VACATION DETAILS

Tirana (pronounced: Tih-rana) is the capital and the largest city (1991 est. pop. 300,000) of Albania. It is the administrative, cultural, economic, and industrial center of the Republic of Albania.

This important northern city lies near Lake Scutari in a relatively flat valley about 55 mi/88 km northwest of Tirana and surrounded by majestic mountains. Shkoder has always been the country's most independent and free-thinking city—it was instrumental in bringing down the last Communist leader, even though it was his hometown. The city is also an important center of Albanian Catholicism. Its cathedral, which was turned into a volleyball court during the antireligion campaigns of the 1960s, has been converted back into a cathedral. Shkoder's most impressive site, the Rozafat Fortress (just a short drive to the south of the city), has a spectacular setting on a sheer cliff that is both impregnable and impressive. Near the fortress is the 18th-century Leaden Mosque.

Podgorica, Montenegro, is the capital city as well as a modern metropolis and business center. It is also known for its imports; shopping for Italian goods is a common activity.

Interesting sites in Podgorica include the 16th-century Church of St. George, the 18th-century clock tower, two Roman-era bridges that cross the Ribnica River, the sixth-century Osmanagic's Mosque and numerous monuments. It is also home to many cultural institutions, including the National Theatre of Montenegro, the City Theatre and the Public Institution Museum and Galleries.

South of the city is Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans and a national park. Northwest of Podgorica, between Danilovgrad and Niksic, you can visit the ancient Ostrog Monastery built into the rocks.

Niksic, which has a Byzantine church and a ruined Turkish fortress, is also an interesting town to visit. Besides cultural attractions, it is home to the Onogost brewery, which has been brewing its Niksicko beer since 1896.

The railroad route northeast from Podgorica to Kolasin passes through the magnificent canyon of Moraca (and a number of tunnels, as well). Kolasin is a popular skiing spot and has a few cultural sites to see, including the Moraca Monastery, famous for its frescoes.

At 4,757 ft/1,475 m above sea level, Zabljak, Montenegro, located 98 mi/158 km north of Podgorica, is the town with the highest altitude in the Balkans. It is also located near the Durmitor National Park, where hiking, mountaineering and other outdoor sports are readily available. Crno Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in Montenegro, is also nearby and provides numerous water-related activities.

Zabljak is primarily a winter-sports center, with skiing a popular pastime there. However, the town is also home to some interesting cultural sites, including three monasteries.

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Excursions