Classic Albania Itinerary
Day 1 Tirana Our representative will wait for you at Tirana International Airport and escort you to your hotel in Tirana, the Capital of Albania. Time at leisure, overnight in Tirana
Day 2 Himare After breakfast we will drive to Himare. On the way to this beautiful coastal town we visit Ardenica. Ardenica is an Orthodox monastery built in the 13th century. It is thought that it was in this idyllic place that the marriage of the Albanian national hero Scanderbeg was celebrated in the 15th century. After Ardenica we continue our trip to Vlora where we will have several stops in Vlora and Llogora pass. Just after 30 minutes from Vlora we will stop at Llogara National Park for a quick break to have a stunning view of one of the most dramatic mountains of the Mediterranean and with panoramas overlooking the sea. After this quick stop we proceed to Himara. Afternoon & evening at leisure after Checking in the Hotel near the sea. Overnight in Himare
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Day 3 Saranda After breakfast we depart for Saranda. This day we will only drive along the Albanian Riviera overlooking the Ionian Sea. We will visit Porto Palermo, where the Ali Pasha Castle stands like a barrier in front of the blue rocky sea as a protection for the country. The bay of Porto Palermo once served as an important secret military submarine base. The semi abandoned base and the tunnel are still visible. After the visit of Porto Palermo we proceed to Borsh, where we will have a coffee break in an oase of peace surrounded by waterfalls and running water. After this coffee break we will continue along the breath-taking road to Saranda and check in the Hotel near the sea and have Lunch at the Lekuresi castle up in the hill, which offers the best view of the city and the sea. After lunch we will visit the Archaeological park of Butrinti, UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Founded in the VII century bc by the Chaons of Epirus, it became one of the most important cities in the Ionian sea and now a days it is the best preserved archaeological site in Albania. After visiting Butrint leisure time to enjoy the city and a stroll along the sea side promenade and prepare for dinner. Overnight in Saranda
Day 4 Gjirokaster After breakfast we will continue east towards Gjirokastra, UNESCO World heritage town. On the way, we will visit the Blue Eye water springs natural park. After that we will continue towards Gjirokastra where we will check in our traditional accommodation located in the historical part of the town. After After check in the Hotel we will explore the old town of Gjirokastra, UNESCO World Heritage town since 2004.We will start our visit from the Ottoman fortress (XIV century) and continue with a visit at the old bazaar. We will have Lunch at Cold Water Spring restaurant by the Drino River. Overnight in Gjirokaster
Day 5 Berat After breakfast we will drive towards Apollonia Archaeological park, the house of Apollon. Founded in the VII century BC, Apollonia became one of the most important towns in the region in the IV century bc. In Roman times, it was a large and flourishing city (with 50.000 residents in the second century BC) near Aos river (today Vjosa). The monastery (which houses the museum) courtyard enclosed a Byzantine church dating back to the 14th century and now a days it is one of the biggest archaeological parks in Albania. After that we will go toward Berat, the oldest city in Albania of at least 2400 years. We will check in the traditional Hotel and Have lunch in a restaurant inside the city Castle up in the hill which 2
offers a UNIQUE view. Our visit in Berat UNESCO World Heritage town will start from the old Mangalemi neighborhood to continue with a visit in the IV century bc fortress located on the hill overlooking the Osumi valley. The fortress is better known for the old Orthodox cathedral where the Onufri Icon Gallery is located. Here we will admire some of the most beautiful and oldest icons in Albania, dating from the XIV century. Overnight in Berat
Day 6 Tirana After breakfast we will go in Kruja and Tirana, the Albanian Capital. In the first part of the day we will visit the historical town of Kruja, where we will visit the old town located within the Othoman fortress from the XIV century. After the visit in the old bazaar (XVIII century), we will have an introduction in the Albanian traditional culinary at a local restaurant in Kruja. After that we are heading to Tirana and check in the Hotel. We will start to visit Tirana from the main square discovering the history and beauties of this town which was transformed from a big village into a modern capital in the first half of the XX century. Our visit will include the Ethem Bej mosque whis is one of the most known land marks on Tirana. After the visit the National museum in the main square we will continue our walking tour of Tirana visiting the main Boulevard. Next visit will be in an old house of Tirana, one of the few left from the end of XIX century which host’s an art gallery as well. Afternoon at leisure to explore Tirana on your own Overnight in Tirana
Day 7 Tirana Airport After breakfast free time to explore Tirana followed by the airport transfer wishing you a nice flight back home. End of services and thank you for choosing us.
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