Tour of Ohrid and Berat: 2 UNESCO sites in three days

Tour of Ohrid and Berat: 2 UNESCO sites in three days

This tour of Albania & N. Macedonia combines the 2 UNESCO sites Ohrid and Berat and some of the most picturesque sites of South Eastern Albania, such as Korça and Pogradec, famous for their traditions, local culture and culinary wonders. This tour of Albania & N. Macedonia takes us through some of the best national parks: Ohrid Lake (UNESCO protected Natural Habitat), Galichica National Park and Drilon National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tirana – Struga – Ohrid

Pass By: Choose Balkans - Albania Tour Operator, Rruga Reshit Çollaku, Tirana, Albania
Our professional tour guide will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana at 9:00 in the morning.

Stop At: Struga, Struga, Southwestern Region
Struga will be our first stop. We will have a short break by the beautiful source of Drini River, one of the longest in Western Balkans.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ohrid, Ohrid, Southwestern Region
Our tour continues toward the city of Ohrid (UNESCO protected) which is one of the most seductive destinations in Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. At 12:30, you will get some time on all three days of the tour to have lunch and wander around by yourself till 14:00 pm.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Lake Ohrid, Ohrid Republic of North Macedonia
Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. The houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Halveti Hayati Tekke, St Clement of Ohrid, Ohrid 6000 Republic of North Macedonia
We will visit the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke in Ohrid.
Duration: 30 minutes

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

Day 2: Ohrid – Korça – Pogradec - Drilon

Stop At: Korce, Korce, Korce County
We continue our journey towards Korça in the south-eastern 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: 1 hour

Stop At: Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter), Rruga Albanopolis, Kruje 1501 Albania
Not to be missed “Pazari i Vjetër”, the most charming neighbourhood in Korça and an area that looks like it was pulled straight from a fairy tale; narrow streets, coloured buildings, nice cafés and small boutiques can be found everywhere you look. Again around 12:30, you will get some free time to have lunch and walk through the city by yourself till 14:00 pm.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Pogradec, Pogradec, Korce County
Late in the afternoon we head to Pogradec.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Drilon, Drilon, Korce County
Drilon national park was the favourite place of dictator Enver Hoxha, who used to come here to relax. Today, Drilon is an attractive summer destination, thanks to its beauty, sandy beaches and delicious cuisine.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Drilon.

Day 3: Drilon – Berat - Tirana

Stop At: Berat, Berat, Berat County
Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, known as the city of 1001 windows and part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrow stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communism era in Albania.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: National Iconographic Museum Onufri, Located in the Inner Part of Saint Mary Church in Berat Castel, Berat Albania
Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. Before going back to Tirana, you will have some free time to enjoy a delicious lunch and wander through the city by yourself. Driving back to Tirana in the late afternoon marks the end of this amazing experience through history and adventure.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.