Experience the culture, the people and the character of these rapidly evolving European States! Welcome in the new millennium in a less traversed corner of Europe, the Balkan Peninsula. Come visit Albania and see what few people have seen: an untouched coastline, hidden valleys, and rugged mountains. Visit Albania and receive one of the warmest receptions in all of Europe. The people of this tiny country are known for warmth and hospitality. From the mountains in the north to the archaeological sites in the south, from the growing city of Tirana and the port of Durres to the rural villages throughout the country, there is surprising diversity for travelers in Albania to discover. Macedonia, which lies to the east of Albania, is also eager to welcome travelers to its “land of contrasts.” Skopje, the capital, is an ultra-modern city with an ancient bazaar where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Numerous Orthodox monasteries located in the western part of the country stand alongside many mosques, making the region an alluring mixture of Eastern Christianity and Islamic cultures. Kosova was once part of former Yugoslavia, but in February 2008 became an independent republic
