Tour From Thessaloniki To Dubrovnik: Seven Countries In 12 D

After having experienced Thessaloniki  (by yourself), our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel. We will begin this amazing journey by taking crossing the border to N. Macedonia. Taking a step back in time, we will visit the ancient city of Bitola, the second largest and oldest city of North Macedonia. Bitola combines the old with the new, Ottoman buildings next to modern office buildings. Our tour continues to the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, named after the legendary Greek mythical hero, and it dates back to approximately 4th century BC, but many of the remains discovered are from around 2nd century BC when the Romans invaded and conquered it. Heraclea has excellent ruins including an amphitheatre once used for gladiator fights and preserved mosaic floors. The site is the most authentic well-preserved city from the ancient Macedonian empire in the whole country. We will also walk through the pedestrian boulevard full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Transfer and overnight in Ohrid. 

Ohrid is one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake).  Our next destination will be St. Naum. From May to September, we will reach St. Naum by Boat, being able to enjoy this amazing experience and the beautiful surroundings from the boat. The monastery of St. Naum carries the name of a holy place. It is situated right at the source of River Crni Drim, which flows through Lake Ohrid. This monastery complex is part of the National Park Galicica and belongs to one of the strictly protected areas. Crystal clear, spring water reflects both the surrounding greenery and the mountain peaks in the background. You can have lunch in one of the restaurants there, or simply enjoy some time on the beach. In the afternoon we will return back to Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid. 

Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood. We will drive towards Tirana after the city tour, overnight in Tirana.