Arrival - Tirane.

Tirana - Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. After arrival and hotel check-in, we begin exploring Albania’s capital. Visit the Mosque of Et’hem Bey (1824), the Clock Tower (1822), the National Museum, Grand Park, government buildings, and BunkArt.

Skanderbeg Square - We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero.

Et`hem Bey Mosque - The Mosque of Ethem Bey is one of the oldest buildings in Tirana.

National Archaeological Museum - We will also visit the Archaeological Museum among other sites.

### Lezhe - Shkoder - Tirane.

Lezhe - After breakfast, the next stop will be in Lezha city. In ancient times, it was called Lissus. We will also visit the Skanderbeg Memorial.

Shkoder - Afterward, we will continue to Shkodra. A beautiful landscape with highlands (Albanian Alps to the north) provides a striking contrast. City tour of Shkodra, including the Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral, and Mosque.

Rozafa Castle - Visit Rozafa Castle and the museum inside it. Enjoy wonderful views of mountains, Shkodra’s lake, and the Drini, Buna, and Kir rivers with the surrounding valleys from the top of Rozafa Castle, and “Ura e Mesit’’ over the Kir River.

### Kruje - Durres - Tirane.

Kruje - After breakfast, we head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to its role in resisting the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle, as well as the old bazaar.

Durrës - Then we head to Durres. This port city was the most important ancient central Mediterranean metropolis until medieval times in the 15th century when it was occupied by the Ottomans until 1912 when Albania proclaimed its independence, and Durres became its capital until 1920. Durres is also more than 3500 years old (first mentioned in the Odyssey where Ulysses spent part of his time in Taulantia (the ancient Pelasgian-Illyrian name of Epidamn-Durrah-Durres) on his way back to Ithaca after the Trojan War). This city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan region (about 20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century, which we will visit along with an archaeological museum, ancient city castle wall, Byzantine bazaar/forum, Roman public baths, etc.

Skanderbeg Monument - Visit the Skanderbeg Museum.

Kruja Castle - We will visit Kruja Castle as well as the old bazaar.

### Berat (UNESCO) - Tirane

Berat - After breakfast, we continue to Berat with a short visit to Elbasan city and Belsh Lake (part of the Dumrea group of karstic lakes in central Albania, also known as little-Toscana). Then we will continue to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania, more than 2400 years old, and with special status from UNESCO. Visit Berat Castle with the Onufri Museum and other churches inside; the Mosque of Berat and the old Bridge of Gorica, the Onufri Museum, and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th century. Many of his wonderfully painted icons still remain in the museum, while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked. Lunch at a traditional restaurant.

### Departure

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary
• Accommodation
• English speaking guide during all tour itinerary
• Local guides (as applicable)

• Airport and departure taxes
• All museums and other sites entry tickets as per itinerary. 35 Eur/person
• Gratuities
• Trip/tour cancellation
• No show
• Travel insurance
• Driver/guides tips