Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Silver Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Silver Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Silver Route”
9 Days Starting and ending in Tirana
Visiting: Tirana, Ohrid, Kalabaka, Nicopolis, Lefkada, Corfu, Ioannina, Gjirokaster
Tour operator:
Tour code:
630947
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images - flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent civil war, Tito’s and Hoxha’s Communist dictatorships. Look beyond these clichéd stereotypes on our one week trip through three Western Balkan countries – Albania and Greece. Explore the crossroads of Europe’s East and West mosaic to cultures inherited in millenniums starting from Illyrians (Albanians), Romans, Byzantines, Slavic, and Ottoman inheritance, in fascinating historical cities, as well as some of the best landscapes in Europe. Western Balkan Explorer trip is a unique experience for those people who want to discover, enjoy and learn better those small different countries in language, religion and history, but very similar in habits, traditions, and hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival - Tirane.
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Regency or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Leisure day.
Overnight at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 2 : Tirana - Ohrid (Unesco) - Bitola - Heraclea (Unesco).
Location: Ohrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Kalambaka, Hotel Doupiani House 3*, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we will 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. Afterward 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 Hotel Grand Central 4* or similar.(B)
Day 3 : Kastoria - Kalambaka (Unesco).
Location: Kalabaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Ioannina, Filokalia Hotel or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will travel to Kastoria. From a distance it looks like an Impressionist painting; houses, churches, trees seen through a haze, their reflections shimmering in the lake. This landscape is magnificent. We have a walking tour to enjoy from closer and to see impressive aristocratic lakeside mansions surrounded by clusters of tall trees, interspersed by Byzantine churches. We will see the locals sipping coffee or promenading by the lake, with the fishermen in their flat-bottomed boats offshore and pelicans keeping hopeful watch alongside. Then continue to Meteora, for a visit to the fascinating cliff-top monasteries. The cliffs, which average a height of 1,000 feet, were first inhabited in the 9th century by a group of hermit monks who lived on the rock towers. In the 11th and 12th centuries, basic monasteries were built and by the 14th century the great monastery of Meteoron was constructed. The difficult access gave the monks an ideal refuge, as well as protection during the Turkish occupation. Today 6 monasteries remain out of the original 20. Views of the entire valley from the magnificent rock towers, and the peace of the surroundings, make this a unique place to visit. At the end of the day you’ll drive to Kalambaka, a lovely city with beautiful gardens and magnificent views of the Meteora rocks.
Overnight in Kalambaka, Hotel Kosta Famissi 4*, or similar. (B)
Day 4 : Metsovo - Arta - Nikopolis (Unesco) - Preveza.
Location: Nicopolis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Hotel Lefkas, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We depart with a routing through the mountains and we will arrive at the village of Metsovo. Hidden and isolated, this is one of the most beautiful villages of the Greek countryside. Pebble paved streets, wooden houses and typical unspoiled local color fascinate the visitor. Then proceed to Arta. We continue to Arta. The prefecture of Arta contains imposing mountains covered in spruces, fertile plains, roaring rivers and lagoons with important ecosystems. It is one of Greece's most beautiful regions and is located between the Tzoumerka mountain range and the Amvrakikos gulf. The city was known in ancient times as Ambracia. Walking tour to visit The Bridge of Arta is a stone bridge that crosses the Arachthos river, Maksim Grek monastery, and Paregoretissa is the 13th-century Byzantine. Lunch break in Arta. Then we head to Preveza where we will visit the ancient city of Nikopolis. Nikopolis – city of Nike (victory) – was founded in 31 BC by Octavian Augustus, in honor of his victory over Antonios and Cleopatra at the naval battle of Aktio.
Overnight in Preveza, Hotel Dioni Boutique 4*, or similar. (B)
Day 5 : Lefkada - Parga.
Location: Lefkada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Titania, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Afterward, continue to Lefkada. Lefkada Town is the capital of the island located at its north eastern side. It is the administrative, economic and cultural center of Lefkada and has a population of about 8,000 inhabitants who are mostly engaged in agriculture and tourism. The capital is a small town that lies around the natural harbor. Free walking tour to enjoy in this very typical Greek city. Then proceed to Parga which is a small and very exotic town on the Ionian coast of mainland Greece, just between the cities of Igoumenitsa and Preveza, in the region of Epirus. We will have a visit to the historical castle which overlooks the town (from a headland to the west of the town) and the beaches.
Overnight in Irida Boutique Hotel 4*, or similar.
Day 6 : Igumenica - Corfu (Unesco).
Location: Corfu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: accommodation to Hotel Bineri 3*, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we will continue to Igumenica to take the ferry boat to Corfu Island. We will take a walk through Corfu Town, to take a walk through history. Great empires and civilisations have passed from here leaving their stamp, and influencing the soul of Corfu. It’s all there for you to discover and find out more about. Follow in the footsteps of the Venetians, British and French where they left their cultural and historical marks and shaped the character of this unique town. Peel back the layers of the city’s multicultural influences and discover this gem of a medieval city, together with all of its historic little secrets.
Overnight in Corfu Cavalieri Hotel 4*, or similar.
Day 7 : Dodona (Unesco) - Ioannina.
Location: Ioannina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Tirana,Hotel Arbri 3*.
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we will continue our trip towards Ioannina in Greece, via ferry boat to Igoumenitsa to arrive to Ioannina, which is the capital of the Prefecture of Epirus, which during the Ottomans period and especially during the government of Ali Pasha played an important role as one of four Albanian Vilayets. Visit Ioannina lake and the monasteries on the lake’s island. Then, we will visit the sanctuary of Dodoni (UNESCO), the oldest oracle in Greece, which is located 6 km south from the city. Overnight in Ioannina, Archontariki Boutique Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 8 : Gjirokaster (Unesco) - Tirane.
Location: Gjirokaster
After breakfast, we will continue to Gjirokaster. Arrival at Gjirokaster past of (UNESCO) heritage site since 2005. City tour, then visit to the Castle and the Weapons Museum. Drive back to Tirana for our final night.
Overnight at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 9 : Departure
Location: Tirana
After breakfast, Airport transfer. End of services. Saturday.
Optional: Change to continue to successive tour(s): Red, Yellow or Blue loops/circuits.
What's Included
Breakfast
Airport private transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary.
Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 4* hotels (as indicated, or similar)
Transportation with modern AC car/minibus/bus, etc., during all tour itinerary.
Local guide in Ohrid, Bitola, Kalambaka, Nikopolis, Preveza, Lefkada, Parga, Corfu, Ioannina.
Local representative at the airport.
Entry Fees
What's Not Included
International airfare and airport taxes.
Local city/tourist tax.
Driver/guides tips.
Gratuities and individual daily expenses and porterage.
Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.
Travel insurance.
Know Before You Go
Public Transportation NearbyInfant Seats Available
Please Note
Not wheelchair accessibleNot stroller accessibleNot suitable for petsInfants must not sit on laps
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
The tour provides accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 4-star or 5-star hotels, or similar, throughout the itinerary.
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Are airport transfers included in the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
Yes, airport private transfers and all other transfers as per the itinerary are included in the tour.
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Is there a guide available during the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
Yes, an English-speaking guide is available during the entire tour itinerary, along with local guides in specific locations such as Ohrid, Bitola, Kalambaka, Nikopolis, Preveza, Lefkada, Parga, Corfu, and Ioannina.
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What is the policy if the minimum number of participants is not reached for the tour?
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.
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Are meals included in the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
All breakfasts in each hotel as per the itinerary are included in the tour.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ohrid, Heraclea, Kalambaka, Nikopolis, Corfu, and Dodoni.
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Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
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Are pets allowed on the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
Yes, animals or pets are allowed on the tour.
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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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