Balkans Tour – 4 Countries in 4 Days – History in a Hurry

Author at Church of Saint John the Theologian, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

Unlike the United States, where I can drive for days, and the language and culture don’t change much, the Balkans is a complicated, wonderful goulash of small countries close together, where you can easily find multiple countries with minimal effort.

I was recently near the region and wanted to maximize the number of new countries I could see in a short period of time. I found a 4-day tour on TourRadar called Balkan Jewels: Intensive Tour of Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo & North Macedonia. You can book this as a small group tour or individually, as I did to explore these four countries with just you and a guide.

This tour covered four countries, three currencies, two languages (or four, depending on how you count), numerous historic sites, and three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Table of contents: (Hide)

• Day 0: Tirana, Albania
• Day 1: Albania to Montenegro and Back
  • Budva, Montenegro
  • Kotor, Montenegro
• Day 2: Albania to Kosovo
  • Shkodër, Albania
  • Prizren, Kosovo
• Day 3: Kosovo to North Macedonia
  • Pristina, Kosovo
  • Skopje, North Macedonia
• Day 4: North Macedonia to Albania
  • Ohrid, North Macedonia
  • Berat, Albania
• Essential Travel Tips
• The Balkan Experience

Day 0: Tirana, Albania

The tour starts and ends in Tirana, Albania, but doesn’t spend any time seeing the city. If you want to visit Tirana, you will need to plan additional time to see it before or after the tour. One thing to be aware of is that I found the traffic in Tirana to be challenging. It took my Uber quite a while to get to my downtown hotel from the airport. The distance is about 10 miles, but the ride can take the better part of an hour.

Albania

I stayed downtown in the lovely Mondial Hotel.

Day 1: Albania to Montenegro and Back

The tour began in Tirana and headed north into Montenegro, renowned for its dramatic Adriatic coastline and well-preserved medieval towns.

Our first stop was a viewpoint overlooking Sveti Stefan, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Historically a fishing village, Sveti Stefan has transformed into an exclusive resort, but its terracotta-roofed villas remain an iconic sight. If you want to see more of the island, you will need to book a room.

Church of the Holy Trinity – Budva, Montenegro

Budva, Montenegro

Our second stop was Budva’s old town (Stari Grad), which is outlined by stone walls and perched beside the Adriatic Sea. The Old Town is a compact labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and small squares.

Budva is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, with a history dating back more than 2,500 years. The Old Town reflects influences from Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian rulers. Though much of the Old Town was damaged during the 1979 earthquake, extensive restoration has preserved its medieval character.

Montenegro

Key sites within the Old Town include:

• • • Church of the Holy Trinity: This Orthodox church was built in 1797 when control of this area passed from Venice to Austria-Hungary.
    • St. Ivan’s Church: This 7th-century church is one of Budva’s oldest religious sites. Its bell tower is a recognizable part of the town’s skyline.
    • Santa Maria in Punta: A small but significant church dating back to 840 AD, it is now used for cultural events and exhibitions.
    • Citadel: At the edge of the Old Town, the Citadel offers panoramic views of the Adriatic and the town’s red-tiled rooftops. Once a fortress, it now houses a museum and a small library.

Kotor, Montenegro

From Budva, we traveled to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located within a fjord-like bay. The labyrinthine Old Town reflects Kotor’s medieval history. A walk on the city walls offers views of the bay and the city. 

Kotor is far from undiscovered. The rest of this itinerary is stunningly inexpensive, but Montenegro is less so. When I visited in November, it still had crowds, but the crowds are much larger in summer.

My wonderful tour guide Ilir

The heart of Kotor is its Old Town, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and charming squares surrounded by fortified walls. The Old Town dates back to Roman times but showcases architectural influences from the Venetians, Ottomans, and Austrians. Must-see sites include:

• St. Tryphon’s Cathedral: A stunning 12th-century Romanesque church with intricate frescoes and relics.
• Sea Gate: The main entrance to the city, bearing the marks of Kotor’s Venetian history.
• Clock Tower: A 17th-century icon in the main square.

One of Kotor’s highlights is the hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress. The trail is a steep climb of over 1,300 steps, but the panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the Old Town are worth the effort… I am told. For the best experience, aim to visit during sunrise or sunset when the light is magical and the crowds are fewer. If you don’t have time to visit the fortress, I would suggest at least hiking up to the ticket booth, where you would pay the entrance fee. From there, you can get views of the city and the bay like the one below.

Often compared to a fjord, the Bay of Kotor is a series of dramatic, interconnected waterways framed by mountains. This tour doesn’t have enough time in Kotor to do some of the typical activities like taking a boat ride or a gondola up to the top of a nearby mountain, but it is a good sampler of the place.

Cevapi

Montenegrin cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. In Kotor, you can savor:

• • • Seafood: Freshly caught squid, mussels, and fish are staples.
    • Njeguški pršut: A local cured ham with a glass of Montenegrin wine.
    • Cevapi: Grilled and seasoned minced meat sausages often served with flatbread or potatoes.

After touring Kotor, we crossed back into Albania and spent the night in Shkodër, which is located near the shores of Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans. We stayed that night in the Hotel TREVA.

Day 2: Albania to Kosovo

Shkodër, Albania

Shkodër is known for its Venetian-style architecture, vibrant markets, and handmade masks. The masks for Venice’s carnival are made here.

Shkodër has seen Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences.

Monument to Martyrs in front of St. Stephen`s Cathedral

Shkodër’s population reflects Albania’s religious diversity, with both Catholic and Muslim communities coexisting peacefully. But faith of any kind was repressed during the communist regime, which ruled from 1946-1991.

Known as a stronghold of faith, Shkodër was home to many religious leaders and laypeople who resisted the regime’s efforts to suppress religion. Numerous Catholics, including clergy and nuns, were persecuted, imprisoned, or executed for their beliefs. In front of St. Stephen`s Catholic Cathedral and inside to the right of the altar are memorials to 38 who were martyred, including at least one Orthodox priest.

The highlight was Rozafa Castle, a hilltop fortress offering stunning views of the lake and rivers below. 

The legend of Rozafa Castle tells of three brothers who struggled to build a fortress whose walls mysteriously crumbled each night. Seeking advice from a “wise” old man, they were told that the walls would only stand if they made a great sacrifice: burying one of their wives alive within the foundation. The brothers agreed but secretly warned their wives to avoid the construction site, except for the youngest brother, who kept his word. The next day, his wife, Rozafa, arrived with food and learned of her fate.

Rozafa accepted the sacrifice for the greater good but made one heartfelt request: to be entombed in a way that allowed her to care for her infant son. She asked for her right arm, breast, eye, and foot to remain exposed to cradle, nurse, watch over, and rock her child to sleep. Honoring her wishes, the brothers buried her within the walls, and the castle stood firm ever since.

Prizren, Kosovo

After touring the castle, we drove to Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural capital. Like every drive on this trip, the drive was through the mountains. The Balkans have beautiful rugged mountains everywhere, which helps explain the linguistic and cultural differences within such a short distance. 

Kosovo

While Kosovo only dates back to 2008, the region’s history is ancient. Nestled at the base of the Sharr Mountains, Prizren is a living museum of the Balkans’ layered history with Ottoman-era mosques, Byzantine churches, and lively bazaars. We had lunch at a Turkish restaurant. A lunch of kofte and tea at a sit-down restaurant in Prizren was about $4.50.

After lunch, we explored the old city and climbed to the top of the hill and the fortress. This tour will get you a good workout because the fortresses are always at the top of the hill. In November, the sun starts to set at about 4 pm, so while the crowds are small, the days are shorter. 

We stayed that night at the Prior Hotel, which offered a great breakfast in the morning.

Day 3: Kosovo to North Macedonia

In the morning, before leaving Prizren, we visited the Clock Tower and the Archaeological Museum, which is housed in an old hammam. The museum has a great collection of artifacts from prehistoric and Roman times. It also has an old clock tower that you can climb to get views of the city.

Pristina, Kosovo

We drove from Pizren to Pristina. Pristina is Kosovo’s capital and a much newer and larger city. We drove into the city on Bill Clinton Blvd. Kosovo residents fondly remember Bill Clinton for coming to their aid in their war for independence from Serbia.

Our first stop was at the new Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, a neo-Renaissance Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Its construction began in 2007, with the cathedral inaugurated in 2010 and consecrated in 2017. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prizren-Pristina. While its construction sparked controversy due to Kosovo’s small Catholic population, the cathedral has become a significant cultural and religious landmark, hosting major events like Christmas masses attended by diverse communities, symbolizing unity, and honoring Mother Teresa’s humanitarian legacy.

National Library of Kosovo

The cathedral has one complete bell tower and a second that was under construction when I visited in November 2024. You can take an elevator to the top of the bell tower for great views of the city, including the very unique National Library of Kosovo, which I once described as “if a chicken coop went condo.”

 We visited the instagramable Newborn Monument, which symbolizes Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008.

We strolled along Sheshi Nënë Tereza, a boulevard lined with cafes and monuments, such as the Skanderbeg Statue, honoring Albania’s national hero.

Skanderbeg, born Gjergj Kastrioti (1405–1468), was an Albanian nobleman and military commander renowned for leading a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Originally a hostage in the Ottoman court, where he converted to Islam and served as an Ottoman general, Skanderbeg later returned to Christianity and declared independence for Albania in 1443, becoming a symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule. He successfully defended Albanian territories for over two decades, uniting disparate tribes and leveraging European alliances. Skanderbeg’s legacy as a national hero endures, with his double-headed eagle emblem featured on the Albanian flag and his leadership celebrated as a cornerstone of Albanian identity and resistance.

Skopje, North Macedonia

After lunch in Pristina, we traveled to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Skopje was my favorite city on this tour.

The only thing I don’t like about North Macedonia is that every time I write about it, I’m told I have the name wrong. People from North Macedonia will tell me the country’s name is Macedonia, but if I write that, people from Greece will tell me it is not. In June 2018, the country agreed with Greece to change the official name from “Macedonia” to “Republic of North Macedonia,” but that has not settled the issue.

North Macedonia

Statue of Alexander the Great

Skopje is a city of statues, with large statues including Alexander the Great, Skanderbeg, and Saints Cyril and Methodius, who brought Christianity to the Slavs.

We visited the Memorial House of Mother Teresa in Skopje. Opened in 2009, the museum is built on the site of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, where Mother Teresa was baptized. The building’s design blends contemporary architecture with traditional elements, featuring a small chapel, exhibition spaces, and artifacts from her life, including photographs, letters, and personal belongings. Some found it ironic when 2 milion euros was spent creating a monument for a woman who lived a life of poverty.

Memorial House of Mother Teresa Chapel

One of the things I loved about Skopje was how it embraces the Vardar River, which flows through its center with a series of beautiful bridges, riverside walks, and even bars that look like boats.

Skopje’s wonderful Old Bazaar area reminded me of the old town of Sarajevo, Bosnia, and other Ottoman-influenced cities. It is an easy area to get lost in conversation over a glass of tea or literally get lost in its twisty streets.

Lastly, we climbed the hill to the nearly mandatory fortress overlooking the city for some beautiful sunset views of the city.

In the evening, we drove further south through the mountains to the beautiful city of Ohrid on Lake Ohrid. 

Day 4: North Macedonia to Albania

Ohrid, North Macedonia

Ohrid, North Macedonia’s UNESCO World Heritage jewel,  is situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The city is sometimes called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for its many Orthodox churches, including the iconic St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff above the lake. Ohrid’s cobblestone streets, historic amphitheater, and hilltop fortress offer a glimpse into its Byzantine and Ottoman past.

We started by visiting the hill above the modern city, where the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built in 200 B.C., is located. It was built in the days when the remnants of Alexander the Great’s empire ruled the area.

We continued up the hill to the fortress at the top, which offered views of the city and the lake.

The most photographed spot in Ohrid is the church of Saint John the Theologian, which is located an easy walk down the hill from the fortress overlooking Lake Ohrid.

From the church, you can walk along the edge of the water on a path back to the city center and the old town of Ohrid.

I think it is worth paying a few dollars to enter the Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid. The church has frescos from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries. Photography is not allowed inside the church.

From Ohrid, we got back in the car and drove back into Albania, some distance to the historic city of Berat, Albania’s “City of a Thousand Windows.” 

Berat, Albania

A UNESCO site, Berat’s unique architecture features Ottoman-era houses stacked on the hillsides, creating a striking visual effect. The Berat Castle, still inhabited, dates back to the 4th century BC. Within the castle walls are ancient churches and mosques, a testament to the city’s religious harmony.

Another day, another hilltop castle with views of the city. We started by exploring the castle.

There was a small museum in the castle with some beautiful examples of Orthodox iconography.

This day seemed the most rushed. With the long drive to Berat and the drive back to Tirana to end the tour, there was limited time to explore the city of Berat. 

I stayed that night at the mk Hotel Tirana by the airport, which made it easy for me to depart Albania the next day.

Essential Travel Tips

• Language: English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. 
• Electricity: Plug types C and F are standard (230V, 50Hz). Adapters may be needed for travelers from the U.S. or U.K.
• Weather: Conditions vary; spring and autumn are ideal for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. In November, when I visited, it was shirt-sleeve weather for me during the day, but getting significantly colder after the sun went down. One downside of my November visit was that Albania in particular was rather smokey as the local farmers were burning the stubble off of their fields.
• Food: Meals are often not included in the tour price. 

The Balkan Experience

This four-day tour offered a glimpse into the Balkans’ cultural richness and historical complexity, a wonderful introduction to the region. Obviously, you can’t see everything worth seeing in these areas at the pace of travel, but I loved the tour. I would highly recommend Balkan Jewels: Intensive Tour of Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo & N. Macedonia.