Discover the heart of the Balkans on this enriching 8-day journey blending culture, history, nature, and leisure. Begin in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, before continuing to the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, famed for its Ottoman architecture and timeless charm. Travel onward to Ohrid, a lakeside gem in North Macedonia, where ancient churches and crystal-clear waters create a magical atmosphere. Explore Skopje, a city of contrasts, combining historic bazaars with grand monuments and modern flair. Cross into Greece to visit Kalabaka, home to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora perched high on dramatic rock formations. Conclude your journey in legendary Athens, where ancient history, iconic landmarks, and Mediterranean lifestyle provide the perfect finale to this unforgettable Balkan experience.
Balkan Treasures: A 8-Day Journey Through Albania, North Macedonia & Greece
-high.jpg&w=2048&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=828&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=1080&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=1080&q=100)
---272-ft-length-%26-30-ft-wide-high.jpg&w=1080&q=100)
Duration
9 days
Max Group Size
35
Departure Type
Request
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
moderate
Operated In
English
Age Requirement
18 - 80 Ages
Tour Overview
Route
Starts from
Tirana
Ends in
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"
Pickup Location
Tirana International Airport
Dropoff Location
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
Highlights
Itinerary
Explore Skanderbeg Square and its landmarks, admire the frescoes of Et’hem Bey Mosque, National Museum, BUNKart 1 and stroll through the colorful Blloku district with its cafés, boutiques, and street art.
20.00pm End the day with a delicious dinner accompanied by live Albanian music, savoring local flavors and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Overnight in Tirana.
Begin your day exploring Berat’s enchanting Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, wandering through narrow stone streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses that give the city its famous “thousand windows” charm.
Enjoy a wine tasting within the amazing the best wine producers Cobo or Pupa.
Continue uphill to Berat Castle, one of the oldest continuously inhabited fortresses in the world, where stone pathways, ancient churches, and panoramic viewpoints await.
Visit the Onufri Museum, home to stunning Byzantine icons and the vibrant works of Albania’s master iconographer, Onufri.
Free time and overnight in Berat.
Optional short photo stops along the way to capture views of rivers, mountains, and traditional villages.
Arrive in Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s most beautiful cities, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Ottoman-style houses.
Visit Church of St. Sophia and Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched above the lake with stunning panoramic views. Explore Ohrid’s charming old bazaar, perfect for souvenirs and local crafts.
Lunch break for your time.
Spend time relaxing by the lake, taking photos, or enjoying a short boat ride on Lake Ohrid.
Optional visits to Samuel’s Fortress for breathtaking views of the city and lake.
Overnight in Ohrid.
Begin a walking tour of Skopje’s old town (Čaršija), with its narrow streets, Ottoman-era bazaars, and artisan shops.
Visit landmarks such as the Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, and the Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
Enjoy a traditional Macedonian lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties.
Explore Skopje’s main square with statues and fountains, and stroll along the Vardar River promenade.
Overnight in Skopje.
After breakfast we depart to Skopje, we continue to Kalabaka.
Multiple stop for break and lunch.
Long hours of driving await ahead.
Overnight in Kalabaka.
After breakfast, your enjoy one of the UNESCO heritages: Meteora clifs where
some of the Byzantine monasteries were build. Outside tour in all 7
monasteries, but visit inside in 3 of them
(depends on day of the week), learn about monastic life & Byzantine history.
Lunch in Kalabaka and transfer in Athens, and dinner.
Overnight in Athens, late at night.
9-11am After breakfast we start in exploration with the worlds antiquity wander Acropolis site, due to high number of visitors and temperatures, is better to continue at morning.
A coffee break and we walking tour of Athens (2hrs):Plaka
old district, Monastiraki bazaar, Syntagma Square, stroll and enjoy your time in this city.
After tour free time in your own
At 18.00pm Right before sunset, furnicular ride in Lycabetus Hill, where
you can see Athens in the palm of your hand.
Overnight in Athens.
Trip includes
Included
4* hotels:
1 overnight in Tirana,
1 overnight in Berat,
1 overnight in Ohrid,
1 overnight in Skopje,
3 overnights in Athen.
Local guides in : Ohrid, Skopje, Meteora, Athens.
Guiding Method
Fully guided
EnglishDaily breakfast throughout the
trip
Private transportation with A/C
vehicle and experienced driver for the entire duration.
Round-trip ferry ticket on Komani Lake
Cable car ticket to Mount Dajti in Tirana
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites and attractions, including Bunk’Art 1, the Lock-in Tower in Theth, and Apollonia or Berat
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Excluded
International flights
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and laundry
Optional activities such as kayaking, canyoning,
snorkeling, or boat trips
Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
VISA
Extra cost for tour leader speaking: Turkish, Arabic, French, Italian and Chinese.
Availability
Loading. Please wait.
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with Travelshopbooking
Best price quaranteed.
100% financial protection.
Earn $20+ in travel credits.
What our customers say about this tour
No reviews yet.
Cancellation Policy
On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
We're ready to help.