Tour of North Macedonia and Kosovo from Tirana Day 1Tour of Ohrid and Ohrid Lake According to a UNESCO article, the town of Ohrid is one of the Oldest Human Settlements in Europe. Furthermore, it lies on the shores of Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world as well. In addition, it has been in centuries a crossway if different Cultures, traditions, and different invasions. Called as the “Jerusalem of the Balkan”, Ohrid played a huge role in the spread of Slavic Orthodoxy. It has had 365 Churches, one per each day of the year and dating from the 11th Century. The tour of Ohrid will consist of 2 main, integral parts, starting with the Old City and “Samuil Fortress”. Going down the hill, we will be in one of the most picturesque parts of Ohrid, Kaneo bay. Known also as one of the most photographed parts of Ohrid the first ever postcard from Ohrid is exactly an image of the church of St John, exactly on this bay. The tour of Ohrid ends in the low part when the 2 parts of Ohridand also 2 religions are meeting each other. This is a testimonial of tolerance and living among each other. -City Tour of Skopje After this tour of Ohrid, we will be heading toward the center of the country and its capital. Skopje is now the largest Economical, Political, and Cultural Centre of the country. With a fascinating history dating back to early Antiquity, the city has been the center of many Ancients and Medieval Kingdoms. Known as “The Memorial City of Statues”, it resembles a huge memorial of history and centuries. The Iconic Vardar River with its bridges divides and the same connects the 2 faces of the city. Furthermore, on one side, you will discover the Contemporary Skopje, mainly built after the devastating earthquake of 1963. Famous now for the countless statues and monuments, Skopje is definitely a very attractive city. We will start our tour of Skopje by visiting the Bridges and some of the main statues and its main square. In addition, the “House of Mother Teresa” will be part of our tour. Strolling in the Old part of Skopje, where the friendly vendors will welcome you to try their products we will reach the Fortress of Skopje. Another aspect of the city is also the religious tolerance and the objects of cult. We will visit 2 of the most symbolic religious building such as the church of “St Klemend of Ohrid” and “Mustafa Pasha” Mosque. Day 2City tour of Pristina Pristina is the Capital of Kosovo and furthermore, the largest city at the same time. Habited since the Old Stone Age from the Vinča culture makes it one of the most interesting Archeologic and Historical Sites. National Library in Pristina Built close to the center of Pristina, this Library brings value with more than 2000000 material copies dating from the 15th Century. Apart from the fascinating old history, dating from the 15th century, now the most interesting part is its Architecture. As a classic example of the Jugosllavian Brutalism, architecture style, it brought many polemics at the time it was built. Build as a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Serbian styles, this Library brings a simplified review of the whole city in one building. Since 1982 it has been the National Library of Kosovo. Visit the City center of Pristina. In addition, You will have the chance to see the monument of the Newborn and also the Mother Theresa Cathedral. The city is also characterized by a variety of Muslim mosques dating from the beginning of the 14th Century. For instance, most of the capital citizens practice the Muslim religion. Visit the Old Part of the City and the Carshia Mosque, built in 1321, for instance, the oldest in Pristina. City Tour of Prizren Leaving Pristina we will head toward Prizren. It is also called also the Cultural Capital of Kosovo. Lied on both sides of the Bistrica River, under the Prizren’s Castle this city has played a major role in Albanian History and Politics of the 19th Century. Visit the House of the Prizren League. It is one of the most important buildings and political events of the 19th century in Albanian History. For the first time, we have a serious action toward independence and forming a parliament and government. In addition, visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the House of the League. The tour of Prizren will be followed up by the “Stone Bridge of Love” and the Traditional Bazaar of Prizren. Situated around the Sinan Pasha Mosque this is the more interesting and historical part of Prizren. We will have toward the streets of the old city visiting the traditional bazaar where handcrafts and perfume shops bloom on every corner. Prizren is also famous for its wonderful food and local cuisine and nothing can complete the tour better than a traditional luch.