Discover Albania, an enchanting country that for years remained closed to the world. Explore its rich cultural heritage spanning millennia, from the Illyrian-Pelasgians to Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Slavic and Ottoman cultures. Visit historic cities such as Durres, Tirana, Lezhe and Shkoder, and admire their breathtaking landscapes with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and picturesque villages in idyllic valleys. Embark on an unforgettable adventure at the crossroads of Europe's mosaic of East and West.
Day 1 : Arrival - Tirana.
Pick up from Tirana International Airport or your hotel and transfer to the city. Day at leisure. Accommodation at Freddy's Hotel 3* or similar.
Day 2: Lezhe - Shkoder - Tirana.
Starting with a visit to the town of Lezha, famous for its castle and the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero. We then drive to Shkodra to enjoy the stunning highland scenery and explore the old town, including its Bazaar, Cathedral, Mosque and Rozafa Castle. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Shkodra, the Drini, Buna and Kir rivers, as well as the surrounding valleys. Return to Tirana for an overnight stay at Freddy's 3-star Hotel.
Day 3: Kruje-Durres-Tirana.
The town of Kruja, famous for its resistance against the Ottomans, is our first stop of the day. We will visit its castle and museum, and the old bazaar. Then we head to Durres, a port city of great historical importance with a Roman amphitheatre and a castle. Return to Tirana for the night. Accommodation at Freddy's Hotel 3* or similar.
Day 4: Berat - Tirana
The day begins with a short visit to Elbasan and Lake Belsh, set in beautiful scenery. Afterwards, we drive to Berat, a region with more than 2400 years of history and a UNESCO heritage site. There we will visit its castle, the Berat Mosque, the Gorica Bridge, the Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was a famous 16th century Albanian painter, whose works can be found in several churches in Albania and Greece, as well as in the museum. We will enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant before returning to Tirana for an overnight stay at Freddy's Hotel 3* or similar.
Day 5: Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlore.
Departure to Ardenica Monastery, a Byzantine site dating back to the 13th century and famous for hosting the wedding of the hero Skanderbeg. Continue to the ruins of Apollonia, an important town in the region with Roman remains. Afterwards, we drive to the coastal town of Vlora to visit its museum and learn about its importance in the proclamation of Albanian independence from the Ottomans in 1912. Accommodation at Hotel Partner 4* or similar.
Day 6: Himare - Sarande - Butrint .
We will explore the southern coast of Albania, starting in the Llogara National Park for breathtaking views of the Albanian Riviera. We then continue to Sarande and the ruins of Butrint, Albania's most important archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore numerous ancient buildings and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. Overnight in Saranda at Hotel Brilant 4* or similar.
Day 7: Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster.
Continue to Gjirokaster stopping at the settlement of Finiq, whose ruins include a small temple, a theatre and remains of Roman houses and cisterns. We will then visit the Blue Eye National Park before arriving in Gjirokaster, known for its traditional architecture and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will have time to explore the citadel and numerous typical houses. Accommodation at Hotel Argjiro 4* or similar.
Day 8: Tepelena, Voskopoje and Korce.
Discover the cultural richness of Albania. Visit the castle of Tepelena and learn about Ali Pash Tepelena, leader of the province of Ioannina under the Ottoman reign. Continue to Korce, passing through Voskopoje and its Orthodox Christian churches. Explore the 18th century church and the 16th century monastery of Voskopoja. Return to Korce to see some Ottoman buildings, including an important mosque. Overnight at Regency Hotel 3* or similar.
Day 9: Pogradec - Lin - Tirana.
We start the day travelling to Pogradec, where we will visit the ancient Illyrian fortress of Encheleana. Then, we drive to Elbasan, an important town in ancient Illyria and famous for being a crossing point on the main road "Via Egnatia". In Elbasan, we will visit its castle, the clock, the ethnographic museum, the church and the ancient mosque. We continue to Tirana, where we will have free time to stroll around the city. Overnight at Freddy's Hotel 3* or similar.
Day 10 : Departure.
Transfer to Tirana airport for departure or to your accommodation. End of services.