BalkansExplorer

Day Three: Meteora & Ohrid

After breakfast we explore two of the Meteora Monasteries, dramatically perched atop towering cliffs and offering breathtaking panoramic views. We continue our journey across the border into North Macedonia, travelling through scenic countryside before arriving in Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage gem where centuries of history, charming streets and rich cultural heritage meet the shimmering beauty of the lake.

Day Four: Ohrid

We delve into the rich historical and cultural heritage of Ohrid, a city often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” Wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, where Byzantine and Ottoman influences intertwine. Visit the Church of St. Sophia, a masterpiece of medieval architecture adorned with remarkable frescoes, and explore the ancient theater, a testament to Ohrid’s classical past. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, where the setting sun casts golden hues across the water.

Day Five: Struga & Tirana

Depart for Struga, where the Drin River flows gracefully from the sapphire waters of Lake Ohrid. Continue across the border into Albania, travelling through scenic landscapes towards Tirana, the country’s vibrant capital. On arrival, enjoy a guided city tour featuring Skanderbeg Square, the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque and the lively city centre, renowned for its colourful facades and fascinating blend of history and modern culture.

• Breakfast included
• Transfer time: Ohrid to Tirana with stops in Struga and Elbasan approx. 3hrs. 

Day Six: Krujë & Berat

Today’s journey leads us to the medieval town of Krujë, once the proud stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Wander through the old bazaar, where cobbled lanes are lined with colourful stalls and traditional crafts. Step into the History Museum and Ethnographic Museum to uncover the layers of Albania’s past, then experience a rare tradition in a local workshop where artisans shape the iconic felt hat, the qeleshe, by hand. Continue to Berat, the fabled “City of a Thousand Windows,” where white Ottoman houses cascade down the hillside in timeless harmony. Check in and rest beneath the spell of this UNESCO World Heritage jewel.

• Breakfast & dinner included
• Transfer time: Tirana to Berat with stops in Krujë approx. 3.5hrs. 

Day Seven: Gjirokaster, Blue Eye Spring & Saranda

This morning, we’ll explore the imposing Berat Castle, wandering through its ancient walls and uncovering hidden churches. We also visit the Onufri Museum, home to exquisite Byzantine icons. Our journey then leads to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage town celebrated for its remarkably preserved Ottoman architecture, where stone houses and winding streets tell tales of centuries past. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, with the option to visit Gjirokaster Castle independently. Next, we encounter the mesmerising Blue Eye Spring, a natural wonder where crystalline waters bubble up in a swirl of vivid blues. The day concludes in Saranda, a sun-drenched town along the sparkling Ionian coast, where the serene waters embrace the shore and invite you to pause in quiet wonder.

• Breakfast included
• Transfer time: Berat to Saranda with stops in Gjirokastër and Blue Eye Spring approx. 4hrs. 

Day Eight: Butrint & Ferry to Corfu

• Breakfast & dinner included
• Transfer time: Saranda to Butrint approx. 30mins each way. 
• Ferry: Saranda to Corfu approx. 30mins

Day Nine: Corfu Town & Departure from Corfu

We spend our final morning discovering the charms of Corfu Town, from the imposing Old Fortress to the elegant arcades of the Liston Promenade, and the sacred tranquillity of the Church of Saint Spyridon. Depending on your departure time you'll either return to the hotel or transfer directly to Corfu airport, carrying memories of an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.