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.
Tonight’s dinner will be served in a private restaurant with local food.

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.

After breakfast departure to Vlora. On the way visit of Berati.

Berat - It is known as the “City of one thousand windows” and is declared a Museum City”. Berat, overshadowed to the east by Tomorr Mountain 2415 m, and is an ancient Illyrian settlement founded in the 4th & 5th centuries B.C. on the territory of the Illyrian tribe of Desarettes. The town is composed of 3 parts; Gorica, situated on the far side of the river; Mangalem, situated on the fortress side of the river and the Residential quarter within the fortress known as KALAJA. The old part of the city has some religious buildings like mosque and Byzantine churches. The old name of the city was Antipatrea. Lunch will be offered at Castle Park restaurant with fresh local food.

In the afternoon visit of Archaeological site of Apollonia & departure to Vlora.

Archaeological site of Apolonia is situated 12 km far from Fier, near the village of Pojan. Apolonia was founded near 588 B.C. from a Corinthian & Corcyra community. In Roman times, Apolonia was a large prosperous city near the mouth of Vjosa River. A number of important objects & parts of Roman city center are opened to the public . In the ancient city of Apolonia , there is an ancient mosaic with particular values for the visitor , which shows the Achilles image . Unfortunately , some of the statues & other portable objects were removed before 1946 & sent to other countries. The museum of Apolonia is situated on the site of the 13th century Monastery . In the courtyard of the monastery , there is a Byzantine style church of the 14th century.

Arrival in Vlora , one of the most important cities in the South Western part of Albania Dinner & overnight at Vlora International hotel

This morning a short sightseeing of the most important objects like: Sheshi i Flamurit (Flag Square), Pavar'sia (Independence) quarter.

Then, departure to Saranda.

We will travel through Albanian Riviera to Saranda. Short breaks to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of unspoiled sea & information about the small villages & cities we are passing through.
Saranda - the gateway to the southern Albania, is a small town located between High Mountain and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Santi Quaranta (Forty Saints). Located on the shores of Ionian Sea, in front of Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and warm sea waters. Due to its location and warm weather Saranda is one of the most attractive tourist town in Albanian Riviera, where honeymooners traditionally spend their holidays. Located in front of the sea and along the main promenade there are some hotels and restaurants which offer you catering facilities and accommodation. Daily ferryboat link Saranda with the nearby Greek island of Corfu. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will pay a visit to Butrint.

Butrinti - Archaeological Site, perhaps the most romantic archaeological site in Albania. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city's development.

Tonight the dinner will be served at Lekursi’s Castle from where you can enjoy the scenery of the Bay & folk music. Late in the evening back to hotel.Free time for personal adventure

– Leaving Saranda, we will proceed to another interesting city of Albania, Gjirokastra. On the way visit of Blue Eye.

Gjirokastra - the "Stone City", situated in the southern part of Albania only 1.5 hour far from Saranda city, on the eastern slope of mountain Mali i Gjere. It is a commercial center in South Albania, it produces foodstuffs, leather, and textiles. There are several 18th-century mosques and churches and an old citadel (rebuilt in the 19th cent.) in the town. Dating probably from the 4th cent., Gjirokastër passed to the Turks in the 15th cent. It was captured (1811) by Ali Pasha and was the center (late 1800s) of anti-Turkish resistance. In World War II it was occupied by Italy, Greece, and Germany in succession. What strikes the visitors most in Gjirokastra are its typical and characteristic houses which resemble little fortresses, clustered one above the other. Their exterior combines roughness with the beauty of windows, small rooms and light pillars supporting the roofs protruding from the walls. The most attractive feature is the stone which has been masterfully elaborated by the builders. Once Gjirokastra has been called the "city of one thousand steps" or "the stone city"

Accommodation at nice hotel in the city center. Dinner overnight & free time to enjoy the stone city.

– After breakfast departure to Tirana. On the way visit of Monastery of Ardenica. Arrival in Tirana, accommodation. Tonight’s dinner will be served in a private first class restaurant.

- After breakfast free time. Transfer to Rinas Airport for your flight back home, end of the services.