Departure
September 17, 2010
Trip Length
16 Days / 15 Nights
Price (per person)
$7,995
Single Supplement
$1,285
Internal Airfare
Pricing Notes
Closed to travelers for decades, Albania’s glories are now blossoming in the country’s rebirth. Go where few have gone before and explore this hospitable country, rich in tradition and culture. Walk in the footsteps of Scanderberg, Albania’s national hero, as you visit his birthplace, the idyllic medieval town of Kruja. Cross the border to ancient Ioannina to visit Meteora’s majestic monasteries. Travel even further back in time as you explore the ruins of prehistoric Butrint. Along the way, marvel at pristine mountain lakes, the shimmering Adriatic coastline, and a way of life that has remained much the same for centuries.
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Tirana, Albania
Thessaloniki, Greece
SPECIAL NOTE:Some of the regions on this journey area may be considered undeveloped by Western standards. The accommodations maybe rustic or spartan, and have limited facilities. Travcoa has secured the best available accommodations in these areas. DAYS 1 – 3Tirana, Albania Your journey through the history and culture of Albania, Macedonia and Ioannina begins in Tirana on Day 2, where you will explore Ethem Bey Mosque and visit the home of one of Albania’s foremost painters. Discover the hillside city of Kruja with its impressive fortress and bustling bazaar. Sheraton Tirana, Tirana DAYS 4 – 6Ohrid & Sveti Naum, Macedonia Visit Kalishta Monastery, where the monks’ cells have been carved from the rock of the surrounding cliffs. Stroll the ancient streets of Ohrid and be constantly reminded of its different periods in history. A day trip takes you to Sveti Naum, where hospitable peacocks welcome you to a fabulous Byzantine church high on a cliff overlooking cerulean Lake Ohrid. Hotel Gorica, Ohrid DAYS 7 & 8Durres, Berat, Apollonia & Vlora Stroll along the ramparts of ancient Elbasan Castle before continuing to Durres where you’ll step into the past at the striking Roman amphitheater. On the banks of the Osum River, Berat boasts a magnificent hilltop fortress. Immerse yourself in antiquity at Apollonia, founded more than 2,000 years ago. Adriatik Hotel, Durres & Hotel Vlora International, Vlora DAYS 9 & 10Saranda, Gjirokastra & Butrint Situated in a lush river valley, Gjirokastra enchants with its centuries-old Ottoman architecture and imposing citadel. Prehistoric Butrint boasts the best-preserved ruins in the country. Continue your walk through history with a gala dinner at the 17th-century Lekursi Castle on the Adriatic Sea. Hotel Butrinti, Saranda DAYS 11 & 12Ioannina, Greece Cross the border to the northwestern mountains of Greece and pay a visit to the oracle at Dodoni, the oldest of the ancient world. Discuss your fortunes over dinner at a traditional Greek taverna. Ioannina Island, a diamond in the middle of Lake Pamvotis, offers ancient churches and delicious cuisine. Grand Serai Hotel, Ioannina DAYS 13 – 16Meteora & Thessaloniki Explore Metsovo’s romantic stone houses before continuing to the spectacular monasteries of Meteora, perched atop immense sandstone pillars. Visit the tombs of the ancient rulers of Macedonia. Thessaloniki’s world-class archaeological museum provides a perfect summation on the final day of your journey through time in Albania, Macedonia and Ioannina. Depart Thessaloniki on Day 16. Hotel Meteora, Kalambaka & Makedonia Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki |
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Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details. |
SPECIAL NOTE:Some of the regions on this journey area may be considered undeveloped by Western standards. The accommodations maybe rustic or spartan, and have limited facilities. Travcoa has secured the best available accommodations in these areas. DAYS 1 – 3Tirana, Albania Your journey through the history and culture of Albania, Macedonia and Ioannina begins in Tirana on Day 2, where you will explore Ethem Bey Mosque and visit the home of one of Albania’s foremost painters. Discover the hillside city of Kruja with its impressive fortress and bustling bazaar. DAYS 4 – 6Ohrid & Sveti Naum, Macedonia Visit Kalishta Monastery, where the monks’ cells have been carved from the rock of the surrounding cliffs. Stroll the ancient streets of Ohrid and be constantly reminded of its different periods in history. A day trip takes you to Sveti Naum, where hospitable peacocks welcome you to a fabulous Byzantine church high on a cliff overlooking cerulean Lake Ohrid. DAYS 7 & 8Durres, Berat, Apollonia & Vlora Stroll along the ramparts of ancient Elbasan Castle before continuing to Durres where you’ll step into the past at the striking Roman amphitheater. On the banks of the Osum River, Berat boasts a magnificent hilltop fortress. Immerse yourself in antiquity at Apollonia, founded more than 2,000 years ago. DAYS 9 & 10Saranda, Gjirokastra & Butrint Situated in a lush river valley, Gjirokastra enchants with its centuries-old Ottoman architecture and imposing citadel. Prehistoric Butrint boasts the best-preserved ruins in the country. Continue your walk through history with a gala dinner at the 17th-century Lekursi Castle on the Adriatic Sea. DAYS 11 & 12Ioannina, Greece Cross the border to the northwestern mountains of Greece and pay a visit to the oracle at Dodoni, the oldest of the ancient world. Discuss your fortunes over dinner at a traditional Greek taverna. Ioannina Island, a diamond in the middle of Lake Pamvotis, offers ancient churches and delicious cuisine. DAYS 13 – 16Meteora & Thessaloniki Explore Metsovo’s romantic stone houses before continuing to the spectacular monasteries of Meteora, perched atop immense sandstone pillars. Visit the tombs of the ancient rulers of Macedonia. Thessaloniki’s world-class archaeological museum provides a perfect summation on the final day of your journey through time in Albania, Macedonia and Ioannina. Depart Thessaloniki on Day 16. |
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Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details. |
Tirana, Albania
Thessaloniki, Greece
![]() | Sheraton Tirana |
![]() | Hotel Gorica |
![]() | Hotel Adriatik |
Hotel Vlora | |
![]() | Butrinti Hotel |
![]() | Grand Serai Hotel |
![]() | Hotel Meteora |
![]() | Makedonia Palace Hotel |
Harry DavisWith over 30 wonderful years at Travcoa, Harry can’t imagine life without discovering new places and meeting interesting people on a regular basis. His passion is to share his excitement for travel and adventure. In addition to English, Harry also speaks Spanish, German, and Arabic. Travel Dates: September 17, 2010 | |
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Travel Directors noted above are scheduled for departures on this journey. Please note that some Escorted Journey departure dates have not yet been assigned and that Travel Director assignments are subject to change; please request current information. |
Single occupancy rooms must be reserved in advance at supplementary cost.
Travcoa will issue intra-tour airfare tickets unless noted otherwise. Airfare prices are subject to change and are only guaranteed at time of final payment. Please call 800-992-2003 with any questions you may have.
“From pricing” is per person and based on low seasonality pricing. Prices subject to change. Please note that blackout dates may apply and costs may vary depending on seasonality and holidays. Call for price for Solo Travelers or parties of 5 or more. International Airfare not included. Additions, changes or customization to the length or inclusions of your itinerary will incur additional costs. Christmas and New Years period supplements will apply.
Please Choose a Departure Date in the future
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"Drive from Vlora to Saranda was the high point in Albania. Farewell dinner was excellent. Museums in Meteora and Thessaloniki high points in Greece."
- Willis B. Snell