Balkan 31

Day 1

Tirana

Meet at airport and transfer to Tirana for a visit at the National Museum of History which is a great introduction to the history of the country and its people. Afterwards take a driven tour of the major sites of Tirana, including the colourful buildings the Albanian capital is now recognized for. The dull grey communist architecture buildings have been transformed into modern art canvases through splashes of bright colours and abstract shapes. An ingenious way of uplifting the facades and the moods of the inhabitants. Overnight in Tirana

Day 2

Tirana – Shkodra – Tirana (3.5 hours driving time)

After breakfast drive to Shkodra, centre of Roman Catholicism in Albania and a town with long historic routes, the only mentioned capital of the Illyrian Kingdom. Visit the legendary Rozafa castle with spectacular views all around and then the city centre with its pedestrian area with Italian influences. After visits return to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 3

Tirana – Berat

After breakfast drive to Berat – a wonderful Museum town and UNESCO site. On the way stop in Durres for a quick visit of the amphitheatre considered the largest in the Balkans. Continue on to Berat a strikingly beautiful town representing the best of Ottoman architecture outside of Turkey. Visit the Fortress, Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th century who had a weakness for a particular red colour he used so much that it is known today as the Onufrian Red. Many of his wonderfully painted icons still remain in the museum while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked. Berat is also known for its ties with religious practice, two of the oldest bibles in the world have been found here. One dates from the 6th century AD and the other from the 9th century AD. In the downtown we visit the Leaden Mosque, the King’s Mosque, the Bachelor’s Mosque and the Alveti Tekke. Afternoon free to explore on your own. Overnight in Berat.

Day 4

Berat – Apollonia – Vlora (3.5 hours driving time)

After breakfast depart to Apollonia one of the most important ancient learning centres in Roman times on the famous Via Egnatia. Due to its fame and importance Caesar chose to send his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory there which is testimony to the importance of this ancient city. After the visits, continue on to Vlora where in the centre we have a look at Muradie Mosque, one of the early works of the famous architect Sinan of Albanian origin who designed the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. After lunch drive to a beautiful natural island where we visit the Monastery of Zvernec amongst wonderful nature. Overnight in Vlora.

Day 5

Vlora – Butrint (UNESCO) – Saranda (4.5 hours driving time)

After breakfast we depart to Saranda through the spectacular Albanian Riviera with its traditional villages. At Llogara National Park we stop at around 1100 metres where spectacular views of the Ionian Sea can be admired. We continue and make a visit at the castle of Ali Pasha at Porto Palermo. Lunch on your own can be enjoyed here in one of the fish restaurants overlooking the castle and the beautiful turquoise sea. After lunch we will proceed to visit to the ancient city of Butrint-another UNESCO world heritage site. The city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of different civilizations, making it an important discovery in the Mediterranean. It is situated in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation offering visitors more than just old ruins. Overnight in Saranda.

Day 6

Saranda – Gjirokastra (UNESCO)- Ioannina, Greece

In the morning we depart for Gjirokastra, a Museum Town under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site with beautiful and very distinct architecture. In Gjirokastra we will visit the Castle, part of which was turned into a political prison for dissidents of the communist regime and the Arms Museum. Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, which is also the house the Albanian dictator was born in, as well as a 300 year old house next to it, where the grandeur of Gjirokastra’s master builders can be observed. Lunch in Gjirokastra (optional). Depart to Ioannina, Greece, where we will visit the castle of Ali Pasha in the centre of Town, the burial place of the pasha and the Mosque turned into his museum. Overnight in Ioannina

Day 7

Ioannina – Dodona – Meteora (UNESCO) – Kalambaka – Delphi

In the morning depart to Meteora, a wonderful monument of nature complemented by the ingenuousness of man. Breathtaking rocks hundred of meters high situated in the middle of vast lowlands which seem to have fallen off the sky, very likely the word Meteora has been purposely been used based on this impression the rocks give to anyone who sees them. These rocks which on their own are stunning enough carry on their backs wonderfully crafted monasteries which make for a monumental interaction between nature and man which never ceases to impress new and repeat visitors to this place. The most famous and probably the best monastery out of all Meteora monasteries, the Great Meteora Monastery or as it is known locally the Megalo Meteoro Monastery or Metamorphisis. We will visit some monasteries and then overnight in Kalambaka just below the Meteora rocks. arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site Overnight Delphi.

Day 8

Delphi – Athens

After breakfast drive Athens. We ll eat lunch and begin to city tour. First Acropolis
PARTHENON’s crowning beauty atop the ACROPOLIS, the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman Temple of Zeus, Theatre of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the government buildings and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of the glorious past. The rest of the day is at leisure, so maybe join one of our optional excursions over night stay in Athens

Day 9

10: Athens ( optional )

Three Salonic island tour. Day Cruice from Athens Poros – Hydra – Aegina : Pick you up from hotel, transfer you to Piraeus Port by motor coach, in order to transfer you at the port to take the boat departs at 08.00 a.m.
First stop, the cosmopolitan Hydra, with its cobblestone alleys, its unspoilt –over the centuries- unique architectural beauty, as well as the traditional means of transportation that you can find on the island, its donkeys, will make the visitors fall in love with it at first sight. The vessel remains at the port of Hydra for 1 hour and 55 minutes, giving enough time to the passengers to discover some of the most wonderful parts of the island, the beautiful forts and the impressive mansions, enjoying a walk along the picturesque alleys, or even discover the historic landmarks.
Next stop, is the port of Poros. A leafy island, with an insuperable natural beauty and thousands of pine trees, expanding from the steep beaches to the sandy beaches, making Poros the island of romance and calmness.We stay at Poros for 50 minutes. Walk across the town and discover the city hall, the archeological museum, the public library, the cultural center and the white little houses on the island, and head towards the highest point of the island, to discover the historical and famous clock tower of Poros.
Last stop, is the historical Aegina. The biggest island of the Saronic gulf, which took its name by the beautiful nymph that was kidnapped by Zeus. Aegina is well known across the world for the delicious pistachios, the beautiful, “virgin” beaches and the Temple of Afaia. We stay at the port of Aegina for 2 hours. There is enough time to enjoy your coffee and the pistachio sweets at the beautiful port, or to participate in the historical tour of the island and discover its hidden treasures.

Day 10

Athens – Thessaloniki

After breakfast we drive to Thessaloniki. Arrival to Thessaloniki begin to make our tour.This a city that offers its guests plenty of interesting tourist attractions. You can start with the old Byzantine walls at north from town, then the sixteenth century White Tower, the symbol of Thessaloniki. The best place to admire the city from is the 12 km long promenade at the sea. In the upper part of the town you should visit the old Byzantine citadel, the traditional houses and the small, paved streets. then visit The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise freedom from religious persecution. Then visit The Aristotle Square in Thessaloniki

Day 11

Thessaloniki- Bitola – Ohrid (UNESCO) (6 hours total driving time)

After breakfast drive to Bitola (old Manastiri) – the City of Consuls.We ll visit old army academy of Ottoman. We ll see Mustafa Kemal class. After visits of Heraclea ancient site depart to Ohrid where we overnight.

Day 12

Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Skopje

After breakfast visit St. John at Kaneo, stands alone on a small peninsula which juts out into the Lake at the western end of the Old Town, and provides spectacular panoramic views of the Lake and surrounding mountains, Samuil fortress, Saint Painteleimon Church, The Holy Virgin of Peribleptos Church, Icon Galery and old Bazaar. The tour continues to St. Naum Monastery. In the monastery we follow the path of St. Naum, meeting the legends of all the miracles he made before and after he built his church on the top of the rock. Visit of the monastery and the Springs of Black Drin river, you may enjoy in the rowing boat on the springs site.
After St NAUM we drive Skopje. Sightseeing tour; Visit to the old railway station the first railway station in the Balkans; The statue of Mother Teresa; The Stone Bridge; The church of St. Spas (Holy Salvation), which is famous for housing the remains of the great Macedonian revolutionary Goce Delcev (1872-1903); The Fortress Kale; The Monastery of St. Pantelejmon in the village of Gorno Nerezi, which was built in the 12th century. Lunch in the restaurant next to the church of St. Pantelejmon. After lunch a visit to the Church of St. Andreja Matka, built in the 14th century. Dinner in a local restaurant with folk music.Overnight in Skopje.

Day 13

Skopje – Sofia(4 hours driving time)

After breakfast drive to Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. Meet and greet by Bulgarian guide. In the afternoon join our short break tour and discover why Sofia makes the perfect combination – the wisdom of the past and the verve of the present. You will see part of the city walls, churches and streets from the antiquity side by side with edifices built during the Byzantine period. You will visit inside the 4th c. AD St. George Rotunda, the 6th c. AD church of St. Sophia and The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevski. The beautiful building of the University, the National Art Gallery, the National Theater, numerous monuments and open spaces in the city will make the tour a pleasant one. Overnight in hotel in Sofia.

Day 14

Sofia – Veliko Turnovo (3.5 hours driving time)

Morning departure from Sofia to Veliko Turnovo – the medieval capital of Bulgaria, situated amphitheatrically on 4 hills. The old capital welcomes its visitors with impressive views – the medieval fortress of Tsarevets and numerous churches and monasteries on the nearby hills. Visit the fortress and see the modern frescoes in the church, feel the spirit of traditions in the old church “St. Peter & Paul”. Take a walk along Samovodene market with its original workshops from the National Revival. Follow the route to the old museum town Arbanassi – a monument architecture from the 17th-18th century. Visit the Nativity Church (16-17th c. AD) with amazing frescoes showing scenes from the New and Old Testament and the ethnographic house of Konstantsaliev. Overnight Veliko Turnovo or Arbanassi.

Day 15

Veliko Turnovo – Etara – Kazanlak(UNESCO)-Plovdiv (3.5 hours driving time)

Departure to Plovdiv – the second largest city of Bulgaria. En route visit Etara architectural and ethnographic open air museum, which presents the architecture and the style of life in Gabrovo and the region during the Bulgarian Revival period – 18th-19th century. On the crafts street the visitors can watch in real time the work of the craftsmen and can purchase the articles made before their eyes. Visit the nearby Assumption Sokolski monastery with a famous stone fountain. En route see the golden domes of Shipka Monastery. Continue to the town of Kazanluk known as the capital of the Valley of the Roses. After lunch, visit the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb (4th century BC, UNESCO) and Kulata ethnographic complex in Kazanlak. Continue to Plovdiv. Sightseeing of The Old Town of Plovdiv, which is one of the most remarkable places in Bulgaria with its steep cobble-stoned streets, unique houses and romantic atmosphere. A similarity with Ohrid in Macedonia and especially Berat and Gjirokastra in Albania can be noticed. See 4th century BC Thracian wall paintings, the Roman amphitheater, Byzantine and medieval fortifications and 15th century Ottoman mosque. Overnight Plovdiv.

Day 16

Plovdiv – Rila monastery(UNESCO)- Sofia(2 hours driving time)

Early morning departure for Rila monastery for visit and lunch. This is the most significant and impressive monument of Bulgarian National Revival period. The monastery’s most treasured historic and artistic monuments include the 14th century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original monastery kitchen from the 19th century. The monastery also houses a rich museum collection of valuable old manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets and wrought iron objects, and a library containing more than 16,000 books. Return back to Sofia for overnight in hotel.

Day 17

Departure

Transfer from the hotel to Sofia airport for your flight back home

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