Discover Albania, a charming and little-visited country in Europe that offers a wide variety of tourist attractions. Its strategic location has endowed it with a rich heritage from Greek, Roman and Ottoman times, with impressive ruins and well-preserved historic towns. In addition, its natural scenery is breathtaking, with towering mountains, pristine lakes and traditional villages in pretty valleys. But most memorable are the people, whose optimism and spirit of self-improvement is reflected in everything they do.
Day 1 : Transfer
Transfer from the meeting point to the hotel in Tirana. Accommodation in 3* Hotel
Day 2 : Tirana - Kruje - Lezhe - Shkoder.
After breakfast, departure to KrujeKruje, which has an impressive Skanderbeg museum and an old bazaar for souvenir shopping. Afterwards, visit the town of Lezha and admire the mausoleum of the Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg. In Shkodra, enjoy the beautiful scenery overlooking the Albanian Alps and visit the Cathedral, the Mosque, the Old Bazaar and the Rozafa Castle, which offers panoramic views of the mountains and the lake of Shkodra. Accommodation at Hotel Tradita 3*, or similar.
Day 3:Durres - Berat
After breakfast, departure to Durres. Discover the history of Durres and Berat, two of the oldest and most fascinating cities in Albania. In Durres, visit the impressive Roman amphitheatre and the rich Archaeological Museum near the sea. Then, continue to Berat, a region with more than 2,400 years old and special UNESCO status. Here, explore the Berat Castle with the Onufri Museum, the Berat Mosque and the ancient Gorica Bridge. Onufri, a 16th century Albanian master painter, left his mark on many of the churches and mosques found in Albania and Greece. Overnight in Berat at Hotel Mangalemi 3* or similar.
Day 4: Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlore.
After breakfast we will visit the Ardenica Monastery, a Byzantine structure consisting of the church of St. Mary and other historical buildings. Then we will drive to Apollonia, an ancient city dating back to 588 BC, which was important in early Christian history. Finally, we will arrive in Vlora, the city where the independence of Albania was proclaimed in 1912, and visit its Independence Museum. Accommodation at Hotel Konomi 3* or similar.
Day 5:Llogara National Park - Himare - Saranda - Butrint
After breakfast, continue to the south of Albania. Explore the natural beauty of Llogara National Park and the Albanian coast, stopping in coastal villages such as Palase, Dhermi, Himara and Borsh, and visiting the castle and Byzantine church of Himara. In Saranda, discover the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, an important archaeological site and part of the UNESCO heritage. Experience almost 3,000 years of Mediterranean history as you explore the amphitheatre, Venetian tower, mosaic, Lion's Gate and more. Overnight in Saranda (Olimpia Hotel 3*, or similar).
Day 6: Finiq - Antigone - Gjirokaster
After breakfast, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Finiq, rich in finds from classical to Byzantine times, and the ruins of the ancient city of Antigoneia, founded by King Pyrrhus of Epirus. Continuation to the National Park "Blue Eye". Arrival in Gjirokaster, a UNESCO heritage site since 2005, and visit of the town, the Castle and the Museum of Arms. Accommodation at Hotel Bineri 3*, or similar.
Day 7: Tepelena - Voskopoje - Korce
After breakfast, visit of the Tepelene Castle, followed by a stop in Permet to taste wine and traditional raki. In Korca, visit the first Albanian language school and in Voskopoje, a picturesque mountain town, you will visit churches and monasteries from the 18th century. Return and overnight in Korca (Hotel Regency 3*, or similar).
Day 8: Elbasan - Tirana.
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Ohrid in Pogradec before continuing to Elbasan, an important town on the ancient "Via Egnatia". Visit the Elbasan Castle, the Clock, the Ethnographic Museum, the Church and the Old Mosque. Continue to Tirana, the capital city since 1920. Discover Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the National Museum, the National Art Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, the National Heroes Cemetery and the Great Park. Overnight in Tirana for the last night.