Western Balkan Explorer - Silver Route

Private Tour | Albania, North Macedonia & Greece

From historically significant churches, monasteries, and mosques, through to jaw-dropping mountain ranges and quaint traditional villages, this 9-day trip across Albania and Greece has it all. Starting in Tirana, you’ll visit the beautiful city of Ohrid, which contains the Sveti Naum Monastery and incredible views of Lake Ohrid.

From there, your journey will take you to the Meteora rocks, once believed to have been inhabited by monks in the 9th century, followed by Metsovo, Lefkada, Igumenica, and many more exciting destinations. For the ultimate tour of the Western Balkans, look no further than this invigorating 9-day journey.

Tour Highlights:

  • Wander Albania's fascinating capital city, Tirana
  • UNESCO World Heritage site of Lake Ohrid
  • Visit the spectacular Meteora clifftop monasteries
  • Explore Corfu, pearl of the Greek Ionian islands
  • Discover the remarkable 'stone city' of Gjirokaster
View Full Itinerary

  • Duration:

  • 9 Days, 8 Nights

  • Guide Price:

  • 4-Star Package from £3,125pp | 5-Star Package from £3,629pp

  • Price Based On: Based on departure from London Luton flying with Wizz Air, meal basis as per itinerary (2 adults sharing) including transfers. See More

  • Tour Type:

  • Private Tour

  • Star Rating:

  • Superior

  • Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Tour Package
  • 4 The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel
    4 Hotel Grand Central
    4 Hotel Kosta Famissi
    4 Hotel Dioni Boutique
    4 Irida Boutique Hotel
    4 Corfu Cavalieri Hotel
    4 Archontariki Boutique Hotel
  • 4-Star hotels will be as specified above or alternatives of a similar standard.
  • 5-Star Tour Package See Hotels

  • Board Basis:

  • Bed & Breakfast

  • Departures:

  • Regular departures throughout the year - please contact us for details.

  • Start / Finish:

  • Tirana - Tirana

  • Extensions:

  • Contact us if you would like to extend your Albania Tour holiday.
Note: For the 5-Star Tour Package overnight stays in Bitola, Preveza & Parga will be in 4-Star accommodation as there are no 5-Star hotels in these towns' historical centres
Note: Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old

What's Included:

  • Tour:
  • Western Balkan Explorer - Silver Route View Full Itinerary
  • Flights:
  • Return flights from chosen UK airport
  • Transfers:
  • Private transfers to/from airport on arrival and departure. Our local representative will meet you at the airport.
  • Accommodation:
  • Accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 4* hotels as specified above or ones of a similar standard
  • Meals Included:
  • All breakfasts as per itinerary
  • Vehicle:
  • Transportation in modern, air-conditioned cars, buses, and minibuses
  • Guide:
  • English-speaking tour guides where appropriate
  • ATOL:
  • ATOL Protection

What's Not Included:

  • Beverages:
  • Beverages are not included during meals
  • Entrance Fees:
  • Admission/entry fees to museums and other sites as per itinerary
  • Tips:
  • Tips for guide, driver and hotel staff
  • Taxes:
  • Local city/tourist taxes where applicable
  • Cancellations:
  • Trip and tour cancellations and no shows
  • Insurance:
  • Travel insurance

Full Itinerary

Tirana

Day 1

Arrive in Tirana International Airport. Transfer to the city and enjoy the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Tirana - Ohrid - Bitola - Heraclea

Day 2

Enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then make your way to the city of Ohrid, home to the Sveti Naum Monastery, which provides incredible views of Lake Ohrid. There is also plenty of western and oriental architecture to admire, including the Roman Theater, Church of St Sofia, and the Orthodox Cathedral. Following this, proceed to Bitola, visiting the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis along the way. This site features the remains of a once-powerful city, dominated by the Romans, for which many of the old Roman Baths and the courtroom still stand, to some capacity. The site was officially excavated following the First World War and remains a popular tourist destination today. Stay overnight at the Hotel Grand Central (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Kastoria - Kalambaka

Day 3

After breakfast, head to Kastoria. Located on a narrow peninsula, this quaint town is best enjoyed with a walking tour, where you can admire the Impressionist architecture, as evident by the many houses, churches, and commercial buildings that permeate the area. There are also large clusters or trees, surrounding the city and the many churches. From there, proceed to Meteora, a jaw-dropping rock formation established around 60 million years ago. Over time, tectonic forces gradually shaped the formation the rocks present today, followed by further movement due to erosion (caused by wind and water). It is also believed that, during the 9th century, hermit monks inhabited the rocky towers. Out of the original 20 monasteries that once stood tall, only 6 remain, but they provide incredible views of the entire valley. As the day draws to a close, drive to Kalambaka where you can enjoy free leisure until night. Stay overnight at Hotel Kosta Famissi (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Metsovo - Arta - Nikopolis - Preveza

Day 4

In the morning, drive through the mountain ranges and reach the village of Metsovo. Located in Epirus, this picturesque mountain town is a sight to behold, featuring large clusters of tall trees, a charming rustic atmosphere, and friendly locals. After exploring the village, make your way to Arta, located in northwestern Greece. Despite having a relatively low tourism rate, this city has plenty to offer; several monuments of Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine origin, sprawling forests, and incredible views of the Tzoumerka mountain range. During your walking tour, visit the Bridge of Arta, a famous stone bridge built in 1602 which passes over the Arachthos River. After lunch, depart from Arta and proceed to Preveza, visiting the ancient city of Nikopolis. Founded in 31 BC by Octavian Augustus, the ancient city is one of the largest in Greece, featuring surprisingly well-preserved walls, monuments, and even a theatre, with its semi-circular steps still intact. Stay overnight at Hotel Dioni Boutique (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Lefkada - Parga

Day 5

After breakfast, make your way to Lefkada. The area is home to world-famous beaches (where you can participate in various water sports, including scuba diving, windsurfing, and more), narrow alleyways that invite you to explore the tightly enclosed shops and restaurants, and the famous Onassis’ island sanctuary. With a population of 8,000, the region is mostly dedicated to agriculture and tourism, and is close by a natural harbour. Enjoy a free walking tour of the city. Afterwards, head towards Parga, an exotic town located on the Ionian coast. Whilst there, you will visit the Parga castle, which stands atop a tall hill and overlooks the town and the sea; providing one of the most memorable views of the entire tour. Stay overnight in Irida Boutique Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Ogumenica - Corfu

Day 6

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, and then make your way to Igumenica. From there, you will take a glorious ferry boat trip to Corfu Island, the pearl of Greece and a historically old town, featuring the Liston Arcade, Spianada Square, and various forts and churches. Corfu is notable for its incredible cuisine, with your choice of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, of which many ingredients are sourced fresh from the sea. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, drinking in the splendid atmosphere and traditional architecture. Stay overnight at Corfu Cavalieri Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Dodona - Ioannina

Day 7

After breakfast, make your way to Ioannina via a ferry boat trip. Located in northern Greece, Ioannina surrounds Lake Pamvotida and is home to many famous scholars, poets, and novelists, including Dimitrios Hatzis. While walking through the city, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time; exploring the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman Mosque, and the historic town centre. Following this, head towards the sanctuary of Dodoni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the oracle of Dodoni and the ancient theatre. Both sites are of extreme archeological importance, containing generations of Greek history and tradition in the structures alone. Stay overnight at Archontariki Boutique Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Gjirokaster - Tirana

Day 8

Have breakfast and then head to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Also known as the ‘Stone City,’ the area features various limestone houses, churches, and other unique structures. Go on a tour of a city, visiting the local castle and weapons museum. Then drive back to Tirana for your last evening. Stay overnight at the Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Tirana

Day 9

Enjoy your last breakfast before transferring to the airport. Your journey ends here.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
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