Day 1. Arrival, Greece – Thessaloniki, the capital of the Northern Greece After arrival at Thessaloniki airport and check–in in a centrally located Hotel, a guided city tour by foot will follow.

The tour leader will accompany you to the promenade by the sea so you can dive into the fresh breeze and sea views and feel the sunny destination, and to recharge after the traveling to Greece. Walking to the White Tower will introduce the city layout to you and will promise hidden gems to be discovered next morning during the city tour. The welcoming feel of the city will be elevated as you can choose of many traditional tavern’s and modern cafes to enjoy your free time for lunch. In the evening, we'll come together for a warm welcome dinner in the bazaar part of the city, called Ladadika, at a local restaurant in setting the tone for the food experiences ahead. Overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 2, Greece– Thessaloniki, the capital of the Northern Greece and the Royal Tombs of the Alexander the Great family

After breakfast, once you are recharged by the southern sun, we will have guided city tour to discover its glory and rich history! The guide will take you on a walk through time as you will visit the Thessaloniki` s most famous landmarks: Aristotle Square, Church of Saint Demetrius, Rotunda (with entry), the Arc of Galerius, the spice corner of the old Thessaloniki and many more hidden corners…Once again you will have free time to enjoy the delicious and freshly prepared food for lunch. This day the tour ends in Kalambaka but not before we make a break at Archaeological Museum of Vergina, the Royal burial place of the family of Alexander the Great. The tombs are the actual burial sites whichare converted into dramatic earth-covered one of its kind museum. The museum has a dark, mystic atmosphere that surprises most visitors inviting them into the Alexander the Great era. Hundreds of items are displayed including beautiful gold creations,elaborate jewelry, colorful wall paintings, mosaics, hundreds of ancient items including a richly carvedburial bed and others, used by the imperial family of the Alexander`sfather, King Filip II. Real tombs are hidden within the Museum walls presenting a unique opportunity to see real and highly significant archeological items of the Royal Family of Alexander the Great. In late afternoon we arrive in Kalambaka, under the divine Meteora monasteries for diner and overnight.

Day 3 Greece: the pillars to the Divine, Meteora - Ioannina

After breakfast, we transfer for the most photogenic spiritual site in Greece. You will discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of this area, breathtaking and memorable. This Meteora half-day sightseeing tour will take the group back to the dark ages and the story ofthe first hermits and monks who laid the foundations of what later on became the monastic community of Meteora. It is an area of seemingly inaccessible sandstone peaks where medieval monks settled upon towering pinnacles from the 11th century onwards and in the 1400’s, twenty four monasteries were built atop a “columns in the sky.” A guided tour of Meteora will include the 700-year-old Holy Monastery of Great Meteora, the largest and oldest of all the monasteries and its remarkable frescoes from the 16th century. Inside the monastery, the group will also see the original sacristy and fascinating exhibits of ancient icons and centuries-old codices and manuscripts. F Driving to Ioannina for overnight.

Day 4, Ioannina, Greece - Gjirokastro, Albania an UNESCO fairy tale town

After breakfast, we will enter the heart of Ioannina and discover its rich history, extraordinary craftsmanship in silver and gold jewelry and its vibrant culture of fine dining. We will explore the historic city center with its charming old buildings, stroll through the picturesque streets of the castle and immerse ourselves in the legacy of Ali Pasha, the enigmatic ruler who shaped Ioannina’s past. By boat and a short sail we will visit the island of Ioannina, a fascinating place filled in colors and history as well many little shops of traditional Greek sweets and handmade souvenirs. From the iconic Its Kale Acropolis and the Aslan Pasha Mosque to the Museum of Silverwork, every corner tells a fascinating story. We end our city tour by the tranquil Molos area, where you can admire the peaceful view of Lake Pamvotis. Drive to Albania in Gjirokastro for diner and overnight stay.

Day 5. Gjirokastro – Tirana

After the breakfast, the group will head to Albania, and first city to welcome us is Gjirokastro, a city marked by its castle, roads paved with chunky limestone and shale, imposing slate-roofed houses and views out to the Drina Valley. There has been a settlement here for 2500 years, though these days it's the 600 'monumental' Ottoman-era houses in town that attract visitors. We will visit Zekate or Skenduli House, both which are built in 1800s, and said to be "ones of the grandest examples of Gjirokastro architecture in the Ottoman style" as well as the Castle. To truly enjoy Albanian flavors and colors we will visit the family owned winery of Cobo. They will proudly tell us their family story of how the vineyards and special sorts of grapes are planted and grown there for a century as well their wonderful wines conquering the world markets! We will enjoy wine tasting in Cobo cantina and relaxed walk thru the vineyards, stretch our legs and we drive to Tirana for an overnight stay.

Day 6. Тirana , the capital of Albania, a city of contrasts

After breakfast you will have full day to explore Tirana, the capital of Albania. Skanderbeg Square is the center of the city, surrounded by the National Museum and the Et'hem Bey Mosque. During the reign of Enver Hoxha, a Cultural Revolution raged in Albania at the end of the 1960s. Religious buildings in particular suffered greatly and were closed or even destroyed. Fortunately, the Et'hem Bey Mosque was spared. In Tirana you will find several relics from the time of Enver Hoxha, like the Bunker Art Museum witnessing the dark years under the communist regime. Afternoon will be free so you enjoy many cafes in the city center. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 7. Kruje, the town castle of Skanderbeg, the father of Albania

Krujë is one of the most important cities from the 15th century and was even the capital of the short-lived 13th century Albanian kingdom. The impressive castle of Krujë towers above the old village. The adjacent Skanderbeg Museum offers a good introduction to the father of the fatherland Albania, Skanderbeg (1405-1468). After having made a career in the Ottoman Empire, he rebelled against the Ottoman rulers and withstood three invasions in the castle of Krujë. We will visit the bazaar in the old village, one of the most engaging places of traditions of Albania. Amidst the narrow stone paved streets one can find typical Albanian souvenirs, such as carpets, copper and pottery. Free time for lunch. After visiting Krujë we will descend to the sea coast of the marine town Durres. Here you will see the remains of the Gate to the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road connecting west to the east. A stroll by the sea and joint diner to end the tour of the day. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 8: Ohrid, Macedonia: the city of UNESCO, the Jerusalem on the Balkans

After breakfast we will drive to the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” as is called, Ohrid – a destination to discover whole day long. The most rewarding city tour includes a glimpse at this open history and culture museum, a taste of the holiness present with more than 300 churches, fortresses, ancient sites, museums, and UNESCO-protected monuments of nature. We will start with Tzar Samoil Fortress, overlooking the city and the Lake, feeling like the conquerors from the glorious past of the Macedonians (with entry). Visit the charming monastery at Kaneo enjoying the breathtaking scenery (sightseeing only), the birthplace of the Slavic literacy at St. Clements University built in X century at Plaosnik (with entry). After the free time for lunch, the group will discover the secret making of Ohrid pearls, handmade by only two old Ohrid families, luckily for us they will share its passion and devotion in making this unique and one-of-the kind pearls out of the Ohrid fish skin in a half-hour presentation. The rest of the day is reserved for a real relaxed Ohrid experience. Strolling thru the narrow streets of this old town will take you to the colorful shops of the local craftsman … joint diner and overnight in Ohrid.

Day 9, Macedonia: Boat trip to Monastery of St. Naum, Ohrid, Macedonia

We`ll sail out of the city port of Ohrid to the rocky cliff where we will visit the monastery of St. Naum, a refuge of tranquility, a unique 9 th century complex that brings the Macedonian experience to a dramatic culmination (with entry). The monastic complex and church of St. Naum were built originally by the Saint with the same name; Macedonians believe you can still hear the saint’s heartbeat by pressing an ear to his stone coffin inside the church. Inscriptionsin the churchmake up some ofthe oldest epigraphic evidenceof Slavic literacy. Here, set amidst lush verdure where the Drim River springs tumble into the lake, surrounded by the breathtaking natural scenery, you will enjoy lunch, the famous Ohrid trout. On the way back, the group will see (from the boat) the prehistoric Museum Bay of Bones, a water settlement - one of its kind in entire Europe. In Ohrid, the group will have free afternoon for relaxing by the lake or souvenirs shopping. Overnight in Ohrid.

Day 10, Rural & Urban retreat, visiting the bohemian city of Bitola and the most popular village of Dihovo

This day we will explore both rural and urban Macedonia. Leaving Ohrid to Bitola our first stop is Mr. Jone Eftimovski`s home museum of folklore artifacts in the village of Podmocani. Inspired by his passion for the traditional Macedonian handmade clothes and crafts we`ll take a break, taste homemade liquor  and listen to his glorious story of Macedonia. Then we continue to Bitola for bohemian city tour, a city with the greatest history and tradition in Macedonia. We will start the exploring by visiting the ancient city of Heraclea built by the Father of Alexander the Great. Next is the famous walk on the Bitola`s promenade (Shirok Sokak), where we`ll stop under the balcony of the beloved Eleni Karinte, to hear the story of the great love between Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and Bitola`s beauty Eleni. We continue for lunch in the foothill of the National Park Pelister, in the yard of the Cvetkovski`s family Villa Dihovo (the most popular rural destination in the country). At their old style kitchen, a Macedonian chef “baba” has prepared “zelnik”, an old Macedonian recipe for layered pastry filled with seasonal vegetables along with other delicious traditional food. The colorful owner of the Villa will also prepare a homemade feastspiced with his family- made forest fruit wine and homemade rakija. As we will get used to Macedonian wine it is only natural that we continue towards the wine region in the heart of the country. Our day ends in Popova Kula Winery or Royal Winery of Mary – both renewed producers of Macedonian wines and places for a delightful food! Joint diner and overnight.

Day 11, Wine region, Macedonia

Today we will explore the perfect mix of history and wine in Macedonia’s Vardar Northeast (VNE) region! We’ll start at the ancient city of Stobi, walking among Roman ruins, stunning mosaics, and a grand amphitheater. Here, also a virtual tour of the ancient times awaits. Next, we’ll visit the Wine Museum in Demir Kapija to uncover the region’s winemaking heritage. Our journey ends at the most rewarded local winery, where we’ll taste premium Macedonian wines paired with traditional delicacies. Here we will be educated on the local types of grape and worldly recognized Macedonian wines, we will see the cellar and the winery production methods. A journey through time and taste— history, culture, and fine wine, all in one unforgettable experience! The day ends with a drive to the country capital Skopje. Once checked in we will still have time to stroll and stretch our legs in the city center and enjoy joint farewell dinner. Overnight in Skopje.

Day 12, Skopje - the Macedonian mix - Departure

After breakfast, a guided city tour of 2 hours will follow. The group will visit the Memorial House (house of birth) of Mother Theresa from Calcutta and Nobel awardee; the Stone Bridge, Medieval Fortress Kale, as well the buildings of the Skopje 2014 project, all resembling the great baroque style settled along the main capital Square Macedonia and justifying the title of our day as “Macedonian Mix” will also be a part of our walking Skopje tour with an excellent chance for an unforgettable photo. The tour will also include the Old city Bazaar for close exploration of the everyday life of different ethnics thru the narrow streets of Carshija. Here, among the history and tradition you will have free time for farewell lunch and enjoyable glass of beer! Just after lunch we will head on towards the Skopje International airport for late night departure.