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  • Albania and Macedonia Cradle of the Balkans tour
    OVERVIEW
    DETAILED ITINERARY

    Day 1: Arrive Tirana
    Afternoon flight from London Gatwick to Tirana with British Airways. Transfer to the hotel. Theranda Hotel / Tirana International.

    Day 2: Tirana (B, D)
    Morning tour of Kruja and the Skanderbeg Museum. Afternoon tour of the Albanian capital, including visits to the National Museum, the mosque, the main square and its clock tower.

    Day 3: Lake Ohrid (B)
    Travel east to Elbasan, stopping en route at the remains of a Turkish fort. Continue into Macedonia and the town of Ohrid, situated on the east shore of Lake Ohrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the Macedonian Jerusalem due to its large number of churches. The enormous lake is renowned for the clarity of its water. Accommodation: Hotel Royal View

    Day 4: Ohrid (B)
    Morning tour of the town. See St Sophia Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Macedonia; the Church of St Clement at Plaoshnik, where the first university in Europe was founded; and the Gallery of Icons, which has the largest collection of icons in the world. Afternoon visit to the Monastery of St Naum. Its position on a rocky overhang provides excellent views over the lake.

    Day 5: Korca (B)
    Cross the border back into Albania and continue south to Korca, historically an important trade town. Visit the Museum of Medieval Arts, which displays over 150 icons, and the Korca Mosque. Accommodation: Regency Hotel

    Day 6: Gjirokaster (B)
    See the Tumulus at Kamenica, where the biggest ancient burial mound to be excavated in the Balkans is located. Continue to Gjirokaster, the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. Visit his house museum and the city’s fortress, which was formerly a political prison. Accommodation: Cajupi Hotel for 1 night.

    Day 7: Saranda (B)
    Drive through the mountains to the costal resort of Saranda. Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. Explore the ruins of this Greco- Roman town and view the 3rd century BC theatre, bathhouses and the remains of the largest baptistery in the Balkans. Accommodation: Hotel Butrinti.

    Day 8: Vlora (B)
    Travel to Vlora, a seaport and the gateway to Italy. Accommodation: Hotel Vlora International

    Day 9: Durres (B)
    Morning tour of the Greek and Roman ruins at Apollonia, an important trading port for the Roman Empire until the 3rd century AD. Drive to Berat and visit the Museum of Icons and the castle, which has the remains of 42 churches within its walls. Continue to Durres. Accommodation: Adriatik Hotel

    Day 10: London (B)
    Morning tour of Durres to explore the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. Continue to the northern town of Shkoder, located near the largest lake in the region, Lake Shkoder. Explore the fortress and museum. Transfer to the airport and fly to London.

    Included:

    • International flights UK departure and overseas airport taxes 9 nights accommodation
    • Meal as per itinerary
    • Local transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
    • Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
    • Entrance fees unless otherwise stated

    Fine print: Tour uses the best available accommodation and transport. However, outside Tirana, facilities should be regarded as tourist class. The tour involves some long drives and walking over uneven terrain. Maximum 25 in group.

    DETAILS
    PRICE
    From GBP1,125.00 per person twin share
    YOU WILL LOVE

    4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    DATES
    May to October 2011
    Albania and Macedonia Cradle of the Balkans tour

    Known as the ‘Cradle of the Balkans’, Albania and Macedonia are home to a wealth of natural and historic sites, from Lake Ohrid to the important Roman ruins at Butrint and Apollonia. Travelling through spectacular mountain and coastal scenery, explore these two emerging countries that are at the forefront of the new Europe.

    YOU WILL VISIT
    • Tirana
    • Lake Ohrid
    • Korca
    • Gjirokaster
    • Saranda
    • Vlora
    • Durres
    • London
    CONTACT US ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
    Email enquiries@swisseurope.com.au
    Phone (02) 8270 4866
    Address Level 3
    332 Kent St
    Sydney 2000
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