Explore Southeastern Albania in 2 days: tour of Korça and Pogradec

Explore Southeastern Albania in 2 days: tour of Korça and Pogradec

Wander around the streets of the ‘’little Paris of Albania’’, visit the National Park of Drilon, admire the beauty of Ohrid Lake and appreciate the best Albanian beer on this two-day tour of Korça and Pogradec. These two Albanian cities have stunning national parks and historical sites worthy of a visit – discover an unknown part of Albania.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tirana – Lin – Drilon – Tushemisht - Pogradec

Stop At: Pogradec, Pogradec, Korce County
At 9:00 am in the morning, our tour guide will come and pick you up at your hotel. Our destination for today will be Pogradec. Situated in the shores of Ohrid Lake, Pogradec is one of the oldest settled civilizations in Albania. Ohrid lake, of tectonic origin (2 – 4 million years old), is the deepest lake in Balkans and is under UNESCO protection due to its unique value and being home to 17 species of aquatic animals. However, we will first visit some other beautiful places.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Lin, Lin, Korce County
As we drive through the elaborated zigzags, we encounter the tremendous scenery offering one of the most picturesque views of Lake Ohrid and Lin Peninsula. In addition to the enchanting views, we will discover the mosaic of Lin, dating back to 4th-5th centuries A.D. Lin has also been described as the favorite holiday destination of the parents of the Roman Emperor Justinian. At around 12:30, you will get some free time on both days of the tour to enjoy a delicious lunch and wander around by yourself until 14:00 pm.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Drilon, Drilon, Korce County
After lunch, we will visit the national park of Drilon and Tushemisht. Drilon waters form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful greenery that makes the area and the nearby village of Tushemisht a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. The area is also famous for its culinary wonders, such as the traditional fish dishes, especially the baked speckled trout (Koran in Albanian) as well as the famous pickles. You might also taste the various wines on offer, but don’t miss the traditional unique wine of Buti or the famous Perla and Moskat raki of Pogradec.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Pogradec.

Day 2: Pogradec – Korça – Tirana

Stop At: Korce, Korce, Korce County
We will continue our journey towards Korça in the southeastern region of Albania, one of the most beautiful and important cities in the country. Because of its beauty, French-style villas and coffee culture, Korça is also called the ‘little Paris of Albania’. We will take a city tour of this lovely enchanting town.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter), Rruga Albanopolis, Kruje 1501 Albania
Not to be missed is “Pazari i Vjetër”, the most charming neighborhood in Korça and an area that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale; narrow streets, colored buildings, nice cafés and small boutiques can be found everywhere you look.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: National Museum of Medieval Art, Rr. Sotir Peci No.2, Korce Albania
After lunch, we will visit the largest orthodox church of Albania which is known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection. This church was built after the communist regime ended in Albania. In this exact spot there used to be another church, but it was destroyed during communism. The new church is now the symbol of Korça. Another interesting fact is that the first Albanian school was founded in Korça. We will visit the National Museum of Medieval Art where you will have a closer view of many cultural items.
For the beer lovers among us, Korça can offer you the best beer of Albania! We will be back in Tirana in the late afternoon.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.