Tirana – Elbasan – Pogradec – Korca – Dardha – Voskopoja – Gjirokastra – Saranda – Butrinti (Archaeological Site) – Himara – Dhermi – Vlora – Apollonia – Ardenica – Berat – Durres – Kruja – Shkodra – Lezha – Dajti Mountain – Tirana
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. Free at leisure among the day.
Overnight in Tirana.
Day 2 Tirana
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. This afternoon is free for you to explore Tirana’s lovely shops and boutiques.
Overnight in Tirana.
Day 3 Tirana – Elbasan – Pogradec
Morning departure 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 4 Pogradec – Korca
This morning is free for a full leisure day at Prespa Lake, enjoying pebble beaches which offer to the tourist’s opportunities for sun bathing. In the small island
of Maligrad an interesting eremite church is to be explored. Afternoon drive back to Korca.
Overnight in Korca
Day 5 Korca – Dardha – Voskopoja – Korca
This morning depart to visit the village
of Dardha – that is an ideal spot for winter sports, such as skiing. Traveling to Mborja, visit the wonderful Church
of Christ’s Ascension (kisha e Ristozit) with its internal and external outstanding frescoes and drive into the pine-forested mountains to the rough little rural settlement
of Voskopoja – a well known center
of art, where some
of the most
talented Albanian painters practiced their profession. Visit to the most interesting and accessible Church
of Shen Kollit, notable for its frescoes made by the famous Albanian painters. Drive back to Korca.
Overnight in Korca.
Day 6 Korca – Gjirokastra
This morning depart to Gjirokastra known as “Museum City”. 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). Visit the architecturally important 15 th century Mirahorit Mosque, and the Old Bazaar. En route making a stop to a local restaurant in Permet. Here you will find the real Albanian authentic, as warm and honest as loaf
of homemade bread. 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 Gjirokastra.
Day 7 Gjirokastra – Saranda
This morning depart to Saranda, the hillside town facing the sea, famous for Butrinti, its magnificent archaeological site. Visit the “Blue Eye” spring, formed by underground springs and the unusual church
of St. Nicholas at Mesopotam with its fine carvings
of mythological beasts. Stop for lunch at “Lekursi Castle restaurant (built on the ruins
of an old castle).
Overnight in Saranda.
Day 8 Saranda – Butrinti (Archaeological Site)
Today experience an included excursion to Butrinti Archaeological Site, visit the Temple
of Aesclepios, the Baptistery, Nymph, The Theatre, Lions Gate, the Acropolis, etc. Balance
of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight in Saranda.
Day 9 Saranda – Himara – Dhermi – Vlora
After breakfast drive up to Albanian Riviera. En route making a short visit to the bay
of Porto Palermo where the castle
of Ali Pasha is
situated. Continue climbing to 3, 000 feet where you can enjoy the best views, as we drive through the fertile slopes and villages. Drive along Himara, Dhermi coastline and stop for a special lunch in a restaurant in Llogara, enjoying the wonderful scenery among the pinewoods. Afternoon arrival in Vlora, an historical and costal city.
Overnight in Vlora.
Day 10 Vlora – Apollonia – Ardenica – Berat
Morning
Tour takes you to a sightseeing
Tour in Vlora. Proceeds to the ancient Greek settlement
of Apollonia – (founded in 588 BC). After the visit to Apollonia proceed to Ardenica – where is a medieval monastery surrounded by stonewalls. Here you will admire Marry Church and Saint Triadha Chapel. After the visit to Apollonia continue to Berat – the other one “Museum City”.
Overnight in Berat.
Day 11 Berat – Durres
A morning
Tour of 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. Stop for the lunch at restaurant in the Fortress where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and a wine tasting
of Berat cellar. The route continues 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.
Overnight in Durres.
Day 12 Durres – Kruja – Shkodra
Today you will see examples
of an age
of unbounded creativity. Your morning
Tour begins with 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 Shkodra.
Overnight in Shkodra.
Day 13 Shkodra – Lezha -Tirana
This morning
Tour to visit the Mosque
of Plumbit and the castle
of Rosafa over the lake
of Shkodra – perched at more than 4, 000 feet above sea level. Continue the trip to Lezha – an Illyrian settlement that flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period. Visit the tomb
of Scanderbeg. Lunch at the Hunting Lodge
of Count Ciano, Mussolini’s son-in-law
Overnight in Tirana.
Day 14 Tirana – Dajti Mountain – Tirana
Full day for your own activities. Optional visit to Dajti Mountain It offers numerous opportunities all year round for excursions and
recreation. It’s unspoilt nature, attracts many visitors during all seasons. Dajti is also a National Park, rich in diversity
of flora and fauna. You can enjoy the beautiful view from the cable car leads to nearly to the top
of Dajti Mountain. In the evening bid “mirupafshim” to your travel companions during a farewell with delectable cuisine and sparkling wine in a fashionable restaurant.
Day 15 Tirana
Transfer to “Nene Teresa” airport for your return flight home.
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