Start off the trip by exploring the lively capital of Albania. Visit the Skanderbeg Square which boasts a statue of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, and take a tour of the National History Museum of Albania for insights on Albania's rich history and culture.
Head south to the town of Ohrid and spend the day by the picturesque Lake Ohrid. Go on a boat tour, stroll through the Old Town, and visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo which offers breathtaking views of the lake.
Travel to the city of Bitola, known for its Ottoman architecture and lively bazaar. Explore the Baba-Sheikh Ali Tekke Mosque, the Heraclea Lyncestis Archaeological Site, and the bustling Bitola Bazaar.
Make your way to the charming city of Sibiu in Transylvania. Take a walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the medieval architecture. Don't miss the Brukenthal National Museum which houses an impressive collection of European art.
Travel to the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula. Visit the stunning Sighisoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the historic streets and landmarks such as the Clock Tower Museum.
Head to the charming mountain town of Brasov and spend the day exploring. Visit the imposing Black Church, the Citadel of Brasov, and take a hike up Tampa Mountain for panoramic views over the town.
Travel to Romania's capital and explore the rich history and culture. Visit the iconic Palace of the Parliament, the Victory Square, and the Old City for a taste of traditional Romanian cuisine.
Take a day trip to the historic city of Prizren in Kosovo. Visit the Prizren Fortress, the Sinamet Mosque, and stroll through the scenic Old Bazaar.
Return to Albania's capital for a final day of exploring. Visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid of Tirana, and stroll along the Lana River to soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
For this itinerary, it is recommended to rent a car to efficiently travel between destinations. The estimated cost for renting a car for 9 days is $350. Keep in mind that this estimate does not include gas costs, parking fees, or tolls. Total estimated travel time for this itinerary is approximately 32 hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting some of Romania's other stunning cities such as Cluj-Napoca or Timisoara. If you have less time, consider skipping Prizren and spending an extra day in either Tirana or Bucharest.
The main airport in Albania is Tirana International Airport (TIA) which is located approximately 18 minutes from Tirana city center. In Macedonia, the closest international airport is Skopje International Airport (SKP) which is located approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Lake Ohrid. In Romania, Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest is the main airport, located approximately 25 minutes from the city center.