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:

Albania Explorer

Tour code:

630946

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

18-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Gluten Free

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $1980

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • 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

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival - Tirane.

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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).

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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.

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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

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chriscenaikotravels

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

    Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller or pram accessible.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Armand Zhgaba (Google Reviewer)  

I recently had an amazing...

02-Aug-2024

I recently had an amazing experience with Albania Explorer when we traveled from Canada to Albania for vacation. From start to finish, their service was exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ready to assist with any needs related to the tours and accommodation. Albania Explorer exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a seamless and memorable travel experience in Albania.

Camelia Stefanuc (Google Reviewer)  

I discoverd a new face...

04-Jun-2024

I discoverd a new face of Albania, with the help of Mr. Sokol. He is an herudit and all the Information we received were argumented and well documented. All the places we vizite were put în value, show in the right light. There were no questions remained without answer. Thank you and congratulations for having such a competent guide in your team. Camelia Stefanuc Tamara Balea

meir shabtai mazar (Google Reviewer)  

as a 50 years experience...

05-Sep-2019

as a 50 years experience as guide myself i can said that the 7 days of tour in Albania was orgenized perfectly by the travl company was perfect. the guide Dashi did more then we could expect to introduce his country to us.. the cost more then fair.

CARMEN DOGARU (Google Reviewer)  

It was a better experience...

16-May-2024

It was a better experience than I expected. The guide was very knowlegeble and ready to help us

Jawad Mohammed (Google Reviewer)  

I visited Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo...

13-Aug-2019

I visited Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia with this company. We had a wonderful time and a trip full of adventure and beautiful memories. Before the visit, I had a lot of doubt about the safety and the tourism potential of those countries compared to other countries that I visited in western, northern, central and eastern Europe. I started contacting a number of tour agencies in the Balkan region for the arrangements. The moment I dealt with Albania Explorer, I felt very comfortable because of their professional dealing and prompt responses. Moreover, their price was reasonable and competitive compared to other agencies. All the arrangements were perfect. Ms.Alma, the booking/ arrangements manager was very helpful. In addition, the tour guide and driver, Mr. Stive, was very professional, friendly and knowledgeable about all the countries we visited with him. Moreover, we found all the above mentioned countries to be very charming, safe and full of tourist attractions and places worth visiting. I highly recommend dealing with this agency for visiting Albania and the surrounding Balkan countries. You can rely on their professionalism and expertise to have an unforgettable trip

Karmen Louis  

Review

23-May-2020

Albania Explorer helped me during my trip to Albania. Being an outsider, this place was unknown for me. But they helped me very well and made my trip awesome. Thanks.

Ziad S. Abdul Majid (Google Reviewer)  

I recently used Albania Explorer...

25-Apr-2023

I recently used Albania Explorer Tour for my vacation and I was blown away by their amazing service! From start to finish, the team was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. They took the time to listen to my needs and preferences, and created a personalized itinerary that exceeded my expectations. Throughout my trip, everything ran smoothly thanks to the excellent planning and attention to detail. The accommodations were top-notch, the activities were well-organized, and the guides were friendly and informative. Overall, I had an unforgettable experience thanks to Albania Explorer Tour and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. Thank you to the entire team for their exceptional service!

Christopher Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

Illyria Route tour of Albania We...

28-May-2024

Illyria Route tour of Albania We chose to book directly with Albania Explorer rather than Exoticca or other Travel Companies providing package tours of Albania because : • Albania Explorer is the main Provider for other Tour Companies • Flights are NOT provided, so we could plan a tailor-made tour of Albania and other Balkan countries • Other services such as car rental and extra hotels can be booked with Albania Explorer We booked the 8 day Albania Explorer Tour “Illyria Route” which was subsumed into the 10 day Best of Albania Tour, who were all Exoticca package tour guests. This was ideal for us, as Albania was just part of our tour of a number Balkan countries, the first 10 days starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Kotor, Montenegro, with a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia Herzogovina. We booked an extra night in Tirana giving us the opportunity to explore the City before the Illyria Tour, including a walking tour and the Bunker art museum. The Tour itself was excellent, covering all the main Cities and archeological sites of Albania, including the Albanian Riviera, with Gesi our Tour Guide providing a running commentary of background information and historical facts, and Claude our driver transporting us safely round the Country in the minibus with wifi. Afte leaving the Tour at Gjirokaster, we caught a public bus back to Tirana to pick up a rental car to spend the last week of our trip to North Macedonia and Kosovo. We relied heavily on Albanian Explorer to book the car and sort out the insurance and paperwork (inc Senior Driver) to take the car to neighbouring Balkan countries and how to obtain green cards at the borders. The car was delivered to the Hotel, and everything went smoothly. Booking direct with Albania Explorer suited us for our Trip around the Balkans. If you just want an Albanian full package tour with flights and transfers, book with Exoticca or other Tour companies – you will get the same base holiday, which is excellent. I commend Albania Explorer to you. Chris & Jackie

Olesea Alexandra (Google Reviewer)  

When you consider a trip...

14-Apr-2024

When you consider a trip and get to know a country, the first thing you want is safety and then satisfy your curiosity, get to know another culture, live experiences and rest from the routine life of your place of origin. Companies that work in the travel sector work with hopes and expectations. Clients make a significant financial effort and many sacrifices to be able to have a few pleasant days/weeks, in this case in Albania. A single person can ruin the work of an entire team. When you hire an agency like this, the visible face of the company is the tour guide who is the coordinator and the person who spends the most time with you. For a travel agency, this figure should be carefully selected because behind that choice there are many other people involved, in the selection of hotels, in the chosen itinerary, in administration, in the purchase of tickets and flights (in many cases). , drivers etc. In our case, the person chosen, Florian xhekaj, was a total mistake and nightmare, horrible experience. His knowledge of Spanish was level A2 (lower intermediate), to be generous. He didn't understand you nor did we understand him in the explanations. When I asked him the first day how long he had been a tour guide, the first lie came and he told me 6 years which was not true. Their lack of knowledge of the history of Albania was proverbial (without being experts in history, their disorientation in dates, centuries and historical people was obvious) their lack of interest in explaining important things was absolute (He did not even explain to us that we could not drink tap water) He did not announce the meeting times nor did he tell if we were all there (we organized ourselves among the people in the group) he did not know the Orthodox liturgy (my partner is Orthodox and had to correct him on numerous occasions for giving wrong information) and also the Muslim one. He boasted of knowing Spain and its history, of having studied philology and a master's degree in tourism, but we really came to the conclusion that either he was the worst in the class or the level of demand in Albania is limited. On the last day he didn't even say goodbye to the group after having been together for 10 days. That is a sign of very serious lack of respect for the company and for us as clients or people, but even though it is serious, it was worse that he vented his frustration every day with the driver (Uzur, who was an excellent and professional driver) speaking badly about the group (we called aristocrats ) spoke badly about the agency and its salary conditions, selected itineraries and in general everything bothered him and he took it on the bad side. We sat next to the driver and the new mobile phones with artificial intelligence translate everything from Albanian to Spanish or English in real time, so we couldn't believe what the phone was translating to our endless surprise. I don't know if the guides in Albania have this profile, if they are not used to tourism or if they take us for ignorance but in the end they play with illusions and with a lack of respect and there is only one person in charge and it is the agency that hires this type of people who are not prepared to perform a function as beautiful as teaching your country, your culture and your history. Please don´t day this person not worked for Albanian explorer and please don´t send us a template message of apologies because it is too late. You should know at this point who you work with and who represents your company.

Anthony Peters (Google Reviewer)  

Horrible experience with tour guide...

14-Apr-2024

Horrible experience with tour guide in Spanish called Florian. He has not an attitude to be a guide, to coordinate anything or to explain elementary things about culture or history about Albania. He looks to be more interested in video games or stuff like that. He looks to be another tourist rather than a person that organizes times, schedules or meetings. His level of Spanish is so poor as his knowledge of history. This type of persons ruins a company.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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