Albania and Macedonia's isolation from the rest of Europe makes it a fascinating "find" for travellers. Extraordinary natural beauty exists in the coastline, mountains and lakes, which are almost completely untouched. We observe the remains of past civilisations - from the early Illyrian tribe and ancient Greeks, to the Romans and Ottomans. And we discover a warmth and enduring hospitality in the villages and towns of what is still a largely agricultural society.

Albania's Capital & Via Egnatia
First we spend a day sightseeing in Tirana - one of the quietest capital cities in the world. Continuing along the route known as the Via Egnatia (the old trade route between Rome and Constantinople) we reach the shores of beautiful Lake Ohrid and head over the border for a night in Macedonia, where we soak up the atmosphere of this little-visited region. The following day we return to venture deeper into Albania's mountainous interior to explore forested hills and isolated churches decorated with colourful frescoes.

Exploring Medieval Gjirokastra
Our scenic drive continues through the White Mountains to Gjirokastra - the "silver city". The picturesque buildings and imposing citadel are now part of a "museum town" and we wander its cobbled streets discovering medieval merchant houses and an imposing castle. Reaching the shores of the Adriatic Sea, we arrive in Saranda and visit the nearby excavations of Butrinti, thought by the Roman poet Virgil, to date back to Trojan times.

Along the "Riviera of Flowers"
Heading north along the beautiful "Riviera of Flowers" we relax at Dhermi and walk among the pine forests of Llogara National Park. Next we visit the old Corinthian site of Apollonia and spend a couple of nights in the fascinating museum town of Berat, exploring on foot. Finally, the feudal principality of Kruja stands as a reminder of the proud independence of its Illyrian descendants. In particular the hero Skandeberg is revered for his resistance to the Turks.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Tirana. 2 Sightseeing in Tirana. 3 Drive to Ohrid (Macedonia) via Elbasan fortress. 4 Visit Sveti Naum and drive to Voskopoja. 5 Explore Voskopoja village; drive Korca. 6 Optional forest walk/visits near Permeti. 7 Benja walk, bathe in hot springs; drive Gjirokaster via Kelcyra Gorge; walking tour of Gjirokaster. 8 Drive Saranda; visit ancient Butrinti. 9 Drive up Adriatic coast to Llogara. 10 In Llogara; free day; optional walk in Llogara National Park/Karabrun Peninsula or relax on beach in Dhermi. 11 Drive Berat via Apollonia. 12 In Berat; walking tour. 13 Drive Kruja via Durres visiting museum & amphitheatre; walking tour of Kruja, visit ruins in Kruja. 14 Visit Kruja Fortress; end Tirana airport.

Accommodation: 11nts hotel, 2nts local home; 13 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/On foot.
Comment: A varied sightseeing tour, exploring by vehicle and on foot. Albania is totally unique and unlike any other European country. It is essentially undeveloped for tourism so please do not expect Western standards. Our stay in Dhermi is subject to accommodation availability. It may be necessary to overnight in Llogara should accommodation not be available.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and interpreter guide.
Trip Reference: AB