On these 2 days, you will learn about the history and culture of two different countries, although neighbors at the same time with many differences. We will see how lake Ohrid, listed as Unesco World Heritage due to the fact of being one of the oldest lakes in Europe with a lot of species going extinct, is divided between Pogradec and Ohrid. The day will go fast visiting Pogradec, Monastery of Saint Naum, Ohrid, and returning to Korca. Korca day is full of visits and plenty to learn about this small, nice town, considered to be the capital of culture and town of serenades.
Pick up and drop off all travelers at their hotel
8:00 am at the pick up place
English, Italian and Greek
These 2 days are a sightseeing and learning process for Albania and North-Macedonia, two neighborhood countries but at the same time so different. Ohrid is a small jewel on the banks of Ohrid lake, the oldest lake in Europe, UNESCO world heritage list. Korca, known as the little Paris, or the town of culture in Albania will give us an idea about its lifestyle, culture, architecture, and culinary.
This tour is an easy walk and drive, with many visits to natural and historical sites, making it suitable for everyone. The weather most of the time is very nice and comfortable, only during July and August you should bring your hat, sunscreen, and water. A certified tour guide will be with you all the time.
Our day will start early in the morning and will head south of Tirana, towards Pogradec, where we will make the first stop. Drilon is a nice area with water streams going to the Ohrid Lake and creating a beautiful oasis with trees and water birds. Tushemisht is a small village, well known in Albania from a famous movie recorded there. Immediately after we will cross the borders with Macedonia, our first stop will be at the monastery of Saint Naum located on a rock overlooking the lake and next to the black Drini natural water springs park. Lake Ohrid is the oldest in Euro and the deepest in the Balkans; well-known for a special trout we call Koran.
We will visit the town of Ohrid, which is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Our visit will start from the upper part of the town and will include (not only) the Icons Gallery, the roman amphitheater, the Plaoshnik archaeological site, and more. After a scenic walk by the lake, we will end our visit to the old town of Ohrid at Sveti Sophia church.
Late afternoon we will drive back to Albania, Korca, and check-in at our hotel there. You will have the evening to explore this beautiful town on your own. Our tip is to not miss trying the local beer and their meatballs in one of the many beer gardens in town.
Overnight in Korca
Today we will discover the town of Korca, known for its culture and history or as the little Paris of Albania. We will visit the Medieval Art Museum, a wonderful display of Byzantine Icons from the 12th century.
Then we will walk in the center of Korca, visiting the pedestrian area, Orthodox Cathedral, and the Old Bazaar which is the heart of town nowadays. Trying a rakomelo (raki, traditional liquor with honey) is a must in Korca, which is known for strong drinks especially in winter due to cold weather.
Korca has the oldest factory for beer production in Albania. We will try some beer and the local meatballs, for which the town is famous.
Late afternoon we will head back to Tirana.
