ALBANIAN TOURS
ALBANIAN TOUR GUIDE
For the more adventurous who wish to enjoy a different experience the following one day cruise to the fascinating city of is on offer. After our departure from the port of Corfu we travel along the Albanian shores we will approach the port of Ag. Saranda city. Once our passports are checked the local tourist guide will introduce you to the Ancient City of Agios Saranta. An additional guided tour is available for those who wish to enjoy a 20km tour by coach of the South Coast with its virgin shores and scattered isles.Moving on from the mainland we pass small picturesque villages, endless fertile plains leading to great lake.At the foot of the lake where the Ancient City of Vouthrota is situated, with it’s well maintained archaeological monuments and ancient theatre, the visitor is taken 2500 years back in time to the 3rd century A.D., the ancient gymnasium, the Roman ablutions, the ancient temple with the priceless mosaic floor and the enormous stone walls will take you back to a time not know to man.Upon reaching the top of the top of the hill lies the castle of Ali Passa an oddment of the Ottoman Empire, from this position we have a panoramic view of the Ancient City, the lake and vast plains, a breathtaking sight. Upon our return to the city of Ag. Saranta lunch is served. The afternoon allows for a tour of the town, until our departure from the land caught up in time.
Leisure Program in Vlora and Saranda
First day: Arrival at Rinas Airport. Trip from the Airport to Vlora city.
Overnight in Vlora.
Second day: Leisure time in Dhermi/Himare.
Third day: After breakfast, travel from Dhermi to Saranda along the coast.
Overnight in Saranda.
Fourth day: After breakfast, visit to the Ksamil Peninnsula with its three magnificent islands. Lunch in the restaurant by the sea. Overnight in Saranda.
Fifth day: Transfer to the Rinas Airport.
Tirana – Lezhe – Shkoder – Kruje – Durres – Tirana 4 Nights / 5 Days
Day 1: TIRANA Welcome at Mother Teresa Airport. Assistance and transfer to Tirana. Check in at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Lezhe-Shkoder 150kmBreakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the city of Lezha.-Visit the Scanderbeg tomb, the cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the hunter’s lodge 7km away from the city. The visitors may enjoy the forest and the big hunting ground of the tourist site. The lodge has a special and original architecture. -Lunch in a local tradition restaurant.-Continuing to Shkodra to visit the Rozafa Fortress and the catholic Church. A monument worthy to be seen is the Mesi Bridge on the Kiri River, 8km away from the city of the Medieval period -Back to Tirana for dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 3: Kruje-Durres 55kmBreakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Kruja.-Visit Kruja Castle, housing the museum of national hero Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeg situated on a very strategic position offering an impressive landscape and magnificent view to the visitors.-Sightseeing of this town continues walking through the narrow path, formerly used as a characteristic medieval bazaar which leads to the Citadel of Kruja which was built by the local population after the invasions of the Goths. -Lunch at a local restaurant with a panoramic view.-Afternoon, continue to Durres the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium. Visit the Byzantine city walls, Roman Amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. A short stroll along the seaside. -Back to Tirana for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Tirana Breakfast at the hotel.-The sightseeing tour of Tirana the capital of Albania, which since 1920 includes the busy Scanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower 35m high built in 1830, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the National Museum, the Archeological Museum, the National Gallery of Fine Arts, the Palace of Congresses, etc. -Lunch in Petrela Castle 15km southeast of Tirana. After lunch a short visit in Petrela village and its fortress built on a rocky hill which dates back to 4th century B.C.Back to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Tirana-“Mother Teresa” AirportAfter breakfast transfer to airport for your home bound flight.
Tirana-Kruja-Durres- Apolonia–Berat–Tirana
Day 1: TIRANA Welcome at Mother Teresa Airport. Assistance and transfer to Tirana. Check in at the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: KRUJE-DURRES55kmBreakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Kruja.-Visit Kruja Castle, housing the museum of national hero Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeg situated on a very strategic position offering an impressive landscape and magnificent view to the visitors.-Sightseeing of this town continues walking through the narrow path, formerly used as a characteristic medieval bazaar which leads to the Citadel of Kruja which was built by the local population after the invasions of the Goths. -Lunch at a local restaurant with a panoramic view.-Afternoon, continue to Durres the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium. Visit the Byzantine city walls, Roman Amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. A short stroll along the seaside. -Back to Tirana for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: APOLONIA After breakfast, travel to Apolonia, located 12km from Fier. It is one of the most well known archeological sites in the country and recently a national archaeological park. Visit the odeon, and the courtyard of the Monastery where there is a Byzantine style church believed to have been built in the 14th century. Here you can see some monuments like the Encircling Wall, the Bouleterion, Stoa, the Mosaics House and the Nymphaioum. Lunch. Leisure time. Back to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 4: BERATDeparture to Berat city, known as the “city of one thousand windows“. Visit the castle which stands predominantly over the city. Within its walls there are dwelling houses and the “Onufri Museum”, his paintings and his son Nikolla are exhibited there. Visit also the old part of the city where there are some religious buildings like Mosques and Byzantine Churches. Lunch. Trip to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 5: TIRANABreakfast at the hotel.-The sightseeing tour of Tirana the capital of Albania, which since 1920 includes the busy Scanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower 35m high built in 1830, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the National Museum, the Archeological Museum, the National Gallery of Fine Arts, the Palace of Congresses, etc. -Lunch in Petrela Castle 15km southeast of Tirana. After lunch a short visit in Petrela village and its fortress built on a rocky hill which dates back to 4th century B.C.Back to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: TIRANE-AIRPORTDeparture, transfer to Mother Teresa Airport, assistance with departures formalities.
Tirana – Lezhe – Shkoder – Kruja – Durres – Tirane – Fier – Berat – Tirana
Day 1: TIRANA Welcome at Mother Teresa Airport. Assistance and transfer to Tirana. Check in at the hotel dinner and overnight.
Day 2: LEZHE-SHKODER Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the city of Lezha.-Visit the Scanderbeg tomb, the cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the hunter’s lodge 7km away from the city. The visitors may enjoy the forest and the big hunting ground of the tourist site. The lodge has a special and original architecture. -Lunch in a local tradition restaurant.-Continuing to Shkodra to visit the Rozafa Fortress and the catholic Church. A monument worthy to be seen is the Mesi Bridge on the Kiri River, 8km away from the city of the Medieval period -Back to Tirana for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: KRUJE-DURRES Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Kruja.-Visit Kruja Castle, housing the museum of national hero Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeg situated on a very strategic position offering an impressive landscape and magnificent view to the visitors.-Sightseeing of this town continues walking through the narrow path, formerly used as a characteristic medieval bazaar which leads to the Citadel of Kruja which was built by the local population after the invasions of the Goths. -Lunch at a local restaurant with a panoramic view.-Afternoon, continue to Durres the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Epidamnus-Dyrrachium. Visit the Byzantine city walls, Roman Amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. A short stroll along the seaside. -Back to Tirana for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: TIRANA Breakfast at the hotel.-The sightseeing tour of Tirana the capital of Albania, which since 1920 includes the busy Scanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower 35m high built in 1830, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the National Museum, the Archeological Museum, the National Gallery of Fine Arts, the Palace of Congresses, etc. -Lunch in Petrela Castle 15km southeast of Tirana. After lunch a short visit in Petrela village and its fortress built on a rocky hill which dates back to 4th century B.C.Back to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: After breakfast, travel to Apolonia, located 12km from Fier. It is one of the most well known archeological sites in the country and recently a national archaeological park. Visit the odeon, and the courtyard of the Monastery where there is a Byzantine style church believed to have been built in the 14th century. Here you can see some monuments like the Encircling Wall, the Bouleterion, Stoa, the Mosaics House and the Nymphaioum. Lunch. Leisure time. Back to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 6: Departure to Berat city, known as the “city of one thousand windows“. Visit the castle which stands predominantly over the city. Within its walls there are dwelling houses and the “Onufri Museum”, his paintings and his son Nikolla are exhibited there. Visit also the old part of the city where there are some religious buildings like Mosques and Byzantine Churches. Lunch. Trip to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 7: After breakfast travel by bus from the hotel to Rinas Airport.
Tirane – Durres – Vlore – Sarande – Gjirokaster – Berat – Tirane
Day 1: Arrival at Tirana Airport. Transfer and accommodation in the hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 2: Breakfast in the hotel. Trip to Durres, which is the most important seaport in Albania and it is an ancient city. Visit the Amphitheatre the biggest in the Balkan Peninnsula capacity 15.000 spectators with a rare wall mosaic, which belongs the 2nd century A.D, the Archeological Museum, many mosaics, ancient public baths, etc. Lunch in a nice restaurant. Overnight in Durres.
Day 3: After breakfast travel to Vlora, a coastal city which lies in the southwestern part of the country. Vlora is one of the major cities of the country and an important seaport and tourist site. Visit to the Historical Museum of Independence, which is the building where the independence of Albania was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. A monument, which commemorates this event, rises high at the Flag Square. Lunch.After lunch is the trip to Zvernec Isle known by its church. There is a Monastery built in the 10th century A.C which still holds the name “The rest of Saint Mary”. The Monastery is a place with incredible beauty, isolated from the world, perfect to rest and meditate. Back to Vlora for dinner. Overnight in Vlora.
Day 4: After breakfast travel to Saranda. Along the seashore to arrive to Saranda you can visit the castle of Porto Palermo placed near Himara. It is also known as the castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena. The walls of the castle are 1.6m thick and offer great views over the bay. After visiting this castle, the road along the seashore passes many beautiful villages such as Qeparo which is a very large and sunny beach, Borsh which has a sandy sea and the flora is the similar to that of Qeparo, Lukova a very wide beach too. Lunch. After arriving in Saranda, a scenic narrow overlooking the sea and marshes leads you to the ancient city of Butrint. Visit to the ancient theatre, the temple of Aesculapius, the baptistery with colorful mosaics and the ancient city walls. An old fortress housing a small museum watches over the entire site, which is one of the last unspoilt natural and ancient historical areas in Mediterranean. Dinner, overnight in Saranda.
Day 5: After breakfast we have the departure to Gjirokastra, which is a “Museum City”. The characteristic houses resemble the towers and have been built one above the other. They have only one common element, the stone. All the homes have the form of medieval towers. Visit to the castle which stands out above the city as a balcony, providing the possibility for visitors to enjoy the beautiful landscape. The castle houses the National Museum of Weapons, which preserves all the kinds of weapons used and produced by the Albanians from antiquity. Lunch. Trip to Berat. Overnight in Berat.
Day 6: After breakfast, visit to Berat. While you approach the centre of the city you will be impressed by the typical buildings. Visit to the castle, which has been built up on a rocky hill 260m above the sea level. Churches here have survived within its powerful stony walls. With interest is the church, which preserves wooden-engraved iconostasis, houses the “Onufri” Museum. Visit to the other object: Lead Mosque, Bachelor’s Mosque, Gorica bridge and many dwelling houses of the 18th and 19th centuries. Lunch. Transfer to Tirana. Visit the Historical and National Museum in the center, Exhibition of Folk Culture, the Archeological Museum, The Gallery of Fine Arts. Dinner. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 7: After breakfast, return by bus to Rinas Airport.
Tirana – Lezha – Shkodra –Boga Gajtan – Kruja – Durres – Pogradec – Korca – Permet – Gjirokaster – Berat – Apollonia – Ardenica – Tirana
Day 1: Welcome at Mother Teresa Airport. Assistance and transfer to Tirana. Check in at the hotel dinner and Overnight in Tirana. Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel.-The sightseeing tour of Tirana the capital of Albania, which since 1920 includes the busy Scanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower 35m high built in 1830, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the National Museum, the Archeological Museum, the National Gallery of Fine Arts, the Palace of Congresses, etc. -Lunch in Petrela Castle 15km southeast of Tirana. After lunch a short visit in Petrela village and its fortress built on a rocky hill which dates back to 4th century B.C.Back to hotel for dinner and overnight.Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Lezha.-Visit the Scanderbeg tomb,the cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the hunter’s lodge 7km away from the city. The visitors may enjoy the forest and the big hunting ground of the tourist site.The lodge has a special and original architecture. -Lunch in a local tradition restaurant.- Continuing with a walk up the hill to the old castle Lissus overlooking the modern city of Lezha. The early walls on the castle date back to the Hellenistic period 4-3 ct. BC, with later additions of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman period. Nearby in situated Acrolissus, a higher dominant hill from where you can enjoy magnificent views over Adriatic sea and the landscape. Dinner and overnight in Lezha. Day 4 : Breakfast in Hotel. Leaving Lezha and arriving to Shkodra to visit by walking up the hill to the Rozafa Fortress. From the castle you can see , Buna river, Drin River and Shkodra Lake. Visit the museum inside the castle and the fortification walls. A short walk down from the Castle towards the lead mosque. Lunch by the DRIN river. Drive inside the city of Shkodra and take a walk around the old neighborhoods and visit the Catholic Church. Visit the mosque and archeological museum housed in characteristic 18th ct house. An important monument worthy to be seen and walked into is the Mesi Bridge on the Kiri River, 8km away from the city dating to the 17 – 18 th century. – Dinner. Overnight in Shkodra. Day 5 : Breakfast in Hotel. Leaving Shkodra heading north towards the alpine village of Boga, situated at the bottom of the Albanian Alps. You can enjoy the scenery, the traditional houses covered with wooden slabs and refresh yourselves with the cool mountain water. Given the harsh conditions that this area experiences during the winter we may be faced with a blocked road during the month of March because of the snow that usually stays in the area until late May. Nevertheless, we have also experienced that sometime during the years there are gaps that would allow travelers to reach Boga without problems. If the road is blocked, then we suggest this alternative trip to the south of Shkodra, yet physically challenging for the crew. Second OptionLeaving Shkodra in the direction of the prehistoric site of Gajtan, situated near the lake and hydro plant of Vau i Dejes. Walk up the hill and see the remains of the prehistoric walls and the entrance of a cave where abundant archaeological material has been revealed in excavations conducted there in the late 1980’s. Enjoy the surrounding view, where the mountains, lake and the plain come together in striking colors. Walk down the hill and start driving in the direction of the small coastal town of Shengjin. Have lunch set up tents and stroll along the fine sandy beach. Overnight in Shengjin. Day 6: Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Kruja. -Visit Kruja Castle, housing the museum of national hero Gjergj Kastriot Scanderbeg situated on a very strategic position offering an impressive view over the landscape.-Sightseeing of this town continues walking through the narrow path, formerly used as a characteristic medieval bazaar which leads to the Citadel of Kruja which was built by the local population after the invasions of the Goths. The bazaar is still in use and you can shop for various objects; bargaining is common. -Lunch at a local restaurant with a panoramic view.-Afternoon, continue to Durres the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Epidamnus/Dyrrachium. Visit the Byzantine-city walls, Roman Amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. A short visit along the sea. Dinner and overnight in Durres. Day 7: After breakfast, travel towards Pogradec. Stop at the lakeside village of Lin and see the late antique mosaic of the old basilica. Have lunch in the city of Pogradec, where you can taste the traditional fish called Koran. It will be possible to hike up the ruined castle near Pogradec and return to the city on foot. Dinner and overnight in Pogradec. Day 8: After breakfast, travel to Korca, visit to the Icons Museum, Archaeological Museum, the Orthodox Cathedral situated in the very city center, the Mirahori Mosque, the old Bazaar and the Museum of the First Albanian School. You can also visit the oriental art museum newly opened and the only one of its kind in Albania. Lunch with a traditional Albanian menu. We will take you then to Voskopoja, which has been an important economic, cultural and educational center in Middle Age. In one of the churches belonging to that period it is possible to see well preserved frescos, some of them painted by Albanian artists of the medieval period. Many of the churches in Voskopoja are in a ruined state and most of them can only be seen from outside, but walking in the old streets still offers a breathtaking experience. Back to Korca and dinner in restaurant with live music. “Serenade” which is typically in the region, can make an unforgettable experience for visitors, both Albanian and foreign. Dinner. Overnight in Korca. Day 9: Departing Korca and stopping en route to Erseka for a small privately owned zoo, and then continue in the direction of Leskovik and Permet. Lunch at Permet and drive toward the narrow pass of Kelcyra. On top of one of the mountains that create this narrow pass are the ruins of once the famous Ali Bej, a local warlord and a hike to this location will be taken. From the ruined quarters it is possible to see the pass where over 2000 years ago the Roman and Macedonian armies fought a fierce battle during the time when this area of the Balkans was in an uproar. From Kelcyra we depart in the direction of the “Museum City” of Gjirokastra, declared a Protected UNESCO City in 2005.Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastra. Day 10: Breakfast in Hotel. Visit the characteristic houses resemble the towers and have been built one above the other. They have only one common element, the stone. Visit to the castle which stands out above the city as a balcony, providing the possibility for visitors to enjoy the beautiful landscape. The castle houses the National Museum of Weapons, which preserves all the kinds of weapons used and produced by the Albanians from antiquity. Visit also the House of Zekateve, one of the traditional houses that has been fully reconstructed and offers visitors amazing views into the life and economy of 18th-19th century people.Depart for Berat and stop for lunch at the Cool Water at Tepelena. Enjoy the water coming down the mountain and the nearby Vjosa river.Depart for Berat and overnight. Day 11: After breakfast, visit the city of Berat, known as the “city of one thousand windows“.. Visit to the castle, which has been built up on a rocky hill 260 m above the sea level. Churches here have survived within its powerful stony walls. With interest is the church, which preserves wooden-engraved iconostasis, houses the “Onufri” Museum. Visit to the other object: Lead Mosque, Bachelor’s Mosque, Gorica bridge and many dwelling houses of the 18th and 19th centuries.Lunch in a traditional restaurant.After lunch hike to the castle of Gorica, situated opposite from the Much better preserved castle of Berat. There are traces of a possible Hellenistic fortification and situated in the middle of a dense pine tree forest offers nice views over the city and the countryside.Depart for Fier. Overnight in Fier. Day 12: Breakfast in Hotel. Trip to Apolonia, located 12 km from Fier. It is one of the most well known archeological sites in the country. Visit the ancient Odeon, the market place ancient Agora and the Bouleterion or otherwise known as the Town Hall building. The courtyard of the Monastery where a Byzantine style church is situated dating to the 14th century offers the possibility to see from close untouched objects from the ancient to the medieval period. Also, walking around Apollonia you can see some monuments like the remaining fragments of the Fortification Wall, and the ancient Nymphaium fountain. Lunch on the site and then leaving for the monastery of Ardenica, similar to the one at Apollonia yet different in architecture and its history. Visit the monastery grounds and the church, possible to see from close the monks that live there and their lifestyle. Leave for Tirana and overnight in Tirana. Day 13: Departure, transfer to Mother Teresa Airport, assistance with departures formalities.
Tirana-Elbasan-Gramsh-Maliq-Selce-Korce-Pogradec and back to Tirana
Day 1: Departure from Tirana at 14:00. Talking the southeastern route from Tirana, transfer to Pogradec via Elbasan. The road to Elbasan goes through the mountains of Krraba and is very picturesque; it goes around and around from hill and from mountain to mountain, revealing to the tourists a beautiful landscape along the Valley of Erzen River. Overnight in Elbasan.
Day 2: Morning departure from Elbasan to the Lake of Dushku 1300m from sea level, which is 10km far from Gramshi. The area around the lake is very nice, you can enjoy nature and we can prepare a picniq for lunch. After lunch, departure to Maliq 85km from Gramsh and than to Selca. The urban settlement of Selca e Poshtme, a remain from the powerful city of Pelion, the start of Bronz period until the middle of the VI-th century after Christ, where the Monumental Tombs of Selca e Poshtme are located IIId century B.C, original creations of the architecture of Ionic order with a rich inventory weapons, Bronz and crockery, golden ornaments etc. represent the attractions of this ancient city.Afternoon departure to Korca. It takes 1.5 hour to get there and the road goes by the side of the Devoll River. Korca is situated at the foot of Morava Mountains. Dinner in Korca at Sidheri Restaurant, where you can enjoy the Albanian dishes as well as a typical place with nice sofas, a cute fireplace as well as local songs serenata. Overnight in Korca.
Day 3: Departure from Korca to Pogradec in the morning. In Pogradec, the environment offers beautiful scenery; the lofty mountains of Kamja and Guri i Topit stand over the city like a crown. Lunch in a nice restaurant on the side road of the lake, where you can try the delicious fish, called Koran, which is very typical for Pogradec lake. Afternoon departure to Tirana.
Tirana-Korce-Prespe e Madhe-Prespe e Vogel-Dardhe-Korce and back to Tirana
Day 1: Departure from Tirana to Korca at 14:00. Afternoon arrival in Korca. Korca is situated at the foot of Morava Mountains. Dinner at Korca at Sidheri Restaurant, where you can enjoy the Albanian dishes as well as a typical place with nice sofas, a cute fireplace as well as local songs serenata. Overnight.
Day 2: Morning departure from Korca to Prespa e Madhe 1 hour drive. It is bordered by Albania, Macedonia and Greece. Optional visit by boat to the Island of Maligrad, which offers a picturesque nature site and for the old church. To get to Prespa e Vogel, the road goes through Liqenas small village, climbs the Mountain of Ivan and from the top of it you can enjoy the beautiful view of Prespa e Vogel 1.5 hour drive from Prespa e Madhe which is very famous for its floating flowers. Five km from Prespa e Vogel there is the Cave of Treni. 1-2 hours time to explore it. Lunch with grilled fish in the small village of Treni, where the cave is located. Afternoon departure to Korca. Optional overnight Dardha/Korca.
Day 3: Departure from Dardha to Korca 1 hour drive and then to Pogradec. In Pogradec, the environment offers beautiful scenery; the lofty mountains of Kamja and Guri I Topit stand over the city like a crown. Lunch in a nice restaurant on the side road of the lake, where you can try the delicious fish, called Koran, which is very typical for Pogradec lake.
Afternoon departure to Tirana.
Tirana-Berat-Fier-Ballsh-Bylis-Vlore-Apolloni and back to Tirana
Day 1: Departure in the morning from Tirana to Bylis 3.5 hours drive. From Bylis you can see Vjosa River and also the Island of Sazan. The road goes via Fier and Ballsh. Arrival in Bylis which is a very important archeological center in Albania. It is very interesting to see:
the theatre, which is larger than that of Butrint.
the Stoa which originally was a 2 floor building.
the monumental fountain of the 3rd century.
several stadium elements.
medieval cultural objects such as basilicas that manifest a significant continuity in the cultural field.Lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon departure to Vlora 2 hours drive. Overnight.Day 2: Morning departure to Apollonia, which is located 12km in the South of Fier near the Village of Pojan.It was established near 588 B.C. Tourists visit its numerous objects very frequently. Among these are:
Marvelous Façade of Bouleterion
Theatre
Odeon
Nympheum monumental fountain
Stoa, canals structure, gymnasium etc.In the ancient city of Apolonia, there are many ancient mosaics. In the complex of Apolonia there is also the Monastery of Saint Mary near the Museum of Apolonia. Lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon departure to Tirana.
Tirana-Vlore-Jale-Llogara and back to Tirana
Day 1: Afternoon departure from Tirana to Vlora 2 hours drive. The view of the city of Vlora from Qafa e Kociut hills may be called attractive. The urban area, lying along or near the sea, a beautiful and protected bay, the peninsula and island marking the horizon and the hills to the North and Northeast of the city, give Vlora a great view. In a range of 50km, beginning from the city of Vlora, tourist offers are complete: seas and mountains follow each other, a rich flora and fauna crowds the entire area, there are water reserves and a variety of micro climates throughout the territory. This is all accompanied with an important cultural treasure as well as historic events. Nightlife in Vlora.
Day 2: After breakfast, transfer to Dhermi via the coast. Leisure time in Dhermi. After lunch, departure to Jala 1 hour drive from Dhermi, which is perfect for scuba diving. The Ionian Coast with its bays, sandy and rocky beaches, presents a coastal and underwater environment that is of great interest to the admirers of underwater experiences, both for swimming or diving. A few training instructions and afterwards time for diving. It is a beautiful experience as it enables you to get to know algae and fish, list the parts of the sea bottom, observe the colors at different times of the day and in different weather conditions. Overnight in Jala.
Day 3: Departure from Jala to Llogara through the Riviera, one of the most beautiful sights in Albania. Various tourists have referred to it as the “Albanian Pearl”. It stretches along the foot of mountain range, which rises sharply from the sea at an altitude of 800-1800m above the sea level. Lunch in Llogara. Departure to Tirana.
Tirana-Dhermi-Llogara-Dhrale and back to Tirana
Day 1: Afternoon departure from Tirana to Dhermi via the coast. It is a village of the XIV century, built on a series of hills with olive and citrus trees. Naturally, during the summer, the beach activity is the center of life for the village. Afternoon walks along the village streets and enjoying the landscape are activities that should not be neglected. Of great interest is the Monastery on a rock about 5km from the village. Overnight.
Day 2: After breakfast, at 10 o’clock, half an hour transfer to the take off place in the top of the mountain. With the appropriate wind conditions, getting ready for the take-off. The whole paragliding process lasts for about 2 hours. Landing in the desert “First beach” in Dhrale. Professional staff organizes on the beach elementary training instructions on paragliding. Lunch in Dhrale. Getting back to Dhermi. Overnight.
Day 3: Morning departure to the Park of Llogara, which has a total surface of 1010ha, with the highest peak being 1027m above the sea level. This park is one of the prettiest places of the Albanian Riviera. The fresh and healthy air, the small of the pines and furs create an environment where visitors spend moments of unforgettable pleasure.
Lunch. Return to Tirana in the afternoon.
Tirana -Vlora – Narte – Kanine – Radhime and back to Tirana
Day 1: Afternoon departure from Tirana to Vlora. Overnight in Vlora.
Day 2: Departure at 09:30 from Vlora, one hour drive to the West road to Zvernec Island, which is in the Narta Lagoon situated on the southern corner of the Adriatic, north of the bay of Vlora. It is an evergreen island, with a monastery of the XIV century, which is the area’s greatest cultural wealth. Visit to the Church of Saint Mary, which is a well-preserved Byzantine Church, surrounded by evergreen trees. Another church to visit is the Church of Marmiro, which technical construction is fascinating and it is called “Mother” of the Zvernec Church. Lunch in Narta. Departure to Kanina half an hour drive. From the top of the holl where Kanina lies, there is a very pretty view that stretches from the Adriatic to the Vjosa Valley and to the little Myzeqe field. The castle of Kanina was built on this hill. The elders of Kanina say that 5 “nations” worked on the castle: Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Byzantinne and the Ottoman. The castle lies on a surface of 3625ha. Archeological diggings of 1971-1977 show that the area was inhabited from the first millennium B.C, it turned into a fortified city with squared walls and the castle with 18 towers. Overnight in Radhima, which is a village of Vlora district, on the Western side of Lungara Mountain. It is known as an ancient dwelling place of the IIId century B.C.Day 3: Morning departure to Tirana.
Tirana – Vlore – Sarande – Butrint and back to Tirana
Day 1: Departure in the afternoon from Tirana to Vlora. Leisure time. Dinner in a place on the top of a hill called “Kusbaba”, from where you can have a wonderful view of the whole city. Overnight in Vlora.
Day 2: Departure to Saranda, traveling along the coastline. Saranda is the Albanin’s Southern most city. It lies on the bay of the same name and on the hill across the sea. The sea view is wonderful, the variety of flora, flavored by the soft climate, make Saranda a preferred tourist town. Lunch in a nice restaurant where you can enjoy seafood. After lunch, departure to the ancient city of Butrinti, which is located 18km in South of Saranda and is one of the historical-cultural points of most importance in the country and simultaneously represents a very significant part of the world culture inheritance.
Butrint is under the protection of the UNESCO. Significant objects that are very attractive for the tourists are:
Ancient Theatre of Butrint, with a capacity of 1500 seats, maintained in very good conditions.
Baptistery, which is the biggest in Balkan.
Paleochristian Basilica, a simple architectonic construction both internally and externally.
Asclepius temple dedicated to the god of medicine, as well as numerous mosaics, ancient walls, the gates of the city etc. In the afternoon return to Saranda. Overnight.Day
3: After breakfast, departure to Tirana via Gjirokastra.
Tirana – Lezhe – Shengjin – Kepi i Rodonit – Durres and back to Tirana
Day 1: Afternoon departure from Tirana to Lezha 1.5 hours drive. Visit to the Scanderbeg Tomb, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the castle etc. Overnight in Shengjin 15min drive, city by the sea.
Day 2: After brekfast, departure to Kepi I Rodonit through the national road. It’s a National Park. You can also visit the Byzantine Church. A 40min walk from the church to the Castle of Scanderbeg. You can have a beautiful view from the top of Kepi i Rodonit. Picnic lunch there. Afternoon return to Durres. Durracium in the time of Julio Caesar enjoyed the status of “free city”. Visit to the Fortrees of the City, the Amphitheatre it is one among the biggest of the whole Balkan Peninnsula and most exquisite monuments that have survived from the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century A.C during the Roman period. From the records, the amphitheatre must have been very big with a capacity of 15.000 spectators, the Archaeological Museum, which is situated near the sea and is rich in objects excavated in Durres. Overnight in Durres.
Day 3: Morning departure from Durres to Tirana half an hour drive.
Tirana-Lezhe-Shengjin-Lure and back to Tirana
Day 1: Afternoon departure from Tirana to Lezha 1.5 hours drive. Visit to the Scanderbeg Tomb, the Cathedral of St Nicholas, the Castle etc. 15min drive to Shengjin city by the sea. Overnight.
Day 2: Departure from Shengjin to Lura 80km, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lakes . The nature is very charming. Optional tour by boat to the Lura lakes depending from local guides.
Day 3:Morning departure from Lura to Tirana.
TIRANA – DURRES – KRUJE – POGRADEC – KORCE – TIRANE
TIRANA – DURRES – KRUJE – POGRADEC – KORCE – TIRANE
Day 1: Arrival at Rinas Airport, Tirana. Transfer from Airport to Tirana. Dinner. Overnight in Tirana.Day 2: After breakfast, travel to Durres. Visit to the Amphitheatre, which is the biggest in the Balkan Peninnsula, dating to the 2nd century A.D with a rare wall mosaic. Today, Durres is the main seaport in Albania. Lunch. Travel by bus to Kruja. A narrow path, formerly used as a characteristic medieval bazaar, leads to the Citadel of Kruja. The Citadel was built by the local population after the invasions of the Goths. It is on a strategic position offering magnificent views to the visitors. Visit to the castle, housing the museum of Gjergj Castrioti “Scanderbeg”. Back to Tirana. Overnight in the city. Day 3: After breakfast, travel to Pogradec. A lunch in the city, where you can taste the traditional fish called Koran. Leisure time in the city. Overnight in Pogradec. Day 4: After breakfast, travel to Korca, visit to the Medieval Museum, the Orthodox Cathedral, Mirahori Mosque, the Bazaar and the Museum of the First Albanian School. Lunch with traditional Albanian menu. Transfer to Voskopoja, which has been an important economic, cultural and educational centre in Middle Age. In one of the churches belonging to that period, one depicts the values of mural paintings. Back to Korca. Dinner in restaurant with live music. Serenada which is typically in the region, can make an unforgettable experience for the tourists. Overnight in Korca.Day 5: After breakfast, travel to Tirana. Visit to the National and Historic Museum, the Exhibition of Folk Culture, the Archeological Museum, the Gallery of Fine Arts. Lunch at a nice restaurant. Free time. Shopping. Dinner. Overnight in Tirana.Day 6: After breakfast, transfer by bus to Rinas Airport.