Skopje 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival at Tirana Airport

Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA).

Collect your luggage and proceed to pick up your rental car. Factor in time for customs and car rental paperwork.

Ensure all drivers have necessary international permits. Confirm car rental pick-up details in advance. Consider booking a larger vehicle for 5 people and luggage.

Hotel Check-in in Tirana

Drive to your pre-booked hotel in Tirana and check in.

Settle into your rooms and refresh.

Choose a hotel with parking options if you have a rental car.

Skanderbeg Square & Et'hem Bey Mosque

Begin your exploration at the heart of Tirana, Skanderbeg Square.

Admire the Skanderbeg Monument and visit the beautiful 18th-century Et'hem Bey Mosque, a symbol of religious tolerance.

Dress modestly if you plan to enter the mosque.

Pyramid of Tirana

Visit the unique Pyramid of Tirana, originally a museum for Enver Hoxha and now a redeveloped cultural and youth center.

Walk around and appreciate its brutalist architecture.

Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner at a local restaurant.

Try local specialties like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and qofte (meatballs).

Ask your hotel for recommendations or look for highly-rated local eateries.

Bunk'Art 2 Museum

Explore Bunk'Art 2, a former Cold War bunker turned museum, detailing the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the political persecution during the communist regime.

Provides a fascinating and sobering insight into Albania's communist past.

National Historical Museum

Visit Albania's largest museum, showcasing the country's history from ancient times to the present day.

The impressive mosaic on its facade is a landmark itself.

Check opening hours, as museums can sometimes close on Mondays or for specific holidays.

Lunch in Blloku District

Head to the vibrant Blloku district for lunch.

Once an exclusive area for communist officials, it's now full of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

The Cloud Pavilion (Reja)

Experience 'The Cloud' (Reja), a unique public art installation designed by Sou Fujimoto.

It's a great spot for photos and offers a different perspective on the city.

Evening & Dinner in Blloku

Enjoy the evening atmosphere in the Blloku area, known for its lively nightlife.

Have dinner and perhaps a drink at one of its many bars.

Offers a mix of casual and upscale dining options.

Drive to Berat

Embark on a scenic drive from Tirana to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Ottoman architecture and ancient castle.

The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

Explore Berat Castle

Discover Berat Castle, a magnificent fortress overlooking the Osum River.

Walk through its inhabited grounds, visit the Onufri Museum (inside a church within the castle), and enjoy panoramic views.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones. The Onufri Museum showcases icons painted by the master Onufri.

Lunch in Berat Old Town

Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant in Berat, savoring local Albanian cuisine.

Look for places offering views of the Osum River.

Mangalem & Gorica Quarters

Stroll through the picturesque Mangalem and Gorica quarters, famous for their Ottoman-era houses with many windows, giving Berat its nickname. Cross the Gorica Bridge for iconic views.

Return to Tirana

Drive back to Tirana after a day of historical exploration in Berat.

Relaxed Dinner in Tirana

Have a relaxed dinner in Tirana after your day trip, perhaps trying a different local spot.

Drive to Ohrid, North Macedonia

Today you'll embark on a picturesque road trip from Tirana, Albania, to Ohrid, North Macedonia.

The journey involves crossing a border, so ensure you have all necessary travel documents (passports, car insurance, green card for the rental car). The drive is approximately 3-4 hours.

Lunch in Ohrid

Upon arrival in Ohrid, find a local restaurant for lunch, perhaps trying some Macedonian specialties.

Ohrid trout is a famous local delicacy.

Hotel Check-in in Ohrid

Check into your accommodation in Ohrid.

Many hotels or guesthouses are located within or near the charming Old Town.

Consider a hotel with parking if driving. Many places in the Old Town are pedestrian-only, so check access.

Stroll through Ohrid Old Town & Lakeside

Take a leisurely walk through Ohrid's charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid.

Dinner with Lake Views

Indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many restaurants along the Ohrid waterfront, offering stunning views of the lake and sunset.

Book a table in advance if you want a prime spot with lake views.

Church of Saint Sophia

Visit the magnificent Church of Saint Sophia, one of Ohrid's most important monuments, known for its well-preserved medieval frescoes and stunning architecture.

It served as a cathedral for the Ohrid Archbishopric.

A key highlight of Ohrid's religious heritage.

Ohrid Ancient Theatre

Explore the well-preserved Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, dating back to the Hellenistic period.

Enjoy the views and imagine its past glory.

Lunch in Ohrid Old Town

Enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant in the Old Town, perhaps trying a different local dish or revisiting a favorite.

Church of St. John at Kaneo

Walk along the scenic paths to the iconic Church of St.

John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid. This is one of the most photographed sites in North Macedonia.

The views from here are spectacular, especially in the late afternoon. You can also reach it by boat.

Optional Lake Ohrid Boat Trip

Consider an optional boat trip on Lake Ohrid for a different perspective of the coastline and Old Town.

Many local boatmen offer short tours.

Prices are negotiable with local boat owners. Great for photos.

Farewell Dinner in Ohrid

Enjoy a final dinner in Ohrid, savoring the peaceful lakeside atmosphere before continuing your journey tomorrow.

Skopje Walking Tour

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Skopje with a guided walking tour.

Explore the historic Old Bazaar, the impressive 'Macedonia' Square, and visit the beautiful Mustafa Pasha Mosque.

Look for the Free Skopje Walking Tours or Skopje Walks, which are tip-based. Wear comfortable shoes.

Lunch in Old Bazaar

Enjoy traditional Macedonian lunch at one of the many charming restaurants within the Old Bazaar.

National Gallery of Macedonia

Immerse yourselves in Macedonian art and culture at the National Gallery, housed in the historic Daut Pasha Hammam.

Skopje Street Food Tour

Embark on a culinary adventure, sampling local snacks, midday grills, traditional spirits, and centuries-old dessert recipes with local guides.

Dinner in City Center

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant in Skopje's city center, discussing the day's discoveries.

Mount Vodno & Millennium Cross

Take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Vodno for breathtaking panoramic views of Skopje and a visit to the imposing Millennium Cross.

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the summit.

The cable car operates daily except Mondays and in strong winds. Check operating hours before visiting.

Lunch near Vodno

Grab a quick lunch at a local eatery near the base of Mount Vodno or return to the city center for more options.

Matka Canyon & Boat Ride

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Matka Canyon.

Opt for a leisurely boat ride on the Treska River, explore the hidden Vrelo Cave, or simply enjoy a relaxing walk along the canyon trails.

Vrelo Cave is one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe. Boat rides are usually available on demand.

Macedonian Wine & Dinner

Indulge in a unique combination of six local wine varieties expertly paired with avant-garde local dishes, offering a sophisticated taste of Macedonian gastronomy.

Kosovo Day Tour: Pristina & Prizren

Embark on a full-day tour from Skopje to experience Kosovo's rich cultural heritage.

Visit the vibrant capital Pristina and the charming historic city of Prizren, admiring its Ottoman-era architecture and riverside setting.

Ensure you have your passports and check any visa requirements for Kosovo based on your nationality.

Relaxed Dinner in Skopje

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Skopje after a long day of exploring, perhaps trying a different local cuisine.

Chateau Sopot Wine Tour

Visit one of Macedonia's most renowned wineries, Chateau Sopot near Veles, for a tour of their quality wine production and a delightful tasting session amidst breathtaking vineyard scenery.

Lunch Post-Winery

Enjoy lunch in Veles after your winery tour, or head back to Skopje for more dining options.

Shopping at Skopje City Mall

Enjoy some leisure time for shopping or simply relaxing at Skopje City Mall, the largest shopping center in the city.

Skopje Pub Crawl

Join a fun pub crawl to experience Skopje's vibrant nightlife.

The tour includes drinking games, visits to three bars with welcome drinks in each, and free entrance to a night bar.

St. Clement of Ohrid Cathedral

Visit the impressive modern Archbishop Cathedral 'St.

Clement of Ohrid', a significant landmark and one of the largest Orthodox churches in North Macedonia.

Last-Minute Souvenirs

Enjoy a final stroll through the city center or Old Bazaar for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxing coffee before your departure.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from your hotel and prepare for your airport transfer.

Airport Transfer to SKP

Private transfer service from your hotel to Skopje International Airport for your flight to Tirana.