Tour of Kosovo, Montenegro & N Macedonia in 3 Days from Albania

We will leave Tirana at 07:00 to head toward the North of the country. The North West of Albania is characterized by mainly a flat surface and it is one of the main trading and industrial areas of Albania. Passing through the historical city of Lezha we will be soon by the Buna river. It is the only sailable river and Albania and following its stream, we will head toward the border to continue the tour of Montenegro. Quick stop, on the feet of Rozafa’s Castle.

Our tour of Montenegro continues driving further and leaving behind the Scadar Lake. The next stop will be Kotor. Situated in an unusual gulf, named after its name it has been a very important historical, strategic, and trading center. Founded around the 6th century BC, Kotor resembles an Open Book of history where you can spot different tracks and records from different periods of history. In our days most of the influence is from Venetian time, as for a good amount of time it was part of the Venetian Republic.

Our stroll starts from the lower part of the city, the Bay of Kotor, and the Marina of the city. We will head toward the Old City going through the “Sea Gate”. It is also a symbol of the city’s resistance and liberation from WW2 in ’44.
The Old City is very charming. We will walk around the small squares, surrounded by typical quarters, and visit some of the Old City Highlights for their architecture, historical values, and style.

Finishing the Tour of Kotor we will continue driving toward the southern part of Montenegro, along some of the picturesque Riviera and tiny rocky beaches.
The city of Budva is also one of the most important tourist cities of Montenegro with a fascinating history, dating 2600 years ago.
The tour of Budva continues in the Old Part of the city with some quick visits to the Roman Ruins and the Budva Fortress by the coast offering spectacular views.
The tiny streets of Budva are very charming. It is worth spending some time wandering around and visiting some of the local shops. Free time for lunch.

Leaving Montenegro we will return back to Albania, for the final stop of the day, Shkoder.  Known as the Capital of the North, Shkodra is the biggest and the most developed center in the North of Albania. Known as one of the oldest cities of Albania, once also the center of the Illyrian Kingdom, this city will fascinate you with the history, legends of Rozafa Castle, the natural beauty of the lake, and the sense of humor of the welcoming locals. Overnight in Shkoder. 

Leaving Shkoder we will head toward Prizren. It is also called the Cultural Capital of Kosovo. Lied on both sides of the Bistrica River, under the Prizren’s Castle this city has played a major role in Albanian History and Politics of the 19th Century. Visit the House of the Prizren League. It is one of the most important buildings and political events of the 19th century in Albanian History. For the first time, we have a serious action toward independence and forming a parliament and government. In addition, visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the House of the League.

The tour of Prizren will be followed up by the  “Stone Bridge of Love” and the Traditional Bazaar of Prizren. Situated around the Sinan Pasha Mosque this is the more interesting and historical part of Prizren. We will have toward the streets of the old city visiting the traditional bazaar where handcrafts and perfume shops bloom on every corner. Prizren is also famous for its wonderful food and local cuisine and nothing can complete the tour better than a traditional lunch. 

Pristina is the Capital of Kosovo and furthermore, the largest city at the same time. Habited since the Old Stone Age from the Vinča culture it is one of the most interesting Archeologic and Historical Sites.

City tour of Pristina to and visit at National Library, Cathedral, and the Old Neighborhoods of the city.

Last stop of the Day, Skopje, overnight in Skopje. 

The day starts bright and early, ready for a tour of the city. Skopje is now the largest Economic, Political, and Cultural Centre of the country. With a fascinating history dating back to early Antiquity, the city has been the center of many ancient and Medieval Kingdoms. Known as “The Memorial City of Statues”, it resembles a huge memorial of history and centuries.

The Iconic Vardar River with its bridges divides and the same connects the 2 faces of the city. Furthermore, on one side, you will discover the Contemporary Skopje, mainly built after the devastating earthquake of 1963.

Famous now for the countless statues and monuments, Skopje is definitely a very attractive city. We will start our tour of Skopje by visiting the  Bridges some of the main statues and its main square. In addition, the “House of Mother Teresa” will be part of our tour. Strolling in the Old part of Skopje, where the friendly vendors will welcome you to try their products we will reach the Fortress of Skopje. 

Another aspect of the city is also the religious tolerance and the objects of cult. We will visit 2 of the most symbolic religious buildings such as the church of “St Klemend of Ohrid” and “Mustafa Pasha” Mosque. 

According to a UNESCO article, the town of Ohrid is one of the Oldest Human Settlements in Europe. Furthermore, it lies on the shores of Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world as well. In addition, it has been in centuries a crossway if different Cultures, traditions, and different invasions.

Called as the “Jerusalem of the Balkan”, Ohrid played a huge role in the spread of Slavic Orthodoxy. It has had 365 Churches, one per each day of the year and dating from the 11th Century.

The tour of Ohrid will consist of 2 main, integral parts, starting with the Old City and “Samuil Fortress”.

Going down the hill, we will be in one of the most picturesque parts of Ohrid, Kaneo bay. Known also as one of the most photographed parts of Ohrid the first ever postcard from Ohrid is exactly an image of the church of St John, exactly on this bay. The tour of Ohrid ends in the low part when the 2 parts of Ohrid and also 2 religions are meeting each other. This is a testimonial of tolerance and living among each other.

After the tour of Ohrid, we return to Tirana.