Jewels of Albania & North Macedonia

Arrive in Tirana, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel in the lively, colourful Albanian capital. Settle in to your surroundings and enjoy a first dinner in the hotel. Why not take a stroll in the bustling streets, where the tradition of the xhiro promenade is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike each evening?

Enjoy a guided tour of the rapidly changing city, where the revolution in architectural styles in the last three decades has been every bit as complete as the political one. Glittering new developments rise above remnants of the past, with the few reminders of the Ottoman Empire sitting alongside Communist-era edifices, all painted in shockingly bright colours that have faded with time in the Southern European sunshine. Vast Skanderbeg Square, named for Albania’s national hero, boasts a clock tower, from which there is a memorable view of the city, and several important monuments and buildings that will be brought to life by your guide. Among the more fascinating reminders of the country's recent past are two vast underground bunkers, one containing an apartment built for former leader Enver Hoxha.

This afternoon, journey to historic hillside Kruje, Skanderbeg’s fortress home, dominated by an impregnable castle, and where a fascinating museum chronicles the hero’s struggles.

On a beautifully contrasting day, head east across country to sublime Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Here, across the border in North Macedonia, the exquisite city of Ohrid sits on the beautiful shoreline. Known as the ‘Balkan Jerusalem’ because of its extraordinary collection of churches – most famously the shore-side Church of St John – Ohrid is a delightful, popular haven. Explore the ancient cobbled streets of the old town, lined with cafés and bars, or stroll the lakeside boardwalk before dinner is served at your hotel.

Spend the day in UNESCO-listed Ohrid, perhaps enjoying a dip in the lake, a journey on one of the boats that ply their trades on the blue waters, or lunch in a shore-side restaurant. Alternatively, join the optional half-day excursion to famous St Naum Monastery, in its majestic lakeside setting. This Orthodox church has been increasingly surrounded by the modern world, but its spectacular setting is worth the short trip.

Bid farewell to North Macedonia and the lake, and head back west through the scenic countryside, to the port-resort of Vlorë, where Albania declared independence in 1912, and where the first stirrings of the 1991 revolution that led to the overthrow of Communism began. Just 75 kilometres from Italy, the city has a distinctly South Mediterranean feel, with a beach fringing the warm, blue Adriatic waters, a busy port, and beach-front bars and restaurants.

Today’s fascinating excursion takes you, first, to the Greco-Roman city named for the god Apollo, and once the starting point of a road to Byzantium. Excavations continue to reveal the glories of what was once an important trading port on the Aous River, but which is now left high and dry thanks to seismic land movements. After a chance to wander around the fascinating ruins, you'll head inland to the extraordinary hilltop citadel of Berati. This UNESCO-listed gem is one of the country’s most potent symbols, and crowns a town of traditional white-washed houses in which a wonderful folk museum chronicles life in this interesting corner of Albania.

Your last day is left free for rest and relaxation. Why not explore Vlorë's fine, fascinating museums, spectacular viewpoints and seafront promenade, simply soak up the sunshine on the beach, or enjoy a leisurely lunch?

Alternatively, spend your last relaxing day cruising the blue waters where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, and calling at Sasani Island. With a stop for a dip, it's the perfect way to round off your trip to this previously unknown corner of the Mediterranean.

After breakfast, you'll board the coach, and transfer back to Tirana airport to catch your flight home.