TIRANA AIRPORT - TIRANA (17 KM)

Tirana - Upon arrival at Tirana airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After a brief rest, we’ll explore the Clock Tower, Scanderbeg Square, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque, which took 28 years to build and was completed in 1821. This mosque is renowned for its beautiful decorations and artwork. We’ll also visit the National Historic Museum, located in the city center and easily identifiable by the large mosaic on its facade. The museum houses artifacts from ancient times through the Hoxha regime. Other stops include the National Art Gallery, Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, Saint Paul Catholic Cathedral, Bunkart (an art gallery in a bunker), and Blloku (The Block). Overnight in Tirana.

TIRANA - ARDENICA MONASTERY - APOLLONIA - VLORA (230 KM)

Apollonia Archaeological Park - We’ll drive for about 30 minutes to the ancient site of Apollonia, a classical site dating back to 588 BC. Set among rolling hills with beautiful views, it offers a blend of history and nature, including the church of Saint Maria.

Vlore - Historically known as Aulona in Ancient Illyria, Vlore was later conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians, and Ottomans. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became a center for Albanian national consciousness, leading to the Albanian Renaissance. The Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed here on November 28, 1912. Overnight in Vlora.

VLORA - ALI PASHA CASTLE - SARANDA (160 KM)

Ali Pasha Castle - After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic journey along the Albanian Riviera and through Llogara National Park. We’ll stop at several viewpoints and near the sea at Himare before reaching the well-preserved Ali Pasha Castle at Porto Palermo. Named after Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, the castle was rebuilt in 1819 and served as his second residence until 1820.

Saranda - Located on an open sea gulf of the Ionian Sea, Saranda enjoys over 300 sunny days a year and is about 14 km east of Corfu. It’s a major tourist destination with diverse attractions, including ancient archaeological sites like Butrint and natural wonders like the Blue Eye. We’ll visit Lekursi Castle and the Synagogue. Overnight in Saranda.

SARANDA - BUTRINT (UNESCO) - BLUE EYE - GJIROKASTRA (UNESCO) (70 KM)

Butrint National Park - After breakfast, we’ll drive to the classical site of Butrint, first mentioned by Hekateus in the sixth century B.C. The site includes remarkable artifacts like the statue of Apollo and the marble heads of Zeus. Parts of the city were rebuilt in the fifth century B.C.

The Blue Eye - We’ll then drive to Gjirokastra, stopping at the famous ‘Blue Eye,’ a stunning water spring and natural phenomenon. The clear blue water bubbles up from a depth of over fifty meters.

Gjirokaster - Known as “The Stone City” and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gjirokastra features a medieval bazaar and Ottoman-style houses. We’ll visit the castle and the Skenduli House, built around 1700. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

GJIROKASTRA (UNESCO) - BERAT (UNESCO) (145 KM)

Berat - After breakfast, we’ll travel to Berat, known as the city of a thousand and one windows and a UNESCO site since 2005. We’ll explore the castle area, the Museum of Iconography ‘Onufri,’ the Red Mosque, and St. Trinity Church. We’ll also visit the Mangalemi quarter. Overnight in Berat.

BERAT (UNESCO) - DURRES - SHKODRA (200 KM)

Durres - After breakfast, we’ll head to Shkodra, stopping first in Durres, one of the oldest cities in Albania. We’ll explore its city walls, the Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, and other ancient monuments. We’ll also enjoy Durres’s street art and visit the amphitheater and Archaeological Museum.

Shkoder - We’ll continue to Shkodra, a center of Roman Catholicism in Albania with deep historical roots. We’ll visit Rozafa Castle, the colorful pedestrian area, the Catholic cathedral, and a Venetian masks factory. Overnight in Shkodra.

SHKODRA - ULCINJ - BUDVA (110 KM)

Ulcinj - After breakfast, we’ll cross into Montenegro, stopping first in Ulcinj, where 90% of the inhabitants are Albanian. We’ll visit the fortress and the Archaeological Museum.

Budva - We’ll then continue to Budva, passing through Petrovac and visiting the old town and the famous island of Sveti Stefan. Budva is rich in historical monuments and cultural heritage. Overnight in Budva.

BUDVA - PERAST - LADY OF ROCK - NJEGUSHI - CETINJE - KOTOR (145 KM)

Perast - Our day begins with a visit to Perast, a picturesque town described as a piece of Venice anchored in the Adriatic. The town boasts 16 churches and 17 Grand Palazzos.

Our Lady of the Rocks - We’ll visit this beautiful island in the bay of Boka Kotorska, along with the Island Sveti Djordje, also known as “the island of the dead captains.”

Njeguši - Famous for its cheese, smoked ham, and dried goat cheese, Njeguši is a mountain village where we’ll taste local specialties.

Cetinje - Our final visit is to Cetinje, a cultural and historical gem in Montenegro, where we’ll see the Royal Palace of King Nikola II and the Monastery of St. Petar.

Kotor - Free afternoon in Kotor. Overnight in Kotor.

KOTOR - KRUJA (190 km)

Kruja Castle - After breakfast, we’ll return to Albania and visit Kruja, the center of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans. We’ll explore the castle and the Skanderbeg museum, with free time to wander the Ottoman-style bazaar. Overnight in Kruja.

KRUJA - TIRANA AIRPORT (15 km)

Kruje - After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport, marking the end of our services.

• 9 nights accommodation
• Professional guide
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast

• Lunches
• Dinners
• All fees and/or taxes

This trip gives you the chance to explore Albania and experience the breathtaking beauty of Montenegro. We start in Albania, where we cover notable areas that shed light on its interesting past, both ancient and the recent communist turbulence. We explore four UNESCO sites and the stunning Albanian Riviera. In Montenegro, we delve into the impressive landscape of Kotor Bay, paying a visit to the old town, a captivating ‘living museum’ of historic lanes and picturesque buildings. We also explore Budva, laden with historical landmarks and boasting a charming old town, a storehouse of cultural legacy. We also tour the visually striking Perast and historically important Cetinje, revered as the ‘ceremonial’ capital of Montenegro.

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