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7 nights from

£1595

Balkan Explorer

Touring a trio of intriguing countries, Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, this journey highlights historic sites, spectacular scenery, and the cities whose heritage monuments and museums tell the tales of their ancient, Ottoman, medieval, and modern eras

Collectively known as the Cradle of the Balkans, and separately steeped in their centuries of history and heritage, these three countries share some attributes, display delightful differences, and complement each other in this captivating tour.

Landlocked Kosovo is Europe’s youngest nation, its past presented in mosques, monasteries, and commemorative monuments, which we visit in Pristina, Prizren and Peja. A refreshing ferry journey on the Koman Lake takes us into Albania, which has blossomed in recent years, transforming Tirana from its soviet-era image to a vibrant city, where formerly soulless Stalinist buildings are now exuberantly painted in rainbow hues; while historic Berat has UNESCO World Heritage listing for the best examples of Ottoman architecture outside Turkey. North Macedonia, home to Alexander the Great, is now a land less-visited, its myriad churches and ancient ruins largely unheralded but hugely rewarding. With medieval streets and a 3million year-old lake, Ohrid has the rare UNESCO listing as both a cultural and natural heritage site; while Skopje, almost obliterated by an earthquake in 1963, has been lavishly ‘repopulated’ with multiple statues and modern monuments mimicking neoclassical grandeur.

Overview

  • Tirana  - 1 night
  • Ohrid  - 2 nights
  • Skopje  - 1 night
  • Pristina  - 1 night
  • Prizren  - 2 nights
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Tour Highlights

  • Cultural & Countryside
  • Jules Verne Sightseeing
  • 3 UNESCO Sites
  • Local Expert Guide

Touring a trio of intriguing countries, Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, this journey highlights historic sites, spectacular scenery, and the cities whose heritage monuments and museums tell the tales of their ancient, Ottoman, medieval, and modern eras

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.

Most travel is along a well-established road network but some minor roads may be in poor repair.

On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Accommodation

Hotel Theatro - Tirana

A modern boutique-style 4-star hotel in a central location, close to Skanderbeg Square. Breakfast room, bar and WiFi (free). 24 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Hotel Kacinari - Prizren

Modern 4-star hotel close to Sinan Pasha Mosque. Restaurants, bar, WiFi (free) and 30 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Classic Hotel - Prizren

A traditional hotel in the centre of Prizren. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 23 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite. TV.

SU Hotel – Ohrid

A comfortable 4-star hotel on the lake shore but close to the centre. Restaurant, bar rooftop terrace, sauna and WiFi (free). 32 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Next Door Park Hotel - Skopje

A modern 4-star hotel surrounded by the city park, with views towards Vardar River. Restaurants, bars, gym, pool, sauna, spa and WiFi (free). 64 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Hotel Prishtina - Pristina

A classic 4-star hotel in the centre of Pristina. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 45 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Notes:

On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. 

Extra Nights

Stay in Tirana before you start your tour or before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

Hotel Theatro
(per night) £45
Single supplement £30 (2025 £32)

Hotel Theatro - Tirana

A modern boutique-style 4-star hotel in a central location, close to Skanderbeg Square. Breakfast room, bar and WiFi (free). 24 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double room

Wed 14 May 2025
From London Heathrow
Wed 04 Jun 2025
From London Heathrow
Wed 17 Sep 2025
From London Heathrow
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £215
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £200
  • Arrival transfer
  • £15
  • Departure transfer
  • with group included
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