This is a tour of most sites and monuments of Albania. It visits the country from North to South and West to East showcasing Albania’s natural and cultural diversity. The tour can be modified for individuals or groups it can be by adding more time.
Meet at the airport with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Driven tour of the capital. We visit the main sites like the Ethem Bey Mosque, clock tower, Scanderbeg Square, Orthodox Church, National Historic Museum.
Overnight in Tirana, Hotel 3*
Depart to visit Durres, one of the oldest towns in Albania. It was founded at Epidamnus in 627 B.C. by Greeks from Corcyra and Corinth. We will visit the Amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum. After this visits we drive to Berat, a must visit towns in Albania under the protection of UNESCO as a patronage of humanity for its architectural uniqueness. In Berat we visit the Castle and the Onufri Museum. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain including St. Mary’s church turned into Onufri Museum. Onufri was a famous Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece, using a special red colour. Overnight in Berat, Hotel 3*.
In the morning we depart to Vlora where Albanian Independence was proclaimed. On the way we stop at the Monastery of Ardenica, supposed to have been built in the middle ages. In fact it is said that Scanderbeg was married at the small chapel of Ardenica. Today, inside the church you can admire icon paintings of 1743-1745, by Albanian artists such as Konstandin and Athanos Zografi, as well as Konstandin Shpataraku. Afterwards we proceed to the ancient city of Apollonia, situated on the
famous Via Egnatia. Apollonian was one of the most important cities in Roman times. Caesar send his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory in Apollonia revealing the importance of this ancient city. After this we continue to Vlora where we visit the Independence Museum, situated in the original house, where the first Independent Albanian Government had its offices and Muradie Mosque, one of the early works of the great architect Sinan. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Vlora, Hotel 3*
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Early in the morning we depart to Zvernec Monastery, situated in a beautiful natural peninsula. After visits drive on Albanian Riviera, enjoying the wonderful view that is offered. We make a short stop at the fortress of Ali Pasha, a fortification used to control the sea trade routes where we have a light lunch. Then we continue to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO world heritage site and the most important archaeological discovery in Albania. Legend associates this city with Trojan settlers who fled Troy under the leadership of Aeneas. In fact the city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of several eras of civilization. Butrint is situated in a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna. After the visits we drive to Saranda for dinner and overnight, Hotel 3*
Today we drive to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO site and museum town with unique and distinctive architecture. On the way we will stop to visit the Mesopotam church with carvings of mythological beasts in the outside walls. Then we visit the spring of Blue Eye named due to its eye shape and deep blue colour. Afterwards drive to Gjirokastra where we will visit the fortress of Gjirokastra, part of which was turned into a political prison for dissidents of the regime and the Arms Museum. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which is also the house the Albanian dictator was born in. Overnight in Gjirokastra, Hotel 3*
(3.5 hours driving time)
In the morning we drive to Korca through the wonderful Kelcyra gorge. Several photo opportunities stops to take in the beautiful nature. Lunch will be in Erseka (optional). Then we depart for Voskopoja one of the most important towns in the Balkans during the beginning of the 18th century. We visit a number Churches with frescoes from the Zeografi brothers. Afterwards drive to Korca where we overnight, Hotel 3*
After breakfast more visits in Korca starting with Museum of Medieval Art, the Mirahori mosque, one of the oldest in Albania, the reconstructed old bazaar and the Church at Mborje, built in the 14th century. Continue to Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Visit to the Park of Drilon and Villa Art, that used to be the old fishing villa of the dictator.
Take a walk through beautiful scenery and have lunch. We will stop at Elbasani Castle for a quick visit. Continue to Tirana for overnight, Hotel 3*
After breakfast, free to explore until time for the transfer to the International Airport of Tirana.
