Itinerary · 4 days
Lakes and mountains of the south-east in 4 days
Lake Ohrid, Korçë and the frescoed churches of Voskopojë
- Best for
- Second-time visitors, culture and food, slow travel
- Getting around
- Buses between towns; a taxi for Voskopojë
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Route
- Pogradec → Korçë → Tirana
A quieter side of Albania that most visitors miss: an ancient lake, an elegant highland city and a mountain village full of history. Good in spring, summer and early autumn, and very affordable.
Day 1 · Overnight in Pogradec
Tirana to Lake Ohrid
About 3 hours by bus or car
- Morning
- Leave Tirana heading east through the mountains.
- Afternoon
- Settle into Pogradec and walk the lakeside promenade.
- Evening
- Lake fish dinner by the water.
Tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the bus for lake views as you arrive.
Day 2 · Overnight in Korçë
Drilon springs, then on to Korçë
About 45 minutes to Korçë
- Morning
- Visit the clear springs and gardens at Drilon, and the lakeside village of Tushemisht.
- Afternoon
- Travel to Korçë and wander the restored Old Bazaar.
- Evening
- Korça beer and lakror pie in the bazaar.
Tip: Drilon is about 10 minutes from Pogradec by taxi.
Day 3 · Overnight in Korçë
Voskopojë day trip
About 30 minutes each way by car or taxi
- Morning
- Head up to Voskopojë and visit its frescoed churches.
- Afternoon
- Forest walk and a long lunch at a village guesthouse.
- Evening
- Back in Korçë, the National Museum of Medieval Art if you haven't seen it, then dinner.
Tip: Agree a return time with your taxi driver, or ask your guesthouse to call one for you.
Day 4 · Overnight in Tirana
Back to Tirana
About 3.5–4 hours by bus or car
- Morning
- Visit the Resurrection Cathedral and have a last coffee on the boulevard.
- Afternoon
- Travel back to Tirana.
- Evening
- Dinner in Blloku.
Tip: Morning buses are the most reliable; afternoon departures are fewer.