Albania, on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, is a small country with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and an interior crossed by the Albanian Alps. The country has many castles and archaeological sites. Capital Tirana centers on sprawling Skanderbeg Square, site of the National History Museum, with exhibits spanning antiquity to post-communism, and frescoed Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Day 01 Tirane – Shkodra (94 Kms / 1H 40M appx.)
Arrival at Tirane airport meet, assist and transfer to the ancient city of Shkodra, which has been the capital city of Illyrians state of Ardians. In the evening walking tour to the heritage city center where you can see, the Watch Tower, steam-bath, Grand Church, Grand Mosque etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Shkodra – Lezha – Kruja – Durres(176 Kms / 2H 30M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to visit the Rozafa Castle and its museum to learn about the legend of the woman who was buried alive. The castle has been built in the II century BC. The tour will proceed to Lezha city, known since the IV century BC with the name of Lissus. Visit in “Skenderbey Memorial” which is found into Saint Nicolas Cathedral, and Lezha’s castle which is testimony of Illyrian civilization. In afternoon transfer to Kruja city where you’ll visit The Medieval castle and the museum of our National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbey, a stop to the old bazaar where you can have handmade souvenirs shopping. The tour proceeds to the coastal city of Durres which is known since the year 627 BC with the name of Epidamnus, later the name of the city was Dyrrah. In the evening you’ll visit the fortress of the city build in the IV-V century BC. Roman amphitheater with the capacity of 20.000 spectators and the Venetian tower. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Durres – Apollonia – Valona (124 Kms / 2H 10M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to the coastal city of Vlora. Visit to medieval monastery of Ardenica, proceed to archaeological park Apollonia, achieved its zenith in the 4th – 3rd centuries B.C. In the first century B.C., Octavian Augustus studied philosophy there until he heard news of Caesar’s murder in the Senate and went on to become the next Roman emperor. In afternoon arrival to Vlora which is known since IV century BC with the name of Aulona. Visit to Muradie’s Mosque build in 1542 by architect Mimar Sinani who is even the architect of Sulejmanie mosque in Istanbul. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Valona – Himara – Saranda (274 Kms / 6H appx.)
After breakfast, the trip proceeds along the Ionian seashore or as known Albanian Riviera is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions in Albania. Short visit to Oricum, which was established in the 7th – 6th century B.C. Julius Caesar, stationed his troops in camps there for several months, until they were taken by Pompey (Pompeius Magnus). Stopover to Dhermi, a large and beautiful village with about 30 old churches picturesquely placed on the rough mountainside. Lunch in ancient city of Himara. After lunch continue to Saranda, short visit to Porto Palermo bay, the castle of Ali Pasha Afternoon arrival to Saranda, Here you’ll learn about the ancient history of this city known since the III century BC with the name of Onhezmi. In the evening visit to Lekursi castle from where you’ll enjoy a charming view of Saranda bay and the island of Corfu, 9 km away from Saranda. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Sarande – Butrint – Gjirokastra (114 Kms / 3H appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to ancient city of Butrint UNESCO World heritage, visit to Acropolis which belongs to the VIII century BC, the Asclepius Temple (the god of healing) of IV century BC, the Gate of the Lake of IV century BC, the Roman theatre of III century BC, Agoraja the main trading center of the city, the gymnasium, a holy pagan place. Continue to Gjirokastra. Stop to visit the Mesopotamian Monastery, Saint Nicolas church which belongs to Byzantine period, and the old residual of the ancient city of Foinica. In afternoon arrival to stony city of Gjirokastra, UNESCO’s world heritage. Visit at the fortress, built in IV century, the National museum of Weapons, the church in the old Bazaar, the characteristic shops of Gjirokastra. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Gjirokastra – Permet – Korca (229 Kms / 5H 30M appx.)
After breakfast, we’ll know the history of Gjirokaster, proceeding to the Historic Museum of Weapons, the Church in the old bazaar and its characteristic shops. Later the tour proceeds along Vjosa River where you’ll see the beautiful canyons of Kelcyra outfall. Lunch in Permet where you’ll taste all the traditional specialties such as: baked lamb on a spit, Chicken filled with nuts, turndown cheese etc accompanied by different drinks wine, brandy etc. In afternoon visit to Permet city known as “Flowers City”. You’ll see Leuses Church build in 1614. Stop the national park of Hotova, a natural complex where are found different kinds of wild animals such as bears, wolves etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Korca – Pogradec – Elbasan – Berat (246 Kms / 05H 39M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to sightseeing city tour, visit at the museum of Medieval Art (National Museum), which presents the material culture of the Albanian people. Proceed to Pogradec in a panoramic tour and visit Pogradec city, which is one of the most charming tourist resorts in Albania because of its position on Lake Ohrid which is distinguished itself for clear water and mountain views, and the alcoran fish, unique specific of this lake in the world. Pogradec which is known since the V century BC. Here you’ll see what has remain from the Illyrians buildings, the old patristic of V century BC and 4 monumental graves which dates since the III century BC. These monuments are found in Selca village that has been the residency of Illyrian king Klit. Stopover to Elbasan, visit “Skampa” ancient Castle which belongs to 15th century Continue to in the ancient city of Berat, part of UNESCO world heritage, which is known as “the city of one thousand windows” to make known the 2400 years of history. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Berat – Tirane (128 Kms / 2H 9M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to visit the castle build on the hills of the city, Onufer Museum, Saint Trinity Church, Saint Nicolas Cathedral and museum quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica. Transfer to Tirana, accommodation in 3 stars hotel. Sightseeing tour in Tirana where you can visit the E’them Bey Mosque, Watch Tower situated to the main center of the city. You’ll also see the main boulevard called ”Martyrs of the nation” and it’s characteristic buildings in Italian style. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Depart Tirane
Departure transfer to onward destination.
City | Nights | 5* Hotels |
Shkodra | 01 | Hotel G.H. Europa |
Tirana | 01 | Sheraton Tirana Hotel |
Ohrid | 01 | Hotel Royal View Villa |
Korce | 01 | Grand Hotel Palace |
Sarande | 01 | Hotel Butrinti |
Vlore | 01 | Hotel Vlora international |
Berat | 01 | Hotel Mangalemi |
Durres | 01 | Adriatik Hotel |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per the program.
- Entrance fees.
- Local English speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions.
- All taxes.
Branding
– Logo branding on Vehicles.
– Color and logo branding Merchandise.
– Departure gifts with company’s branding.
- Personal Expenses.
- All Domestic and International Flights with airport taxes.
- Camera / Video Camera Fees.
- Medical Aid.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- Visa (If any).
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.