Albania and Macedonia 15 Days Solo Tours

Airport – Tirana, transfer: 30min 20km
Accommodation: Tirana. Hotel Comfort

After collecting your luggage, you will be are welcomed by our correspondent at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can begin your discovery of Tirana by visiting its many museums: the National Historical Museum retracing the history of Albania or the Bunk'art 2, a museum housed in a large underground bunker and the House of Leaves which allows you to understand the history of espionage in Albania during communism. You can also take the time to admire the colorful facades of the city's buildings, testimony to the post-communist era of the early 90s. You can then stroll through the Shetitorja Murat Toptani district to admire the castle ramparts of Tirana, the Tanners' Bridge, the Et'hem Bey mosque and the Pazar i Ri bazaar. In the evening, we advise you to go to the Bloc, which was at the time a place reserved for the political elite, and which is today the trendiest district of Tirana. You will have the opportunity to have a drink there and discover the typical atmosphere of Albanian bars.

Tirana – Lin: 2h 110 km
Accommodation: Linen. Rosa B&B
Meals included: morning

This morning, there will be a briefing at your hotel by our French-speaking team on the progress of your adventure and collection of your rental car. Then departure for the start of your road trip towards the south and Lake Ohrid. Along the way, pass through the town of Elbasan with its pretty citadel and the Clock Tower.
Before joining the village of Lin, you will cross the ancient road of Via Egnatia. It was built by the Romans and was the only one to connect Rome to Constantinople.

Arrival in the middle of the day at the village of Lin, nestled on the shores of the majestic Lake Ohrid. The crystal clear waters of the lake blend harmoniously with the traditional houses and cobbled streets of the village. You can observe the locals going about their ancestral fishing activities and visit the small churches and historical sites of the village.
Installation in your guest room located in the heart of the village by the lake.
Options:bike ride / boat ride / hike.

Flax –Ohrid: 45 min 36 km

Accommodation: Ohrid. Guest house Ristos
Meals included: morning

Today, you will be crossing the border in North Macedonia towards the town of Ohrid, a cultural and natural treasure of exceptional beauty. Along the way, pass through the town of Struga, a charming town crossed by the Black Drin river.
Dominated by the majestic UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, the city offers breathtaking views of deep blue waters surrounded by green mountains. Cobbled lanes and historic buildings tell centuries of history, while medieval churches adorned with precious frescoes bear witness to the region's rich religious heritage. The old Roman theater, medieval fortifications and various museums illustrate the diversity of its heritage. The lakeshores buzz with activity, with shoreline walks, boat trips and peaceful beaches. Restaurants offer delicious local cuisine, while colorful markets add a touch of authenticity. Ohrid is a destination where history, nature and culture combine harmoniously to provide an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Ohrid.Guest house Ristos
Meals included: morning

This second day is an opportunity to deepen your visit to the city of Ohrid with its historical heritage and to go hiking around the lake. The city of Ohrid is overlooked by the Galitchitsa massif, itself part of a national park of the same name. The opportunity to discover extraordinary fauna and flora (brown bear and lynx for example) and to admire sumptuous panoramas! For heritage lovers, don't miss the Saint Pantaleimon Monastery and the Church of Saint John of Kaneo, overlooking Lake Ohrid, certainly the most famous and most photographed building in the country.
At the end of the day, you can go to the old port to admire the sunset.

Optional: visit to religious sites such as; St. Jovan Kaneo Church, Saint Naum Monastery, Saint Sophia, Saint Climent, Plaoshnik Church.

Ohrid – Tushemisht: 55 min 34 km
Tushemisht-Korca: 50 mins 43km

Accommodation: Korca. Homestay
Meals included: morning

Today, return to Albania and take the road again this morning towards Pogradec, one of the most interesting tourist towns in Albania thanks to its location on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO heritage site.
Only 4-5 km south of the city, we can see Drilon Park and the village of Tushemisht. The waters of the Drilon River form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful vegetation that makes the area and the neighboring village of Tushemisht a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. This village is known for its charm and beautiful views of Lake Ohrid

In the afternoon you will leave towards the cosmopolitan Korça, nicknamed “Little Paris”. Set off on foot to explore the city and its Old Bazaar district (Pazari i Vjetër) with its traditional houses, its shaded terraces, its shops, its small alleys…
Korca is known for its traditional architecture, with many stone and wooden houses dating from this period. The city is also famous for its wine and beer production, as well as its annual beer and wine festivals. Korca is also an important cultural center, with many museums, theaters and music and dance festivals.
Discover the goods of Korca Bazaar which has great historical, cultural and artistic value for the city. This is definitely the ideal place to buy souvenirs from Albania. Also, enjoy a coffee in one of the many small cafes that surround the bazaar and observe the rhythm of daily life.

Then, you can visit the National Museum of Medieval Art known for its magnificent collection of icons, and the Museum of Oriental Art "Bratko" presenting the life and work of the famous Albanian painter Vangjush Mio.

Korca-Farma Sotira:1h 45m, 68km

Accommodation: Farma Sotira.Mountain Lodge
Meals included: morning

This morning, you will head towards the south and Leskovik, on the Greek border. Crossing the Germenj-Shelegur National Park and settling in at Farma Sotira, a farm inn well known to all travelers.
You will inevitably be seduced by this night in a chalet with a rural atmosphere at Farma Sotira which is a symbol of Albanian ecotourism. You will find on site a trout farm, cows, a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant offering local products from the farm.
Many hiking and horse riding trails are possible from the farm. The different trails will help you discover the wonders of the Germenj-Shelegur National Park.
With its pine forests, its wildlife (bears, wolves, etc.), its wild rivers, its meadows and of course its mountains, the park is a true paradise for hikers.
In the evening, after this outdoor day, don't miss the traditional trout prepared on the barbecue for dinner at Farma Sotira's restaurant before closing your evening around a campfire at the foot of your chalet.

Farma Sotira - Allows: 1h 30min 65 km
Accommodation: Allows, Hotel Ervehe
Meals included: morning

Today, you are leaving for the town of Permet, nicknamed the “city of roses” and the main gateway to the national parks of the Hotova-Dangëll fir and especially the Vjosa, which will be the main theme of the day. Considered one of the last wild rivers in Europe, the Vjosa has just obtained (in 2023) the status of National Park thanks to the long-standing investment of the Patagonia brand, known worldwide in the outdoor industry for its quality of its products, benefiting in particular from some of the most rigorous environmental standards in the world. As you drive for about fifty kilometers, you'll follow the river, surrounded by magnificent landscapes.
Don't hesitate to stop on the very photogenic wooden footbridges, which locals and shepherds use to cross the beautiful Vjosa (or Aoos in Greek).
Along the way, don't miss the Strembec hike. Departing from the village, this route of about twelve kilometers (round trip) will take you, through the Nemerka massif, to the Sopoti Falls with a panoramic view of the Vjosa river valley.
Upon your arrival in Permet, enjoy this pleasant town located on the banks of the Vjosa. For your meals, we invite you to meet at Te Culi, an popular address amongst locals for its traditional dishes and its excellent value for money.

Accommodation: Allows, Hotel Ervehe
Meals included: morning

Departure this morning for the Langarica canyon and the famous Benja baths, located about ten kilometers from Permet, in the heart of the Hotova-Dangell pine national park.

To fully enjoy the site, we advise you to arrive there before 9 a.m., in order to avoid the many tourists who come to visit these 2 essential spots in the country.
Upon your arrival, you will not miss the photogenic stone bridge of Kadi, a magnificent Ottoman building which dominates the Langarica River and marks the entrance to the canyon.

Start your visit with a natural bath in the first hot water pool, the largest of the ten springs, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Then set off on an aquatic hike to discover the Langarica canyon. You then drive through cliffs over 150 meters high, in a breathtaking setting that rivals the Wadi Mujib canyon in Jordan. It's possible to explore the river for over 4 kilometers.

Allow– Gjirokaster: 1h 10min 60km
Accommodation:Gjirokaster,Old Bazaar Hotel
Meals included: morning

After breakfast, you will continue your Albanian adventure towards Gjirokastër, nicknamed “the stone city” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
The start of the stage will first take you to the Kelcyra gorges, a natural wonder where the Vjosa plunges into an impressive corridor buried under steep cliffs more than 1000 meters high. To enjoy the show, stop for a coffee at the Gryka e Kelcyres hotel and go to the small iron bridge. Then, head to Gjirokastër, where you will arrive for lunch. Gjirokastër, Albania's iconic city, captivates with its unique architecture and cultural heritage.
This city is full of typical neighborhoods and shaded terraces, but above all, it is home to the ethnographic museum and its citadel, witnesses to a large part of Albanian history. Birthplace of the great writer Ismail Kadaré and the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha, you will discover its city center and its hundreds of buildings of Ottoman architecture. We also advise you to take the time to visit its bazaar, a major trading hub in the region.
We recommend immersing yourself in a book by Ismaël Kadaré, the "poet of the Balkans," during your trip to discover the country through the eyes of its most renowned author!

Gjirokaster-Butrint: 1h 20 min 70 km
Butrint – Himara: 1h 40 min 70 km
Accommodation:Himara. 3* hotel
Meals included: morning

Today, your path will continue towards the Butrint National Park, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in an exceptional natural environment, which Julius Caesar transformed into a residential city and an aristocratic cultural center for his war generals. Butrint was also, two thousand years ago, a real inspiration for various Greek authors and philosophers who described it as “the garden of democracy”.
After the visit to Butrint, the day will be dedicated to relaxation. Your path will continue towards the only sandy beach on the Albanian Riviera: Ksamil is famous for its turquoise water and its four islands facing the Greek island of Corfu!
Then, we will be heading to Himara, a charming coastal town located in southern Albania, on the beautiful Albanian Riviera. Himara is famous for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which attract visitors from all over the world. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Livadh Beach and Potam Beach, all offering ideal conditions for swimming, relaxing and water sports.

Himara -Qeparo: 20 min 14km

Accommodation:Qeparo. Napoleon Complex
Meals included: morning

You then head towards the magnificent Albanian Riviera to the wild village of Qeparo, located by the sea. Still sheltered from tourist flows, the locality is divided into two parts, the first considered to be the “new village” ( on the coast) and a second the “old village” perched on the heights with a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea.

For this day on the riviera, two options are available to you.
The first option focuses on relaxation and consists of enjoying your hotel, its private beach and hiking on the heights of Qeparo, to discover the old village.
The second option takes you to discover the treasures of the Albanian Riviera. The first spot, Porto Palermo, is a preserved bay housing a pretty fortress as well as an old submarine base from the communist era.
And finally, the canyon and the beach of Gjipe, accessible after a 30-minute walk from the Saint Théodore monastery. Isolated and surrounded by cliffs, Gjipe Bay is considered the most beautiful page of Albania.

Himara -Qeparo: 20 min 14km

Accommodation:Qeparo. Napoleon Complex
Meals included: morning

You’ll then journey to the stunning Albanian Riviera, reaching the charming seaside village of Qeparo. This gem remains relatively untouched by tourism and is divided into two distinct parts: the “new village” by the coast and the “old village” perched on the heights, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.

On this day along the riviera, two options will be available to you.
For the ones who want to relax, you will be able to enjoy the amenities of your hotel, including its private beach, and take a hike to explore the old village of Qeparo, situated in the hills.
For those who want to explore, you will have the opportunity to discover the treasures of the Albanian Riviera. First, you will be visiting Porto Palermo, a serene bay with a picturesque fortress and an old submarine base from the communist era. Then, you will be heading to Gjipe Canyon and Beach, which can be reached by a 30-minute walk from the Saint Théodore Monastery. Gjipe Bay, isolated and surrounded by cliffs, is renowned as one of Albania's most beautiful spots.

Qeparo -Llogara: 1h 20 min 50 km
Llogara- Berat: 2h 20 min 127 km
Accommodation: Berat, Hotel Onufri 3*
Meals included: morning

Resuming of the road trip towards the north. You will take a magnificent road, with numerous viewpoints over the Albanian Riviera, to Dhermi, a charming village with Greek architecture, so characteristic of the Ionian coast.
Then, gain height to reach the Llogara pass. The road ascends and winds in a series of turns before arriving at the summit perched at an altitude of 1043 meters with an impressive panorama of the region and the Adriatic Sea. You then enter the Llogara National Park, known for its wide variety of conifers, its mountain fauna but also for its numerous hiking trails.

Before reaching Berat, you can take possible detour via the village of Zvernec, north of Vlora, to discover the Narta lagoon with its colony of pink flamingos and its famous Orthodox monastery erected on an island covered with pine trees and accessible from a wide footbridge.

After this outdoor break, head to Berat, “the city of a thousand windows”, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon your arrival, set off to explore the ancient citadel, one of the most beautiful sites in Albania. Located on the heights of the Mangalem district, the fortress houses the oldest mosque in the country, numerous churches as well as the famous museum dedicated to the painter Onufri. Also not to be missed are the ethnographic museum and the Gorica district located on the left bank of the Osum river and accessible by the two bridges from the city center.

Berat – Tirana: 1h50min 101 km
Accommodation: Tirana. Hotel Comfort
Meals included: morning

The last discovery of the city of Berat, and on the way to your last stop in Tirana.
You can take a possible passage through the lagoon and the Karavasta national park, south of Durres. A little paradise for ornithologists and migratory birds, the 4,300 hectare park is known for being home to one of the largest colonies of Dalmatian pelicans in the world.
Upon your arrival, return your vehicle directly to your hotel located in the city center.
For this last Albanian evening, we invite you to Oda, a classic in the Albanian capital. Located in the popular Pazari i Ri district, the establishment has a pleasant shaded terrace and offers quality traditional cuisine accompanied by music.

Tirana – Airport: 30min

Today, one of our agents will accompany you to the airport.
We hope you enjoyed this trip.
We look forward to seeing you again in Albania.