Western Balkan Explorer - Yellow Route

Private Tour | Albania, Kosovo & North Macedonia

The Western Balkans consists of three historic and beautiful countries, which include Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

Albania is well-known for its panoramic mountain scenery, traditional villages and castles, and long stretches of golden sandy beaches. Meanwhile, Kosovo is unique for its authentic culture and stunning Ottoman architecture, and North Macedonia is home to the calm waters of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world.

Visiting these three countries together is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the Balkan culture and learn about their history, language and culture.

Tour Highlights:

  • Wander Albania's fascinating capital city, Tirana
  • Uncover Kosovo's Ottoman heritage in Prizren
  • Explore the wondrous Gadime Caves
  • Discover North Macedonia's fascinating capital, Skopje
  • UNESCO World Heritage site of Lake Ohrid
View Full Itinerary

  • Duration:

  • 9 Days, 8 Nights

  • Guide Price:

  • 4-Star package from £3,089pp | 5-Star Package from £3,665pp

  • Price Based On: Based on departure from London Luton flying with Wizz Air, meal basis as per itinerary (2 adults sharing) including transfers. See More

  • Tour Type:

  • Private Tour

  • Star Rating:

  • Superior

  • Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Tour Package
  • 4 The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel
    4 Hotel Centrum Prizren
    4 Dukagjini Hotel
    4 Opera Hotel
    4 Hotel Alexander II
    4 Mia Favorites Hotel
    4 Sky Corner Hotel
  • 4-Star hotels will be as specified above or alternatives of a similar standard.
  • 5-Star Tour Package See Hotels

  • Board Basis:

  • Bed & Breakfast

  • Departures:

  • Regular departures throughout the year - please contact us for details.

  • Start / Finish:

  • Tirana - Tirana

  • Extensions:

  • Contact us if you would like to extend your Albania Tour holiday.
Note: For the 5-Star Tour Package overnight stays in Prizren/Kosovo will be in 4-Star accommodation as there are no 5-Star hotels available
Note: Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old

What's Included:

  • Tour:
  • Western Balkan Explorer - Yellow Route View Full Itinerary
  • Flights:
  • Return flights from chosen UK airport
  • Transfers:
  • Private transfers to/from airport on arrival and departure. Our local representative will meet you at the airport.
  • Accommodation:
  • Accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 4* hotels as specified above or ones of a similar standard
  • Meals Included:
  • All breakfasts as per itinerary
  • Vehicle:
  • Transportation in modern, air-conditioned cars, buses, and minibuses
  • Guide:
  • English-speaking tour guides where appropriate
  • ATOL:
  • ATOL Protection

What's Not Included:

  • Beverages:
  • Beverages are not included during meals
  • Entrance Fees:
  • Admission/entry fees to museums and other sites as per itinerary
  • Tips:
  • Tips for guide, driver and hotel staff
  • Taxes:
  • Local city/tourist taxes where applicable
  • Cancellations:
  • Trip and tour cancellations and no shows
  • Insurance:
  • Travel insurance

Full Itinerary

Tirana

Day 1

Arrive in Tirana International Airport. Transfer to the city and enjoy the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Tirana - Prizren

Day 2

After breakfast, make your way to Prizren, the second-biggest city in Kosovo, consisting of several old buildings, mosques, churches and monasteries. Many of the buildings have survived since the Ottoman era, making them a rare sight to behold and of vital historical significance. Whilst here, visit Prizren castle, the Bajrakli Mosque, and the Turkish Hammam, a traditional bath built during the mid-16th century. Stay overnight at Hotel Centrum Prizren (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Rahovec Winery - Gjakova - Junik - Monastery of Decani - Peja

Day 3

Be prepared for an action-packed day, as you’ll be visiting five unique destinations. After breakfast, head to the Rahovec Winery, one of the most famous in the country and home to many local wine varieties, including Prestige Cuvée and Besa Cuvée. Take the opportunity to sample the local wine and enjoy the pristine scenery. Then visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, located in the centre of the Old Bazaar, a grain market that is home to local embroiderers, quilt-workers, and saddle makers. Then visit the Hani i Haraçisë, a popular shopping area and home to the Ethnographic Museum. After lunch, drive to Junik and visit the famous Junik Towers. Formed in late 18th century, the towers are fortified dwellings built with white rock, and have been used for centuries by the local Albanians as shelter from war and invasions. Then proceed to the Monastery of Decan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Serbian King St. Stefan of Decani in 1335. The church structure is a mixture of Byzantine, Roman, and Gothic architecture styles, with over 1,000 preserved frescoes to marvel at. Then, make your way to Peja, a city featuring highly decorated bazaars and stunning mountain backdrops. Visit the many local landmarks, including the Haxhi Beut Mosque, Jaar Pasha Mosque, Shermet Tower, and the local bazaar. Stay overnight at Dukagjini Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Ulpiana - Monastery of Gracanica - Pristina

Day 4

In the morning, make your way to the ruins of Ulpiana, the remnants of a once-powerful city that gave rise to the Serbian Empire. Following this, visit the Gracanica Monastery, a famous church that has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and represents the powerful spirit of Serbian culture. From there, proceed to Pristina, a beautiful city that you can freely explore at your leisure. Stay overnight at the Opera Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Gadime Cave - Skopje

Day 5

Have breakfast, and then proceed to North Macedonia. Along the way, stop at Gadime Cave, which was discovered by accident in 1966 and has since become a popular tourist site. The cave measures at around 4,000 feet in length, however, the deepest parts of the cave have never been explored before, adding an aura of mystery to the traveling experience. Following this, head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. The city is renowned for its rich customs and traditions, with many local landmarks including the Skopje Castle, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Savior. The Old Bazaar is another popular destination, featuring stunning architecture and various inns, baths, churches, mosques, and hospitality venues. Stay overnight at Hotel Alexander II (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Matka Canyon - Tetovo - Mavrovo National Park

Day 6

After breakfast, make your way to Matka Canyon. This stunning gorge is home to several medieval buildings, including churches, monasteries, and even the ruins of an old fortress. Aside from the local landmarks, the real star is the nearby lake and river, which extends for approximately 5,000 hectares and connects to several caves too. Following this, head to Tetova, a city located in northwest North Macedonia. It is home to the Painted Mosque (built in the 15th century, containing intricate paintwork), Tetova Castle (built in 1820, featuring the ruins of a guesthouse, kitchen, dining hall, and even a dungeon), and various other local landmarks. Afterwards, proceed to the Mavrovo National Park, the largest park in the country and featuring the highest peak of 2,764m in height. There are over 30 caves to explore here, and there is even a ski centre, which (during the snow season) you can access to hire and use ski equipment. Stay overnight at the Mia Favorites Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Debar - Struga - Ohrid

Day 7

After breakfast, head to Debar, located in the southwestern region of Macedonia. The city consists of 17 unique villages, surrounded by vast rolling plains and expansive mountains, providing incredible sightseeing opportunities. It is also home to Debar Lake, which was established in 1969 and covers approximately 13.2 km2 of land mass. From there, head to Struga and visit the Drini River. Then drive to the town of Ohrid, which is located on the edge of Lake Ohrid. Consisting of medieval castles, traditional restaurants and various churches, the town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and situated between mountains as high as 2,800m. Stay overnight at Sky Corner Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Elbasan - Tirana

Day 8

Have breakfast and return to Albania, visiting the town of Elbasan, a once-medieval fortress founded in 1466. During the Ottoman period, the town served as a base for military operations, to defend against Skanderbeg, the famous Albanian lord and military commander. Then return to Tirana. Stay overnight at the Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Tirana

Day 9

Enjoy your last breakfast before transferring to the airport. Your journey ends here.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
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