Albania – Macedonia – Kosovo

Albania – It is only in the last few years that travellers started to discover its hidden beauties. Lovers of the outdoors will be happy just about anywhere in the country; Albanian Alps and lakes offers fantastic hiking or cycling opportunities. And those who are interested in archeology, history or medieval art will find Albania full of delights. Tirana is one of the youngest capital cities in Europe. It may be a little gritty and dusty, but it is a city in transformation, a city on the rise with its new restaurants, cafés, clubs and shops and young generation of Albanians ready, willing and able to become part of European culture.

Macedonia – has a veritable treasury of cultural heritage but also abounds in natural beauties and rarities. National folklore and traditional arts and crafts are still cherished. Capital Skopje, birthplace of Mother Teresa, was completely ruined in earthquake in 1963. Among many international architects that participated in its reconstruction was the Japanese urban planner Knezo Tanga, who gave the center a city wall of high-rise buildings, and the banks of river Vardar were transformed into pleasant tree-lined promenades.

Kosovo – few people think of Kosovo as a tourist destination due to its past conflicts, but nowadays it is one of the safest countries in Europe. It is a small landloced country full of paradoxes and surprises; a special place to discover vibrant outdoor café culture, try raki and experience hospitality and kindness of local people. Pristina is a modern capital with remarkable architecture that was cleaned and rebuilt after the Kosovo war and turned into a modern European city.