BALKAN PHOTO TOUR

Today we visit a new country – ALBANIAIn the heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is fast becoming one of the world’s most interesting getaways. Still relatively unspoiled by globalization, tourists will notice an inspiring mixture of civilizations and cultures – making this European country truly unique. Home of both Mother Theresa, Albania today offers not only beach and mountain holidays, a vibrant city life and a relaxing outdoor cafe culture, but also something increasingly rare in Europe these days, a glance into a culture that is all its own.

Berat forms a wonderful combination of eastern and western cultures, costumes and traditions. The architecture of the old houses, with large windows that overlook the town, is the first think that impresses the visitors.

First stop: the Citadel. It overlooks the river and the modern city as well as the old Christian quarter across the river. The citadel can be reached by a steep road and is still inhabited.
Inside the walls, you can visit ruined mosques and several medieval Orthodox churches, all intact and with restored frescoes and icons. Photo shooting the landscape from above the castle and the unique architecture of the city.

In the afternoon a special meeting with the locals in a family house to try their homemade meals, and photo shooting in traditional costumes.

APOLLONIA is one of the most well known archeological sites in the country and recently a
national archaeological park. Visit the Odeon, and the courtyard of the Monastery where
there is a Byzantine style church believed to have been built in the 14th century.

DURRES is the biggest seaport of the country, located in just 34 km from Tirana. Durres is
the most ancient city in Albania, with almost 3000 years of history. The city is home to many
ancient archeological sites and the Amphitheater of the Roman Emperor Adrian is the most
known, also the second biggest amphitheatre in the Balkans. Photo shooting stop in the
sandy beach area of Durres before transferring to the capital city, Tirana.

TIRANA – is the capital and the largest city of Albania and enjoys a beautiful setting between
the ranges of Dajti mountain from one side and the coastal plains on the other one.

Walking tour of Tirana ( 3 – 4 hours) including the main square, the bazaar, the old Tabake
Bridge, Ethem Beu Mosque, the clock tower, and a few panoramic spots to photo-shoot the
city from above.

KRUJA is notable from its stony streets and traditional buildings. The tour begins with
the visit in the Castle, the citadel of the National hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg. It
is build 548 m above sea level and gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. After
the visits it’s time to get closer to Albanian traditions and lifestyle, by visiting the
bazaar. It is a one street of shops, with wooden buildings and a mixture of cafés and
small souvenir and antique shops.

Photo shooting local artisans working on the handmade souvenirs.

SHKODER is one of the oldest and most historic places in Albania, as well as an
important cultural and economic centre. Shkodra is also the centre of Albanian
Catholicism as well as a fine example of tolerance between religions, with the city
comprising all the major faiths found in Albania. Photo shooting the religious sites,
the castle Rozafa, and the panoramic view from the castle top.

This morning we take the ferry to Lake Koman, leading to Valbona Valley

A boat trip on Lake Koman is often described as one of the greatest boat rides of the world, passing through magnificent and rugged fjord-like mountain scenery.

The boat trip passes between 1000m-1500m high mountains and through a series of deep gorgeous and interconnected lakes, with hardly any signs of human activities on the shores – though occasionally the ferry will stop to let off some hardy peasants, who proceed to climb up the steep hills to their hidden villages.

The wild landscape is somewhat reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords and is a dramatic highlight of any trip in Albania. Arriving in Valbona Valley you will enjoy stunning nature, fresh air, high and characteristic mountain peaks, lakes, numerous water resources, forests, mountains, flora and fauna, which all provide conditions for true eco tourism experiences. Agricultural and livestock products or the Valbona Valley National Park and area are completely natural, and entirely organic. Food is generally fresh and homemade.

Photo shoot the landscape of the village, the waterfall area and in the evening meet with the locals in their traditional costumes, with a homemade dinner in a local house in the village.

Leaving the Valbona Valley, we enter Kosovo, in the 500 year old GJAKOVA, where we will enjoy the visit in the Old Bazaar, the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga” the old bazaar shopping area, Ethnographic Museum and the grain market with handicrafts.

Afterwards, we have the special opportunity to visit a Bektashi “Tekke” and hear stories of the spiritual leader of the Tekke. (The Bektashibranch of Shiite Islam.)

After lunch we reach our next destination, Decan. It is a small town located in the Deçan Gorge and visit the Deçan Monastery and alongside the River Lumbardhi.

In Decan we will visit the Monastery, built between 1327 and 1335 by the Serbian King St. Stephen. It still preserves the beautiful 14thcentury frescoes. Today the tradition continues. 30 monks live in the monastery. In the afternoon we drive to Peja where spend the overnight

After breakfast a long drive through magnificent natural beauty of the North West Kosovo and Montenegro takes us to Kolašin which is Montenegro’s most famous ski resort.

Photo shooting in the national park and the lake Biograd!

After breakfast drive to visit the Old City of Kotor a well preserved urbanization typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor an UNESCO listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site”.

Lovcen park, one of the most popular national parks of Montenegro. It lies between Kotor, Cetinje and Budva. The route via the serpentine road up from Kotor is one of the most scenic in the country and will give you stunning views of the Bay of Kotor all the way. It does have 25 hairpin turns! Lovcen is best known for housing the mausoleum of Montenegro’s favourite son, the poet, bishop and leader Petar Petrovic Njegos. You can visit the mausoleum via a long staircase of 461 steps and you’ll also be rewarded here with 360 degree views of
the surrounding mountains for your efforts.

Drive further to Njegusi Village.Njegusi is famous for being the birthplace of Njegos, but it’s also famous for its proscuitto ham and smoked cheeses. As you drive through the town you’ll see signs and stalls offering tastings and sales of ham, cheese, honey and rakija – the local brandy.

Further continue to the old town of Cetinje, Cetinje is a town of immense historical heritage, founded in the 15th century. It became the centre of Montenegrin life and both a cradle of Montenegrin and an Eastern Orthodox religious centre. It is because of its heritage as a long term Montenegrin capital that it is today the honorary capital of Montenegro.

*Overnight in Budva if return will be from Podgorica Airport