Rome to Athens or Corfu: Mediterranean Marvels in 10 Days

We kick off our journey in the ancient city of Rome, where our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel. We then drive towards Naples, a city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Here, we explore the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the stunning Galleria Umberto I, and the historic Quartieri Spagnoli. After a taste of Naples' famous cuisine, we embark on a scenic drive to the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, a breathtaking coastline adorned with cliffside villages and turquoise waters. We end the day near Salerno, where we'll spend the night.

Day two takes us to the Basilicata region, where we explore the ancient cave houses of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then head to Alberobello, a fairytale town known for its unique trulli houses. After a stroll through the Rione Monti quarter, we journey to Bari, a city famed for its historic Old Town and delicious cuisine. In the evening, we board a ferry to Durres, Albania, marking the start of our Albanian adventure. Depending on availability, we may also fly to Tirana, where we'll spend the night.

Our Albanian adventure begins in the ancient town of Durres, where we explore the largest Roman-style amphitheater in the region. We then stroll along the Vollga promenade, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful seaside views. Don't forget to try the traditional ice cream! In the afternoon, we drive to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, where we'll spend the night.

Day four is dedicated to exploring Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania. We start the day with a traditional Byrek breakfast, followed by a visit to the Çam Bazaar. We then explore the city's vibrant street markets, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. After a traditional lunch at the New Bazaar, we visit BUNKART, a unique museum housed in a former nuclear bunker. Here, we learn about the history of the Albanian communist army and the daily lives of Albanians during the regime. We end the day with a taste of traditional Albanian coffee, before retiring for the night in Tirana.

On day five, we depart for North Macedonia, stopping first in Struga for a quick drink by the beautiful Drini River. We then continue to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Here, we explore the city's rich history, visiting the Church of St. John, the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque, and the city's charming old town. We end the day in Ohrid, where we'll spend the night.

Day six begins with a visit to the Monastery of St. Naum, located at the source of the River Crni Drim. We then cross the border into Albania, stopping in Tushemisht, a hidden gem known for its natural beauty and warm hospitality. We also visit the Drilon National Park, a tranquil oasis of greenery and crystal-clear springs. Our final destination for the day is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, where we'll spend the night.

On day seven, we explore Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture and ancient castle. We stroll through the narrow stone streets, admiring the medieval houses and visiting the Gorica Neighbourhood. In the afternoon, we drive to Gjirokaster, also known as the 'Stone City'. Here, we'll spend the night.

Day eight is dedicated to exploring Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval town. We visit the city's castle, stroll through the medieval bazar, and admire the unique architecture of the stone houses. We also visit one of the best-preserved houses in Gjirokaster, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history. We spend another night in this charming city.

On day nine, we cross the border into Greece, stopping first in Ioannina. Here, we explore the city's rich history, visiting the imposing Ioannina Castle and wandering through the cobbled streets of the old town. We then drive to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering monasteries perched atop rock formations. We end the day with a stunning sunset over Meteora, before retiring for the night in Kalabaka.

On the final day of our tour, we bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of the Balkans. Your tour leader will drop you off at your hotel in Athens or at the Igoumenitsa Port, where you'll take a ferry to Corfu. As you reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past ten days, we hope you leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich history, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes of the Balkans.