Day 1
To Tirana: Afternoon flight from London Gatwick to Tirana with British Airways. Transfer to the Theranda Hotel / Tirana International for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2
Tirana: Morning tour of Kruja and the Skanderbeg Museum. Afternoon tour of the Albanian capital, including visits to the National Museum, the mosque, the main square and its clock tower. (B, D)

Day 3
To Lake Ohrid: Travel east to Elbasan, stopping en route at the remains of a Turkish fort. Continue into Macedonia and the town of Ohrid, situated on the east shore of Lake Ohrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the Macedonian Jerusalem due to its large number of churches. The enormous lake is renowned for the clarity of its water. Stay at the Hotel Royal View for 2 nights. (B)

Day 4
Ohrid: Morning tour of the town. See St Sophia Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Macedonia; the Church of St Clement at Plaoshnik, where the first university in Europe was founded; and the Gallery of Icons, which has the largest collection of icons in the world. Afternoon visit to the Monastery of St Naum. Its position on a rocky overhang provides excellent views over the lake. (B)

Day 5
To Korca: Cross the border back into Albania and continue south to Korca, historically an important trade town. Visit the Museum of Medieval Arts, which displays over 150 icons, and the Korca Mosque. Stay at the Regency Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 6
To Gjirokaster: See the Tumulus at Kamenica, where the biggest ancient burial mound to be excavated in the Balkans is located. Continue to Gjirokaster, the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. Visit his house museum and the city?s fortress, which was formerly a political prison. Stay at the Cajupi Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 7
To Saranda: Drive through the mountains to the costal resort of Saranda. Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. Explore the ruins of this Greco- Roman town and view the 3rd century BC theatre, bathhouses and the remains of the largest baptistery in the Balkans. Stay overnight at the Hotel Butrinti. (B)

Day 8
To Vlora: Travel to Vlora, a seaport and the gateway to Italy. Stay overnight at the Hotel Vlora International. (B)

Day 9
To Durres: Morning tour of the Greek and Roman ruins at Apollonia, an important trading port for the Roman Empire until the 3rd century AD. Drive to Berat and visit the Museum of Icons and the castle, which has the remains of 42 churches within its walls. Continue to Durres and stay overnight at the Adriatik Hotel. (B)

Day 10
To London: Morning tour of Durres to explore the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. Continue to the northern town of Shkoder, located near the largest lake in the region, Lake Shkoder. Explore the fortress and museum. Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

* Discovery Tour: Cox & Kings uses the best available accommodation and transport. However, outside Tirana, facilities should be regarded as tourist class. The tour involves some long drives and walking over uneven terrain.

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

Theranda Hotel, Tirana
Located close to the old communist party area, the "Blloku", the Theranda Hotel is small boutique property with 14 contemporary designed rooms with modern facilities. There is a small bar with a garden area that is also used as the breakfast area.

Hotel Tino, Ohrid
This small 27-room property is located on the shores of the lake and within walking distance of the old town. The Hotel Tino's guest rooms are all air-conditioned with safe, mini-bar and television and the public facilities include a bar and a restaurant which serves a mixture of Macedonian and international cuisine.

Regency Hotel Albania, Korca
The Regency Hotel Albania is located in the centre of Korca, offering views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a 3 star property, featuring modern d?cor and furniture and the facilities of an international hotel. Each of the 18 rooms and suites have television and telephone, a private bathroom including shower and are fully heated or air-conditioned year round with individual room controls. There is a full service restaurant and the coffee shop and bar provides ample opportunity for relaxation after a day's touring.

Hotel Butrinti, Saranda
The Hotel Butrinti is considered to be one of the best hotels in Albania. With a location overlooking the Ionian Sea, all rooms are designed in a modern, contemporary style. There is an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre with sauna, restaurant and piano bar.

Hotel Vlora International, Vlora
The Hotel Vlora International is modern in style. Its 63 en-suite rooms have flat screen televisions, minibar, safe and wireless internet connection. There are two restaurants, a bar and an indoor swimming pool at the property.

Hotel Adriatik, Durres
Lying on the main beach in the centre of Durres, the Hotel Adriatik has 70 rooms, which offer views overlooking the main boulevard or the beach. Public facilities include a large outside swimming pool with two beach bars, private beach area, tennis court, sauna and fitness centre. Dining can be found at the Italian restaurant or the seafood restaurant.