Echoes of Time – A Cultural Journey through Albania & Ohrid

Your cultural voyage begins in Tirana, a city that thrives on contrasts—colorful facades and grey communist relics, vibrant cafés and solemn corners of history. After your arrival, we explore Bunk'Art 2, a poignant museum inside a former atomic bunker, which reveals Albania's recent totalitarian past through powerful exhibitions. We'll wander through Skanderbeg Square, admire the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and take a walk along the lively pedestrian boulevard where modern life pulses in every corner.

Overnight in Tirana.

After breakfast, we cross into North Macedonia and arrive at the enchanting town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the shores of a crystal-clear lake. We embark on a serene boat tour across Lake Ohrid, marveling at the ancient churches dotting the coastline. The afternoon brings us through cobbled streets, Byzantine churches, the ancient Theater of Ohrid, and the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dreamlike above the lake.

Overnight in Ohrid.

We return to Albania through winding mountain roads and lush green valleys, arriving in Korça, the city of serenades. Here we'll visit the National Museum of Medieval Art, home to one of the most significant collections of Byzantine icons in the Balkans. We'll also explore the historic Old Bazaar, once a vibrant trade center, and savor the romantic ambiance of this cultured city.

Overnight in Korça.

Our journey continues south through Albania's heartland. We pause for lunch in Përmet, a peaceful town nestled along the majestic Vjosa River—Europe's last wild river. Here you'll taste traditional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. We continue our drive to Gjirokastra, the "Stone City," where Ottoman roofs, narrow alleys, and fortress walls whisper stories from centuries past.

Overnight in Gjirokastra.

 

After breakfast, we delve into Gjirokastra's Castle, which houses the National Armaments Museum and offers sweeping views over the Drino Valley. We visit the Ethnographic Museum, located in the house where dictator Enver Hoxha was born, offering a glimpse into traditional Albanian life. In the afternoon, we journey through the scenic south toward Saranda, Albania's sun-drenched Riviera town.

Overnight in Saranda.

Today we explore the magnificent archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO treasure that layers Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins in a mystical natural setting. After our visit, we embark on a mussel boat tour in the Butrint Lagoon, tasting fresh local delicacies and visiting the atmospheric Ali Pasha Castle rising from the waters. Return to Saranda for a relaxing evening by the sea.

Overnight in Saranda.

We travel along one of Europe's most stunning coastal drives, the Albanian Riviera, where turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs. Along the way, we stop for photos and short walks in Himarë, Llogara Pass, and Dhermi. In Vlora, the city of independence, we visit the Independence Museum, housed in the building where Albania's independence was declared in 1912.

Overnight in Vlora.

Today we head to Berat, another UNESCO-listed city known for its white Ottoman houses climbing the hills like a waterfall of windows. We explore the Berat Castle, still inhabited today, with its churches and the Onufri Museum, dedicated to the great icon painter of the same name. We also walk through the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, tasting traditional cuisine in one of the charming local taverns.

Overnight in Berat.