Albania is a country in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula in South Eastern Europe, bordered by the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea in the west, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo in the north, Macedonia in the east, and Greece in the south. From the Strait of Otranto, Albania is less than 100 km (60 miles) from Italy. The country covers a total of 28,748 squared kilometers, and has a coastline of 362 km long. The capital city, Tirana, is less than 2-3 hours away from Europe’s most important centers, and is the most important metropolis in the country, beyond doubt one of the most dynamic capitals in Europe.
Day 01 Tirana – Kruja (36 Kms / 47M appx.)
Arrival at Tirana international airport meet, assist and transfer to Kruja the historic citadel of the the Albanian hero Skanderbeg. Visit of the castle, skanderbeg museum and the old bazar in which browse and buy authentic Albanian antiques and souvenirs. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Kruja – Durres – Berat (132 Kms / 2H 10M appx.)
After breakfast, transfer to Durres one of the most ancient cities in Albania and main commercial port. Visit of the fortress with a Venetian tower, the amphitheatre (one of the biggest in the Balkan Peninsula), the Archaeological museum. Continuation to Berat. The most striking feature is the collection of white ottoman houses that climb the hill to the castle, earning it the title of “ Town of a thousand windows”. Visit the Onufri Museum, Bachelors Mosque, The King’s Mosque, The Leaden Mosque. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Berat – Apollonia – Valona (91 Kms / 2H 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. We drive to Vlora. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Valona – P.Palermo – Sarande (138 Kms / 4H 25M appx.)
After breakfast, we depart for 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 – Butrint – Sarande (28 Kms / 46M appx.-ONE WAY)
After breakfast, proceed to discover Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Greeks settled Butrint during the 6th century BC, although the area had been settled long before by the Illyrians. Within a century of the Greeks arriving, Butrint had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which you can still visit. Just below the acropolis in the forest is the 3rd century BC theatre, also used for performances by the Romans. Nearby are public baths with geometrical mosaics, and deeper into the forest is a wall with Greek inscriptions and a 6th-century baptistry decorated with colourful mosaics of animals and birds. Overlooking the whole site is an acropolis with a fortress erected by warlord Ali Pasha Tepelena early in the 19th century. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Sarande – Blue Eye – Girokaster (89 Kms / 2H 17M appx.)
Aftrer breakfast, departure to Blue Eye : is a water spring and natural phenomenon occurring near Muzine. A popular tourist attraction, the clear blue water of the river bubbles forth from a stunning, more than fifty-metre-deep pool. Divers have descended to fifty metres, but it is still unclear what the actual depth of the karst hole is. Continue to Girokaster many houses have a distinctive local style that has earned the nickname “ Town of stone “ , because most of the old houses have roofs covered with stones (Unesco World Heritage). Great importance Museum of Weapons, Enver Hoxha house and the castle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Girokaster – Voskopoja – Korce (215 Kms / 5H 27M 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 Korce – Ohrid – Tirana (By Road) (225 Kms / 4H 50M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to we visit in Korca the Icon Museum and the Orthodox Cathedral. We departure for Macedonia to visit Sveti Naum monastery. Afterwards we continue to Ohrid to discover churches, amphitheatre and the castle. Arrive in Tirana. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Tirana – Lezha – Shkoder – Tirana (194 Kms / 3H 15M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to you beginn the day with Lezha, visiting the memorial grave of Skanderbeg where he was buried. We drive to Shkoder. We visit Rozafa castle with an amazing view all around the lake of Shkodra and the Mezi Bridge. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Depart Tirana
Morning tour of the Albanian capital, including visits to the National museum, the main square and its clock tower, university and boulevard.
Later departure transfer to onward destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels |
| Kruja | 01 | Hotel Panorama |
| Berat | 01 | Hotel Mangalemi |
| Vlore | 01 | Hotel Vlora international |
| Sarande | 02 | Hotel Butrinti |
| Girokaster | 01 | Hotel Cajupi |
| Korce | 01 | Grand Hotel Palace |
| Tirana | 02 | 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.