Prime Albania North Macedonia And Kosovo 4 Days

Our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel in Tirana to begin our exciting journey to Berat, a captivating town with a UNESCO world heritage status and famous for its "town of 1001 windows." As we wander through the narrow stone streets, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing sight of medieval old houses, adorned with windows that seem to stack on top of each other. Berat's history dates back to the 6th-5th century B.C. when it was originally an Illyrian settlement. In the 3rd century B.C., it transformed into a fortified city known as Antipatrea. Interestingly, to this day, residents continue to live within the castle walls, adding to the city's unique charm. Berat boasts a wealth of attractions, including a splendid medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a vibrant lower town with grand old houses clinging to steep hillsides, an enchanting old stone bridge, fascinating museums, and remnants from Albania's communist era. It is also renowned as the birthplace of Onufri, a celebrated painter of churches throughout the Balkans, known for his distinctive reddish color that remains challenging to replicate. After exploring Berat, our journey continues as we make our way to the Gorica Neighbourhood. From there, we will drive across the border to North Macedonia, heading towards our overnight stay in the picturesque city of Ohrid.

Today, our city tour takes us to Ohrid, a truly enchanting destination and one of the oldest human settlements in Europe, located in North Macedonia. Ohrid is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty, and it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980. The city and its majestic lake hold a rich history, once inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The Romans named the lake "Lyhnidas," meaning "the Light Lake." Our exploration of Ohrid begins with a visit to the city itself, which holds great importance as a center of Orthodoxy. We'll make our way to notable landmarks such as the Church of St. John and the Church of St. Nicolas, as well as the Halveti Hayati Tekke Mosque. Ohrid flourished as a significant center for Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is renowned for its impressive 365 Orthodox churches, which legend suggests represent one church for every day of the year. Throughout the Ottoman Empire, the city expanded across the hills and surrounding areas near the lake. Today, Ohrid captivates visitors with its architectural wonders, picturesque churches, the commanding castle atop the city, an amphitheater, breathtaking views of the lake embraced by mountains, and the precious pearls found within its waters. Our journey continues to the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. This vibrant city showcases a fusion of European, Ottoman, and Asian influences. The Stone Bridge gracefully connects the newer part of the city to the historic old quarter. A must-see landmark is the statue of Alexander the Great in the center, paying homage to the city's rich history. Another notable bridge is the Art Bridge, adorned with striking street lanterns and statues of Macedonian artists and musicians. We will explore the bustling Old Bazaar of Skopje, the largest bazaar in the Balkans, where modern life harmoniously intertwines with centuries of captivating history. The towering cross atop the mountain serves as an iconic symbol of Skopje, visible from kilometers away. We conclude our day in Skopje with an overnight stay, ready to embark on more adventures tomorrow.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we'll resume our tour and head towards Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo. Our first stop will be the iconic Newborn monument, a symbol of Kosovo's independence and its status as a young, vibrant country. As we stroll along the main boulevard, we'll take in the sights and ambiance of Sheshi Nena Tereza, a charming street where you can relax and savor a cup of coffee at one of the cozy bars. Along the way, we'll also pass by Skanderberg square, adorned with a statue of Skanderberg, the national hero of Albania. Continuing our journey, we'll make our way to Prizren, widely regarded as the cultural capital of Kosovo. This captivating city is a delightful blend of rich history, breathtaking natural landscapes, religious tolerance, and mouthwatering gastronomy. Prizren has played a significant role in the region since ancient times, serving as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. This diverse heritage has left an indelible mark on the city's unique architecture. The river gracefully flows through the heart of the old town, adorned with picturesque bridges that crisscross the city. If you happen to visit Prizren in August, you'll experience a vibrant international atmosphere, as the medieval city hosts the renowned Dokufest, one of the world's most prestigious short film festivals. Exploring the town, you'll find yourself meandering through narrow streets lined with elegant medieval houses, each vying for your attention. Prizren takes immense pride in its filigree artisanal techniques, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in precious metals. Make sure not to miss the opportunity to visit one of the many filigree shops, where you can witness the magical metalsmithing process firsthand and even indulge in some unique shopping. If you have time to visit only one mosque, be sure to explore the Sinan Pasha Mosque, adorned with intricate arabesque colors and patterns. For a breathtaking panoramic view of this remarkable town, we'll make our way up to the fortress situated atop a hill. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to further immerse yourself in the charms of Prizren. We'll spend the night in Prizren, ready for more adventures tomorrow.