Arrival - Tirana.

Tirana - Arrive at Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Enjoy a day of leisure.

Kruje - Tirana

Kruje - After breakfast, travel to Kruja, a significant town in Albania known for its role in resisting the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, the castle, and the old bazaar. Then, proceed to Tirana for a city tour of Albania’s capital. Overnight stay at Freddy’s 3* or a similar hotel. (B)

Lezhe - Shkoder

Lezhe - After breakfast, the next destination is Lezha city, historically known as Lissus. Visit its castle and the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, the Albanian National Hero. Continue the journey to Shkodra.

Shkoder - Experience the stunning landscape with the Albanian Alps to the north. Enjoy a city tour of Shkodra, including the Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral, and Mosque. Visit the Castle of Rozafa and admire the breathtaking views of the mountains, Shkodra’s lake, and the Drini, Buna, and Kir rivers from the top of Rozafa castle. Return to Tirana for an overnight stay.

Durres - Berat (UNESCO).

Durres - After breakfast, head to Durres, a port city that was a central Mediterranean metropolis until the 15th century. It was occupied by the Ottomans until 1912 when Albania declared independence, and Durres became the capital until 1920. Durres is over 3500 years old, first mentioned in the Odyssey. Visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans, the ancient city castle wall, Byzantine bazaar/forum, and Roman public baths.

Berat - Continue to Berat, one of Albania’s oldest inhabited regions, over 2400 years old, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Berat Castle, the Onufri Museum, and various churches and mosques. Onufri was a renowned 16th-century Albanian painter, and many of his beautiful icons are displayed in the museum. Overnight at Hotel Republika 4* or a similar hotel. (B)

Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlore.

Apollonia Archaeological Park - The tour continues to Apollonia, founded in 588 BC and noted by Aristotle for its unique Illyrian and Greek communities. It played a crucial role in Caesar’s civil war and early Christian history. Visit the museum, Shen Meri Monastery, and Church.

Vlore - Depart for Vlora, the coastal city where Albanian independence from the Ottomans was declared on November 28, 1912. Visit the Museum of Independence.

Himare - Ksamil - Butrint (UNESCO) - Saranda.

Himare - After breakfast, travel south to enjoy the stunning views of Vlora Bay, the mountains, and the Ionian Riviera.

Butrint National Park - Arrive in Sarande and explore the ruins of Butrint, Albania’s most significant archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Butrint dates back to the 7th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony and then under Venetian and Turkish influence. Visit the amphitheater, Venetian tower, Mosaic, Lion gate, and more. Accommodation at the hotel, with dinner at Lekuresi Fortress in Saranda, offering spectacular views of the bay and Corfu Island.

Ksamil - Travel through picturesque seaside villages to Saranda in Ksamil, stopping for a lunch break and enjoying the beach and crystal-clear azure sea.

Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO) - Tirana.

Mesopotam - Continue to Gjirokaster, stopping at the Mesopotam monastery, built over an ancient temple within the fortress.

The Blue Eye - Visit the “Blue Eye” National Park, a mesmerizing water spring with crystal-clear blue water in a deep pool.

Gjirokaster - Proceed to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. Enjoy a city tour and visit the Castle and Weapons Museum. Gjirokaster is known for its stone architecture, cobblestone streets, and the Bazaar Mosque. It is often referred to as “The Stone City.”

Airport Transfer.

Tirana International Airport - Transfer to Tirana Airport for departure. End of services. (B)

• Entry Fees
• Breakfast
• English speaking tour leader/manager
• Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus and other transportation listed in itinerary
• Hotel: Accommodation 3/4 hotels on double occupancy in good location

• Tips and personal expenditures
• Local guides (can be provided upon request) and require extra charge
• Arrival & Departure Airport transfers (can be purchased as a supplement)
• Lunch and Dinner charges (if applicable)
• Losses or additional expenses: will accept no responsibilities for losses or additional expenses.
• Pre-Tour & End-Tour Accommodation (can be purchased as a supplement).

Nestled in an oft-overlooked corner of Europe, Albania is a captivating, yet lesser known country. For a long time, Albania was a secluded society under the stringent rule of Communism, but since the culmination of the Cold War, the country has been revealing its numerous allurements to inquiring explorers. Strategically placed between several of Europe’s most significant powers, Albania boasts a plethora of landmarks from the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman periods. The area houses an abundance of old Turkish structures, which are juxtaposed with intricately adorned Orthodox churches and, from a more recent epoch, the public buildings of the Communist era. Not to mention, there are extraordinary Roman remains and well-maintained historical towns. Equally impressive is the astounding landscape of this European region featuring majestic mountains, unspoiled lakes, and traditional hamlets nestled in picturesque valleys.

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