Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Yellow Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Yellow Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Yellow Route”
7 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Lezhë District, Shkodër, Tirana, Kruje, Gjakova, Prizren, Komani Lake, Junik, Monastery Visoki Decani, District of Pejë, Pristina, Gadima Cave, Skopje, Ohrid, Tetovo, Berat, Elbasan, Manastiri i Ardenicës, Durrës, Apollonia Qyteti Antik Ilir
Tour operator:
Tour code:
630946
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images - flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent civil war, Tito’s and Hoxha’s Communist dictatorships. Look beyond these clichéd stereotypes on our one week trip through three Western Balkan countries – Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Explore the crossroads of Europe’s East and West mosaic to cultures inherited in millenniums starting from Illyrians (Albanians), Romans, Byzantines, Slavic, and Ottoman inheritance, in fascinating historical cities, as well as some of the best landscapes in Europe. Western Balkan Explorer trip is a unique experience for those people who want to discover, enjoy and learn better those small different countries in language, religion and history, but very similar in habits, traditions, and hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tirana - Kruja – Lezha – Shkoder . (101 Km, 2H 05 Min).
Location: Lezhë District, Shkodër, Tirana, Kruje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Tradita or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day exploring Albania’s capital. We visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites.
We then head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar. Today lunch will be included and the opportunity to eat some traditional food in Kruja.
Later we continue to Lezha in the north west of the country where we visit the mausoleum of Skanderbeg and the castle before heading to Shkoder. Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once a capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains.
Overnight Hotel Tradita or similar. (BL)
Day 2 : Koman Lake – Junik - Gjakova - Prizren (122 Km, 4H 35 Min); + 2.5 Hrs Boat Trip In Koman Lake.
Location: Gjakova, Prizren, Komani Lake, Junik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at Hotel Prizren or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we journey from Shkoder to Valbona via Koman Lake. The 2 hour trip on Lake Komani was called “One of the Great Boat Trips of the World '' by the Bradt Guide, and certainly the scenery is stunning. The Drin River was flooded along part of its most mountainous passage to create the lakes in this region. The journey takes you along glassy clear water, twisting and turning through narrow passes and past silent mountain peaks.
After the completion of this memorable leg of the journey we continue to cross the border into Kosovo and drive to Junik where we visit the famous Kullat e Junikut (Junik Tower). The towers are castle-like houses with a special architecture built in white rock, where Albanians have for centuries sheltered to survive wars and conflicts.
Then continue to Gjakova which lies on the banks of the River Erenik. Visit its main sites including the old bazaar and clock tower, and then continue to the city of Prizren, probably the most attractive town in Kosovo with superbly preserved buildings from the Ottoman era. We visit the castle which is one of the oldest in the Balkans (more than 3 millenniums), built to protect the city from attacks, the ornate Bajrakli Mosque and the old Turkish Hammam among other sights. Prizren is an absolute highlight of any visit to Kosovo and to see the old houses of the old town in low light as the sun sets is a delight. Overnight at Hotel Prizren or similar. (B)
Day 3 : Monastery Of Decan (Unesco) - Peja - Pristine. (295 Km, 3H 50 Min)
Location: Monastery Visoki Decani, District of Pejë, Pristina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Begolli Hotel or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We then continue to the Monastery of Decan (UNESCO). The medieval church houses some of the most preserved fresco decoration in the Balkans and the grounds are also a delight.
After arriving in Peje we explore the Ottoman Empire time sites of the town including the Haxhi Beut Mosque and the old house of Jashar Pasha as well as the Sheremet Tower and the old bazaar.
We continue to Pristina. Explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century. We then head to the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient Roman time city that was once one of the most powerful in the Balkans. Later we visited the spectacular Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovo’s most beautiful sites and containing some impressive frescoes.
Overnight Begolli Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 4 : Gadime Cave - Skopje. (97 Km, 1H 45 Min)
Location: Gadima Cave, Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aristocrat, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue to Macedonia stopping first at Gadime Cave.
We cross the border and head to its capital Skopje. Upon arrival we visit some of the most important parts of the town, including the old Ottoman market, the monastery of Sveti Spas and the ancient Kale Fortress which dates back to Illyrian and Roman times. Overnight at hotel Aristocrat, or similar. (B)
Day 5 : Tetovo - Ohrid (Unesco) (145 Km, 2H 45 Min)
Location: Ohrid, Tetovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at hotel Villa Sofia or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to Tetova, an important city of Macedonia where we visit its castle and old mosque.
Then drive to the beautiful town of Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th century church of St Sofia as well as the Roman theater. Overnight at hotel Villa Sofia or similar. (B)
Day 6 : Elbasan - Berat (Unesco) (160 Km, 3H 20 Min)
Location: Berat, Elbasan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Osumi or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we cross the border to Albania, where we visit Elbasan. It was a very old and important city in the Ancient Via Egnatia Road that used to connect Durres to Thessaloniki and Istanbul. We visit the old town, castle, church, mosque, etc.
Then drive to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania and with a superbly preserved historic centre that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit its citadel which contains old churches, mosques and museums.
Overnight Hotel Osumi or similar. (B)
Day 7 : Apollonia (Unesco Candidate) - Ardenica Monastery - Durres (Unesco Candidate) – Tirana. (212 Km, 3H 55 Min).
Location: Manastiri i Ardenicës, Durrës, Tirana, Apollonia, Qyteti Antik Ilir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Tirana,Hotet Arbri 3* or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we will drive to Apolonia. Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, dating back to the 6th century BC. Then continue to visit Ardenica Monastery. Afterward, continue to Durres. This port city has the largest ancient amphitheater in the region (20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century built during Trajan Emperor rule. Visit to an archeological museum, amphitheater, roman Baths, Byzantine Bazar. Drive back to Tirana for our final night. Overnight in Tirana,Hotet Arbri 3* or similar.
Day 8 : Elbasan - Tirana.
Location: Elbasan
After breakfast we cross the border to Albania, where we visit Elbasan. It was a very old and important city in the Ancient Via Egnatia Road that used to connect Durres to Thessaloniki and Istanbul. We visit the old town, castle, church, mosque, etc. Then drive to Tirana.
Overnight at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 9 : Departure
Location: Tirana
After breakfast, Airport transfer. End of services. Saturday
Optional: Change to continue to successive Balkan tour(s): Blue, Silver or Red loops/circuits.
What's Included
- Lunch & Breakfast
- Hotel: Accommodation 3* hotels on double occupancy in good locations of respective cities/places.
- Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus/bus and other transportation listed in itinerary.
- Guide: English speaking tour leader/manager.
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance, visa fees (if applicable)
- Any charges for additional itinerary are not listed in itinerary
- Audio guide equipment 7 EUR / person / day
- A mandatory service fee for tour guide/bus driver (min. 5-7 Euro /day per person).
- Excess baggage charges from Airlines
- Personal expenses such as room service, telephone, laundry service charges
- Losses or additional expenses: The Company will accept no responsibilities for losses or additional expenses due to accidents.
- Lunch and Dinner charges (if applicable)
- Local guide can be provided for every destination/city (at an extra charge), prior confirmation required
- Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Or Pram Accessible
- Animals Or Pets Allowed
- Public Transportation Nearby
- Infants Must Sit On Laps
Please Note
- Infant seats unavailable
- Wheelchair accessible
Check out our Q&As
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Do I need Travel insurance?
We do not offer insurance packages but we highly recommend travel protection, it’s important to protect your trip investment and loved ones. We will offer you the best option for your vacation.
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Do you book group travel ?
Yes, we book group travel all the time! We specialize in helping groups of all sizes plan their dream trips. From family reunions to corporate retreats, we can take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
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How do I set up the consultation with the Albania Explorer agent ?
To set up a consultation with Albania Explorer's travel expert, you can contact us directly via phone or email us at contact@albaniaexplorer.com. You can even reach us on Whatsapp at +355 68 399 9480 . local operation working hours during week monday to friday : 08.00-18.00 , saturday 09.00-14.00 , Sunday - off.
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Will you available while I am on my vacation?
Yes, we will be available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. You can get in touch with us anytime. We are committed to providing the best possible service and helping our clients create memorable vacations that they will always remember.
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Low Deposit
Albania Explorer requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of albania explorer charges.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.