BALLKAN PROGRAME START FROM CORFU

Transfer by bus to the Achillion Palace
The Achillion Palace is ideally located in the picturesque village of Gastouri. This magnificent Palace was built in 1890 exclusively
for Elizabeth (Sissy), the former Empress of Austria. The palace used to serve as the summer retreat of the Empress.Lunch will be
organised at a local restaurant
Old Town of Corfu
The Old Town of Corfu, on the Island of Corfu off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, is located in a strategic position
at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, and has its roots in the 8th century BC.The three forts of the town, designed by
renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of
Venice against the Ottoman Empire. In the course of time, the forts were repaired and partly rebuilt several times,
more recently under British rule in the 19th century. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly
from the Venetian period, partly of later construction, notably the 19th century. As a fortified Mediterranean port,
Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity.
Free time on your own
Accommodation and overnight in CORFU

09.00 Arrival in Saranda
09.30 – 11.00 Visit Butrinti National Park
This impressive walking tour will stir your imagination about the ancient word during the peak of the Roman power and the classical Greek mythology. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city anda bishopric.Following aperiod of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city’s development. Butrint National Park was inscribed on the National Heritage.
List of Protected Monuments in 1948.
11.30 – 13.00 Drive to Gjirokastra
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch at a local restaurant in Gjirokastra
14.00 – 16.00 Start the city tour of Gjirokastra. Known for its unique architecture, this Unesco World Heritage Site will offer something interesting for everyone. The highlights of the Old Town, include the castle, its weapons museum and breathtaking views, the bazaar area, the ethnographic
museum.
16.00 – 19.00 Drive towards Berat Accomodation at the hotel and prepare for dinner

08.00 – 09.00 Breakfast in the hotel and start with the visit of the fortress

09.00 – 11.30 Walking tour of Berat FortressBerat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the "Museum City of Albania". Berat lies on the sides on the Osum River with a backdrop of Mount Tomorr. Additionally a 2,500 year old castle overlooks the city with numerous, high architectural and historical stone neighborhoods below.
12.00 – 13.30 Time for optional lunch
13.30 – 17.00 Drive towards Ohrid – Macedonia, with stop en route for refreshments (border procedures included) Accommodation and overnight in OHRID

07.30 – 08.30 Breakfast and check out of the hotel
08.30 – 11.00 OHRID - At the lake side resort of Ohrid, classified as a UNESCO`s World Cultural Heritage site. Thanks to the activity
of St. Clement and St Naum of Ohrid, the first Pan-Slavic University in Europe - the famous Ohrid Literary School was founded here.
Morning sightseeing tour includes the church of St Sofia (11th century), the most eminent medieval monument in Macedonia with
magnificent Byzantine fresco paintings, and St Clement`s Church with its icon of Annunciation.
11.00 – 12.30 Transfer by bus to Bitola
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch at a local restaurant
13.30 – 14.30 Free time in the main boulevard of Bitola, SirokSokak
14.30 – 15.30 Visit Heraklea (description tour) – Famous for its dazzling mosaics, ancient theater and Roman baths, Heraclea is the
most vividly preserved city from the Ancient Macedonian empire surviving in the country. Founded in the 4th century B.C.E. and
conquered by the Romans two centuries later, it was built on the Via Egnatia and became one of the key stations on this trading
route. From the 4th-6th centuries C.E. Heraclea also had an Episcopal seat. Beautiful Roman baths, the Episcopal church and
baptistery, a Jewish temple, portico and a Roman theater now used for summer concerts and theater shows all survive in excellent
condition.
15.30 – 18.00 Bus transfer to Skopje Accommodation and overnight in SKOPJE

07.00 – 08.00 After breakfast in hotel, check out and start with city tour of Skopje.
08.00 – 10.00 Panoramic City tour of Skopje.
SKOPJE – It is a city in the west where you can find the signs of East as it was under the rule of Ottoman Empire for a long time. We
spend some time in the old town visiting the Daud Pasha baths once the largest baths in Balkans now the City Art Galery, the
imposing Mustafa Pasha Mosque or the bustling old market area.
10.00 – 11.00 Bus transfer to Tetovo
11.00 – 11.30 Visit the famous SarenaDzamija. The ŠarenaDžamija was originally built in 1438. The architect behind the
ŠarenaDžamija was IsakBey. Most mosques of the time had sultans, beys or pashas’ financing their constructions, but the
ŠarenaDžamija was financed by two sisters from Tetovo.
11.30 – 12.00 Bus transfer to Mavrovo National Park where we can enjoy not only the beautiful panorama, but we can visit one of
the important religious Monastery of St. John Forerunner Bigorski .
12.00 – 13.00 St. Jovan Bigorski is a 19th century monastery standing on the slopes of Debar’s Mt. Bistra, above the banks of the
River Radika, surrounded by dense woods and rocky hills. While relatively new, St. Jovan was constructed over the remains of an
older church dating from 1021. Since the monastery is dedicated to St. Jovan the Baptist, worshippers believe that icons with his
image are blessed with a miraculous healing power.
13.00 – 14.30 Time for lunch at Etno Restaurant in Janche
14.30 – 18.30 Continue driving to Tirana with stop n route to Elbasan for refreshment (Border procedures included).
Accommodation and overnight in TIRANA (2 nights)

07.00 – 08.00 Breakfast at the hotel and depart for Durres
08.00 – 09.00 Transfer by bus to Durres
09.00 – 11.30 Explore the ruins of town forum, roman baths, city centre, town hall, Roman Amphitheater, byzantine walls, Venetian
tower and archaeological museum, a panoramic display of discoveries and urban planning of this once important city.
11.30 – 12.30 Transfer by bus to Kruja
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch at a local restaurant in Kruja
KRUJA (description tour) – Kruja is considered one of the principal old town and is' one of the most glorious cities in Albania. The
walking tour takes you through the Ottoman bazaar, wooden shops and displays various gifts and antique items for the home. Visit
the castle walls, Historical Museum dedicated Skanderbeg, and an old house converted into an ethnographic museum, invites you
to a special cultural aspect of life in northern Albania
16.00 – 17.00 Drive back to Tirana
City Tour of Tirana. We shall explore the capital city of Albania, including some of the historical highlights, as city centre, Skenderbeg
Statue, Et’hembey mosque, Clock tower, Italian buildings and Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. Visit the ex-communist buildings,
painted with vibrant colors and the expansion of city.Prepare for dinner Accommodation and overnight in TIRANA (2 nights)

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and departure for Tirana Airport