Albania has natural beauty in such abundance that you might wonder why it’s taken 20 years for the country to take off as a tourist destination since the end of a particularly brutal strain of communism in 1991. So backward was Albania when it emerged blinking into the bright light of freedom that it needed two decades just to catch up with the rest of Eastern Europe.
The Republic of Macedonia is a small country situated in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It abounds in natural beauties and rarities. Many have named “The Pearl of the Balkans”. Attractive lakes, mountains and spas are the distinctive features of this country.Macedonia is an ancient land of unbelievable beauty, with impressive opportunities for leisure and adventure travel. We love this area and want to share our fascination with you.
Day 01 Rinas – Kruja (40 Kms / 50M appx.)
Arrival at Tirana International airport meet, assist and transfer to Kruja.
Kruja is a medioeval city , visit of the castle , Skanderbeg museum , the old bazar ( hand craft’s market ).Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Kruja – Durres – Berat (135 Kms / 2H 50M appx.)
After breakfast, transfer to Durres , one of the most ancient cities in Albania . Visit of the fortress, with a Prominet venetian tower, The amphitheatre ( one of the biggest in the Balkan Peninsula ), Archeological museum . After we proceed to Berat. Its most striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to its castle, earning it the title of “ town of thousand windows “ . The town also has a 15th century mosque and a number of churches – houses , we will visit the Onufri Iconmuseum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Berat – Apollonia – Vlora (90 Kms / 2H 25M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to archaeological site of Apollonia, known for its Greek theatre, ancient fortifications and temple of gods, Roman classic promenade, city forum library, medioeval monastry and church. After we drive to Vlora. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Vlora – Sarande (186 Kms / 4H 20M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to Saranda. This day we will only drive along the Albanian Riviera overlooking the Ionian Sea. 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. We continue for 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 submarine base during the regime days. The semi abandoned base and the tunnel are still visible. After the visit of Porto Palermo we proceed to Borsh, peace surrounded by waterfalls and running water. After we will continue along the breath-taking road to Saranda. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Sarande – Butrinti – Sarande (28 Kms / 46M appx.-ONE WAY)
After breakfast, proceed to discover Butrint. Interesting things to see in Butrint include the Greek amphitheatre (later remodeled by the Romans), the baptistry, the cathedral, the lion’s gate, and the museum which includes many interesting artifacts found in the area. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Sarande – Blue Eye – Gjirokaster (89 Kms / 2H 20M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to Blue Eye and Gjirokaster. You visit Blue Eye spring , formed by underground springs, continue to Gjirokaster. Many houses in Gjirokaster have a distinctive local style that has earned the city the nickname “ Town of the stones “, because most of the old houses have roofs covered with stones ( Unesco World Heritage Site ). Great importance are the museum of Weapons , Enver Hoxha house. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Gjirokaster – Voskopoja – Korca (215 Kms/ 6H 50M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to Voskopoja through the heart of Vjosa valley , sorronded by imposing mountains in all sides. Voskopoja was an important cultural center with several churches and the first printing press in the Balkans Continuation to Korca. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Korca – Ohrid (97 Kms/ 2H 21M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to visit of the Icon Museum. Departure for Macedonia, you stop to visit Sveti Naum monastery. Afterwards you continue to Ohrid to discover churches, amphitheatre and the castle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Ohrid – Tirana (135 Kms/ 3H 28M appx.)
After breakfast, departure to Tirana . Citytour including visits to the National museum, the main square and its clock tower, university and boulevard. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Depart Tirana
Departure transfer to onward destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels |
| Kruja | 01 | Hotel Panorama |
| Berat | 01 | Hotel Mangalemi |
| Vlora | 01 | Hotel Vlora international |
| Sarande | 02 | Hotel Butrinti |
| Gjirokaster | 01 | Hotel Cajupi |
| Korca | 01 | Grand Hotel Korca |
| Ohrid | 01 | Hotel Royal View Villa |
| Tirana | 01 | Sheraton Tirana 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.