South East Balkans Tour through Egnatia Route
South East Balkans Tour through Egnatia Route
South East Balkans Tour through Egnatia Route
15 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Elbasan, Bitola, Pella, Kavala, Tekirdağ, İstanbul, Edirne, Plovdiv, Skopje, Ulpiana, Peja, Kukes, Tirana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
354746
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-89
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Europe Explorer Grand Tour “Egnatia Route” is the best possibility for travelers looking for a special experience of South East Balkans’ culture, nature, history, traditions, multi-ethnicity, multi-religion, etc. It is a tailor made program trying to optimize all “must see'' places for Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Kosova. We have intentionally named ‘Egnatia Route’ as it has been the main and only way to connect the west part of Europe (Rome) to Durres - Illyrian (Balkan) Peninsula with the East (Kostandinopoja) part of it to continue to Silk Road via Asia Minor. This route became famous in Roman Empire time and was called ‘Via Egnatia’. Where part of ancient bridges and roads can be still visited among the breathtaking nature and rich heritage form past millennials.Important Places to be Visited: Tirana, Elbasan, Struge, Ohrid, Bitola, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupoli, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Edirne, Plovdiv, Sofia, Skopje, Prizren, Kukes, and Rubik.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tirane – Elbasan - Ohrid (Unesco) (North Macedonia) (135 Km, 2 H 30 Min).
Location: Elbasan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Ohrid. (Hotel Diplomat 3*, or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will travel to Elbasan. Elbasan was a very important city in ancient Illyrian time, where in Roman empire time was famous for the so-called “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Rome-Naples-Bari-Durres-Elbasan-Ohrid-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. City tour to visit: Elbasan Castle (dating back to 4rth Century BC), The Clock, The ethnographic Museum, Church, The Old Mosque.
Then we continue the beautiful city of Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the Sveti Naum Monastery, a beautiful site with impressive views of Lake Ohrid across to Albania. Explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th century church of St Sofia as well as the Roman theater.
Overnight in Ohrid. (Hotel Diplomat 3*, or similar).
Day 2 : Bitola (Unesco) (Ancient Heraclea) - Edessa. (164 Km, 2 H 55 Min).
Location: Bitola
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Edessa. (Hotel Alfa 3*, or similar).
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will continue the road to Bitola. The road leads to the city of Resen and the biggest apple orchards in this part of the Balkans. First we will visit the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, the best preserved ancient city in Macedonia. Built in the 4th century BC, and conquered by the Romans 2 centuries later. Heraclea Lincestis is famous for its beautiful mosaics, antique theater and roman baths. First excavations were taken after the First World War and then was discovered the beauty and importance of this ancient city – the Roman baths, Episcope basilica, Synagogue, portico, Roman theater – in which in modern times plays and music concerts are held.
Overnight in Edessa. (Hotel Alfa 3*, or similar).
Day 3 : Pella - Thessaloniki (Unesco). (94 Km, 1 H 40 Min).
Location: Pella
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Hotel Abc, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, after breakfast, we will continue to Pella, which is an ancient Macedonian city located in Greece, best known as the historical capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. On the site of the ancient city is the Archaeological Museum of Pella.
Then continue to Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is one of the best places to visit not only for city breaks but also for longer holidays! And that is because Thessaloniki is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the numerous Byzantine monuments, but it is also a beautiful modern European city full of life! Possibility to visit Galerius Arch (Kamara), Rotunda, Archaeological Museum, St. Demetrius church, Roman Forum, Our Lady "of the Coppersmiths'' church, Bey Hamam Baths (Paradise Baths, church of Holy Wisdom, Museum of Byzantine Civilization, White Tower.
Overnight in Hotel Abc, or similar.
Day 4 : Kavala - Alexandroupolis. (302 Km, 3 H 25 Min)
Location: Kavala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Sali 3* or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, continue to Kavala. Kavala’s past and present sparkle with the first rays of dawn. It is very beautiful due to its location on the slope of the mountain: white city houses with terraces descend to the sea, along which stretches a beautiful embankment with many old and modern houses, museums, beautiful beaches, taverns, shops and simply picturesque places. Kavala has long been a tourist destination in Greece from all over the World. Walking tour in the Old Town through ancient cobblestone streets, you will visit the old Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by four towers and the highest point of the city - the central tower from which you can see an amazing view of the whole city and the Aegean Sea.
Then continue to Alexandroupolis. Its old name in Ottomans time was Dedeagach, and it was a fishing village. During the numerous wars, it was occupied by different cultures: Bulgarians, Turks, Russians etc. Not only is the city pretty, but so is its natural environment: located on the seashore, near Turkey and also very close to spectacular natural parks, such as those in Dadia and Lefkimi. We walk around the lighthouse; there are lots of bars and locals, with a great atmosphere. As for one of the city's main attractions, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, the stone building is impressive, but I found the visit really boring. In this museum, you can look at artefacts to imagine how life was for the majority of Thrace's inhabitants.
Accomodation in hotel (Sali 3* or similar) and overnight.
Day 5 : Tekirdag (Turkey) - Istanbul (Unesco). (302 Km, 3 H 50 Min).
Location: Tekirdağ
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Marcello 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, continue to Tekirdagi. Tekirdağ is a city in Turkey. It is a part of the region historically known as Eastern Thrace. Tekirdağ is the capital of Tekirdağ Province. Tekirdag is on the Marmara Sea coast of Thrace, and has been settled from the beginning of history like other important places of the region. Its ancient name was Bisanthe, while today’s name originates from the color of the surrounding mountains. There are several historical places in the city, some of which are the Rakoczy Museum, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, the Tekirdag Museum and the statue of Namik Kemal, the celebrated patriotic poet whose birth-place is Tekirdag. Corlu, is a small town of Tekirdag, was a citadel on the antique road between Istanbul and West Europe in the Illyrin-Roman-Byzantine-Ottoman period.
Then continue to Istanbul. Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. Explore the historic Old City on a fascinating place where we can see Istanbul's top 6 attractions: the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Accomodation in hotel (Marcello 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 6 : Istanbul (Unesco)
Location: İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Marcello 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast Bosphorus Boat Tour. In the afternoon leisure time to explore the city on your own and the possibility of shopping around at numerous souvenir shops, etc.
Accomodation in hotel (Marcello 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 7 : Edirne (Unesco). (254 Km 2H 55 Min).
Location: Edirne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Adresin 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, continue to Edirne. Edirne, formerly Adrianople of Adrianople, city, extreme western Turkey. It lies at the junction of the Tunca and Maritsa (Turkish: Meriç) rivers, near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria. The largest and oldest part of the town occupies a meander of the Tunca around the ruins of an ancient citadel. Edirne’s site and turbulent history were determined by its strategic position on the main route from Asia Minor (Anatolia) to the Balkans. We will visit Selimiye Mosque, Old Mosque, Uc Serefeli Mosque and Tower Gate in the city center.
Accomodation in hotel (Adresin 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 8 : Edirne (Unesco).
Location: Edirne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnightotel in hotel Adresin 3*, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leisure day in Edirne. Overnightotel in hotel Adresin 3*, or similar.
Day 9 : Plovdiv (Unesco) (Bulgaria). (177 Km 2H 15 Min).
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Evmolpia 3*, or similar) and overnight
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will continue to reach Plovdiv, the “City of the seven hills’’. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, still existing today. It was called Philippopolis in the IV century B.C. in honor of King Philip II of Macedonia. Today Plovdiv is a cultural center and is selected as European Capital of Culture for 2019. walking through the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town, The Ancient Roman Theater, Kapana Creative District, The Roman Stadium, The Longest Pedestrian Street in Europe and The Secretive Tobacco Town that once was the heart of the tobacco industry in Bulgaria.
Accomodation in hotel (Evmolpia 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 10 : Sofia. (144 Km 2H 15 Min).
Location: Sofia International Airport
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Lion Sofia 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, departure to Sofia. Panoramic tour around the Bulgarian capital an 8500-years old city called “My Rome” by the emperor Constantine The Great. Visit the most fascinating places of interest: the forum of Ancient Serdica (the old name of the city) with the newest archeological discoveries from Roman time, which are exhibited next to the Bulgarian presidency. Next is the St. Nedelya square, where 4 worship buildings of the main religions in Bulgaria are located next to each other. These are the Orthodox Church St. Nedelya, the Catholic church, the Synagogue and the Mosque. They form a quadrangle, symbolizing the peace between different religions in Bulgaria. Our tour continues with the “Alexander I” square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, “Tzar Osvoboditel” boulevard, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means wisdom), which had given the name of the city, the Sofia University and the “Alexander Nevski” Cathedral (the biggest Orthodox church on the Balkan peninsula).
Accomodation in hotel (Lion Sofia 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 11 : Skopje (North Macedonia). (244 Km 3H 30 Min)
Location: Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (De Koka 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast continue to Skopje. After we arrive, a city tour. Walk through the landmarks of the old part of Skopje, starting with the Skopje Castle placed on a hill, which gives a view to the old and the new part of Skopje. Then continue with walking down toward Mustafa Pasha Mosque (1492) and the church of Holy Savior (18th Century), then to the historical district known as the Skopje’s Old Bazaar characterized by architectural mixture of churches, mosques, inns, baths, many craftsmen’s shops, old buildings, restaurants and pubs and small shops.
Accomodation in hotel (De Koka 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 12 : Ulpiana (Kosova) - Gracanica Monastery (Unesco) - Prishtine (177 Km 2H 3 Min).
Location: Ulpiana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Pristina, Hotel Begolli, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Pristina where we stop first to visit the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient Dardanian-Illyrian city dating back to Roman invasion period of the 1st century that was once one of the most powerful in the Balkans. Later we will visit the spectacular Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovo’s most beautiful sites and containing some impressive frescoes.
Proceed to Pristina Kosova’s capital. Where we have a walking tour to explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century.
Overnight in Pristina, Hotel Begolli, or similar.
Day 13 : Peja - Gjakova - Prizren. (160 Km 2H 55 Min)
Location: Peja
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accomodation in hotel (Hotel Prizren 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will depart for Peja city. Peja lies at the foot of the gigantic Damned Mountains (Bjeshk't e Nemuna), on the river Bistrica and the entrance of the Rugova Gorge. Peja is the main economic and cultural center of northern Dukagjin and one of the best known tourist resorts of the region. Afterward, continue to Gjakova. Visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, which marks the center of the Old Bazaar, the grain market and see the handicrafts of quilt-workers, saddler makers, silversmiths and embroiderers. We then will visit the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga,” a traditional house for a tea break. We also will visit the 16th century inn of “Hani i Haraçisë,” the old bazaar shopping area, and the Ethnographic Museum.
We continue to Prizren. This city, probably is the most attractive town in Kosovo with superbly preserved buildings from the Ottoman era. We visit the castle which is one of the oldest in the Balkans (almost 3 millenniums), built to protect the city from attacks, the ornate Bajrakli Mosque and the old Turkish Hammam among other sights. Prizren is an absolute highlight of any visit to Kosovo and to see the old houses of the old town in low light as the sun sets is a delight.
Accomodation in hotel (Hotel Prizren 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 14 : Kukes (Albania) - Rubik. (125 Km 1H 35 Min)
Location: Kukes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Marubi or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, continue the tour by enjoying the wonderful panorama of Black Drini River Valley and Firza Lake to arrive in Kukes. This city became famous and later was a Nobel Candidate city for the hospitality shown for about 1 million refugees from the Kosovo War in 1999.
Then continue to Rubik via Has and Kukes in Drini River valley and the Rruga e Kombit Hiwayay. Visit in Info Kulla Rubik, where you will be introduced to the history of Mirdita which is the most authentic region in Albania, because it was never fully occupied fully in the last two millenniums by the various invaders starting from Hellenic, Roman, Byzantines, and the Ottomans. Introduction to Kanuni i Maleve, or known as “The Illyrian Code, Or Code of Lek Dukagjini”, where a similar one is found in Hittite civilization dating back 3500 year ago. Visit to the Shelbuemi Church of Rubik (dated in 1162), built over an ancient Illyrian Temple/Castle over the hill
ock in the strategic control of Fani River Valley.
Overnight Hotel Marubi or similar.
Day 15 : Kruje - Tirana.(95 Km 1H 55 Min)
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Tirana.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will depart for Kruje. We will visit the medieval city of Kruja (visit the castle and the impressive Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographical Museum and shopping in Old Bazaar, mosques from the time of the ottomans time. Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.
Overnight in Tirana.
What's Included
Hotel: Accommodation 3* hotels on double occupancy in good locations of respective cities/places.
Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus/bus and other transportation listed in itinerary.
Breakfast: Daily breakfast. All others meals not listed are at your expense.
English speaking tour leader/manager
What's Not Included
Admission/entry Fees
A mandatory service fee for tour guide/bus driver (min. 5-7 Euro /day per person)
Lunch and Dinner charges (if applicable)
Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”
Local guides (can be provided upon request) and require extra charge
Please Note
Not wheelchair accessibleNot stroller accessibleNot suitable for petsInfants must not sit on laps
Know Before You Go
Public Transportation NearbyInfant Seats Available
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3-star hotels on a twin share basis for 7 overnights as per the program. The hotels are located in good locations of the respective cities or places.
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Is breakfast included in the tour package?
Yes, daily breakfast is included in the tour package. All other meals not listed are at your expense.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned modern vans, minibuses, or buses, and other transportation as listed in the itinerary.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking tour leader or manager is provided during the tour.
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Are entry fees included in the tour package?
No, admission or entry fees are not included in the tour package. Entry fees prices are subject to change without prior notice.
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What happens if the minimum number of participants is not reached?
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the company reserves the right to offer alternative days to the client or to cancel the trip. The trip can also be operated on a private tour basis, subject to the respective quotation.
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Do I need Travel insurance?
We do not offer insurance packages but we highly recommend travel protection, it’s important to protect your trip investment and loved ones. We will offer you the best option for your vacation.
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Do you book group travel ?
Yes, we book group travel all the time! We specialize in helping groups of all sizes plan their dream trips. From family reunions to corporate retreats, we can take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
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How do I set up the consultation with the Albania Explorer agent ?
To set up a consultation with Albania Explorer's travel expert, you can contact us directly via phone or email us at contact@albaniaexplorer.com. You can even reach us on Whatsapp at +355 68 399 9480 . local operation working hours during week monday to friday : 08.00-18.00 , saturday 09.00-14.00 , Sunday - off.
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Will you available while I am on my vacation?
Yes, we will be available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. You can get in touch with us anytime. We are committed to providing the best possible service and helping our clients create memorable vacations that they will always remember.
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Albania Explorer requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of albania explorer charges.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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