Infos
- Folklore evening with traditional cuisine
- Various UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Discover hidden gems off the beaten path
- Arrival and Tirana
- Apollonia and Berat
- Vlora, Himara and Saranda
- Butrint and Blue Eye
- Gjirokastra, Korce and Pogradec
- Elbasan – hotel change
- Kruje and Shkodra
- Departure
Tour Details
Programme & inclusions
1 Arrival and Tirana
The day starts with a walk through the city center. Over the last 25 years, Tirana has transformed from a dark, communist-era city into a vibrant, international metropolis. Continue to your hotel in the Durres area.
- 1 x private coach transfer from Tirana airport to the city centre and to the hotel
2 Apollonia and Berat (240 km)
Scenic drive to Apollonia, one of the most significant ancient cities of Illyria, located on the Via Egnatia. Explore the extensive ruins, including temples, the Agora, and a theater. Continue to Berat, the "City of 1000 Windows" and Albania's oldest city. Its white houses climb the hillside, offering stunning views from the castle, with churches and mosques reflecting its rich history. Enjoy a wine tasting with a snack in the Berat area before returning to your hotel in Durres.
- 1 x FD private coach hire for the Apollonia and Berat excursion
- 1 x FD tour guide for Apollonia and Berat excursion
- 1 x entrance to Apollonia Archeological Site
- 1 x wine tasting with snacks in the Berat area
3 Vlora, Himara and Saranda – hotel change (240 km)
Drive to the port city of Vlora, where Albania declared its independence on November 28, 1912, after centuries of Ottoman rule. Continue along a winding mountain road through small villages to the Llogara Pass at 1,027 m, then descend to the Riviera and the charming town of Himara. Continue to the coastal city of Saranda, known for its beautiful promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Overnight stay and dinner in the Saranda area.
- 1 x FD private coach hire for the Vlora, Himara and Saranda excursion
- 1 x FD tour guide for Vlora, Himara and Saranda excursion
4 Butrint and Blue Eye (80 km)
Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 20 km south of Saranda, is one of Albania's most iconic attractions. Explore its impressive ancient ruins, a must-see for any visitor. En route northeast, stop at the medieval Mesopotam Church, one of the most unique Byzantine buildings in Albania. Continue to the Blue Eye Spring, the country's largest. Return to Saranda for dinner at your hotel.
- 1 x FD private coach hire for the Butrint und Blue Eye excursion
- 1 x FD tour guide for the Butrint und Blue Eye excursion
- 1 x entrance to Butrint Archeological Site
5 Gjirokastra, Korce and Pogradec – hotel change (300 km)
The cityscape of Gjirokastra (UNESCO World Heritage), birthplace of writer Ismail Kadare and dictator Enver Hoxha, is defined by typical Balkan architecture. Perched on a hill, the city is famous for the Zekate House, a prime example of Ottoman architecture. Continue to Korça, the main city in southeastern Albania, which in the late 19th century was a center of Albanian national movements and home to the country’s first primary school. Proceed to the small town of Pogradec on Lake Ohrid, known for its beautiful beaches. Check-in at a hotel in the Pogradec area.
- 1 x FD private coach hire for the Gjirokastra, Korce and Pogradec excursion
- 1 x FD tour guide for the Gjirokastra, Korce and Pogradec excursion
6 Elbasan – hotel change (130 km)
After breakfast, drive to Enver Hoxha's former villa in Tushemisht, then continue to Elbasan. The Ottoman Old Town charms with its oriental atmosphere, while the distant 1,800-meter-high mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Key sights include the city's central boulevard, the clock tower, and the rectangular fortress with Roman origins. Continue to your hotel in the Tirana area for dinner.
- 1 x FD private coach hire for the Elbasanexcursion
- 1 x FD tour guide for the Elbasan excursion
7 Kruje and Shkodra (235 km)
Drive to Kruje, a sacred city for many Albanians, located in the Skanderbeg Mountains where Prince Skanderbeg resisted the Ottoman forces. Take time to explore the old bazaar. Continue to Shkodra, Albania’s fifth-largest city and "secret capital," known for its landmarks such as the beautiful cathedral and Rozafa Castle. Visit the charming Old Town before returning to the hotel in the Tirana area.
- 1 x FD private coach hire for the Kruje and Shkodra excursion
- 1 x FD tour guide for the Kruje and Shkodra excursion
8 Departure
- 1 x private coach transfer from to Tirana airport
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