Arrival - Tirane

Tirana - Transfer to accommodation. Overnight in a 3-star hotel.

Tirane

Tirana - In the morning, visit Petrela Castle and the ancient Illyrian-Pelasgian city of Persqop on the outskirts of Tirana. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the city. Overnight in Tirana at Hotel Arber or a similar establishment. (B)

Option: (202 km, 3 h 10’)

Lezhe (UNESCO candidate) – Shkoder - Tirane. We then head to Lezha city, known as Lissus in ancient times, dating back to the 7th century BC. Visit the Mausoleum of Scanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. Continue to Shkodra, where the highland landscape (Albanian Alps to the north) offers a striking contrast. Visit Rozafa Castle and its museum, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains, Shkodra’s lake, and the Drini, Buna, and Kir rivers from the top of the castle. See “Ura e Mesit” over the Kir River. Take a city tour of Shkodra, including the Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral, and Mosque. Return to Tirana for an overnight stay. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the city. Overnight in Tirana at Hotel Arber 3*, or a similar establishment. (B)

Berat (UNESCO) – Apolloni - Vlore (161 km, 3 h 30)

Berat - After breakfast, continue to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions in Albania, over 3000 years old, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Berat Castle, the Onufri Museum, and various churches and mosques, including the Mosque of Berat and the old Bridge of Gorica. Onufri was a renowned Albanian painter of the 16th century, and many of his beautifully painted icons are displayed in the museum, while others are found in churches in Albania and Greece.

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Continue the tour to Apollonia, founded in 588 BC and used by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy due to its distinct Illyrian and Greek communities. It was a crucial stronghold in Caesar’s civil war with Pompey and significant in early Christian history, with its bishop attending the councils of Ephesus and Chlalkis in 431 and 451 AD. Visit the museum, Shen Meri Monastery, and Church.

Tepelene – Gjirokaster (UNESCO) (265 km, 3 h 45’)

Tepelene - Depart to Tepelene and stop at Tepelene Castle, built by Ali Pasha in the late 18th century CE. It was the second most important castle during his reign, after Ioannina.

Gjirokaster - Continue to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. Take a city tour and visit the Castle and Weapons Museum. Return to Vlore for an overnight stay at Hotel Regina City 4*, or a similar establishment.

Durres – Tirane (345 km, 3 h 45’)

Durres - After breakfast, continue to Durres, Albania’s second-largest city and one of its oldest. According to legend, it was founded by the Illyrian King Epidamnos, who named it after himself and called the port area after his grandson, Dyrrah. For centuries, it was the largest port on the Adriatic and the starting point of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople. Visit the Roman amphitheater, the largest in the Balkans with 20,000 seats, and the Roman Forum.

Kruje – Tirane (220 km, 4 h 20’)

Kruje - Head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most significant towns due to its role in resisting the Ottomans. Visit the castle, the impressive Scanderbeg Museum, and shop in the Old Bazaar. Return to Tirana for a leisurely afternoon. Overnight in Tirana at Padam Boutique Hotel, or a similar establishment.

Departure

Tirana - After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of services. Pass by without stopping.

• English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides
• Transportation with modern AC minibus/bus with driver during all tour itinerary
• Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in hotels (as indicated, or similar)
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary

• International airfare and airport taxes
• All museums and other sites entry tickets as per itinerary (45 EUR).Prices are subject to change.
• Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”

Tucked away in a little visited corner of Europe lies Albania, a charming and delightful country that few people know much about. For years Albania was a closed society, ruled by the iron fist of Communism, but since the end of the Cold War it has been showing curious travellers its many charms. Explore the crossroads of Europe’s East and West mosaic to cultures inherited in millenniums starting from Illyrians-Pelasgians (Albanians are the direct descendants), and also Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavic and Ottoman inheritance (part of famous ancient via Egnatia road connecting rome with Istanbul via Durres-Ohrid-Bitola-Thessaloniki, etc.) Visits in fascinating historical cities such as Durres, Tirana, Lezhe, Shkoder. This part of Europe is also blessed with incredible scenery with imposing mountains, pristine lakes and traditional villages tucked away in pretty valleys.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.