Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Albania, Kosovo, & Macedonia Adventure. Experience the magic of the Balkans on this immersive 14-day adventure, from Albania’s sun-kissed coastline to North Macedonia’s rugged beauty and beyond. Wander through vibrant Soviet-era architecture, indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine and wine, and dive deep into the region’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re exploring ancient fortresses, cruising across glacial lakes, or soaking in the stunning landscapes, every day is packed with moments that will leave you wanting more. This isn’t j read moreust a trip — it’s the ultimate way to discover a side of Europe most travellers never see.
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
EXTK
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Accommodation:
Hotel Metro Tirana
Included Experiences
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Tirana Walking Tour: Head off on a CEO-led orientation walk starting at the very centre of the city, the Skanderbeg square, a large open area surrounded by several important sights of Tirana. This interesting meeting point is one of the best places to start your journey through the city. Walk to old Tirana neighbourhoods (or what is left of them), a taste of communist architecture with many recently-built modern architecture and venues.
Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlorë and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea.
Accommodation:
Hotel Semajo Vlore
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Visit Durrës: Explore Durrës with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durrës amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city’s ancient history.
- Orientation Walk of Vlorë: Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlorë's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlorë. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlorë looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.
Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlorë. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax.
Accommodation:
Hotel Semajo Vlore
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch: Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlorë.
Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokastër with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himarë and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokastër in the evening and check into the hotel.
Accommodation:
Hotel Number One
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Visit Himarë: Explore Himarë with your CEO. The Old City of Himarë and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Himarë has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.
- Ali Pasha Castle: Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the “Mohametan Bonaparte” was made famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron’s Child Harold’s Pilgrimage.
- Butrint National Archaeological Park: Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.
Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokastër. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel.
Accommodation:
Hotel Number One
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Gjirokastër Walking Tour: Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokastër and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.
- Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner: This exclusive experience will be hosted at a local vineyard, passionately run by a family deeply rooted in winemaking, traditional rural cuisine, and hospitality. Tour the vineyard with one of the local on-site experts who will share insights into local grape varieties and the meticulous care that goes into cultivating them. Continue with a tasting of both white and red wines, each paired with regionally sourced accompaniments and fresh farm fruits.
Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for a traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner.
Accommodation:
Hotel Mangalemi Berat
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Berat Walking Tour: Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname “Town of a 1001 Windows.“)
Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, arriving around midday. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore the city or to relax, then head out for an optional dinner in the evening with any new members who may be joining the group.
Accommodation:
Hotel Metro Tirana
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Sett off and explore historic Tirana on your own this afternoon.
Cross the border into North Macedonia and travel to the beautiful city of Ohrid, referred to as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" due to its 365 churches with one for each day of the year. Take some free time to find lunch in one of the bazaars and then take a short boat cruise to admire the city's highlights and the surrounding scenery. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring or to relax.
Accommodation:
Su Hotel Ohrid
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
- Lake Cruise: Climb aboard for a short boat cruise of Lake Ohrid, the deepest and oldest lake in Europe, boasting an imposing medieval fortress and mountainous backdrop. This pristine lake straddles the border between North Macedonia and Eastern Albania, and acts as home to more than 200 different species.
Set off with your CEO this morning on an walking exploration of Ohrid. Discover the old town with it's iconic landmarks and historic architecture then wander through the local bazaar. Later, join a chef to learn about local delicious specialties that will serve as a light lunch lunch before visiting the Roman amphitheatre. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax at the hotel before an optional dinner out in the evening. While getting to know Ohrid, keep an eye out for the 900 year old tree located near Old Town - a true Ohrid landmark.
Accommodation:
Su Hotel Ohrid
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Ohrid Walking Tour: Embark on a walking tour of the city where you'll enjoy the stunning exterior of the San Perivlepta and San Sofia churches. Next, head inside the architecturally striking Monastery of Saint Clement Ohrid, believed to have been built when Saint Clement first arrived in the area at the request of Boris I of Bulgaria. Finish off with a short tour at the Roman Amphitheatre, the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country, built in 200 BC.
- Regional Cooking Demonstration and Light Lunch: Make a stop along the walking tour to meet with a local chef. Learn all about the regional culinary delicacies of the area and how to prepare them while enjoying small plates of delicious food as a light lunch before continuing on your way.
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; today is your day to explore.
Optional Experiences
- Bay of Bones Museum: Explore the reconstructed village of stilt houses, showcasing historic artifacts recovered from Lake Ohrid,
Wave goodbye to Ohrid this morning as you depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Stop in Bitola for a pleasant walk along the pedestrian street called Shirok Sokak before travelling onward to wine region. Sample the local flavours before ending in the capital. Later, set off on foot with your CEO to see some of the city's striking architecture followed by a walk up to the Castle of Kale to revel in the city views. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring or to relax.
Accommodation:
Hotel Centar Skopje
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Sirok Sokak Walking Tour: Wander through Sirok Sokak, the pedestrian street of Shirok Sokak. Known as the fashion street, locals tend to dress up to enjoy a walk and a coffee while enjoying beautiful views of the city.
- Winery Tour with Tasting: The historically rich Stobi region is located close to the archaeological site, ancient Paenian. It was captured into the Kingdom of Macedon where it became the capital and remains a significant historic site. Archaeologists found early evidence of wine making in the form of in home grape presses, showcasing the lengthy past of this delicious art. Learn the intricacies of wine making on a tour of the winery before sampling some wine and enjoying a light lunch.
- Orientation Walk Skopje: Head out for an orientation walk passing Byzantine era buildings, Turkish baths, caravanserais and hamams, all reminders of the intricate Ottoman history. Witness the quirky electric street art and multiple imposing statutes dotted around the city. View the birthplace of Mother Theresa and stop in the hidden lower level of the iconic Gradski Trgovski Centar to see Skopje’s largest collection of street art.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving across the border into Kosovo and to the city of Prizren. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk through town along the Bistrica river, crossing the iconic old stone bridge and onto the cobble-stoned Shadervan square. The rest of the afternoon is free before re-grouping in the evening for a walk up to the town fortress for beautiful sunset views of the town, river and valley.
Accommodation:
My Hotel Prizren
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk Prizren: Enjoy an exploratory walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like some of the main sights in the area, supermarkets, and ATMs.
- Prizren Fortress Sunset Walk: Dating back to 1100 BC, the Prizren Fortress was built by the Byzantines and expanded by Serbian kings throughout the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries before Ottoman rulers took over until their expulsion in 1912. Walk up the steep incline to this historic site to enjoy the sunset and views of the town, river, and valley.
Enjoy a free day in Prinzen to explore the city, take a wine tasting excursion or to relax. Perhaps join your CEO for a morning visit to the filigree shops to browse the textiles and shops or head out on a leisurely hike along the Bistrica River to see the local shepherds.
Accommodation:
My Hotel Prizren
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: There's plenty of things to do; today is yours to explore.
Optional Experiences
- Sinan Pasha Mosque: Explore this Ottoman-era mosque, built by the Albanian pasha Sofi Sinan in 1615
- Mountain Bike Rentals: Rent mountain bikes to explore the naturally beautiful terrain.
- Cevapi Meal: Sit down for a Ćevapi meal - a dish of grilled minced meat created in the Balkans.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Prizren before journeying onward to Pristina, the bustling commerce hub and capital of Kosovo. Explore the city's highlights with your CEO on a walking exploration and get immersed in its rich history before taking the rest of the day free for individual exploration or to relax at a cafe. Head out in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
Accommodation:
Hotel Begolli Pristina
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Walking Tour Pristina: Get to know Pristina on a walking tour through the highlights. Witness the 1389 battle of Kosovo memorial, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gracanica Monastery, followed by the Newborn monument and the brass statue of Bill Clinton, commemorating his role in ending the war for independence.
- Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Optional Experiences
- Ethnographic Museum: Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a traditional 18th century house in the old bazaar area. Originally owned by Emin Gjinolli, turned museum in 2006. Enjoy the traditional architecture and exhibits on clothing, birth and burial rituals, handicrafts etc.
- Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque: Built for Mehmed the Conqueror around 1461, it was converted to a Catholic church before being renovated into a mosque once again after WWII. Locals refer to the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque as the 'Imperial Mosque'. Enjoy the intricately painted ceilings and beautiful interiors.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the 3000 year old Roman remains of Durrës.
- Be immersed in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost.
- Have dinner at a local winery with traditional Albanian polyphonic singing.
- Explore the castle of Berat and see the typical white Ottoman houses.
- Take in the the sunset from the historic Prizren Fortress.
- Dive into the regional flavours of Ohrid with a hands-on cooking demonstration.
- Set sail on a scenic boat tour across the breathtaking waters of Lake Ohrid.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
- Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër
- Your Foodie Moment: Regional Cooking Demonstration and Light Lunch, Ohrid
- Evening orientaion walk of Tirana
- Tour of the Durrës archaeological site
- Orientation walk of Vlorë
- Visit Himare
- Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle
- Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park
- Walking tour of Gjirokastër
- Walking tour of Berat
- Boat cruise on Lake Ohrid
- Walking tour of Ohrid
- Visit Bitola and walk along the Sirok Sokak
- Winery tasting with light lunch
- Skopje walking tour
- Prizren orientation walk
- Prizren Fortress sunset walk
- Pristina walking tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, walking, boat
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (13 Nights)
- It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
16 May 2026
16 May 26
Tirana
Friday
29 May 2026
29 May 26
Pristina
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,049
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
23 May 2026
23 May 26
Tirana
Friday
05 Jun 2026
05 Jun 26
Pristina
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,049
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
