Day 1- Tirana Airport - Vlora
Welcome to Albania. Pick up at Tirana airport and transfer to Durres
Visit Durres, home to the biggest seaport in the country and It is the most ancient city in Albania, with almost 3,000 years of history . The city is home to many ancient archaeological sites and finds. The most notable tourist attraction in Durrës is the Roman amphitheater with 15,000 seats, the second biggest amphitheater in the Balkans.. Enjoy some free time in the pedestrian street Vollga in front of the sea before transfer to Ardenica. In Ardenica we will visit the Monastery built in 3rd century, where perhaps the most interesting historical event recorded in Ardenica is Skanderbeg’s (Albanian National Hero) wedding. Beyond all its historical and cultural values, the Monastery is well worth visiting for the scenery that surrounds its strategic position and we will enjoy a local lunch with bio products of the area in a restaurant near by the Monastery.
Continue our trip to the park of Apolonia, a gorgeous archaeological site. In the ancient times, Apollonia was one of the most important economic and trade centers of Albania and the world..The site hosts also an Orthodox monastery. our day ends in a Visit to Vlora, a seaside city who it’s because In this city Ismail Qemali proclaim the independence of Albania in 1912.
Overnight in Vlora
Day 2- Vlora –Saranda
After the breakfast we depart for Orikum Archeological Park. Nowadays the important site is located within Pashaliman Navy Base, thus tourists had to go through several safety procedures. The ancient city of Oriku was established during the sixth century BC. Archeological excavation that started during the 50s discovered the Acropolis, the port, stairs, the altar, the well, and the temple. Continue our drive on the Albanian Riviera looking at the Ionian Sea. Stunning sceneries await us at the Llogara pass, about 1000 meters above sea level. Done Visiting the National Park of Llogara we will Enjoy a short hiking tour around the forests of Llogara National Park and have lunch in a local restaurant.
Visit Gjikondi Oil Factory at Qeparo Village. You will have the opportunity to taste and purchase the most delicious, Virgin Olive Oil directly from the factory. After this amazing experience have a stop to Porto Palermo Castle built on the hill of an island, connected to the shore via a narrow man-made strip of land, this castle attracts everyone’s immediate attention .Continue to one of most charming towns of the Albanian Riviera, Saranda and have dinner at the Lekursi Castle offering a spectacular view over the city and Corfu Island.
Overnight in Sarande.
Day 3-Saranda - Gjirokaster
Transfer the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit Butrint National Park. The city was first settled by Greek colonists and It is situated in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation. .After this amazing tour, experience a local dish at a relaxing restaurant near Butrint Lake. Continue to visit blue eye water spring. This water spring with extremely light blue water bubbles in a more than 50-metre deep pool. You’ll be mesmerized by how clear the water is, to the point that you’ll be able to see straight to the bottom. Our last stop today wil be Gjirokaster, a UNESCO site, which its main characteristic is the intensive use of stone in building the houses, which look like small fortresses, the streets of cobblestone, which all lead to Bazaar. You can also visit the Mosque of Bazaar here, built in 1557. Due to all these features, Gjirokastra is also known as the “The Stone City”.
Have dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy a folklore show with Albanian dance and music.
Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Day 4- Berat - Tirana
After breakfast transfer to Berat and start the tour by visiting castle.
Visit Berat Castle has particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors for centuries. The castle used to have over many churches of which 7 still remain, including one turned into Onufri Museum.
Below the castle you can see the famous view of the facades of the houses, with windows that seem to stand above each other. Across the Osum River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangalemi.
Have some free time and enjoy a local lunch in a traditional restaurant.
Before heading to Tirana experience wine tasting at Cobo Winery. A family with a long tradition of producing wine. You will taste different local wines and Raki (Albanian Alcohol)
Overnight in Tirana
Day 5- Tirana– Airport
After the breakfast start the tour of Tirana
Visit Tirana - the heart and capital of Albania, like all other capital metropolises has never -ending movement and energy. With its clubs, bars, cafes and taverns. Tirana is worth discovering by both day and night. The hospitality shown towards tourists is something that will mark your journey not only in Tirana but also all over the country. Have a walk from the main square through the boulevard.
Have lunch in a local restaurant inside the castle of Kruja. Visit Kruje - The name and the importance of the city are closely related to the 25 years of activity of Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg. Within the walls of the castle are also the Ethnographic Museum and the Dollma Tekke. Near the castle’s entrance is a traditional market, which dates back to the period of Skanderbeg. Here, you can find Albanian craft products such as embroidered items, carpeting, silver objects, copper, alabaster, filigree, traditional clothing, antiques at the traditional Old Baazar of Kruja .
This tour will end in the international airport.
