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9 Days Exploration of Albania & North Macedonia

9 Days / 8 Nights

Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Skopje

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This sample 9 day (8 nights) itinerary covers Tirana & Gjirokastra in Albania, Ohrid & Skopje in North Macedonia. The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include accommodations, transfers, day trips and city tours. In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. There is also an option to travel between cities by private car or van transfers at an extra cost.

Our Destination Manager in the region provides assistance before and during your travels. They will be available to you leading up to the trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will be provided with information on the best these destinations have to offer including things to see and do, restaurants, entertainment and other insider tips. Upon arrival we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to contact our Destination Manager throughout your trip.

In all of our destinations we offer a variety of accommodation options including boutique style hotels, charming B&Bs and spacious apartments ranging from a three to five star level. From our first hand experience we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable and centrally located. We generally discourage chain hotels but provide accommodations with unique features or an authentic feel.

Route for Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Skopje tour

2 Nights in Tirana

2 Nights in Tirana

3 days in Tirana
3 days in Tirana

2 Nights in Tirana

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Tirana

Welcome to Albania! You will be met at the airport by our driver and taken directly to your accommodation in the center of Tirana.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Tirana

Tirana Like a Local - Half Day Private Tour

Meet Tirana

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you'll be seeing the local side of Tirana, starting with a brief walking tour of the city covering all the main sights. You'll stroll through the most interesting parts of the city, then you'll hop in a taxi to the base of nearby Mt. Dajti to take the Dajti Express cable car. Your guide will make some recommendations for lunch, and you'll end the tour in a communist-era nuclear bunker which is now a fascinating museum.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Eat your way around the Blokku

Suggestion to explore on your own

Tirana has a wealth of tasty restaurants and cool cafes where you can taste local delicacies and cosmopolitan cuisine from around the world. If you’re looking for a unique place to enjoy a hearty meal or a drink, check out the Blokku neighborhood. Here you’ll find the city’s most interesting places, where young in-the-know locals congregate and you’re always sure to find something interesting. It’s hard to go wrong here, and it’s not a huge neighborhood, so you’d do well to wander around a bit and see the local selection of where you’d like to enjoy your afternoon or evening.

Eat Your Way

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Car

Today you will be wowed by the impressive vistas along the Albania Riviera from Tirana to Gjirokastra, and will make a few stops along the way. It’s quite a journey, with breathtaking views and mountainous areas winding through national parks. The scenic drive offers potential stops along the way in Vlore, Dhermi, Palermo Castle, Muzine Pass and Buret Mountain, or make a foodie day of it and stop for a seafood lunch close to Vlore and some delicious organic goat milk yogurt with honey, walnuts and fabulous views in the Llogara National Park. As an alternative to staying Gjirokastra, or for anyone interested in extending their trip with some beach time, Ksamil, in the very south of the country, is a quaint coastal town ideal for swimming and sunbathing with the added advantage of being just a few minutes from the UNESCO listed Butrint archaeological site.

Gjirokastra by Private Transfer along the Coast Road
We also offer the following excursions in Tirana

Agri-Bunker Private Tour
Light5-7 hours
Agri-Bunkers and Cape of Rodon Beach Private Tour
Light8-9 hours
Berat Private Tour
Light6-7 hours
Berat and Apollonia Private Tour
Light8 hours

1 Night in Gjirokastra

1 Night in Gjirokastra

2 days in Gjirokastra
2 days in Gjirokastra

1 Night in Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Gjirokastra

After the journey, your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the historic heart of Gjirokastra.

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Get familiar with Gjirokastra

Included in your vacation package price.

Gjirokastra was a citadel town and this is evident in the fortress which still stands watch. Your tour begins with a visit there. Next to it you can also see the remains of the world’s largest aqueduct, built by Ali Pasha. During communist times the fortress was used as a prison for political prisoners. From the fortress there are fabulous views over the Drinos Valley between Albania and Greece. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which is the family home of notorious former ruler and dictator Enver Hoxha, whose home town was Gjirokastra. It’s known as the “city of 1,000 steps,” so be prepared for a little climbing as you make your way around.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Ohrid by Private Car

Today you’ll spend a few hours on the road with your private driver, but the relaxed lakeside city of Ohrid in neighboring North Macedonia at the end of the journey makes it all worthwhile.

Ohrid by Private Transfer with Stops in Permet, Korca and Pogradec
We also offer the following excursions in Gjirokastra

Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint Private Tour
Light6-7 hours
Woodcrafting Experience Private Tour
Moderate5 hours

3 Nights in Ohrid

3 Nights in Ohrid

4 days in Ohrid
4 days in Ohrid

3 Nights in Ohrid

A serene city on a beautiful lake, Ohrid combines ample history, scenery, and outdoor activities, which helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is set on a hill with a wealth of sites to explore, from monasteries to an ancient Greek amphitheater, and an imposing fortress. Since the city is right on Lake Ohrid, everywhere you go you’ll have breathtaking views of the water and all the surrounding natural beauty. One of the most incredible things to see is the view of the Old Town jutting out into the lake, especially when lit up at night, an image summing up the lake region's unique charm. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find a rich cultural atmosphere, with many concerts and outdoor events. The lake gives the region its unique charm and also offers many excellent outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, kick back, and relax at one of the beachfront bars, or even climb aboard a boat. The water is very clean and is consistently warm, since it’s fed by hot springs spread across the lake. One of the activities our guests love best here is a trip to the St. Naum monastery at the other end of the lake. But that’s just one of the boating options that will give you a chance to enjoy the lake from the center of it, and to get a new point of view on the city. Ohrid is reasonably priced, so you can really live it up while you’re here. The city remains relatively untouched, but it does seem poised at the edge of a tourist boom. See it before the crowds do.

A serene city on a beautiful lake, Ohrid combines ample history, scenery, and outdoor activities, which helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is set on a hill with a wealth of sites to explore, from monasteries to an ancient Greek amphitheater, and an imposing fortress. Since the city is right on Lake Ohrid, everywhere you go you’ll have breathtaking views of the water and all the surrounding natural beauty. One of the most incredible things to see is the view of the Old Town jutting out into the lake, especially when lit up at night, an image summing up the lake region's unique charm. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find a rich cultural atmosphere, with many concerts and outdoor events. The lake gives the region its unique charm and also offers many excellent outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, kick back, and relax at one of the beachfront bars, or even climb aboard a boat. The water is very clean and is consistently warm, since it’s fed by hot springs spread across the lake. One of the activities our guests love best here is a trip to the St. Naum monastery at the other end of the lake. But that’s just one of the boating options that will give you a chance to enjoy the lake from the center of it, and to get a new point of view on the city. Ohrid is reasonably priced, so you can really live it up while you’re here. The city remains relatively untouched, but it does seem poised at the edge of a tourist boom. See it before the crowds do.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Ohrid

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in Ohrid.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Ohrid

Ohrid Private Walking Tour

Learn all about Ohrid

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you will be learning all about Ohrid, a city that traces its origins back to before the Hellenistic period. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation and show you that there’s more to Ohrid than just a pretty lakeside getaway. Starting from the main square, you’ll proceed through the Lower Gate to the Church of St. Sophia, one of the country’s most important monuments, built between the 4th and 11th centuries. Next up is the ancient theater dating from around 200 BC and rediscovered in the 1980s. Beyond the theater stands the thousand-year-old Samuel’s Fortress from the time when Ohrid was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. More antiquity awaits below the fortress at Plaosnik, where you’ll see the excavations of the first Slav university in the Balkans and the church of St. Clement from the 9th century before finishing your tour at the 13th century Church of St. John, one of our favorite photo spots.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Private Boat Lake Cruise

Cruise Lake Ohrid

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’re in for a real treat as you’ll be enjoying a private cruise on scenic Lake Ohrid. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation at the agreed-upon time, then you’ll be taken to the lake, where your boat and skipper await. Don’t forget to take your camera, as you’ll have lovely views of the surrounding mountains and the lake’s impressive coastline. You might want to take your bathing suit too, if the weather is warm. After a couple hours cruising, you’ll be driven back to your accommodation in Ohrid.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 6 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Ohrid

St. Naum Monastery Private Tour

St Naum Monastery Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll be visiting St. Naum, which is likely North Macedonia’s most impressive monastery, set in the natural beauty of Galicica National Park. You’ll be picked up at the agreed-upon time and driven to the national park, where your guide will show you all the most impressive sites at the monastery complex. It’s lovely to walk around and soak up the atmosphere here. After you’ve seen all there is to see, you’ll be driven back to your accommodation in Ohrid. The whole trip takes about 5 hours.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 5 hours

Private Village Cooking Class

VIllage Cooking Class

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll be getting a taste of the real North Macedonia. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation at the time you agree upon, then you’ll relax on the drive toward Lake Ohrid. Everything has been prepared for you. All you have to do is show up, meet your culinary guides, and get cooking! After you’ve made these classic dishes, you’ll sit down to enjoy them with wine. You’ll be at your leisure to enjoy the food and the atmosphere, then you’ll be driven back to your accommodation in Ohrid.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 3 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Skopje by Private Car

It’s time to leave Ohrid behind and head to the North Macedonian capital, Skopje. You’ll be taking the scenic route through Mavrovo National Park, a natural paradise of mountains and forests as well as a large lake. You can make a stop for lunch at a small town or village and taste more local specialties. Another must-see along the route is the monastery of St. John Bigorski, a still-functioning North Macedonian Orthodox monastery dedicated to John the Baptist. It somehow manages to combine a tourist attraction with a place of peace and quiet reflection.

Skopje by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Ohrid

Hiking in National Park Galicica Private Tour
Moderate4 hours
Ohrid and St. Naum Monastery Private Tour
Moderate8 hours
Pearls, Paper, and Woodcarving Traditions in Ohrid Private Tour
Moderate3 hours
St. Naum Monastery Combined with Hiking to Galicica National Park Private Tour
Moderate8 hours

2 Nights in Skopje

2 Nights in Skopje

3 days in Skopje
3 days in Skopje

2 Nights in Skopje

The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Skopje

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Skopje.

Skopje Private Walking Tour

Scoping out Skopje

Included in your vacation package price.

The best way to start your time in Skopje is with a walking tour and we can arrange for an expert local guide to show you around. On the surface it might look like a Las Vegas architect and a maverick town planner conspired to see just what they could get away with, but among the musical fountains and bombastic buildings there is authenticity to be found. That’s what your guide will concentrate on. Mother Teresa, although of Albanian descent, was born in Skopje and the House Of Mother Teresa is one of the early stops on your tour. You’ll cross the recently reconstructed 15th century Stone Bridge and enter the oldest part of Skopje, walking through the bazaar to admire the Daut Pashin Hammam, a monument of Islamic architecture from the 15th century. Then you will visit the North Macedonian Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Jesus, built at the end of the 17th century. The final stop before lunch is the Kale Fortress, which stands watch over the city.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Skopje

Matka Canyon Private Tour

Matka Canyon

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you'll be getting in touch with nature in scenic Matka Canyon. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in the morning. Once you get to the valley and lake, you'll take a boat trip and also have some time for hiking. There’s also a tasty local restaurant that specializes in traditional cuisine. At the end of the day you’ll be driven back to your accommodation in Skopje.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Taste North Macedonia

Suggestion to explore on your own

While you’re in Skopje you’ll certainly want to taste some of the delectable local cuisine. There are numerous restaurants in Skopje, and we’ll be providing you a list of our favorites, with different selections from street food to fine dining. Wherever you go, you’ll want to try at least one of the most famous dishes in North Macedonian cuisine. Tavche Gravche is beans cooked with special spices in a delicious sauce. Ajvar is a tangy spread made from red bell peppers, eggplant, garlic and chilli. Kashkaval is a yellow sheep’s milk cheese made locally. All three dishes are uniquely flavorful comfort food.

How Bazaar!

Suggestion to explore on your own

Skopje’s Old Bazaar is the oldest part of the city, and also one of its most atmospheric. You’ll find it on the eastern bank of the Vadar River, from Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar, and from Skopje Fortress to the Serava River. A merchant’s quarter since the 12th century, the Old Bazaar is packed with local shops and salesmen with a little of everything. The government has recently committed to preserving the area, which attests to its cultural significance. This is a unique place where you can really see the local culture and also find everything from crafts to curios, local produce and baked goods. Don’t forget to haggle!

How Bazaar!

Day 9

Day 9 - Departure Day

Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Skopje airport for your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Skopje

Kosovo Private Day Trip
Light10 hours
North Macedonia Wine Tasting and Winery Tour
Light5-6 hours
Ohrid Private Day Tour
Light10 hours
Ohrid and St. Naum Private Day Trip
Light10 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Tirana

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Tirana Airport transfer
Best of Tirana Private Tour
Tirana - Gjirokastra Private Transfer (drive the coast)

Gjirokastra

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour
Gjirokastra - Ohrid Private Transfer with stops along the way (Permet, Korca, Pogradec)

Ohrid

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Ohrid Private Walking Tour
Private Boat Lake Cruise
St. Naum Private Tour
Private Village Cooking Class
Ohrid - Skopje Private Transfer

Skopje

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Skopje Private Walking Tour
Matka Canyon Private Tour
Skopje Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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