Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Yellow Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Yellow Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Yellow Route”
9 Days Starting and ending in Tirana
Visiting: Tirana, Rahovec, Pristina, Gadime Cave, Tetovo, Debar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
630946
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
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 : Arrival - Tirane.
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Tradita or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Leisure day.
Overnight at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 2 : Tirana - Prizren. (184 Km, 2H 55 Min).
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at Hotel Prizren or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we head 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 Centrum 4* Prizren or similar.
Day 3 : Rahovec Winery - Gjakova - Junik - Monastery Of Decani (Unesco) - Peja.
Location: Rahovec
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Begolli Hotel or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will continue at Rahovec Winery (tone Castle Winery, the biggest one in Kosovo, and one of the biggest wineries in Balkan) where you will have the option to taste local wine. Afterward, continue to Gjakova. Gjakova which lies on the banks of the River Erenik. Visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, which marks the center of the Old Bazaar, the grain market and see the handicrafts of quilt-workers, saddler makers, silversmiths and embroiderers. We then visit the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga,” a traditional house for a tea break. We also visit the 16th century inn of “Hani i Haraçisë,” the old bazaar shopping area, and the Ethnographic Museum. Lunch break. Then we will 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. We then continue to the Monastery of Decan (UNESCO). The medieval church houses some of the most preserved fresco decorations 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.
Overnight Dukagjini Hotel 5* or similar.
Day 4 : Ulpiana Ancient City Ruins - Monastery Of Gracanica - Pristine.
Location: Pristina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aristocrat, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We then will continue 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. After arrival in Pristina, explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century.
Overnight Opera Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 5 : Gadime Cave - Skopje.
Location: Gadime Cave
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at hotel Villa Sofia or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will continue to North Macedonia stopping first at Gadime Cave. The mouth of the Marble Cave in Gadime is nowhere to be seen. The cave is alive and bursting with activity, with explorers, archaeologists, biologists and cave divers unearthing the secrets of two million years of natural history, Gadime is being left behind. Under protection from the Kosovo government since 2011 as a natural monument of “special importance,” Gadime’s exploration has been stunted by lack of management and funding, allegations of corruption, and careless treatment of the cave’s natural environment. We cross the border and head to its capital Skopje. Walk through the landmarks of the old part of Skopje, starting with the Skopje Castle placed on a hill, which gives a view to the old and the new part of Skopje. Then continue with walking down toward Mustafa Pasha Mosque (1492) and the church of Holy Savior (18th Century), then to the historical district known as the Skopje’s Old Bazaar characterized by architectural mixture of churches, mosques, inns, baths, many craftsmen’s shops, old buildings, restaurants and pubs and small shops.
Overnight in Skopje (Hotel Alexander II 4*, or similar).
Day 6 : Matka Kanyons - Tetovo - Mavrovo National Park.
Location: Tetovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Osumi or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast continue to Matka Canyons. Matka is a gorge in which a rich complex of medieval buildings survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the medieval town of Matka).There are dozens of caves and large numbers of endemic plants and animals. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km south-west of Skopje. Afterwards will continue to Tetova, the tour will go on in Tetova which lies along the Pollogu valley, 468 m above sea level. Although it is recognized as a locality since the bronze – age, as a city it is mentioned in the XVII. century under the name Tetovo. During medievalism Tetova has been an important farmer and artisans center, but also a military center of the Ottomans Empire. Tetova is recognized for her numerous mosques that date to the XV century, the most famous is Mosque Pasha builded in 1459. Here we are going to see beautiful frescos not only inside but also outside the building. Tetova’s Castle over the city, was builded in 1820 Abdurahman Pasha, the interior is composed of 5 rooms , big kitchens, toilet, a shadoof in the middle and 3 tunnels. Memorial Museum, Culture Palace builded in 1975 over the ruins of the old Carshi Mosque, Masjid of Bektashinjte “Harabati”, which is also a big bibliotheca builded in 1538–1548, are places that will be visited. After this city tour, we will continue to Mavrovo National Park which covers an area of 73088 hectares, and has micro-ecological conditions. It has more than 30 caves and one Lake at the altitude of 1200 m. Mavrovo is famous for its ski center. Accommodation to hotel in Mavrovo. Possibility for light walking around. Overnight Mia Favorites Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 7 : Debar - Struga - Ohrid (Unesco).
Location: Debar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Tirana,Hotet Arbri 3* or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, Debar via Black Drini River valley and enjoy the spectacular views of nature and amazing stories behind. We will have a visit to Dibra e Madhe (Debar), which is the most important city in the valley. We head to Struga where we have a short stop at the place where the Drini River source is from Ohrid Lake. 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 amphitheater.
Overnight at hotel Sky Corner Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 8 : Elbasan - Tirana.
Location: Tirana
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
- Airport private transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary.
- Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 4*/5* hotels (as indicated, or similar).
- All breakfasts in each hotel as per itinerary.
- Transportation with modern AC car/minibus/bus, etc., during all tour itinerary.
- English speaking guide during all tour itinerary.
- Local guide in English in Skopje, and Local guide in Ohrid.
What's Not Included
- International airfare and airport taxes
- Entry Fees: 87€ entry/fee supplement pp. (List of the museums and other sites included as per itinerary):
- National Museum in Prizren League
- Ethnographic museum in Gjakova
- Decani monastery (UNESCO)
- Peja Museum
- Ulpiana Ancient City
- Gracanica Monastery (UNESCO)
- Gadime Cave
- Mother Teresa Museum in Skopje
- Ancient Castle of Skope
- Tetovo Painted Mosque
- Ohrid Samuil fortress
- Elbasan Ethnographic Museum
- Elbasan St. Mary Church
- Local city/tourist tax
- Driver/guides tips,
- Gratuities and individual daily expenses and porterage
- Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”
- Travel insurance
- Trip/tour cancellation
- No show
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Or Pram Accessible
- Animals Or Pets Allowed
- Public Transportation Nearby
- Infants Must Sit On Laps
Please Note
Note:
This tour has been quoted based in a minimum number of participants. In case of the number of minimum required participants is not reached, the company reserves the rights to offer to the client other eventual alternative days, or to cancel the trip for the clients. Otherwise, the trip can also be operated on a private tour basis (subject to the respective quotation).
All cancellations are subject of 5% service fee to cover costs for the efforts done to first to arrange and then to cancel the respective services of relevant booking.
- 590€ single supplement pp
- 30€ per person, lunch supplement, Ohrid (3 course menu, +0.5lt bottle of water).
- 27€ per person, one lunch supplement, traditional food in Prishtine (3 course menu +0.5lt bottle of water).
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
The tour provides accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 4-star or 5-star hotels, or similar, throughout the itinerary.
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Are airport transfers included in the Western Balkan Explorer Tour?
Yes, airport private transfers and all other transfers as per the itinerary are included in the tour.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking guide is provided during the entire tour itinerary, along with local guides in Skopje and Ohrid.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including the Prizren Castle, the Monastery of Decani, the ruins of Ulpiana, the Gracanica Monastery, and the Skopje Castle, among others.
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Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller or pram accessible.
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What is the policy if the minimum number of participants is not met?
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the company may offer alternative days or cancel the trip. The tour can also be operated on a private basis, subject to a different quotation.
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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.