SECRET OF WEST BALKANS

MACEDONIA ALBANIA KOSOVO

	DAY 1: SKOPJE – ARRIVAL

Welcoming guests at the airport and organised sightseeing tour. The story of Skopje begins from the City Fortress with beautiful panorama of the centre of the town and the river Vardar… The tour continues to “Mustafa Pasha Mosque” from the 15th century, followed by a visit of the church “Holy Savior” with amazing wooden Iconostasis in unique deep carving technique, developed in Macedonia in the 19th century. Next is exploring the Old Bazaar with its small handcraft shops, art galleries, coffee shops, followed by free time. The tour continues in the new part of Skopje. Through the Stone Bridge, the symbol of the city, we will arrive at Skopje Central Square – famous for the huge statue of Alexander the Great with picturesque fountain and the monuments of famous Macedonians. Tour continues with visitation of Mother Theresa Memorial House, as well as the Old Railway station – a witness of the catastrophic earthquake that ravished Skopje in 1963. Transfer by bus (10 km) to the monastery of “St. Pantelejmon” – built in 1164, with famous fresco “Lamentation of Christ“, considered as forerunner of Italian renaissance. Dinner at a National Restaurant. Hotel Overnight.

	DAY 2: SKOPJE – MATKA – TETOVO – OHRID 

After the breakfast, departure from the hotel. On the way to Ohrid, at first, we will visit Matka Canyon, positioned near Skopje, which is the usual natural escape for locals. Here we will visit “St. Andrea” church, followed by a boat tour in the picturesque canyon up to Vrelo Cave – listed as one of the top 77 natural sites in the world. We will continue the tour to Tetovo (40 km), where we will visit the unique “Painted Mosque“ from the 15th century, and “Arabati Baba Tekke“. The tour continues to the city with 365 churches – Ohrid. Dinner. Hotel Overnight.

	DAY 3: OHRID

After the breakfast, there is an organised walking tour to the old town of Ohrid - a UNESCO site. Starting from the central square, to the Ohrid Museum – the house of Robev family, the church of “St. Sophia“ from the 11th century, the antic amphitheatre, and the church of “Holy Virgin Perivleptos” with beautiful frescoes from the 13th  century. Next stop is the Samoil Fortress with its splendid view. The tour continues with Plaoshnik with its 4th century basilica mosaics, and “St. Clement“church. After a 300-meter walk, we will visit the most photographed spot in Ohrid – “St. Jovan Kaneo” church, built on a lake cliff. Lunch at a restaurant in the Old Town – we suggest you try the Ohrid Trout. Free time for individual activities. In the evening, optional Macedonian Night – traditional dinner with folklore ensemble. Hotel Overnight.

	DAY 4: OHRID – ST. NAUM MONASTERY 

Breakfast at the hotel. Organised Boat Tour to the mystical monastery of “St Naum”. The tour continues by the Lake Coast with a view of the National Park Galičica, sailing to the most southern spot of Ohrid Lake. Disembarking at “St. Naum“ Monastery’s ground for sightseeing of the monastery and the springs of the river Black Drim. Lunch. Return to Ohrid in the afternoon. Dinner. Hotel Overnight. 

	DAY 5: OHRID – BERAT – DURRES

After breakfast, departure for Albania. First, a visit to the city with thousand windows Berat – with sightseeing of the old part, protected by UNESCO, and Berat Castle. Followed by a trip to Durres. Free Afternoon. Dinner. Hotel Overnight.

	DAY 6: DURRES – TIRANA – KRUJE  

Breakfast and departure to Tirana. Upon arrival, a panoramic sightseeing tour: Skanderbeg Square with a visit of the National Museum of Tirana, “Ethem Bey“mosque, the Academy.  The tour continues to Kruje with a visit of the small bazaar and Kruja Castle. Returning to the hotel in Durres in the afternoon. Dinner. Hotel Overnight.

	DAY 7: DURRES – PRIZREN – SKOPJE  

After breakfast, departure for Kosovo. Sightseeing Prizren, and lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, departure for Skopje. Arrival in Skopje. Dinner. Hotel Overnight.

	DAY 8: SKOPJE – DEPARTURE

Breakfast. Free time until departure. Transfer to the airport.

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