T&A guides will collect you from “Mother Theresa” international airport to continue with our trip to Tirana. We are going to visit the monument of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, several historic buildings such as the Mosque of Et’hem Bej, the Clock Tower which is 35 m high and was built in 1830. The top of the tower, which is open to visitors, offers a fantastic view of the square. Then we proceed with the Tabak Bridge (XVIII), Mother Albania Monument, National Theatre, Opera and Ballet Theatre, Gallery of Fine Art, the International Center of Culture, Historical Museum, the Archaeological Museum and Museum of Natural Sciences. Castle of Petrela, is only 15 km south of Tirana and the other is Castle of Preza, which is a highly frequented spot by tourists because of its unique sights.
After breakfast, we head to the town of Kruja, one of the most significant tourist attractions in Albania.The town is rich in cultural and ethnographic monuments. It is also archeologically rich. Because of possessing priceless values, Kruja has been declared a ‘hero’ and ‘museum’ town. Of great importance are the historical museum, the old Bazaar’s characteristic road, the ethnographic museum as well as a wide variety of cult objects, which arouse tourist interest. Other specialties of the town are its outfits, the characteristic weaving and the handicrafts in copper, gold and silver etc. After having taken a full tour of Kruja town, we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant where local traditional cuisine will be tasted. In the afternoon we set off in the direction of Shkodra city where we will be accommodated at hotel-restaurant.
We are going to visiting the city of Shkodra right after breakfast. It is the largest in northern Albania with a history of ancient civilization and culture. We will visit the castle of Shkodra “Rozafa Castle” which is established on a rocky hill at the entrance Shkodra city. This castle was used as an Illyrian fortified center. We will later proceed with a visit to the Cathedral of Shkodra called the Great Church, because at the time the building was one of the largest churches in the Balkans. The New Mosque – Ebu Bekr – which is later to be visited is the largest in Albania and among the largest in the Balkans. It is worth noting that one of the greatest values of Albanian people is the coexistence and religious tolerance. The Clock Tower of Shkodra is another landmark worth visiting. We cannot leave Shkodra without visiting the Historical Museum, located at a monumental and characteristic house, named “Oso Kuka”. Then we will depart to the coastal city of Durres where we are going to be accommodated.
Durresi is one of the most ancient and economically important cities of Albania. Durres is a city of an early culture. The city has inherited numerous values of the past, historical and archaeological centers such as the Amphitheatre, the Byzantine fences, the Venetian Tower, the castle’s perimeter wall, but also other cultural and religious centers like Basilica ruins in Arapaj, Rodoni castle etc. During this day we are going to visit the Amphitheatre of Durres, the last construction of the second century BC, one of the greatest of its kind in the Roman Empire. The archaeological museum and the Venetian tower are to be visited as well. All these archaeological objects have been excavated and found in the city’s underground territory. Lunch will be enjoyed at a seaside restaurant after the city tour, and then we will be headed towards the ancient city of Apollonia. It was founded around the beginning of the IV century BC. Apollonia ruins were first discovered at the beginning of the XIX century. Some objects, belonging to the Iron Age, are the earliest archaeological traces, which are typical of Illyrian culture. Some of the remains of the defensive wall and an archaic temple dedicated to Artemisia, the most worshipped goddess of the Apollonian, are preserved. These remains date back since the first centuries of city life. Later we will be headed in the direction of the National Park of Llogara where we will be accommodated for the night at a hotel.
During this day not only will we enjoy the marvelous scenery that Albanian Riviera offers, but we will also can visit some of the castles established there. The first stop is the coastal town of Himare. With its numerous castles and amazing beaches, Himara is undoubtedly one of the most spotted areas in southern Albania. We are going to visit Himara castle. Monuments to be visited inside the castle are Sergji and Baku’s church (Paleoepiskopia), all Saints’ church, Tano Jorgji Goros’ house, The Ancient Tower on the south side, Ancient Walls on the northeastern side, medieval Entrance and medieval Tower (Barbakaja) etc. Later Porto Palermo tectonic peninsula will be visited where the famous castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena is situated. Afterwards we set off towards the coastal city Saranda where we will be accommodated.
We will have the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Butrint throughout this day. Butrinti’s archeological national park. This antique city, listed as a world heritage site of UNESCO is a gem of archeology. Ali Pasha castle, the Amphitheatre, the thermal baths, roman style houses, mosaics, masterly carved walls and other constructions are found inside the city. The Blue eye is another destination to be visited and have lunch. It is a magical place whose underground water source is surrounded by forests and it is named after its blue color. It is one of the most beautiful natural curiosities of the country. Our journey continues with the city of Gjirokastra where we will be accommodated.
Gjirokastra town or otherwise known as “The stone town” is one of the most important towns of southern Albania. The town of “Thousand stairs” with hundreds of Ottoman style houses, stone roofs and wooden balconies can certainly be called a magic one with a glorious past. We will be turned back in time by a walk along the bazaar and a visit at the old fortress. The fortress is, without any doubts, one of the most extraordinary construction structures. Situated on a rock, with the town at its foot, it offers a breathtaking view of Drino valley and the surrounding mountains. Inside the castle the remains of a US Air Force aircraft are found, which is of high interest to visitors. The National Museum of Arms will also be visited. The museum displays all kinds of weapons, from the period of Independence until the end of World War II, but mostly from the partisan war 1939 to 1944. In the afternoon we will depart towards the town of Berat.
Berat or otherwise known as “the town of a thousand windows” is part of the rarest towns where life initiated since ancient times until nowadays with no interruption at all. The town has inherited numerous historical, cultural, ethnographic, architectonic and religious values which constitute a considerable potential for tourism. The town’s handicraft is one of the inherited values. While in Berat, we will be visiting the town castle, the Ethnographic national museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral and Gorica bridge. The town castle is one of the largest and inhabited nowadays. Gorica Bridge is one of the cultural and architectural monuments of Berat. It is also one of the town symbols. After a full town tour, we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant where the typical local food will be enjoyed. Later in the afternoon we will depart towards the capital of Albania, Tirana, where and we will be accommodated.
Depart towards “Mother Theresa” International Airport.
