General
Grand tour of Albania in 11 days.
An unique opportunity to explore the history and the tradition of Albania, while traveling traveling in breathtaking nature and enjoying local food and hospitality. By visiting historical and religious monuments, you will understand the source of the religious harmony that this country enjoys since centuries.
General itinerary:
Tirane – Kruja – Shkoder – Koman lake – Valbona – Prizren – Durres – Berat – Ardenica – Apolonia – Vlore – Llogara – Dhermi – Himare – Saranda – Butrinti – Blue Eye park – Gjirokastra – Permet – Korca – Voskopoja – Pogradec – Elbasan – Tirane
Day 1
Our representative will meet you at Tirana International Airport and escort you to your hotel near the center of Tirana.
Overnight in Tirana
Day 2
Our day will start in Tirana main square where we will visit the Ethem Bej mosque, next to the clock tower which are the most well known land marks in Tirana.
In the second part of the day we will visit the historical town of Shkodra, where we will visit the old IV century bc fortress located on the hill overlooking the town of Shkodra and the lake of Shkodra. In the late afternoon we will check in our accommodation in the town of Shkodra the town of Shkodra. Evening at leisure to explore the old town of Shkodra.
Overnight in Shkodra
Day 3
After breakfast we will drive towards lake Koman where we will take the ferry boat through the lake, which is considered one of the best boat ride in the Balkans. Next we will drive towards the national park of Valbona. After lunch you will have the oportunity to go for a short hike in the park.
Overnight in Valbona National park
Day 4
In the first part of the day we will drive and visit the historical town of Prizren in Kosova, which is famous for its othoman architecture and the many mosques.
After the visit in Prizren and lunch in the old bazaar, we will drive into Albania. In the afternoon we will check in our hotel in the historical town of Kruja.
Overnight in Kruja
Day 5
In the first part of the day we will explore the historical town Kruja starting form the Othoman fortress (XV century) and the Old bazaar (XVIII century).
Next we will drive towards the town of of Durres by the sea, (the capital of Albania 1272 – 1920,) where we’ll visit the Archaeological museum and the 2nd century AD Roman amphitheater located within the walls of the city’s fortress. We will have the chance to walk within the galleries of the amphitheater into the arena. A little gem is hidden inside the galleries of the amphitheater.
In the afternoon we will drive towards the town of Berat. Where we will check in our accommodation located in the old historical part of the town.
Overnight in Berat
Day 6
After breakfast we will visit the Our visit the IV century bc fortress located on the hill overlooking the town where we will visit the old orthodox cathedral and the Byzantine Icon’s gallery and have a chance to walk in the old neighborhood inside the fortress. Next we will visit a local winery, one of the best in the countries.
Next we will drive towards Ardenica Orthodox monastery (XII century) located on a hill overlooking the valley, which has one of the best preserved Byzantine churches in Albania, famous for its wooden carved altar and it’s frescoes covered walls.
Next visit will be at Apollonia Archaeological park which started in the 7th century BC as the ancient town of Apollonia, the second largest Greek colony in Albania. Founded in the VII century BC, Apollonia became one of the most important towns in the region in the IV century bc. Now days it is one of the biggest archaeological parks in Albania. In the afternoon we will check in our hotel located in the town of Vlora near the sea.
Overnight in Vlora
Day 7
After breakfast we will drive through Llogara National park towards the Ionian coast. After a visit in an hidden gem in the village of Dhermi, we will continue through the region of Himare where we will will visit the Ali Pasha castle (XIX century)located in the middle of Panormi bay and the Borshi water springs.
In the second part of the day we will visit Butrinti Arcaheological park, UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Founded in the VII century bc by the Greeks. Now days it is best preserved archaeological site in Albania. (Check detailed program). In the afternoon we will check in our hotel near the sea in Saranda.
Overnight in Saranda
Day 8
After breakfast we will continue east towards Gjirokastra UNESCO World heritage town. On the way, we will visit the Blue Eye water springs natural park. Our visit in Gjirokastra will start form the Byzantine fortress located on the hill overlooking the old town. In the afternoon we will check in our traditional accommodation located in the historical part of the town.
Overnight in Gjirokastra
Day 9
After breakfast we will drive east through Vjosa valley, the last wild river in Europe. Our journey will take us through the litle town of Permet by the river, the forgotten town of Leskovik in the mountains at 1300 meters above sea level. Next we will drive north-east through Germenji national park towards our destination Korca where we will arrive in late afternoon. Afternoon at leisure to explore the old town of Korca.
Overnight in Korca
Day 10
Our visit in Korca will start form the old Cathedral of the town, next we will visit the old bazaar before driving towards Voskopoja located at 1360 meters above sea level. Voskopja or Moskopoli is well known for its byzantine churches and its virgin nature. After lunch in a traditional taverna we will continue our towards lake Ohrid. After a short stop in the town of Pogradec, located on the shore of lake Ohrid. In the afternoon we will drive towards Tirana. On the way we will visit the othoman fortress of Elbasan (XIV century). In late afternoon we will check in our accommodation in Tirana. Evening at leisure to explore Tirana on your own.
Overnight in Pogradec
Day 11
After breakfast we drive you to the airport wishing you a nice flight back home.
End of our services
This is a general overview of the program. Detailed program is available on request.
Note: This tour is not recommended to people with walking problems or physical disabilities.
Fill-in and submit the following inquiry form and within 24 hours you will receive the availability and the detailed program for this tour.