***Starting from 2 pax.
Itinerary
DAY 01: TIRANA AIRPORT – KRUJE
DAY 02: KRUJE – SHKODER –DURRES
DAY 03: DURRES – ARDENICE – APOLLONI – VLORE
DAY 04: VLORE – PORTO PALERMO – SARANDA
DAY 05: SARANDA – BUTRINT – GJIROKASTER
DAY 06: GJIROKASTER – BYLYS – BERAT
DAY 07: BERAT – TIRANA
DAY 08: TIRANA – TIRANA AIRPORT
Desription
DAY 01: TIRANA AIRPORT – KRUJE
Pick up airport and transfer to the medieval town of Kruja, one of the principal historic cities in Albania. Going through Ottoman bazaar to reach the fortress from where Albania’s hero – George Kastrioti Skanderbeg – defended the country from Ottoman invasion and today national ethnographic museum and Skanderbeg museum are placed. Accommodation and overnight in Kruja.
DAY 02: KRUJE – SHKODER – DURRES
In the morning transfer to Shkodra- Main attraction of which is Rozafa Castle. Rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun. It is surrounded by the waters of three rivers; the Drini, Buna, and Kiri. Afternoon drive to Durres City where is placed the biggest seaport of the country. It is an ancient city in Albania, with almost 3,000 years of history. The most important site is the amphitheater of the Roman Emperor Adrian with 15,000 seats, the second biggest amphitheater in the Balkans. Accommodation and overnight in Durres.
DAY 03: DURRES – ARDENICA – APOLLONI – VLORE
Transfer to Monastery of Ardenica. The Byzantine structure consists of the Saint Mary Church, the Saint Triad chapel, the konake, the oil mill, the oven and the stall. Known also as a place where the National Scandarbeg got married with Princess Andronika Arianiti. Afternoon on the way to Vlora visit Apollonia Archeological Park, located on the right bank of the Aous (Vjosë) river and founded in 588 BCE by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth. Apollonia flourished during the period of Roman rule in the area and was home to a renowned school of philosophy. The city began to decline in the 3rd century CE when its harbor began silting up as a result of an earthquake. Accommodation and overnight in Vlora.
DAY 04: VLORE – ALBANIA RIVIERA – SARANDA
After breakfast visit Vlora the city which dates back to the 6th century B.C., Today most interesting sights are the Independence Museum, Muradie Mosque, built in 1542 by the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan, the constructor of the famous Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul. Then continue the trip to Saranda through the amazing Albania Riviera. On the way visit ALI PASHA CASTLE, named after Ali Pasha of Tepelenë who resided there until 1820.The castle described and pictured is popularly known as 'The Triangular Fortress'. Accommodation and overnight in Saranda.
DAY 05: SARANDA – BUTRINT – BLUE EYE – GJIROKASTER
In the morning visit the most important archaeological discovery in Albania the ancient city of Butrint (UNESCO site). The city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of several eras of civilization. Apart the beautiful antique ruins it has the added benefit of being situated in a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna. Afternoon transfer to Gjirokastër (UNESCO site), known as “The City of Stone “because the houses are build by stone to resemble small castles, and streets paved with cobblestone. Visit the greatest castle in the whole country, the Ethnographic Museum, house where the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born and the museum house of the world known Albanian writer Ismail Kadare. On the way stop shortly to Blue Eye one of the beautiful springs in Albania. Accommodation and overnight in Gjirokastra.
DAY 06: GJIROKASTER – BYLYS – BERAT
On the way to Berat stop and visit Bylis archeological park dating back to the 3th century B.C, once flourished as a political, economic and cultural center in the region and today is one of the most important archeological sites in Albania. Afternoon arrive in Berat the 2,413 years-old city known as Antipatrea (UNESCO site). Berat is a treasure-trove of Albanian history, culture and a testament to the country’s tradition of religious harmony. The ensemble of the Byzantine churches, the post-Byzantine monumental Cathedral of Saint Mary today Ounfri museum the famous iconographer of the 16th century and ottomans occupation mark are some of the beauty of this city. Accommodation and overnight in Berat.
DAY 07: BERAT – TIRANA
Transfer to Tirana, Albania capital the never-ending movement and energy city. The journey might begin by visiting the key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, Et’hem Bey Mosque (outside), the clock Tower, castle of the Roman emperor Justinian, monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, Tanners' Bridge, National History Museum. All of this will leave wonderful memories to you. Do not miss the longest cableway in the Balkans up Dajti Mount overlooking the city and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Dajti’s National Park. Accommodation and overnight in Tirana.
DAY 08: TIRANA – TIRANA AIRPORT
Transfer to airport. End of our service.
