Program Best of Albania

Our English speaking guide will meet the group at the airport. After border formalities departure to Tirana, the capital. On the way a short information about the program. This afternoon we will start with Tirana’s sightseeing of the most important objects. Accommodation, Dinner overnight at hotel.

Tirana – The capital of Albania from 1920 enjoys a beautiful setting between the ranges of Dajti Mountain from one side and the coastal plains on the other one. Tirana is 110 m above sea level. It is relatively a new city in respect with old cities of Albania , dating from 1st century BC. The average annual temperatures are in July 24°C and in January 7°C. Tirana’s city superficies is 31 km 2. Tirana is the main political, economical & cultural center of Albania.

This morning after the breakfast we will pay a visit to Kruja to see this important medieval city in the history of Albania.

Kruja – The historic town of Kruja is located 30 km far from Tirana, 45 Km from Durres & 20 minutes by car from the international Airport of Rinas. The town of Kruja rises 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sari - Salltiku Mountain. It provides to the visitors the great view of majestic landscape and a rich collection of historical and cultural objects. The most important is the castle of Kruja, which was built during the 5th and 6th centuries and has an elliptical shape with a total area of 2.25 hectares. The surrounding walls are reinforced by nine towers, which served as an observation and signaling post during times of war with Ottoman Empire. Within the walls of the castle there can still be found the remains of a few houses.

After the tour in Kruja , transfer to Shkodra.

Lunch will be served at a nice private restaurant.

Shkodra – It is the most important city in the Northern part of Albania. It was known as an old artisan center, as well road and river junction with a considerable transit trade. Shkodra, formerly Scutari, is the third largest town in Albania. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe, having been in the 3rd century B.C. The capital of Illyrian Kingdom of the Ardian, whose queen was the Legendary Teuta. It is situated near the lake sharing the same name and along the road leading to Montenegro. It is an ancient city with a rich history; one can find old characteristic houses where wood and other traditional motifs are used. Near the city of Shkodra there is a castle of Rozafa, built on a rocky hill from where you can see attractive and beautiful views.

Late in the afternoon departure to Tirana , Dinner overnight.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel . Departure to Pogradec through Durres & Elbasan .On the way visit of Durres.

Durres – One of Albania’s oldest cities, the country’s main sea port, the second largest industrial center after Tirana. Durres lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the Adriatic sea. The city was colonized by the Greeks in 627 B.C. It was named Epidamnos, which later became Dyrrachium. From the Venetian Tower at the harbor the Medieval Town Wall leads to the amphitheater (capacity 15,000 spectators) dating back to the 2nd century AD. and containing an early Christian Crypt with a rare wall mosaic. Between the 1st and 3rd centuries Durres was an important port and trading center on the Via Egnatia trading route between Rome and Byzantium (Istanbul. Today the city is well known for the nearby beach resort of Durres Plazh, its wonderful sand and warm sea water.

Time at leisure. Lunch will be served on the way to Pogradec. In the afternoon arrival in Pogradec, city sightseeing, accommodation, dinner overnight.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel on the banks of Ohrid Lake. Departure to Korca. On the way short informations on the area. Upon arrival in Korca the group will follow the activities organised by local authorities including lunch offered by the organizers. Late in the afternoon accommodation at hotel, dinner overnight with best local traditions.

Korca – is a city in southeastern Albania and the capital of the Korçë District. It has a population of around 105,000 people (2009 census), making it the sixth largest city in Albania. It stands on a plateau some 850 m (2,789 ft) above sea level, surrounded by the Morava Mountains.

After the breakfast we will visit the National Museum of Medieval Art & the house of the painter Vangjush Mio and his gallery. After the visits departure to Tirana. On the way to the lunch today will be served in a nice private fish restaurant in Durres. In the afternoon arrival in Tirana, accommodation. This special dinner will be served in a private restaurant in the outskirts of Tirana. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast we will pay a visit to National Historical Museum. Free time for personal adventure. Transfer to airport, end of the services.