Fr o m Th e Co l l e ct i o n DAYS 4 – 6 era. This afternoon, arrive in Durres. For centuries the largest Lake Ohrid & Sveti Naum, Macedonia port on the Adriatic, Durres now holds the title of Albania’s Albania, Macedonia & Beyond The ancient city of Ohrid, seated on the banks of magnificent second largest city. Most impressive are the ruins of a Roman A small-group and all-inclusive Escorted Journey with a renowned Travcoa Travel Director throughout Lake Ohrid, hides a cornucopia of delights in its twisting amphitheater in the center of town. Explore the site before cobbled streets and traditional architecture. The National visiting the archaeological museum to learn more about this Tirana Sveti Naum Lake Ohrid Apollonia Gjirokastra Museum beckons visitors with its exquisite displays of historically rich area. Butrint Meteora Thessaloniki Macedonian art and culture. Walk to the medieval church of Adriatik Hotel, Durres St. Sofia and marvel at its splendid architecture and well-preserved frescoes. Visit the Samuil Fortress situated on a hill in the DAY 8 center of Ohrid, which provides an ideal spot for a panoramic Berat & Apollonia view of the town, the lake, and the surrounding countryside. Depart Durres this morning, and drive to the ancient hilltop On Day 6, take a full-day excursion across Lake Ohrid by boat town of Berat, a marvel of ancient houses, winding stone to the monastic complex of Sveti Naum, one of the most famous paths and magnificent vistas. Stroll through Berat’s fortified sights in Macedonia. Your visit includes a guided tour of the castle, one of the few castles in Europe still with houses and spectacular Byzantine church along with its ancient frescoes, inhabitants residing within its walls. No visit to Albania is turreted towers, and spartan monastic quarters. complete without a trip to the ruins of Apollonia. Founded by Hotel Gorica, Ohrid the Greeks in the 6th century B.C., it developed into a cultural center for literature and music until it fell into decline some 700 years later. Still only partially excavated, explore its ancient DAY 7 roads, the expansive library, and an orthodox monastery which Elbasan Castle & Durres was transformed into an archaeological museum. On your drive today from Ohrid to the Albanian Adriatic Hotel Vlora International, Vlora port town of Durres, stop to visit Elbasan Castle. Excavations suggest that the outer walls were first built in the 4th century DAYS 9 & 10 A.D., and today the castle stands as a monument to a bygone Saranda, Gjirokastra & Butrint Travel along the unspoiled coastline on your way to Saranda, A Priest in Macedonia the southernmost town on the Albanian coast at the Ionian Sea. Be delighted at the dramatic and rugged beauty of the Albanian Russanu Monastery, Meteora, Greece Riviera, with its steep backdrops to white sandy beaches. Set on the Adriatic, Saranda looks across the sparkling waters to the jewel-isle of Corfu. Go where few have gone before on your exploration several of the city’s major monuments, including the grand of these hospitable countries. Visit the cliffside monastery of Ethem Bey Mosque and its colossal clock tower, an emblem Explore Butrint, marveling at the layers of civilizations — Kalishta and the Byzantine cathedral of Sveti Naum, perched of the city. Enjoy dinner at a Tirana restaurant while being Greek, Roman, Venetian and others, brought to light by the high above Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid. Stroll the streets of entertained with a folkloric show. excavations. Visit the Roman amphitheater, the well-preserved Albanian Gjirokastra — a jewel of Ottoman architecture — Sheraton Tirana, Tirana Byzantine basilica, the ruins of a 2nd-century nymphaeum, and travel even further back in time as you explore the ruins and the famous Lion’s Gate. of prehistoric Butrint. Then cross the border into ancient Greece Hotel Butrinti, Saranda to visit Meteora’s majestic hilltop monasteries. Along the way, marvel at the striking landscapes, learn about local culture Even better with Experienced DAYS 11 & 12 from expert guides and immerse yourself in the history of these Travcoa TRAVEL Directors Gjirokastra, Albania & Ioannina, Greece little-visited lands. ➣ “This journey embraces a region with stunning scenery Perched on a cliff above the rushing clear waters of the Drino along the Adriatic that is not seen by most travelers. We River, Gjirokastra is famous for its uniquely well-preserved DAYS 1 – 3 see an amazing concentration of history in monasteries, Ottoman architecture. The original settlements, dating back to Tirana, Albania castles and forts along the route.” the first century B.C., developed into a fortress — the imposing Arrive in Tirana on Day 2. You will be met at the airport and Gjirokastra Castle. Explore the castle to learn about the history ➣ “Our small group of only 18 guests is the only way transferred to your deluxe hotel. Enjoy cocktails and a welcome one can fully appreciate the small villages and charming of this region and its people. dinner of regional specialties with your Travcoa Travel Director restaurants. We’re also able to arrange some very special Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Ioannina’s old town, and fellow travelers. events, such as visits with local artists, which always turn before taking a boat out to the island in the middle of sparkling On Day 3, begin your exploration of Albania by touring Kruja, out to be highlights for guests.” Pamvotis Lake. On this picturesque island, visit several churches the birthplace of Albania’s national hero and the capital city and see how the less than 100 permanent inhabitants go about of Tirana. Drive to the mountainside town of Kruja to visit Among the Travel Directors their daily lives. Lunch is served in a restaurant specializing in * its immense castle. Take a guided tour of the fortress with its escorting this journey are: local delicacies. Later, drive on to visit the Dodoni archeological magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Stroll Yvonne Buheiry (pictured) site. The oracle at Dodoni was the oldest in ancient Greece and through the old bazaar where local craftspeople in wooden and Harry Davis travelers would come from all over the world to ask questions shops sell traditional handicrafts. After dining on local about their fate to the priests who lived there. *Travel Director’s schedules specialties at a restaurant in Kruja, drive back to Tirana. Visit subject to change. Grand Serai Hotel, Ioannina

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for more travel more for START: 16 DAYS, all-inclusive adventure limited to just18guests restrictions mayapply. Pleaseseeourwebsitefor termsandconditions. airfareIntra-tour airpricingis subject tochange.International isadditional. Other Package priceisperperson, basedondoubleoccupancy. Singlesupplement applies. Your Includes Journey Call oninternational airfare for pricing Sep 30 Sep 16 Jun 24 Jun 10 Date Dates2011 Start itinerary including all entrance fees. entrance all including itinerary per excursions and sightseeing all program, Dine-Around including meals air, of all exception the with transportation all transfers, all Travel Director, Travcoa arenowned of services charges, service and taxes hotel including thesunsetover• Watch Seawith theAdriatic to Sveti Naum,oneofthemost • Cruise theoracle at Dodoni,theoldest • Consult aprivate folk dance performance• Enjoy remote Kruja, withitsimposingfortress• Visit to thesky at themountain • Ascend oneofthefew to explore theancient• Be HIGHLIGHTS JOURNEY Albania &Macedonia while enjoying refreshments at Lekursi Castle magnificent views oftheBay ofSaranda famous sights inMacedonia of theancient world in Tirana and bustlingbazaar ofMeteoramonasteries Roman ruinsat Albania’s Butrint From Hometown Durres Stronger Save dollar! $1,000off 2010price! Tirana, Albania Vlora – Oct 15 – Oct 01 – Oct – Jul09 – Jun25

Saranda SERBIA SERBIA offers or email us at at us email or offers Elbasan ALBANIA ALBANIA Butrint Gjirokastra Gjirokastra $6,995 $6,995 $6,995 $6,995 Price Berat Tirana END:

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