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For logistical and cultural reasons, we begin our journey in the modern
Albanian capital, Tirana, where the National Museum provides
an introduction to the Balkan borderlands. We drive south to the old Ottoman
trading centre of Elbasan, before coming to sublime Lake
Ohrid and the border with the Republic of Macedonia. Here the
peaceful monastery of Sveti Naum, with its enchanting
views, provides memorable overnight accommodation. We will be shown the
9th-century church, with its fine gilded iconostasis before continuing
by private boat to the town of Ohrid itself. Our hotel
is set on the shores of the lake with panoramic views, just a short walk
from the old town. Here we will visit the museums, bazaar and fine medieval
churches, notably St Sophia, which, with its valuable frescoes, is considered
the most important in Macedonia.
We journey through ancient Pelagonia to Bitola. Surrounded
by mountains, Bitola is part sophisticated European city, part Turkish
town with a maze of markets, mosques and bath-houses. Nearby is the site
of Heraclea, on the ancient Via Egnatia linking the Adriatic
coast with Constantinople, just north of the modern Greek border. Only
partly-excavated, it is worth a visit for the elegance of its buildings
and the well-preserved Roman mosaics. Next we drive north to Tetovo,
centre of a sizeable Albanian minority, visiting the remarkable painted
mosque, Sarena Dzamija. We we will also visit the charming Byzantine church
of Sveti Pantelejmon at Nerezi, with its outstanding
frescoes.
As so often in the Balkans, East and West mix in the capital, Skopje.
The National Museum, with its wealth of treasures, illustrates this complex
background. We will visit the 14th-century church of Sveti Spas, known
for its beautiful iconostasis, the Museum of Modern Art, the mosques and
the baths. There will be time to visit the Bazaar and walk over the medieval
stone bridge to the new town.
To the east of Skopje are a number of monasteries richly-decorated
with Byzantine frescoes, notably Lesnovo. A picnic is
planned at the recently-discovered Bronze Age observatory near Kokino
and we will explore Kratovo, a medieval mining town built
within an extinct volcano. This day’s drive is also an opportunity
to appreciate the farmland and countryside. On the last morning we will
be shown the atmospheric monastery of King Marko, in an unspoilt village
setting just south-east of the capital.
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PRICE
l £2,050
The cost includes accommodation in comfortable hotels in Tirana (1 night)
and Sveti Naum (1 night) and first-class hotels in Ohrid (2 nights) and
Skopje (3 nights); economy class air travel London (Gatwick) / Tirana
: Skopje / Vienna / London (Heathrow) by scheduled services; ground transport
by private coach; boat tickets; all meals except one dinner; guides; taxes;
entrance fees and the services of a lecturer/tour organiser.
Please note: this tour is limited to 17 participants.
Price without flights £1,690
l Single room supplement
£120
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