“Tour in Albania”

Very few tours will offer more in-depth exposure to Albania, than this one. Meticulously selected from each city are the very best locations for a once in a lifetime experience. Discover Albania with this Tour program that brings travelers to some of the most amazing locations that Albania has to offer. Explore Tirana, Pogradec, Korca, Gjirokastra, Saranda, Berat, Durres, Kruje, for 7 days and visit sites and museums as National museum, Butrinti Archaeological Site, Greek Settlement of Apollonia, Onuphri Icon Museum, Roman amphitheater, Skanderbeg Museum.

Itinerary:

Day 1       Tirana.

Arrival in “Mother Teresa” Airport, meet and assisted by our representative. Enjoy the welcome dinner in Petrela Castle – which dates back to 4th century B.C. This Castle is built on a rocky hill, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view. This afternoon is free for you to explore Tirana's lovely shops and boutiques.

Overnight in Tirana.                                                                           

 Day 2       Tirana/Kruja.                                                                       

Your morning city tour begins from Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian hero the main landmark of the city. Pilgrims from far and wide reach the Et'hem Bey Mosque to offer prayers. The Clock Tower next to the Et'hem Bey Mosque, National Museum- north of Scanderbeg Square, The Palace of Culture, The monument to Mother Albania and The National Historical Museum are the significant spots that catch up the attention of one and all who make a visit to the city. Continue the visit to Kruja–one of the biggest cities in Northern Albania is the “city of history” and the best known as hometown of Albanian’s National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Visit to the Castle, Skanderbeg Museum and Ethnographic Museum. After the visit of the castle, is free for you to explore Kruja’s old bazaar with authentic and antique shops. Continue to Tirana.

Overnight in Tirana

 Day 3       Durres/Ardenica/Berat.                                                    

Your morning tour begins with the visit to Durres– the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Dyrrachium. Formerly Durrazzo is one of the oldest towns in Albania. The legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson - Dyrrah.Visit to the town including the Byzantine city walls, Roman amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. After the visit to Durres proceed to Ardenica – where is a medieval monastery surrounded by stonewalls. Here you will admire Marry Church and Saint Triadha Chapel.A tour to marvelous city of Berat - known as “the city of thousand windows” Visit the lovely painted Mosque of the Bachelors and the Tekke of the Helvetis with its beautiful portico. Visit to Onuphri Icon Museum that contains some of the finest examples of his work as well as other outstanding Albanian artists.

Overnight in Berat.

 Day 4       Berat/Apollonia/Elbasan/Pogradec.

A morning tour to the ancient Greek settlement of Apollonia – (founded in 588 BC). Transfer to visit Pogradec - on the Roman via Egnatia route to the east. Drive through Elbasan (ancient Scampa). A short stop to Visit its fine Ottoman walls and continue to Pogradec. Arrive at Lake Ohrid - one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Europe - it is the home to a number of fish and birds found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy the lunch at local restaurant in Drilon (nice spot not far from Ohrid Lake which has been a preferred holiday place for the ex-dictator Hoxha) – decorated with willow trees, and streams flowing down to the lake.

Overnight in Pogradec.

 Day 5       Pogradec/Korca.

 This morning is free at leisure. In the afternoon depart to visit Korca. A brief sightseeing tour to Korca city to visit to the Archaeological Museum housed in a lovely wooden Ottoman house - the Museum of Medieval Art (seeing paintings and icons made by famous local artists.

Overnight in Korca.

 Day 6       Korca/Gjirokastra.                                                                      

This morning depart to Gjirokastra known as “Museum City”.  En route making a stop to a local restaurant in Permet. (Optional) Here you will find the real Albanian authentic food.After lunch continue to Gjirokastra city where the dwelling houses have the form of medieval towers constituting a building ensemble with a characteristic architecture. Visit the Castle and the Museum of Weapons.

Overnight in Saranda

 Day 7       Saranda.                                                                       

A morning tour to the Butrinti an old town protected by UNESKO. You can see there different civilizations like: helenistic,  roman, venetian, bisantin.  Visit the Castle of Lekuresi from 14 century bisantin period.Vizit Blue Eye Springs, a national and natural park. There are 18 springs and the Blue Eye is the biggest.

Overnight in Saranda 

 Day 8      Departure from Saranda to Tirana through Riviera.

                Overnight in Tirana.

 Day 9      Departure to airport.  

 In tour are included:

 -         Assistance on group’s arrival and departure by our guide.

-         Deluxe Air conditioned car.

-         English speaking guide at disposal in Albania.

-         The accommodation at the above mentioned hotels + breakfast.

-         Entrance fees to museums, monuments etc.