BalkansExplorer

Day Three: Meteora, Heraclea & Ohrid

After breakfast we explore two of the Meteora Monasteries, dramatically perched atop towering cliffs and offering breathtaking panoramic views. Cross into North Macedonia and pause at Heraclea Lyncestis, where the remnants of Hellenistic grandeur and Roman legacy whisper through ancient stones. As the day draws on we arrive in Ohrid, a jewel of UNESCO’s World Heritage, where timeless history meets the shimmering embrace 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. For those who wish, enjoy an optional boat ride across the tranquil waters of Lake Ohrid to the Monastery of St. Naum, beautifully set amidst nature and steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, where the setting sun casts golden hues across the water.

Day Five: Struga, Elbasan & Tirana

Depart for Struga, where the Drin River gracefully flows from the sapphire waters of Lake Ohrid. Cross into Albania and pass through the town of Elbasan, where time-worn streets and the enduring walls of its Ottoman fortress whisper of ages past. Continue onward to Tirana, Albania’s spirited capital. Here we’ll enjoy a guided city tour featuring Skanderbeg Square, the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the lively city center, renowned for its colourful facades.

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

Day Six: Krujë, Durres & 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 Durrës, Albania’s ancient port city, for a brief visit along its storied shores. As the day draws to a close, arrive in 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 and Durrës 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. 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.