DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Tirana on Day 2. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your deluxe hotel. Enjoy cocktails and a welcome dinner of regional specialties with your Travcoa Travel Director and fellow travelers. 

On Day 3 begin your exploration of Albania by touring Kruja, the birthplace of Albania’s national hero and the capital city of Tirana. Drive to the mountainside town of Kruja to visit its immense castle. Take a guided tour of the fortress with its magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Stroll through the old bazaar where local craftspeople in wooden shops sell traditional handicrafts. After dining on local specialties at a restaurant in Kruja, drive back to Tirana. Visit several of the city’s major monuments, including the grand Ethem Bey Mosque and its colossal clock tower, an emblem of the city. Enjoy dinner at a Tirana restaurant while being entertained with a folkloric show.

Sheraton Tirana, Tirana

DAYS 4 – 6

The ancient city of Ohrid, seated on the banks of magnificent Lake Ohrid, hides a cornucopia of delights in its twisting cobbled streets and traditional architecture. The National Museum beckons visitors with its exquisite displays of Macedonian art and culture. Walk to the medieval church of St. Sofia and marvel at its splendid architecture and well-preserved frescoes. Visit the Samuil Fortress situated on a hill in the center of Ohrid, which provides an ideal spot for a panoramic view of the town, the lake, and the surrounding countryside. 

On Day 6 take a full-day excursion across Lake Ohrid by boat to the monastic complex of Sveti Naum, one of the most famous sights in Macedonia. Your visit includes a guided tour of the spectacular Byzantine church along with its ancient frescoes, turreted towers, and spartan monastic quarters.

Hotel Gorica, Ohrid

DAY 7

On your drive today from Ohrid to the Albanian Adriatic port town of Durres, stop to visit Elbasan Castle. Excavations suggest that the outer walls were first built in the 4th century A.D., and today the castle stands as a monument to a bygone era. This afternoon, arrive in Durres. For centuries the largest port on the Adriatic, Durres now holds the title of Albania’s second-largest city. Most impressive are the ruins of a Roman amphitheater in the center of town. Explore the site before visiting the archaeological museum to learn more about this historically rich area.

Adriatik Hotel, Durres

DAY 8

Depart Durres this morning and drive to the ancient hilltop town of Berat, a marvel of ancient houses, winding stone paths and magnificent vistas. Stroll through Berat’s fortified castle, one of the few castles in Europe still with houses and inhabitants residing within its walls. No visit to Albania is complete without a trip to the ruins of Apollonia. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century B.C., it developed into a cultural center for literature and music until it fell into decline some 700 years later. Still only partially excavated, explore its ancient roads, the expansive library, and an orthodox monastery which was transformed into an archaeological museum.

Hotel New York, Vlora

DAYS 9 & 10

Travel along the unspoiled coastline on your way to Saranda, the southernmost town on the Albanian coast at the Ionian Sea. Be delighted at the dramatic and rugged beauty of the Albanian Riviera, with its steep backdrops to white sandy beaches. Set on the Adriatic, Saranda looks across the sparkling waters to the jewel-isle of Corfu. Explore Butrint, marveling at the layers of civilizations — Greek, Roman, Venetian and others, brought to light by the excavations. Visit the Roman amphitheater, the well-preserved Byzantine basilica, the ruins of a 2nd-century nymphaeum, and the famous Lion’s Gate.

Hotel Butrinti, Saranda

DAYS 11 & 12

Perched on a cliff above the rushing clear waters of the Drino River, Gjirokastra is famous for its uniquely well-preserved Ottoman architecture. The original settlements, dating back to the first century B.C., developed into a fortress — the imposing Gjirokastra Castle. Explore the castle to learn about the history of this region and its people. 

Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Ioannina’s old town before taking a boat out to the island in the middle of sparkling Pamvotis Lake. On this picturesque island, visit several churches and see how the less than 100 permanent inhabitants go about their daily lives. Lunch is served in a restaurant specializing in local delicacies. Later, drive on to visit the Dodoni archeological site. The oracle at Dodoni was the oldest in ancient Greece and travelers would come from all over the world to ask questions about their fate to the priests who lived there.

Grand Serai Hotel, Ioannina

DAY 13

The tiny mountain village of Metsovo draws travelers with its blend of beautiful scenery, picturesque architecture and cobblestone pathways. Spend the morning exploring the charming Swiss-like village, known for its traditional way of life. Continue to Meteora for lunch. Afterward, explore the stunning complex of mountaintop monasteries that are wonders of the modern world. The monastic cells and churches have been carved from massive sandstone pillars. Ascend through the clouds to visit these miraculous creations of ancient hermit monks.

Hotel Meteora, Meteora

DAYS 14 – 16

Embark on a scenic drive through northern Greece on the way to Vergina, the last resting place of the great Macedonian rulers of old. The most impressive ruins are the monumental palace with its intricate mosaics and glorious painted stuccoes, and the necropolis which houses the tombs of Phillip II (Alexander the Great’s father) and other Macedonian royalty. After lunch in Vergina, continue to Thessaloniki. 

Since its founding in 315 B.C., Thessaloniki has been home to a number of civilizations with both a strong Hellenistic presence and a rich Byzantine history. Visit the massive Rotonda, built by Galerius Caesar in 300 A.D., as well as the church of St. Dimitrious and the old city walls with marvelous views of the Thermaic Gulf. Explore the Archaeological Museum and its artifacts from the city’s more than 2,000 years of history. On the evening of Day 15, enjoy a cocktail party and farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and your Travel Director. 

The morning of Day 16 you will be taken to the airport in Thessaloniki for your flight home or on to your next destination.

Makedonia Palace Hotel, Thessaloniki

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.

Sheraton Tirana
Tirana, Albania

The first 5-star hotel in Albania, the Sheraton Tirana hotel and towers, is located within a shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Tirana. Facilities at the hotel include a fitness center, sauna, indoor heated and 2 outdoor pools, a business center and an adjacent shopping center. You may dine at the metropolitan restaurant featuring fusion cuisine, and relax at the infinity piano bar and lounge with live entertainment. There is also 24-hour room service.

The 151 airy guest rooms are filled with comforting touches like deep-stained wood floors and beds created for a wonderful night’s sleep. Room amenities include air-conditioning, deluxe bath amenities, a hairdryer, a desk, coffee maker, data port, in-room safe and TV with cable channels.

Hotel Gorica
Ohrid, Macedonia

Combining the old with the new, the hotel has retained its unique, traditional charm while also adding many luxury amenity luxury visitors want. Located on Lake Ohrid it even has its own private beach. Hotel features include a running track, tennis courts, a sauna, massage center and delightful restaurant.

The hotel has 3 floors, and its more than 120 rooms have air conditioning, TV, a mini bar, internet access and a balcony. Travcoa has reserved Lake-view rooms.

Hotel Adriatik
Durres, Albania

A superb 5 star, in the very heart of Albanian seaside, the Hotel Adriatik is one of the best hotels in Albania. Enjoy the relaxing environment of the white sandy beach in front of the hotel, as well as the cocktail bars, and the palm garden around a big swimming pool. Other hotel features include a casino, beauty salon, fitness center, 24 hour room service, laundry, ironing, souvenir shop, exchange office, tennis court, and three restaurants with a bar and tavern.

Hotel Adriatik has 69 rooms, all air conditioned and elegantly furnished with the modern amenities including satellite TV and desk, direct telephone, satellite TV, mini bar, in-room safe, bathtub and a hairdryer.

Hotel Vlora
Vlora, Albania

Located in the center of the city and very close to the sea, the Vlora International Hotel offers an excellent location for visiting the historic city center, museums and shops. At the hotel you will find a bar, a restaurant, internet access as well a swimming pool, fitness center and sauna.

The hotel has 54 comfortable and spacious rooms. All the rooms are equipped with bathroom, shower, air-conditioning, central heating, TV and mini bar.

Hotel New York
Vlora, Albania

On the magnificent Vlora seashore, located in an area where the waves break into fragments on the rocks, near the tunnel where crystal waters flow for centuries and between the green blossoms of pines, glints New York Hotel. Its location in the most brilliant part of Vlora Bay known as Cold Water, shouldered by Shushica mountain, make it quite spectacular. The hotel's connecting bridge passes over the national road Vlore-Sarande, and gives the impression of a ferry that has anchored forever scenic views of Vlora bay.

Butrinti Hotel
Saranda, Albania

In Saranda, a part of the Mediterranean that has remained miraculously pure, there is Butrinti Hotel, located peacefully near the sea. This five star hotel is a new structure that offers you a luxurious piano bar and pub ambience, where you may relax with the sounds of music and cocktails. The Bar, restaurant and the open air terrazzo and a cuisine that takes care of the breakfast, salads, traditional side dishes of the Albanian gastronomy. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, health club with modern exercise equipment as well as jogging and bike paths along sea side.

The hotel offers air-conditioned elegantly furnished rooms; all equipped with TV, telephone, fridge-bar, high speed Internet access, hair dryers and 24-hour room service. In addition, Travcoa has reserved Sea-view rooms.

Grand Serai Hotel
Ioannina, Greece

Build on a land of 13.000 square meters in the heart of the town of Ioannina, the hotel is a genuine palace, combining the traditional style of Ioannina with elements of the Middle East. This deluxe hotel offers a great many modern facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, laundry & dry cleaning, local doctor on-call, a boutique, a Wine & Cigar Shop, as well a wellness spa that includes a fitness center and a hair and nail salon. There are also two restaurants and lounge areas.

All 220 elegantly decorated rooms are full service with amenities including air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini fridge, wireless internet access, in‐room safety box, a hairdryer and a balcony.

Hotel Meteora
Kalambaka, Greece

The Divani Meteora Hotel is picturesquely situated at the foothills of Meteora rocks. The hotel offers an array of services including a business center, a gourmet restaurant and lounge bar. You will also find an outdoor swimming pool, a full service spa with indoor pool, steam bath and fitness center.

The deluxe 165 rooms are designer decorated with stylish oak furnishings and rich wooden floors, including spacious sitting lounges and verandas. All rooms are equipped with the latest in modern amenities including electronic key locks, air-conditioning, Satellite TV and a mini bar. Travcoa has reserved rooms with a balcony to enjoy the breathless view of the Meteora rocks.

Makedonia Palace Hotel
Thessaloniki, Greece

Ideally located in the heart of the city and by the sea, the Makedonia Palace Hotels attracts celebrities, leading fashion designers and crown heads of state. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the white Tower and Thermaikos Gulf. Hotel facilities include a fitness area, Sauna, 2 outdoor swimming pools, Laundry & dry-cleaning service, 24-hour room service, a Hair salon, and a Shopping arcade. There are several restaurants; the largest is The Restaurant, offering an exciting new twist on Mediterranean and traditional Greek dishes. Wednesday to Saturday enjoy live Greek music: every Sunday Argentinean Tango, while Tuesday night is Latin night, filled with an exciting blend of Salsa, Cha-Cha, and Mambo.

Each one of the guestrooms at the Makedonia Palace reflects the tradition and classicism of this legendary hotel, masterfully combined with the warmth and comfort of a contemporary apartment. Travcoa room windows open and look onto either the city lights or the deep blue of the Thermaicos Gulf. Room amenities include air-conditioning, a balcony, free high speed internet access, direct dial telephone, satellite and pay TV, a mini bar, in-room safe, marble bathrooms, hairdryer, dual voltage plug and a desk.

Harry Davis

With 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 14, 2012