Dear Serious Traveler,

Charming and energetic are adjectives used to describe the emerging Albania. Once mysterious, this Balkan and Mediterranean country is situated on the coast where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Seas. Our spring trip to Albania was a great success and so, with the encouragement of our renowned host, Auron Tare, we are adding a fall program. Our short and sweet program begins and ends in the capital city of Tirana. The trip includes the town of Ohrid on the Macedonian side of the lake. We’ll also venture into the beautiful landscape of Northern Greece. Hospitality is a tradition in Albania that dates back to the time of Homer when guests were greeted as sacred. The Kanun or The Code, written in the 15th century demands the guest be treated with the highest respect.

Our small group of no more than fifteen will travel with our experienced archaeologist guide, who will introduce us to Tirana to explore the country influenced by Greeks, Roman, Italians and Turks, all of whom left their indelible marks. We’ll also get an excellent perspective of modern day Albania as it emerges as an unspoiled European destination. Mr. Auron Tare, will join the group for a few lectures, with a special emphasis on Butrint. Ani (Auron) was recently elected a member of parliament and is a prominent historian, journalist and undersea explorer.

To this extensive look at Albania, we’ve added a visit to Ioannina in Northern Greece the center of Greek Enlightenment between the 16th and 19th centuries. Also step over into Macedonia to see its side of Lake Ohrid with its Old Town and market. Following the tour you may return home or connect with the Seven Wonders of Bulgaria, May 25 - June 4, 2014. We are eager to show you the Balkans in a fresh light with the best guides on the planet.

Gwen Erwood
President, Travel Concepts International

• Join our small group of no more than 15 delightful travelers, plus our tour escort
• Get to know Scanderbeg, the medieval hero of Albania
• Be honored guests at a Bektashi mystical Sufi Order “teke”
• Travel along the Albanian Riviera and have a relaxing stop at a private beach at Ksamili Islands
• Explore the World Heritage Site of Butrint with your host Auron, one of its founders
• Have a seat in one of the largest Roman theaters in the world at Epirus
• Examine the recently excavated mosaics in the Synagogue of Saranda
• Enjoy Gjirokastra, a World Heritage City and dine in an old traditional restaurant in its Bazaar
• Make a scenic drive through Kelçyra Gorge, site of the battle between Philip of Macedon and the Roman Army
• Behold exquisite Byzantine paintings in Permet and Leusa churches
• Delight in Korça, the “Little Paris” of the 1930s
• Feast your eyes on the Macedonian side of Lake Ohrid, selected as one of the top 31 places to visit in 2010 according to the New York Times
• Enjoy lunch on the shores of Lake Pamvotida in Ioannina, Greece
• Prepare with pre-trip study material