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Albania, Kosova, and Macedonia
Experience the culture, the people and the character of these rapidly evolving European States!
11 days/10 nights
2008 Tour Dates:
April 20 - 30
April 30 - May 10
September 11 - 21
October 2 - 12
Welcome in the new millennium in a less traversed corner of Europe, the Balkan Peninsula. Come visit Albania and see what few people have seen: an untouched coastline, hidden valleys, and rugged mountains. Visit Albania and receive one of the warmest receptions in all of Europe. The people of this tiny country are known for warmth and hospitality. From the mountains in the north to the archaeological sites in the south, from the growing city of Tirana and the port of Durres to the rural villages throughout the country, there is surprising diversity for travelers in Albania to discover.
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Macedonia, which lies to the east of Albania, is also eager to welcome travelers to its "land of contrasts." Skopje, the capital is an ultra modern city with an ancient bazaar where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Numerous Orthodox monasteries located in the western part of the country stand alongside many mosques, making the region an alluring mixture of Eastern Christianity and Islamic cultures.
Kosova was once part of Yugoslavia and since June 1999 it has been administered as a UN-NATO protectorate. The region has rebounded and life has returned to normal and is thriving.
In addition to these countries, for the adventurous traveler, we have people ready to show you Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia. See for yourself what is happening in this part of the world.
Why Kutrubes travel? NO TOUR OPERATOR CAN BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE TRAVELER IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD THAN KUTRUBES! We speak the language, have lived and worked in the region, and know the people, the culture, and the land. Kutrubes Travel is the only American tour operator with the infrastructure in place to offer tours to Albania, Kosova and Macedonia in 2008! Come see for yourself how these regions are changing. In 2000, the Albanian Ministry of tourism gave Kutrubes Travel the exclusivity to promote tourism to Albania. We are proud to have received this accolade for all our hard work from the Albanian Government.
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Day 1
Arrival at Mother Theresa Airport and transfer to Tirana for dinner and overnight. (D)
Day 2
Morning departure for Kruja, home of Albania's most important hero, Scanderbeg, who in the 15th century successfully fought off the Turks for over thirty years. Sightseeing at his castle and the impressive Scanderbeg Museum. Shopping in old bazaar. Then drive to Shkodra to visit the old Rozafa castle. After lunch drive to Tirana for overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 3
After breakfast drive to Durres. This busy port city has one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans. Durres is one of the oldest Roman cities in the Mediterranean and the largest seaport in Albania. After lunch we drive to Berat. Its castles and fort date back 2400 years. Overnight in Berat. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Morning departure to the coastal city of Vlora. Vlora is legendary in Albanian history as the city where Albanian independence from Turks was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. Drive southward from Vlora to Saranda enjoying the spectacular views of mountains and the Albanian Riviera. Stop over in seaside villages of Dhermi, Himara and Borsh. Overnight in Saranda. (B, L, D)
Day 5
Morning visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of Butrint, Albania's most important archaeological site. After a leisurely exploration, we will lunch in Ksamil overlooking the Ionian. Return to Saranda for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Leave Saranda for the Museum city of Gjirokastra. Visit its fortress and armaments museum. Then depart for Korca via Permet know for its production of traditional raki and wine. Arrival Korca, the commercial and cultural capital of Southern Albania. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Early morning visit to the new Bratko Museum of Asian Art and a visit to the first school teaching the Albanian language established Albania in 1887. The first girls' school in the country was established in Korca in 1891. Departure from Korca, for a short journey to Pogradec, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Cross the border into the Macedonian countryside. Short stop over in St. Naum Monastery and then drive to Ohrid for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Morning Departure from Ohrid to Prishtina, capital city of Kosova. Sightseeing of the city and return to Skopje. Skopje was an important city for the Turks from the end of the 14th century and to this day it still retains that influence. Today it is a thriving modern city. The largest Turkish bath in the Balkans is located here and is now an art museum. Later we will visit the old Turkish bazaar and the National Museum. Dinner and overnight in Skopje. (B,L,D)
Day 9
Morning departure for Ohrid to visit the Old Castle and many fine Byzantine churches and monasteries. It is in this region that the Early Christian Orthodox Bishops created the Cyrillic alphabet in about 900 AD. Dinner and overnight in Ohrid. (B,L.D)
Day 10
Morning departure from Ohrid to Tirana. En route stop over in Elbasan and visit Petrela castle. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.
Day 11
Transfer to airport for your flight home.
TOUR PRICE:
Land Cost Per Person:
(double occupancy)
- 6 - 8 travelers: $2173.00
- 3 - 5 travelers: $2954.00
- 2 travelers: $3228.00
Single supplement: $410.00
Tours guaranteed to depart with a minimum of two people. Maximum tour size is 10.
Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.
Price Includes:
- Hotel and breakfast (tourist class and better hotels)
- Other meals (where indicated)
- Services of driver and guide throughout
- Entrance fees
- Airport transfer
Price Does Not Include:
- Airfare (unless otherwise arranged)
- Departure and custom fees
- Gratuities and individual daily expenses
- Additional beverages
- Travel insurance
- Trip cancellation
- Medical and luggage insurance are recommended for coverage against all unforeseen circumstances
Payment and Refund Policies
If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.
Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.
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