Explore Europe's Oldest Civilization: Lin, Lake Ohrid, Pogradec & Korçë All Inclusive

08:00 AM - Departure from Tirana
• Begin your journey early in the morning, heading towards the ancient city of Elbasan. As the sun rises over the green hills, enjoy the stunning Albanian landscape, filled with olive groves and picturesque villages.

09:00 AM - Stop in Elbasan
• Step into history by exploring Elbasan Castle, a well-preserved fortress that was once one of the most important centers of the Ottoman Empire.
• Walk through the narrow cobbled streets, admire the King Mosque (Xhamia Mbret)—one of Albania’s oldest mosques—and visit the Saint Mary’s Church, hidden inside the fortress.
• Enjoy a traditional coffee inside the castle, at a cozy café nestled within the ancient walls.

11:00 AM - Departure to Lin
• Continue your journey towards Lin, a small village on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known for its history and natural beauty. The road to Lin offers breathtaking views of the Shkumbin River Valley before reaching the lakefront.

1:00 PM - Arrival in Lin and exploration
• Visit the Lin Mosaic, a rare 6th-century archaeological site that once decorated an ancient Byzantine church. The mosaic is known for its vibrant depictions of birds, fish, and floral designs.
• Hike to the Panoramic Viewpoint: Climb a short, scenic trail to the highest point of the Lin Peninsula, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Ohrid stretching to the North Macedonian border.
• Explore the Traditional Village: Stroll through the narrow stone streets, lined with quaint houses covered in blooming flowers, and interact with friendly locals.

2:30 PM - Lunch by the lake in Lin
• Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a lakeside restaurant, where the specialty is koran, the rare Lake Ohrid trout, grilled and served with fresh local vegetables. A glass of white wine from the region perfectly complements this exquisite meal.
• After lunch Go Fishing with Local Fishermen: Experience traditional fishing techniques on Lake Ohrid, learning from local who have relied on the lake for centuries.

4:00 PM - Journey to Pogradec
• A short and scenic drive along the lake’s shore takes you to the charming town of Pogradec, known for its fresh air, history, and peaceful landscapes.

4:30 PM - Exploring Pogradec
• Visit the Pogradec Museum, a cultural treasure that showcases the town’s rich history and artistic heritage. Here, you can admire archaeological artifacts from Illyrian settlements, Ottoman-era relics, and exhibits on Pogradec’s literary and artistic traditions. The museum offers a deeper understanding of how the town has evolved over the centuries.
• Hike up to the ruins of the Pogradec Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and lake.

7:00 PM - Check-in at the hotel
• Check into a cozy lakeside hotel or a comfortable guesthouse. Take a moment to rest or enjoy the view from your room before dinner.

8:00 PM - Traditional dinner in Pogradec

Savor an authentic Albanian meal at a local restaurant, featuring:

• Tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt)
• Fërgesë (a delicious dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese)
• Aromatic fish soup made with fresh koran from the lake

Enhance your dining experience with a glass of local wine or a sip of traditional Albanian raki.
After dinner Enjoy a tranquil lakeside walk, with the lights of the city reflecting on the calm waters.

10:00 PM - Authentic Local Vibes
Immerse yourself in the charm of Pogradec’s nightlife with live traditional music, where you can enjoy Albanian folk songs and the enchanting sounds of iso-polyphony.

Overnight in Pogradec

8:00 AM - Breakfast in Pogradec
• Start your day with a traditional Albanian breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy fresh bread, local honey, traditional cheeses, and petulla (fried dough) served with homemade jam, all while taking in the serene morning view of Lake Ohrid.

9:00 AM - Departure from Pogradec
• Begin your journey by driving through scenic landscapes, heading towards the house of Enver Hoxha, Albania’s former communist leader.

9:15 AM - Visit Enver Hoxha's House
• Explore the house of Enver Hoxha, located on the shores of Lake Pogradec. The residence offers an intimate look into the leader’s life, featuring personal artifacts and exhibits that reflect Albania's communist past. The peaceful setting contrasts with the intense historical significance of the place, providing a unique experience that will enhance your understanding of the country’s history.

10:00 AM - Departure for Drilon
• After the visit, continue your journey towards Drilon Springs, passing through scenic views of Lake Ohrid.

10:00 AM -12:00 PM Drilon National Park
• Visit the stunning Drilon Springs, where lush greenery, tranquil water channels, and graceful swans create a peaceful escape.
• Take a relaxing walk along the shaded pathways or rent a small boat for a short ride through the park’s waterways.
• Stop for a coffee at a traditional café by the water and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

12:10 PM – 14:30 PM Visit Tushemisht Village
• Head to the charming village of Tushemisht, known for its well-preserved stone houses, lakeside beauty, and warm hospitality.

• Walk through the village streets, meet friendly locals, and visit the house of “Zonja nga Qyteti,” a famous filming location from an iconic Albanian movie.
• Learn about the village’s unique irrigation system, where water flows through the courtyards of the homes, giving the village a special charm.

14:30 PM -15:30 PM Lakeside Lunch in Tushemisht
• Enjoy a delicious meal at a lakeside restaurant, featuring the renowned koran trout, freshly caught and grilled to perfection.
• Try local specialties like tavë korani (baked trout with onions and tomatoes) and homemade pickled vegetables.
• Pair your meal with a glass of white wine from one of the local wineries.

4:00 PM - Scenic Drive to Korçë
• After lunch, embark on a scenic journey to Korçë, driving through rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes.
• Make a short stop at the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the town of Pogradec and Lake Ohrid, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos.

5:30 PM - Arrival in Korçë & Old Bazaar Exploration
• Korçë greets you with its charm and cultural vibrancy. Begin your visit by wandering through the Old Bazaar of Korçë, a delightful area filled with artisan shops, quaint cafés, and boutique stores offering handcrafted goods, offering a taste of the town’s rich history and local craftsmanship.
Here you can buy souvenirs to have a memory of this wonderful Albanian city.

7:00 PM- Check-in at the hotel
• Check into a charming boutique hotel.

8:00 PM- Join the Albanian craft beer tasting with a personal mix pair platter
Experience an unforgettable journey with the tasting of 5 Albanian craft beers, each paired with a personalized plate featuring fresh and authentic flavors. The plate includes crispy potato wedges, three varieties of local sausages, a pulled pork fried ball, traditional Albanian glyco, fried Albanian-style mac and cheese, and seasonal specialties to complement the beers perfectly. This activity is perfect for those who wish to enjoy quality craft beers, taste local flavors, and immerse themselves in an exceptional and delightful experience.

10:00 PM - Experience Korçë’s Vibrant Nightlife
• End your day with a relaxed evening in one of Korçë’s stylish wine bars or a lively café in the Old Bazaar, where locals gather to enjoy the warm hospitality and engaging atmosphere.

Overnight in Korçë

8:00 AM - Breakfast in Korçë
• Wake up to a beautiful Korçë morning and enjoy a traditional Albanian breakfast with fresh local produce, accompanied by bread, honey, cheese, and freshly brewed coffee.

09:15 AM –10:15 AM- Korça Archaeological Museum
Discover Albania’s ancient past at the Korça Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts from prehistoric, Roman, and Byzantine times that offer a glimpse into the region’s historical evolution.

10:25 AM- 11:00 AM- The First Albanian School Museum
Visit the birthplace of Albanian education and language at Mësonjëtorja, where the first school teaching in Albanian was founded, marking a significant chapter in the country’s cultural history.

11:15 AM- 12:15 PM- National Museum of Medieval Art
Explore the National Museum of Medieval Art, home to a stunning collection of Byzantine icons and religious artifacts, showcasing Albania’s rich medieval artistic heritage.

12:25 PM- 1:00 PM - Korçë Cathedral (Resurrection of Christ)
Admire the Korça Cathedral, one of Albania’s largest Orthodox churches, known for its beautiful frescoes and peaceful atmosphere, offering insight into the country’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

1:30 PM - Lunch in Korçë
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the city's traditional taverns. Try local specialties like qofte (Albanian meatballs) or kulluri (a savory baked dish made of potatoes and cheese), paired with a glass of Korça beer or homemade raki.

3:00 PM - Afternoon Stroll
• Take a final stroll through Rinia Park, a serene space to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

4:00 PM - Departure for Tirana
• Bid farewell to Korçë and begin your scenic drive back to Tirana. Along the way, enjoy the rolling hills and countryside, as the journey is as beautiful as the destination.

8:00 PM - Arrive back in Tirana
• Arrive back in Tirana in the evening with cherished memories of Korçë’s rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, and the warm hospitality that you’ve experienced throughout your stay.