Echoes of the Spirit: 9-Day Religious & Cultural Heritage Tour | Albania & North Macedonia

We drive to Krujë, where national history meets spirituality at the Teqe of Sari Saltik, perched high on a mountain cliff. After exploring the legendary Krujë Castle, we head north to Shkodër, a city where church bells and the call to prayer have harmonized for centuries. We visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Lead Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. 

Overnight: Shkodër

Heading south, we stop at the St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Laç, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country. We continue to the 12th-century Holy Savior Church in Rubik, standing proudly on a rocky outcrop. The day ends in Berat (UNESCO), where the “thousand windows” of the Mangalem quarter begin to glow at twilight.

 Overnight: Berat

The morning starts inside the fortress of Berat at the Onufri Museum, home to the world-famous “Onufri Red” icons. Our journey continues to the Ardenica Monastery, where Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg was married, and the ancient ruins of Apollonia. We conclude the day in the seaside city of Vlorë, visiting the historic Muradie Mosque.

 Overnight: Vlorë

We ascend the spectacular Llogara Pass, descending into the Riviera to visit the ancient churches of Dhërmi. We explore the Monastery of St. Nicholas and the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos before arriving in the “City of Stone,” Gjirokastër (UNESCO). 

Overnight: Gjirokastër

After exploring the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, we drive to Përmet to visit the St. Mary Church of Leusë, famous for its intricate wood-carved iconostasis. We then climb to the remote village of Voskopojë, once a major 18th-century cultural center, to visit the magnificent St. Nicholas Church with its rare frescoes.

 Overnight: Voskopojë

In Korçë, we visit the Mirahori Mosque and the grand Orthodox Cathedral before crossing into North Macedonia. We explore the spiritual “Jerusalem of the Balkans,” Ohrid, visiting the iconic St. John at Kaneo overlooking the lake, St. Sophia, and the majestic Monastery of Saint Naum. We return to the lakeside village of Tushemisht for the evening.

 Overnight: Tushemisht

We follow the ancient Via Egnatia route, stopping at Elbasan Castle to see the unique coexistence of a mosque and church within its walls. We return to Tirana for a final celebratory farewell dinner, reflecting on the sacred sites and cultural bridges crossed during the week. 

Overnight: Tirana

A final Albanian coffee and a private transfer to Tirana International Airport.