5-Day Western Balkans Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ariston Bakery

Enjoy traditional Greek pastries and strong coffee at this iconic Thessaloniki bakery, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the White Tower

Explore Thessaloniki’s most famous monument, offering panoramic views of the city and waterfront.
EUR2, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk along the Thessaloniki Waterfront

Stroll the vibrant promenade lined with cafes, sculptures, and sea views, perfect for a relaxed morning.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ergon Agora

Taste local Greek cuisine with fresh ingredients in a modern setting; open from noon.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Discover ancient Macedonian artifacts and history; museum open until 8:00pm on Sundays.
EUR8, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Molyvos

Dine on exquisite seafood and Cretan specialties in a sophisticated atmosphere; open until 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Skopje

Skopje, North Macedonia on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Debar Maalo Café

Start your day in the hip Debar Maalo district with traditional Macedonian coffee and pastries, open from 7:00am.
MKD300, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Thessaloniki to Skopje

Travel approximately 3 hours to the vibrant capital of North Macedonia.
EUR30 (bus or rental car), 3h0m

12:00pm

Explore Old Bazaar

Wander the largest bazaar in the Balkans, experiencing Ottoman architecture, shops, and local crafts.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Kaj Serdarot

Enjoy traditional Macedonian dishes with a modern twist in bustling Old Bazaar; open until 10:00pm.
MKD700, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Macedonia Square and Stone Bridge

See the iconic central square with statues and the historic Stone Bridge connecting old and new parts of town.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Visit Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

Learn about Macedonia’s fight for independence and identity; open until 6:00pm (check exact closing).
MKD150, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Destan

Taste famous Macedonian kebabs and local cuisine; restaurant open late till midnight.
MKD900, 1h30m
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Day 3: Discover Pristina

Pristina, Kosovo on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dit' e Nat'

Local favorite café serving strong coffee and pastries; opens at 7:00am.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Skopje to Pristina

Approximately 2.5-hour drive crossing into Kosovo, enjoying scenic landscapes.
EUR25, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Newborn Monument and Mother Teresa Square

Iconic modern symbols of Kosovo’s independence and culture, great for photos and a brief walk.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Liburnia Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Albanian and Kosovo cuisine in a comfortable setting; open from noon.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Ethnographic Museum (Emin Gjiku Complex)

Learn about Kosovo’s cultural heritage in a beautiful traditional house, open till 5:00pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Germia Park

Enjoy a peaceful natural park perfect for walking or relaxing before departure.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Çka Ka Qëllu

Experience excellent Kosovo dishes with a modern presentation, open until 10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Explore Tirana

Tirana, Albania on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mon Cheri

Famous for great coffee and desserts, this bakery opens at 7:00am.
EUR7, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Pristina to Tirana

A 3-hour scenic drive crossing into Albania’s vibrant capital city.
EUR30, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Central square featuring museums, a statue of the national hero, and vibrant city life.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Era Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Albanian dishes in a traditional setting; opens from noon.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit National History Museum

Explore Albania’s rich history with detailed exhibits and mosaics; open until 7:00pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Blloku District

Trendy area once reserved for communist leaders, now filled with cafes and boutiques.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Upscale dining with international and Albanian fusion cuisine, open until 10:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lake Ohrid Visit

Ohrid, North Macedonia on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Bela Rada

Enjoy breakfast with views of Lake Ohrid; hotel breakfast opens early.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Tirana to Ohrid

Approximately a 3-hour drive returning into North Macedonia, heading to the UNESCO town by the lake.
EUR30, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Church of St. John at Kaneo

Iconic lakeside church known for stunning views and beautiful architecture.
EUR2, 1h0m

12:30pm

Walk Ohrid Old Town

Explore charming cobbled streets, traditional houses, and local shops.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kaneo Restaurant

Try fresh fish from Lake Ohrid with beautiful lake views; open from 11:00am.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat tour on Lake Ohrid

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the lake to see nature and historic sites; tours available till late afternoon.
EUR15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Ancient Theatre of Ohrid

Ruins of a Roman amphitheater still used for cultural events; open until dusk.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Belvedere Restaurant

End your trip with delicious Macedonian cuisine and stunning lake sunset views.
EUR25, 1h30m
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