Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

Vlorë < <    Durrës Tirana Ohrid Macedonia Albania Coach Air Nights 2 1 2 2 2 Lake Ohrid What’s included ✔ Return flights Gatwick to Albania with British Airways ✔ Where you’ll stay Tirana, 4 H Metro Hotel Tirana Ohrid, 4 H Villa Arte Ohrid Vlorë, 4 H Hotel Partner Vlorë Durrës, 4 H Hotel Arvi Durrës ✔ 9 meals ✔ 7 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Intermediate Day 1: UK to Tirana Depart the UK on your flight to Tirana. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Day 2: Tirana B/D Unearth Albania’s past struggles as you enter the underground bunker known as Bunk Art 1, built in the 1970s under the strict instructions of Enver Hoxha - Albania’s former head of State. This afternoon, bask in natural splendour as you journey towards Dajti Mountain. Next, board a cable car and glide towards the summit of Mount Dajti, absorbing spellbinding vistas along the route. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local winery. Day 3: Tirana to Ohrid, North Macedonia B Following breakfast, journey to the picturesque resort on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Radiating old-world charm, indulge in an area of outstanding beauty during an afternoon at leisure, delighting in the opportunity to explore the old town of Ohrid, where a scattering of medieval churches, crumbling monasteries and ancient ruins lay adjacent to traditional houses, crowned by their iconic red-tiled roofs. Day 4: Ohrid B Framed by the towering mountainsides of Baba and Nidze, travel to the city of Bitola. Regally assembled amidst the former city bounds of Macedonia, wander through the excellently preserved monuments of Heraclea Lynecestis which astoundingly dates back to the 4th century. From here, spend some time at leisure navigating the market stalls and narrow avenues of the Old Bazaar, before returning to Ohrid this evening. Day 5: Ohrid to Vlorë, Albania B Return to Albania today and experience the magnetic charm of Berat during a morning city tour. Surrounded by rugged mountains and towering hillsides, witness an iconic assemblage of white Ottoman houses which climb to the highest peak of this ‘town of a thousand windows’, before exploring the expansive grounds of Berat Castle. Behind the imposing walls of this fortified city, wander through the twisting streets before gaining an insight into one of Albania’s most distinctive religious artists at the Onufri Museum. Later, travel towards Vlorë and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 6: Vlorë B Located atop a windswept plateau and set amongst a backdrop teeming with rolling hillsides, explore the ancient Greek colonial city of Apollonia. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 7: Vlorë to Durrës B/D After breakfast, journey towards the charming medieval village of Kruja, situated at the foothills of Mount Kruja. Wander through the cobblestone streets of this quaint town before browsing a collection of beautiful antiques, hand-crafted rugs and copper objects which are sold in the ancient Ottoman bazaar. Later, travel to Durrës and arrive in time for your farewell dinner this evening. Day 8: Durrës to the UK B This morning, transfer for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension. Albania and Macedonia Uncovered What you’ll see ⚫ Embark on city tours of Tirana and Berat ⚫ Experience serene ambience as you ascend Dajti Mountain by cable car ⚫ Visit enchanting Ohrid, nestled on the shores of stunning Lake Ohrid ⚫ Wander the ruins of ancient Apollonia ⚫ Explore Heraclea, the most vividly preserved city from the ancient Macedonian empire ⚫ Meander through Kruja and its ancient Ottoman bazaar Unlock the beauty of the Balkans on a remarkable journey through the ancient history and dramatic landscapes of Albania and North Macedonia. Traverse stunning mountain scenery, idyllic beaches and glittering lakes dotted with dazzling classical and medieval architecture. Small Group Tour - 25 or less P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £569 Extend your tour Durrës beach stay, 3 nights, 5 H All-Inclusive from £289 Departures & from prices Sep 2023 £1,199 Oct 2024 £899 Oct 2023 £999 Apr 2025 £1,349 Apr 2024 £1,249 May 2025 £1,169 May 2024 £1,069 Jun 2025 £1,169 Jun 2024 £1,069 Sep 2025 £1,099 Sep 2024 £999 Oct 2025 £999 • Lead-in price based on 4 Oct 24 • Tipping paid locally £24 pp per tour No Single Supplement Rooms with no single supplement are available. Once sold, supplement starts from £219 Europe 134 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk