Balkan Ring a Circular Adventure from Tirana

8 Days

4.80

Embark on an 8-day journey through the Balkans, beginning and ending in Tirana. This circular adventure blends vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a rich and unforgettable travel experience.

Start in Tirana, Albania’s bustling capital, where modern energy meets a fascinating history. Continue to the lakeside city of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage gem known for its ancient churches and stunning views. From there, head into Greece to marvel at the Meteora monasteries, perched dramatically atop towering cliffs and offering awe-inspiring scenery.

Travel on to Thessaloniki, where Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences shape the city’s vibrant character. In Sofia, Bulgaria’s historic capital, discover iconic landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere. Journey to Skopje, North Macedonia’s cultural hub, with its striking mix of historic and modern landmarks.

Experience the natural beauty of Matka Canyon, an optional excursion featuring crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, before visiting Prizren, a charming town with Ottoman-era mosques, bridges, and a vibrant cultural scene.

The tour concludes back in Tirana, where you’ll reflect on an adventure filled with history, culture, and spectacular landscapes. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transport, this 8-day trip captures the very best of the Balkans.

Tour Overview

Duration

8 Days

Hotel Rating

Starts

Tirana

Ends

Tirana

Age

13+

Tour Guide

English

Counties

Cities

Meals Included

Breakfast Included

Size of Group

3 – 12

Tour ID

T102 – 264011

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana

Arrive to Tirana and self-transfer to your reserved hotel, concluding the day with a hotel check-in, free time and enjoy Tirana city, Later in the evening, welcome meeting at your hotel with your Guide, who will provide you with information about the upcoming journey.

Accommodation: Albanopolis Hotel or similar.

Day 2 Tirana to Ohrid

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Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting out on a captivating panoramic tour of Tirana. Discover the vibrant heart of the city with highlights including Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. After exploring Tirana, we set off from Tirana, the capital of Albania, passing through the ruins of Enver Hoxha’s communist state and arriving at our next stop, Ohrid, the city known as the pearl of the Balkans.

After the customs procedures, we will visit Ohrid, a city named after Lake Ohrid, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. Visit the charming Old Town of Ohrid, famous for its magnificent scenery and rich cultural heritage, offering panoramic views of the Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church, Hagia Sophia Monastery and Samoil’s Fortress. Take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and settle in for a comfortable night’s accommodation in this picturesque town.

Accommodation: Albanopolis Hotelor similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Panoramic Tirana City Tour, Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, Ohrid Port, Quarantine Church, Ancient Via Egnatia, Hagia Sophia Church
Route: Tirana – Ohrid 131km

Day 3: Ohrid

After a Macedonian breakfast in Ohrid, the pearl of the Balkans, and a full day to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ohrid. Stroll through its charming streets or optionally take a half-day tour to Sveti Naum Monastery, a quiet and historical place on the shores of Lake Ohrid for 45 Euros. We visit the source of Lake Ohrid, which will take your breath away with its breathtaking views. This optional excursion offers a unique opportunity to discover the deep cultural roots and stunning natural landscapes of the region.

Accommodation: Albanopolis Hotelor similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Pearl of the Balkan St. Naum Monastery(45 eu)
Route: Ohrid – St. Naum – Ohrid 70km

Day 4: Ohrid to Kastoria and Meteora (Kalabaka)

Start your day with breakfast then cross into Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and after customs continue towards Kastoria, known for its magnificent Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake. After exploring Kastoria, continue towards Meteora. Stay overnight in Meteora, rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Accommodation: Alexiou Hotel or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: City Kastoria, Lake Kastoria, Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture and scenic lake
Route: Ohrid – Kastoria 140km Kastoria – Meteora 135km

Day 5: Meteora (Kalabaka) to Thessaloniki

Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Accommodation: Hotel Egnatia or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: Appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)
Route: Meteora-Thessaloniki 228km

Day 6: Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards to the Balkans country,capital city of Bulgaria to the Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery’s rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey. Upon arrival in Sofia check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.

Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Rila Monastery ticket is included.
Route: Thessaloniki-Rila Monastery 232km Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km

Day 7: Sofia to Skopje

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After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. Visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, continue your exploration with National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of Balkan, capital city of North Macedonia Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.

Accommodation: Hotel Aleksandar II or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Panoramic Sofia City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Skopje city tour, Vardar River, Stone Bridge.
Route: Sofia-Skopje 244km

Day 8: Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon and Prizren

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Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out back for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25 euros per person). Continue to the city of Prizren, visiting another Balkan country Kosovo. Prizren is a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Explore notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively capital city of Albania.

Conclude your tour in Tirana

See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.

Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque
Route: Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km

What's Included

Accommodation:

Stay in 4 -star hotels: Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the expedition in double or twin rooms. Bed and Breakfast Service: Start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your explorations.

Guide:

Professional Guide: A guided tour in Ohrid, Meteora and Skopje covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with local guide. Professional and knowledgeable guides accompanying you from Day 2 in Tirana through to Day 8 in Tirana, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience throughout your journey.

Meals:

Daily breakfast provided at the hotels.

Additional Services:

Immerse in Culture: Engage with the local culture through visits to historic sites, museums, and old town areas. Free Time for Exploration: Personalized Exploration: Enjoy free time in each location for self-guided exploration, shopping, and savoring local cuisine. Flexibility: Strike the perfect balance between structured tours and independent discovery.

Transport:

Transportation: Luxurious bus journey for the specified routes, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Coordination with the Ajdinis Group for specific parts of the journey, enhancing the overall experience. We customize our vehicle selection according to group size and needs. Sedans are deployed for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals. For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, we rely on Sprinter vans. This special approach has been designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of all passengers, regardless of group size, providing a seamless travel experience for everyone onboard.

What's Not Included

Flights:

Flights not included.

Insurance:

Not included, yet highly recommended.

Optional:

You’ll also have time for shopping and savoring local cuisine at charming restaurants. Also St. Naum in Ohrid 45eu, visiting and testing Local Vinery 55eu,Greek Taverna and Canyon Matka in Skopje 25eu.

Important reminder:

Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers at the start and end of the tour are not included., city taxes in Greece, and any other items not specified in the program are not included in the tour price. These expenses must be covered directly by the guests.