BALKAN HOLIDAYS
BALKAN HOLIDAYS
DAY 1
Group arrives at Ohrid airport meeting the guide.
(Note: This tour can start from Ohrid Airport or from Tirana Airport)
After the arrival we drive to Ohrid known in antiquity as Lychnidus "The city of light". The city of Ohrid and its lake are both a UNESCO Cultural and Natural heritage. Our tour will continue along the Old city from the upper gate towards city centre. This evening we will have opportunity during dinner to taste some of the most delicious dishes of Ohrid like: Tavce- Gravce, Ajvar, Sarma and Polneti Piperki.
Overnight in Ohrid hotel Toni
Dinner included
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DAY 2
Today after the breakfast we drive towards Korca, Albania. Along the road we can't miss the beautiful monastery of Saint Naum surrounded by sprigs of water. After the visit we head to Korca to visit the city's old bazzar, the Mirahori mosque and the Medieval Art Museum. Tonight will go in a traditional restaurant in Korca with a rich local menu like Red Sisters, Petulla te Fshira, Speca me Ajke dhe Lakror.
Driving 2.5 hrs
Overnight Korca Hotel Boutique
Dinner included
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Skiing in Brezovica
Skiing in Brezovica
DAY 3
From Korca we drive toward southern Albania along the border with Greece considered as yhe most picturesque and scenic drive, our route will go along the N.P of Germenji and the Vjosa Valley considered as the "last wild river of Europe ". We cross Permet - the city of roses, to drive toward Gjirokaster known as the "City of Stone".
Driving 5 hrs
Overnight Gjirokaster Hotel Fantasy
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DAY 4
Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage town and we will have opportunity to visit the castle, the weapons museum and a tour along the Great Houses of Gjirokaster, over 300-400 years old to know their history and family experience. We can have a great experience to visit a nearby village and to participate on a “Day into Life” to see how the locals make food and cook the delicious qifqi .
Overnight Gjirokaster Hotel Fantasy
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DAY 5
Today we will drive toward the city of "1000 Windows" Berat. Situated along the Osumi valley the city was the centre of trade and culture along the Myzeqeja plain the Albanian breed basket. In Berat we will have opportunity to visit the castle, the St. Mary Cathedral and Onufri museum inside the cathedral. Also the Medieval centre including the Kings Mosques and the Bektashi temple. After the visit we drive to Tirana.
Driving 4 hrs
Overnight Tirana Hotel Capital
Dinner included
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DAY 6
Today we will have opportunity to discover the capital of Albania, Tirana. A metropolitan city full of live like any other European capitals. In Tirana we visit the national historical museum, the Skanderbeg square and the main highlights of the city. We take the bus and we drive to the Dajtj cable car for a ride in the gondola to reach the Tirana balcony for a stunning view and a amazing experience. After the cable car we drive back to BunkArt to visit the nuclear shelter of the Albanian communist party during the cold war. Return in town.
Driving 30min
Overnight Tirana Hotel Capital
Lunch included
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DAY 7
After breakfast we drive to Ohrid for the flight back to Sweden. According to your flight schedule we can arrange stops along the way
Driving 3 hrs
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Included: Hotels from day one to the day six with breakfast included, six meals per trip (may varies lunch or dinner). Professional English speaking guide along the trip, entrance fees and transportation.
Not included: Drinks, extra meals not mentioned and nothing that is not at the included
Climate
Albania has a mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters (ranging from 9 - 11 hours of sunshine a day in Tirana). Temperatures can reach up to 40°C in July. October to April is much cooler and can be wet. Albania is a mountainous country and the high peaks are snow-capped all year with seasonal weather patterns in the mountains that can be unpredictable.
Budgeting and packing
Clothing
Weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night, so bring a warmer jacket or fleece. A raincoat is essential at all times of year in case of the odd shower. For departures in early spring and autumn it can be colder in the mountains, so bring a warm jacket and pack layers.
You should dress with respect in the rural villages so bring some long trousers and ensure your shoulders are covered when entering churches. Don't forget your swimming costume and a towel for taking a dip in the sea or hot springs.
Footwear
There are a number of included walks on this trip, so we recommend taking lightweight walking or trail boots and comfortable shoes or sandals for visiting the sites and towns.
Luggage
Suggested a standard suitcase 20kg aproxx
Luggage: On tour
One main piece of baggage and a daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself. Please bear in mind there are lots of stairs in Albania and porterage isn't normally available in the hotels.
Tipping
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognize a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend 5€ to 7€ per person per day as a guideline
Food and drink
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an up market restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
Meal price $13.00 Beer price $1.50 Water price $0.50
Why book this trip ?
Discover the emerging nation of Albania and its wealth of secrets. From the colourful capital of Tirana to the stunning Lake Ohrid, archaeological sites to beautiful national parks and mountains, this trip unveils some of the treats whilst experiencing natural beauty and rural life.