Closed to travelers for almost the entire 20th century, Albania is still a secret not discovered by mass tourism. Visit the picturesque Ottoman cities, the ancient ruins, the famous communist bunkers and the beautiful beaches of the Ionian Sea. Travelling in Albania will give you an adventure like no other.
Day 1: ARRIVAL – TIRANA
Arrival at Tirana airport and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore the capital of Albania and taste typical albanian food – start your travelling in Albania in style. Accommodation in Tirana.
Day 2: TIRANA – KRUJA – TIRANA
Start your trip to Albania with a guided tour of Tirana. It has changed noticeably since the fall of communism in 1990 and since than Tirana has become a colorful and lively European capital with cafes and fashion stores. Stroll through the main square with the statue of the national hero – Skanderberg, the impressive mosaic on the facade of the national museum and the Et’hem Bey mosque – one of the most remarkable buildings in the city. In the afternoon you will visit the picturesque town of Kruja, Skanderberg’s birthplace, located on top of a hill just outside Tirana. After the visit of the fortress we recommend you to take a walk through the local bazaar and buy souvenirs or local brandy (“raki”). Return to Tirana for overnight.
Day 3: TIRANA – DURRËS – APOLLONIA – VLORË
Breakfast. Today we are going to explore the rich ancient history of Albania, beginning with the Roman amphitheatre of Durrës, built in the 2nd century and rediscovered in 1966. We continue with the visit of the ancient city of Apollonia where we explore the Greek and Roman ruins located among the olive groves. In the afternoon transfer to the Albanian Riviera, where the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea mix with the turquoise colors of the Ionian Sea. Accommodation in Vlorë.
Day 4: VLORE – PN LOGARA – SARANDA
After breakfast we continue our travel to Albania with the panoramic road journey along the Ionian coast. We’ll climb up the Llogara Pass, enjoy the spectacular views of the Ionian coastline beneath and then descend towards Himara and Saranda, two of the most important tourist centers of the rapidly developing Albanian Riviera. Free afternoon to enjoy one of the beaches. Hint – your diver guide will be happy to show you less crowded places away from the masses. Night in Saranda.
Travelling in Albania – unique, excited, off the beaten path… If you live it, you will love it!
Day 5: SARANDA – BUTRINT – BLUE EYE – GJIROKASTRA
In the morning we will visit one of the most impressive places in Albania: the Butrint National Park with a long history that extends all the way back to the 6th century BC. The ruins of this ancient place can be admired in a beautiful natural environment beside the sea. First stop after leaving the Ionian coast and transferring to the interior of the country is a magic fountain called “the blue eye”. The crystal-clear waters do not leave anyone indifferent and on hot days it is a perfect place to cool off. We continue to Gjirokastra, the city of a thousand stairs famous for over 600 Ottoman villas located on the side of a hill below the grand fortress – one of the largest in the Balkans. It is a must while travelling in Albania. Accommodation in Gjirokastra.
Day 6: GJIROKASTRA – BERAT
Breakfast. From Gjirokastra we continue north to visit its “sister” Berat – nicknamed the city of a thousand windows. Both cities are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their Ottoman architecture, but Berat is definitely more famous and attracts more tourists. There we will pay a visit to the Kalaja fortress and take a walk through the traditional neighbourhood of Mangalem, in which three large mosques are located. Free afternoon to explore the city on your own. Accommodation in Berat.
Day 7: BERAT – DAJTI NATIONAL PARK – TIRANA
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tirana to finish the Albanian tour circle. There is one more stop, before the end of the trip: the Dajti National Park with its beautiful emerald-colored Bovilla Lake. Optionally you can also take the longest funicular in the Balkans up the Djati Mountain and take advantage of the views of the national park. In the afternoon return to Tirana. Free time to buy souvenirs or visit one of the museums. Accommodation in Tirana.
Day 8: TIRANA – END OF TRIP
Free time in Tirana before transfer to the airport for your return flight. End of your trip.
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