The Three Authentic Balkans
- The Three Authentic Balkans: Albania · Kosovo · North Macedonia – Winter Promo
- Dates: 12 – 24 November 2027
- Price – SALON DU PRET A PARTIR PROMO:
- RS 135,000* per person sharing,
- RS 25000 single supplement and
- As from 01sep, RS 140,000 * per person sharing
- Includes:
- Air ticket on Turkish Airlines
- 11 nights’ accommodation in the hotels listed below (4*/5*) or similar, subject to availability:
- Tirana Hilton Garden Inn Tirana 4★ or similar, Prizren Hotel Centrum 4★ / Classic Hotel 4★ or similar ,Prishtina Four Points by Sheraton 4★ or similar, Skopje Holiday Inn 5★ or similar ,Ohrid Korçë Unique Resort & Spa 5★ or similar ,Life Gallery 4★ or similar ,Gjirokastër Hotel Fantazia 4★ or similar, Berat Park Plaza 4★ / Hotel Colombo 5★ or similar
- Meals: 11 breakfasts at the hotels, 11 dinners at the hotels or selected local restaurants, based on a 3-course menu, including water and 1 lunch in Berat, including the planned local experience. (Lunches on all other days are at guests’ own expense)
- French-speaking tour guide throughout the tour, as per program.
- Local guides in North Macedonia, where required, including Skopje and Ohrid
- The assistance of a Tour Leader from Mauritius
- Entrance Fees & Included Activities
- The following activities and experiences are included:
- Komiteti Kafe Muzeum – Tirana: traditional Albanian coffee and raki experience
- Traditional artisan workshop in Krujë, including a qeleshe-making demonstration.
- Boat tour on Matka Lake
- Korçë Brewery visit and beer tasting
- Gliko tasting in Përmet
- Visit to a local family in Berat, including traditional coffee and tasting
- Wine tasting in Berat
- Excluding:
- All optional excursions and activities
- Compulsory Tips for porters, waiters, guides and drivers, EUR 100 per person
- Compulsory Travel insurance
- Any Personal expenses
- Drinks during meals
- Itinerary: T0961 A 12-day journey links three of the Balkans’ least-crowded destinations into a single, easy-flowing loop. Guests will move between mountain villages, lakeside towns and living old-town quarters, meeting local artisans, sharing meals with families, and tasting regional specialties along the way, always with the balance of nature, history and culture that defines this corner of Europe.
Mauritius/Istanbul on TK1177 dep : 8am, arr: 1625 and to Tirana on TK1077 dep: 1945, arr: 1935 (18km / 40min) Arrival in Tirana at 19:30. Meeting with your French-speaking local guide at Tirana International Airport and private transfer to the hotel. Check-in and free evening to settle in and relax after the flight. Overnight: Tirana
TIRANA — FULL DAY 09:00 After breakfast, meet your French-speaking guide for a walking tour through the heart of Tirana, discovering the city’s fascinating blend of Ottoman, Italian, Communist and contemporary architecture. Begin at Skanderbeg Square, the city’s impressive central gathering place, followed by a visit to the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the historic Clock Tower and Bunkart
2. Continue along the grand central boulevard, lined with government ministries and monumental buildings, before reaching the colorful Pyramid of Tirana, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The tour continues towards Mother Teresa Square, surrounded by some of Tirana’s most elegant architectural ensembles, before exploring Blloku. Once an exclusive residential quarter reserved for Albania’s Communist-era political elite, Blloku has transformed into one of Tirana’s most fashionable districts, filled with cafés, restaurants, boutiques and lively streets. A pleasant stop at Komiteti Kafe Muzeum, a unique café-museum combining traditional Albanian décor, objects and memorabilia from everyday life with a relaxed café atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Albanian coffee accompanied by a tasting of raki, Albania’s best-known traditional fruit spirit, often served as a gesture of hospitality. Lunch at leisure, with suggestions from your guide. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in Tirana or, weather permitting, take an optional ride on the Dajti Ekspres cable car to Mount Dajti, known as Tirana’s Balcony. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views across Tirana and the surrounding landscape, extending towards the Adriatic on exceptionally clear days. Overnight: Tirana
TIRANA – KRUJE – PRIZREN, KOSOVO (220km / 4h) 08:30 After breakfast, depart Tirana for Krujë, one of Albania’s most historically significant towns and the stronghold of national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg during the 15th-century resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Visit Krujë Castle and its museum, then explore the atmospheric Old Bazaar, a historic market street lined with traditional artisan workshops selling carpets, copperware, antiques and handmade souvenirs. During the visit, step inside a traditional artisan workshop to discover the making of the qeleshe, Albania’s distinctive white felt cap, traditionally handmade from sheep’s wool. Learn about its symbolism and the craftsmanship involved in shaping this iconic element of Albanian traditional dress. Lunch at leisure before continuing towards Kosovo. Cross the border and continue to Prizren, one of Kosovo’s most atmospheric and culturally rich cities, beautifully situated along the Bistrica River beneath its historic fortress. Check-in at the hotel and free time to relax or begin exploring the surroundings independently. Dinner at a local restaurant or the hotel, with an opportunity to sample traditional Kosovar cuisine. Overnight: Prizren
PRIZREN – PRISTINA (85km / 1h) 09:00 After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Prizren’s historic centre, one of the best-preserved Ottoman-era urban landscapes in Kosovo. Discover the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the historic Stone Bridge crossing the Bistrica River and the League of Prizren complex, an important site in the development of modern Albanian national identity. Continue towards the hilltop Kaljaja Fortress, offering magnificent views over the red-roofed old town and surrounding mountains. Prizren is also closely connected with the heritage of Mother Teresa, whose parents originated from the region. A small memorial recalls this connection. Lunch at leisure, followed by a transfer to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, discover the city’s main landmarks, including Mother Teresa Square, the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, and the National Library of Kosovo, one of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Continue through the pedestrianised city centre towards Newborn, the iconic monument unveiled on the day Kosovo declared independence in 2008, and take some time to experience the atmosphere of Pristina’s cafés and lively streets. Overnight in Pristina.
PRISTINA – SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA (150km / 3h) 09:00 After breakfast, depart for Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Begin a guided exploration of the city, discovering the lively Old Bazaar, one of the largest and best-preserved Ottoman marketplaces in the Balkans. Continue across the historic Stone Bridge, connecting the old and new parts of the city, before reaching Macedonia Square and its monumental surroundings. Visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, built near the location of the church where she was born and baptised in 1910. Lunch at leisure, with recommendations from your guide. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration. You may enjoy a coffee in the Old Bazaar, browse the local shops or simply stroll along the Vardar River. Overnight: Skopje
SKOPJE – MATKA – TETOVO – OHRID, UNESCO (190km / 3.5h) 09:00 After breakfast, depart for Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Matka Lake, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, caves and historic monasteries. The peaceful scenery makes this one of the most memorable nature experiences of the journey. Continue to Tetovo, where you will visit the remarkable Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija). Built in the 15th century and richly decorated in the 19th century, the mosque is renowned for its colourful exterior and intricate floral and geometric ornamentation. Lunch at leisure, with your guide recommending a suitable local restaurant along the route. Continue towards Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage destination situated on the shores of one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxed walk along the lakeside promenade. Overnight: Ohrid
OHRID — FULL DAY 09:00 After breakfast, begin your exploration of Ohrid’s historic old town. Continue uphill through the atmospheric cobbled streets towards the Church of St. Sophia, one of Ohrid’s most important medieval monuments, celebrated for its remarkable 11th-century Byzantine frescoes. From here, continue to the ancient Ohrid Amphitheatre, a remarkably preserved Roman-era monument still used for cultural performances today. Continue uphill to Samuel’s Fortress, where panoramic views stretch across the old town, Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains. Descend towards the lakeside and visit the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the lake and offering one of Ohrid’s most memorable viewpoints. Lunch at leisure, with recommendations from your guide. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Ohrid pearl workshop to discover the fascinating craft behind the town’s famous handmade pearls, produced using a closely guarded local technique. OR a visit to the National Workshop for Handmade Paper, where you can discover the traditional technique of producing handmade paper. The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy a relaxed walk along the lakeside promenade, browse the old town’s small shops or enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake. Overnight in Ohrid.
OHRID – SAINT NAUM – KORCE (80km / 2h) 09:00 After breakfast, depart along the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid towards the beautiful Monastery of Sveti Naum, dramatically situated above the lake near the Albanian border. Explore the monastery complex and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, including the springs of the Black Drin River. Continue across the border into Albania and drive to Korçë, known as Albania’s Little Paris thanks to its elegant architecture, cultural traditions and lively café culture. Discover the historic Old Bazaar and visit the National Museum of Medieval Art, home to one of Albania’s most important collections of religious icons and medieval artwork. Later, visit the Korça Brewery, Albania’s oldest and most famous brewery, for a tasting of locally produced Korça beer and an insight into the country’s brewing tradition. In the evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by live serenata music, Korçë’s beloved traditional urban musical style, characterised by romantic melodies and songs traditionally performed by groups of musicians. Overnight: Korçë
KORCE – PERMET – GJIROKASTER (200km / 4.5h) 08:30 After breakfast, depart Korçë and travel south through some of Albania’s most spectacular landscapes. Follow the valleys and dramatic scenery towards Përmet, travelling through the region shaped by the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last major free-flowing wild rivers. Lunch at leisure, with a recommendation from your guide. In Përmet, known for its culinary traditions and welcoming atmosphere, enjoy a tasting of gliko, a traditional Albanian preserve made from fruit, nuts or vegetables and traditionally served to guests alongside coffee. Continue towards Gjirokastër, the UNESCO-listed “Stone City,” famous for its Ottoman architecture, slate-roofed houses and dramatic hillside setting. Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in. Overnight in Gjirokastër.
GJIROKASTER – ARDENICA – BERAT (180km / 3h) 09:00 After breakfast, discover the historic heart of Gjirokastër. Visit the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, offering panoramic views across the Drino Valley, before exploring the atmospheric Old Bazaar. Continue to Skenduli House, one of the finest surviving examples of a traditional Ottoman-era Gjirokastër residence. Discover the architecture, family traditions and lifestyle of a wealthy local household. Optional cooking experience: guests may participate in a traditional cooking class and enjoy a lunch based on regional recipes and locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, continue towards Berat, with an optional stop at the peaceful Ardenica Monastery, an important Orthodox religious site surrounded by countryside. Continue to Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows.” Check-in and free time to relax. Overnight in Berat.
BERAT – BELSH – TIRANA (100km / 2h) 09:00 After breakfast, explore the UNESCO-listed city of Berat. Walk through the historic neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, separated by the Osum River, before ascending to Berat Castle. Within the castle walls, visit the Onufri Museum, renowned for its collection of Byzantine icons and religious art. Continue with a more personal cultural experience: visit a local family for traditional Albanian coffee and a tasting of homemade sweets, offering an authentic insight into everyday hospitality and family traditions. Later, enjoy lunch at a local winery, accompanied by a tasting of regional Albanian wines. The Berat region is one of Albania’s important wine-producing areas, with vineyards benefiting from the country’s Mediterranean climate and fertile plains. In the afternoon, drive towards Tirana through Belsh, a picturesque lake district sometimes referred to as “Albania’s Tuscany” because of its rolling hills, agricultural landscapes and numerous small lakes. Arrival in Tirana. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by traditional Albanian music and folklore, bringing the journey through Albania and the Balkans to a memorable close. Overnight in Tirana.
TIRANA DEPARTURE, 20:25 (18km / 40min) Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Tirana. Free time for last-minute shopping, independent exploration or simply enjoying a coffee in one of the city’s lively cafés. At 1625,transfer to Tirana International Airport for your departure TK1078 flight at 20:25 to Istanbul
Istanbul/Mauritius on TK160 dep: 02am , arr: 1235
