Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia: Ancient Lands of Alexander the Great

18 days
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Small Group Tour
On an adventure that brings you from ancient Thessaloniki to the Macedonian capital of Skopje, you’ll unlock the mysteries of Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia. In your small group, you’ll witness Roman ruins, explore legendary Mount Olympus, and follow in the footsteps of the Macedonian king Alexander the Great.
From$4,795
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore the picturesque hillside city set along the shores of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia
    • Visit the National History Museum
    • Visit the small village of Dhoksat
    • Visit a traditional Albanian village
    • Explore the stunning ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Enjoy a hike around the foot of legendary mountain where Alexander the Great made sacrifices before setting off to conquer the world

What's this trip about?

    On an adventure that brings you from ancient Thessaloniki to the Macedonian capital of Skopje, you’ll unlock the mysteries of Northern Greece, Albania & Macedonia. In your small group, you’ll witness Roman ruins, explore legendary Mount Olympus, and follow in the footsteps of the Macedonian king Alexander the Great.

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Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityThessaloniki
End CitySkopje

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges unless you choose to make your own air arrangements
    • All land transportation
    • Accommodations for 16 nights
    • 25 small group activities
    • Services of a resident (of Greece), English-speaking OAT Trip Leader
    • NEW: Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
    • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure—an average of $290

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

DAY 1
Depart U.S. Depart the U.S. today for your overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.

DAY 2
Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece Accommodations: Mediterranean Palace Hotel or similar

Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, an OAT representative will meet you at the airport. You’ll transfer to our hotel, and meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers, including those who took our optional pre-trip extension to Istanbul, Turkey. Later, dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 3
Explore Thessaloniki Meals included: B D Accommodations: Mediterranean Palace Hotel or similar

Today, we’ll explore Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city and the capital of the northern Greek region of Macedonia (not to be confused with the neighboring Republic o...

DAY 4
Thessaloniki • Mount Olympus • Nature hike Meals included: B L Accommodations: Mediterranean Palace Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we’ll set off by coach to Mount Olympus, mythical home of the ancient Greek gods. We'll enjoy a hike around the foot of legendary moun...

DAY 5
Thessaloniki • Royal Tombs of Vergina • Meteora Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Doupiani House or similar

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Meteora, stopping en route at the village of Vergina, home to Aigai, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kings. D...

DAY 6
Explore Monasteries of Meteora Meals included: B D Accommodations: Doupiani House or similar

This morning, we’ll witness the towering rock formations of the region, on top of which are built the famous monasteries of Meteora, some of which date back to the early 14th ...

DAY 7
Meteora • Visit Metsovo village • Ioannina • Zagoria Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Aristi Mountain Resort or similar

After breakfast, we set off to Metsovo, a small village nestled in the Pindus Mountains renowned for its stone mansions, cobbled streets, and l...

DAY 8
Explore Zagoria • Optional Vikos Gorge Rafting OPTIONAL TOUR Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Aristi Mountain Resort or similar

This morning, we’ll journey into the past to explore Zagoria, a magical region in the Pindus Mountains dotted with hidden villages link...

DAY 9
Journey to Albania • Explore Butrint • Gjirokaster Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Hotel Kalemi 2 or similar

After breakfast, we leave Greece and cross the border into Albania. we embark on an excursion to explore the stunning ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World He...

DAY 10
Explore Gjirokaster • Visit a traditional Albanian village Meals included: B L Accommodations: Hotel Kalemi 2 or similar

After breakfast, we explore the southern Albanian hillside town of Gjirokaster, whose collection of Ottoman-era mansions is listed by UNESCO as a W...

DAY 11
Journey to Tirana • Excursion to Berat Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Kotoni Boutique Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Tirana, with a stop along the way through Albania’s wine-producing region to witness the stunning collection of Ottom...

DAY 12
Explore Tirana • Optional Kruja tour OPTIONAL TOUR Meals included: B Accommodations: Kotoni Boutique Hotel or similar After breakfast, we visit the National History Museum to learn about Albania's turbulent history before and after World War II, along with the country's ...
DAY 13
Journey to Ohrid, Macedonia Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Hotel Tino or similar

After breakfast, we’ll depart Tirana and make our way to Ohrid, the picturesque hillside city set along the shores of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia. Upon arrival in Ohrid...

DAY 14
Explore Ohrid • Boat ride to Bay of the Bones "Museum on Water" Meals included: B Accommodations: Hotel Tino or similar Discover St Petersburg on a guided tour Combining historical heritage with natural beauty, the town of Ohrid is Macedonia’s crown jewel. Set on the sho...
DAY 15
Ohrid • Explore a Macedonian village Meals included: B L Accommodations: Hotel Tino or similar

After breakfast, we head out to explore Elshani, a traditional Macedonian village nestled between the mountains and Lake Ohrid. We'll meet with some villagers in their homes...

DAY 16
Depart for Skopje • Discover Tetovo • Boat ride in Matka Canyon Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Hotel StoneBridge

After breakfast, we depart for Skopje. Along the way, we'll enjoy a stop in Tetovo, where we’ll visit the city’s unique Šarena Džamija, an ancient m...

DAY 17
Explore Skopje Meals included: B D Accommodations: Hotel StoneBridge

After breakfast, we’ll explore several highlights of the Macedonian capital on a walking tour, including the rich repository of historical and cultural heritage at the Macedonian Museum and the old T...

DAY 18
Skopje • Return to U.S. or begin post-trip extension Meals included: B After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight home, or to begin our post-trip extension to Serbia: Nis & Belgrade.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,795
Price per day$266
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours).

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours) Reviews & Ratings

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Policy over practical customer service. zero customer service

Dec 2023

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don't expect humanity or common sense

This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the t...

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Booked for July and gave them $12,000. They talked us into early arrival and then come back to us a two months later saying we can't offer. We have to keep our airli...

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Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

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Overseas Adventure Travel offers unique small group adventures worldwide to Americans over 50. By land and sea, we explore on—and off—the beaten path with a resident OAT Trip Leader, immersing ourselves in local cultures, sampling unique modes of transportation, and staying in authentic lodgings that reflect the essence of your destination. Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises serves both our GCT and OAT brands with an award-winning fleet known for exceptional value and high-quality experiences in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Custom-designed according to our travelers’ specifications, our fleet includes 50+ small river and ocean-going ships that we own or privately charter.

Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise—comprised of a family of travel companies—committed to changing people’s lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.

Simply by traveling with OAT, you support the work of the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation, which was created with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—both those of our travelers, and of the people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Journey with the Leader in Adventure Travel and Watch Your Dreams Take Flight: It is the stuff of dreams: gazelles bowing to lap at a glassy pool in the Serengeti as the vast sky turns purple with night, the tiered splendor of the Himalayas, rising behind a Tibetan monastery. Dreams like these are everyday realities for OAT travelers, thanks to the principles which ground every OAT adventure: value, choice, discovery, and carefully paced itineraries.

Our Value puts your travel dreams within reach: OAT can help you realize your travel dreams for a lot less than you thought possible. Together with our regional offices located throughout the world, we’ve been able to establish long-term relationships with many local vendors and hotels. Buying direct brings down our costs—and allows us to pass the savings on to you. And negotiating directly for hotel space also allows us to secure as many single room allotments as possible for our solo travelers. That way, we can also extend our great value to solo travelers. In fact, we offer the best value for solo travelers, guaranteed.

The Choice is yours: You’ll always have plenty of choices with OAT. We offer you a breadth of awe-inspiring travel destinations—from the peaks of the Andes to the sweeping desert sands of the Sahara to the rugged natural beauty of Iceland. You'll also enjoy more trip extension choices than ever before—like hiking to ancient monasteries in Bhutan or discovering the Moai monolithic rock statues on Easter Island. You have plenty of choices within each adventure, too, including several interesting optional tours. And the free time we’ve woven into our itineraries allows you plenty of opportunities for independent exploration. You can shop, unwind, perhaps linger at a sidewalk café, visit an interesting gallery or museum, or explore a cobbled street that caught your eye earlier in the day. You can do as much or as little as you want on an OAT adventure—the choice is yours.

OAT Difference

Adventure Travel: Adventure travel with OAT is a journey beyond the familiar, one that takes you into the very heart of a destination—to meet people where they work and live.

OAT Advantages: Journey with the leader in adventure travel and watch your dreams take flight, thanks to the principles which ground every OAT adventure: value, choice, discovery, and carefully paced itineraries.

Small Groups, Big Discoveries: When you discover the world in an OAT small group, you’ll journey off the beaten path to the places the big tour groups miss—and enjoy an intimate, discovery-filled adventure filled with personal connections, shared experiences, and treasured memories.

Trip Leaders: No matter where in the world you venture with OAT, you'll have one of our resident, expert Trip Leaders by your side. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure.

Airport Transfers: We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on OAT adventures as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the OAT adventure that's right for you.

Personalize your trip: OAT travelers have long expressed the desire to decide exactly where they’re going, how they get there, and when they wish to leave. That’s why we developed a variety of choices that enhance the value of every trip we offer, allowing you to create the adventure that works best for you.

Traveling solo? Enjoy your own room or cabin—at no extra cost: You’re in control of your travel dreams—and we’re making them more affordable than ever: Maybe you prefer the freedom of solo travel—or maybe you and your usual traveling companion can’t agree on a destination. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to put your travel dreams on hold. When it’s time to go it alone, you’ll never pay a Single Supplement to have your own room or cabin with OAT.

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Small group tours for seniors and retirees wanting an international adventure, especially solo female travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel rooms are smaller than those in the U.S. and offer basic amenities All accommodations feature private baths with showers

Mediterranean Palace Hotel Thessaloniki, Greece

The Superior First-Class Mediterranean Palace Hotel is located in downtown Thessaloniki, with a scenic view overlooking the nearby harbor. On-site amenities include a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Your room features air-conditioning, wireless Internet, satellite TV, and private bath with hair dryer.

Doupiani House Kalambaka, Greece

This traditional hotel in the village of Kastraki features scenic views of the surrounding mountaintop monasteries of Meteora. Amenities at the Doupiani House include a terrace, sun deck, and bar. There is complimentary wired and wireless Internet in all public areas and the hotel’s 24 air-conditioned rooms, each with satellite TV, minibar, refrigerator, and private bath with hair dryer.

Aristi Mountain Resort Zagoria, Greece

The Aristi Mountain Resort is situated on the highest point of Aristi village, near the Vikos Gorge and the Towers of Papigo. Constructed of traditional stone, the resort boasts an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath, bar, restaurant, and superb views of the surrounding mountains. There are 18 air-conditioned rooms, each with complimentary Internet access, safe, minibar, and private bath with robe, slippers, and hair dryer.

Hotel Kalemi 2 Gjirokaster, Albania

The Hotel Kalami 2 is a small Ottoman-style hotel in Gjirokaster with a bar and terrace overlooking the city. There are 16 air-conditioned rooms at the hotel, each with TV, complimentary wireless Internet, and private bath.

Kotoni Boutique Hotel Tirana, Albania

The Kotoni Boutique Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Tirana's prestigious Blloku area. Amenities include a bar, restaurant, and fitness center. There are 23 air-conditioned rooms, each with satellite TV, complimentary wireless Internet, and private bath.

Hotel Tino Ohrid, Macedonia

The Hotel Tino is set along the shores of Lake Ohrid, and features a large restaurant, terrace, bar, and spa facilities. There are 27 air-conditioned rooms at the hotel, each with minibar, cable TV, telephone, and private bath with hair dryer.

Hotel StoneBridge Skopje, Macedonia

As its name might indicate, the Hotel StoneBridge is situated next to the famous Stone Bridge over the Vardar River—the 15th-century symbol of Skopje. Hotel amenities include a rooftop restaurant, bar, fitness center, pool, and Jacuzzi. There are 30 air-conditioned rooms, each with LCD TV, direct telephone line, wired and wireless Internet, minibar, safe, and private bath.

Armada Old City Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

The Armada Old City Hotel is located in the historic heart of Istanbul, situated on the site of the quarters that Grand Admiral Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha built for his crew in the 16th century. Decorated in the Ottoman style, this 108-room structure blends features of the past and present. A bar and terrace offer views of the Old City and the Marmara Sea. Its rooms are small and simple.

Best Western Hotel My Place Nis, Serbia

Best Western Hotel My Place is conveniently situated near the Nisava River across from the Nis Fortress. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, rooftop terrace, and fitness center. There are 30 air-conditioned rooms, each with satellite TV, safe, minibar, and private bath with hair dryer.

Envoy Hotel Belgrade, Serbia

Located near Belgrade’s central Republic Square, Envoy Hotel offers an on-site fitness center, spa, and restaurant. Each of its 49 contemporary guest rooms provides complimentary wireless internet access, a TV, a mini bar, a safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bath with a hair dryer.

Transportation & Flights

Travel by air-conditioned minibus, donkey, and small boat,

Transportation & flights

Travel by air-conditioned minibus, donkey, and small boat
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 36 meals—daily breakfast, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Lunch)
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
overse-NewNorOve

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