later, enjoy free time to explore Skopje at your leisure.(B,L)Overnight – Next Door Park Hotel or similar

This morning is yours at leisure until you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.(B)