Albania, Kosovo, & Macedonia Adventure

Head off on a CEO-led orientation walk starting at the very centre of the city, the Skanderbeg square, a large open area surrounded by several important sights of Tirana. This interesting meeting point is one of the best places to start your journey through the city. Walk to old Tirana neighbourhoods (or what is left of them), a taste of communist architecture with many recently-built modern architecture and venues.

Explore Durrës with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durrës amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city’s ancient history.

Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlorë's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlorë. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlorë looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.

Explore Himarë with your CEO. The Old City of Himarë and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Himarë has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.

Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the “Mohametan Bonaparte” was made famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron’s Child Harold’s Pilgrimage.

Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.

Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokastër and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.

Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname “Town of a 1001 Windows.“)

Climb aboard for a short boat cruise of Lake Ohrid, the deepest and oldest lake in Europe, boasting an imposing medieval fortress and mountainous backdrop. This pristine lake straddles the border between North Macedonia and Eastern Albania, and acts as home to more than 200 different species.

Embark on a walking tour of the city where you'll enjoy the stunning exterior of the San Perivlepta and San Sofia churches. Next, head inside the architecturally striking Monastery of Saint Clement Ohrid, believed to have been built when Saint Clement first arrived in the area at the request of Boris I of Bulgaria. Finish off with a short tour at the Roman Amphitheatre, the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country, built in 200 BC.

Wander through Sirok Sokak, the pedestrian street of Shirok Sokak. Known as the fashion street, locals tend to dress up to enjoy a walk and a coffee while enjoying beautiful views of the city.

The historically rich Stobi region is located close to the archaeological site, ancient Paenian. It was captured into the Kingdom of Macedon where it became the capital and remains a significant historic site. Archaeologists found early evidence of wine making in the form of in home grape presses, showcasing the lengthy past of this delicious art.

Learn the intricacies of wine making on a tour of the winery before sampling some wine and enjoying a light lunch.

Head out for an orientation walk passing Byzantine era buildings, Turkish baths, caravanserais and hamams, all reminders of the intricate Ottoman history. Witness the quirky electric street art and multiple imposing statutes dotted around the city. View the birthplace of Mother Theresa and stop in the hidden lower level of the iconic Gradski Trgovski Centar to see Skopje’s largest collection of street art.

Enjoy an exploratory walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like some of the main sights in the area, supermarkets, and ATMs.

Dating back to 1100 BC, the Prizren Fortress was built by the Byzantines and expanded by Serbian kings throughout the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries before Ottoman rulers took over until their expulsion in 1912. Walk up the steep incline to this historic site to enjoy the sunset and views of the town, river, and valley.

Get to know Pristina on a walking tour through the highlights. Witness the 1389 battle of Kosovo memorial, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gracanica Monastery, followed by the Newborn monument and the brass statue of Bill Clinton, commemorating his role in ending the war for independence.