Albania - Land of the Eagle (11 days)

Day 01

To Tirana

Arrive and transfer to the Theranda Hotel for 2 nights. (N)

Day 02

Tirana

Morning tour of Kruja and the Skanderbeg Museum. Afternoon tour of the Albanian capital, including visits to the National Museum, the main square and its clock tower, and the mosque. (B, D)

Day 03

To Lake Ohrid

Travel east to Elbasan, stopping en route at the remains of a Turkish fort. Continue into Macedonia and the town of Ohrid, situated on the east shore of Lake Ohrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the Macedonian Jerusalem due to its large number of churches. The enormous lake is renowned for the clarity of its water. Stay at the Tino Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

Day 04

Ohrid

Morning tour of the town. See St Sophia Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Macedonia; the Church of St Clement at Plaoshnik, where the first university in Europe was founded, and the Gallery of Icons, which has the largest collection of icons in the world. Afternoon visit to the Monastery of St Naum by boat. Its position on a rocky overhang provides excellent views over the lake. (B)

Day 05

To Korca

Cross the border back into Albania and continue south to Korca, historically an important trade town. Visit the Museum of Medieval Arts, which displays over 150 icons, and the Korca Mosque. Stay at the Regency Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 06

To Gjirokaster

See the Tumulus at Kamenica, where the biggest ancient burial mound to be excavated in the Balkans is located. Continue to Gjirokaster, the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. Visit his house museum and the city's fortress, which was formerly a political prison. Stay at the Kalemi Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 07

To Saranda

Drive through the mountains to the costal resort of Saranda. Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. Explore the ruins of this Greco Roman town and view the 3rd century BC theatre, bathhouses and the remains of the largest baptistery in the Balkans. Have dinner at Saranda Castle, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Island of Corfu. Stay overnight at the Hotel Butrinti. (B, D)

Day 08

To Vlora

Travel to Vlora, a seaport and the gateway to Italy. Stay overnight at the Hotel Vlora International. (B)

Day 09

To Durres

Morning tour of the Greek and Roman ruins at Apollonia, an important trading port for the Roman Empire until the 3rd century AD. Drive to Berat and visit the Museum of Icons and the castle, which has the remains of 42 churches within its walls. Continue to Durres and stay overnight at the Adriatik Hotel. (B)

Day 10

To Tirana

Morning tour of Durres to explore the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. Continue to the northern town of Shkoder, located near the largest lake in the region, Lake Shkoder. Explore the fortress and museum. Travel back to Tirana and overnight at the Theranda Hotel. (B)

Day 11

Depart Tirana

Transfer to the airport where the tour ends. (B)