6-Day Balkan Odyssey Tour: Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo & Montenegro

• We pick you up anywhere in Tirana and drive towards the border of North Macedonia for around 2.5 hours .
• we cross the border into North Macedonia, making our way to the enchanting town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive t winding through rolling hills and scenic countryside before reaching the stunning shores of Lake Ohrid.
• As we guide you through Ohrid’s Old Town, its rich history and cultural significance come to life. Our walking tour takes us to the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dramatically on a cliff with breathtaking lake views. Continuing through the cobbled streets, we visit the Ancient Amphitheatre, a well-preserved relic from the Hellenistic era, before reaching the lively City Center and the traditional Old Bazaar.
• Leaving Ohrid behind, we embark on a scenic drive to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. The journey covers 170 km and takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering beautiful views of mountain landscapes along the way.
• Upon arrival, we check into a 3-4 star hotel in the city center, perfectly located for exploring Skopje’s vibrant streets. The afternoon is yours to discover the city at your own pace—wander through the Old Bazaar, admire the grand statues of Macedonia Square, or enjoy a relaxed evening at a riverside café along the Vardar River.

• The adventure continues as we head into Kosovo, Europe’s youngest country. A 90 km drive, taking around 1.5 hours, brings us to the capital, Pristina, a city rapidly evolving while still holding onto its cultural roots. Our visit includes a stop at the Newborn Monument, a striking symbol of Kosovo’s independence, followed by a visit to the National Library, known for its unique architecture. We also stop at the Mother Teresa Cathedral, a serene and modern landmark honoring Albania’s most famous humanitarian.
• From Pristina, we travel south toward Prizren, a charming Ottoman-era town nestled in the mountains. The drive is 85 km and takes about 1.5 hours, passing through scenic countryside before reaching this cultural gem. As we arrive, the picturesque Old Stone Bridge welcomes us into the heart of Prizren, where the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque stands as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage. A short walk takes us to Prizren Fortress, where panoramic views over the town provide the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. After free time to enjoy the charming streets, we check into a 3-4 star hotel in the city center, where the evening is yours to explore at leisure.

• Crossing back into Albania, we drive toward Shkodër, a journey covering 180 km and taking approximately 3 hours. This northern city is known for its artistic atmosphere and historical depth, offering a perfect balance of nature and culture. Instead of visiting museums, we take a relaxing drive to Shirokë Village, a peaceful lakeside retreat by Lake Shkodër, where the stunning scenery and tranquil surroundings make for a perfect coffee break.
• Our next stop is Rozafa Castle, one of Albania’s most legendary fortresses, dramatically perched above the city. As we explore its ancient ruins, you’ll hear the fascinating legends that make this castle an integral part of Albanian folklore. From the top, the views stretch over the lake, the Buna and Drin Rivers, and the vast Albanian countryside. After free time to explore the city, we check into a 3-4 star hotel near the city center, allowing for a relaxed evening in one of Shkodër’s lively pedestrian streets.

The 4th day of our tour takes us into Montenegro, where our first stop is St Stephen ( Sveti Stefan ) for a  panoramic photo stop .

We continue to Kotor, a UNESCO-listed city located inside the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. The drive takes 30 minutes over 23 km, offering stunning views of Montenegro’s dramatic coastline. Once in Kotor, we explore its beautifully preserved Old Town, walking through its medieval streets, past Venetian-style buildings and ancient churches. A relaxed lunch in Kotor provides the perfect opportunity to savor Montenegrin cuisine before we begin our return journey to Albania. 

The drive back to Shkodra covers scenic mountain landscapes and picturesque coastal roads.

During the Summer months of July and August we have to suggest an alternative shorter route of Old Bar City and Ulqin as the traffic might be overwhelming and he tour would become exhausting 

Leaving Shkodra  behind, we drive toward the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, taking around 3 hours. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and breathtaking hillside location. Upon arrival, we step back in time with a guided walk through Berat Castle, a fortress still inhabited by locals today. Inside its ancient walls, we discover a labyrinth of Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and charming stone pathways offering spectacular views over the Osum River. Continuing our exploration, we visit the historic quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, two neighborhoods separated by the river yet connected by picturesque bridges and a shared heritage. After free time to soak in the city’s magical atmosphere, we settle into a 3-star hotel inside Berat Castle, offering a rare opportunity to sleep within the walls of this historic fortress.

On our final day, we leave the historic city of Berat and travel north toward the Adriatic coast to explore Durrës — one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in Albania. Once an important Roman port, Durrës still preserves fascinating ancient ruins, including the largest amphitheater in the Balkans and remnants of its old Byzantine walls. We’ll take a pleasant walk along the seafront promenade, enjoy the view of the modern marina, and perhaps stop for a coffee by the sea. Later in the afternoon, we return to Tirana, where our memorable Balkan journey concludes.