Classical Albania

Itinerary :

Day 1: Tirana: Arrive at airport and private transfer to hotel in Tirana. Free afternoon and overnight in Tirana.

Day 2: Tirana-Shkodra-Kruja-Tirana: After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the northern city of Albania – Shkodra. Visit the Mesi Bridge, an old bridge built in the mid 18th century. After lunch (on your own), enjoy the view of the city from the Castle of Rozafa. Then continue on to Kruja, the historical city which lays on a panoramic view on the top of a hill, 600 km above sea level. Kruja is notable from its stony streets and traditional buildings. The tour begins with the visit in the Castle, the citadel of the National hero, GjergjKastriot Skanderbeg. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum of Kruja. After the visits, its time to get closer to Albanian traditions and lifestyle, by visiting the bazaar. It is a one street of shops, with wooden buildings & a mixture of cafes & small souvenir & antique shops. In the afternoon, drive towards Tirana. Dinner and overnight in Tirana. (B,D)

Day 3: Tirana-Apollonia Archeological Site-Vlora: After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Apollonia, one of the most well-known archeological sites in the country and recently a national archeological park. Arriving in Apollonia visit the Odeon. Here you can see some monuments like the Encircling Wall, the Bouleterion, the Mosaics House & the Nymphaioum. Afternoon arrival in the coastal city of Vlora. It is the town of Albania’s independence proclamation. Enjoy evening by the seaside promenade. Overnight in Vlora. (B,D)

Day 4: Vlora-Llogara-Dhermi-Himare-Butrint-Sarande-Gjirokastra: After breakfast, depart for Saranda. Drive on the spectacular Albanian Riviera looking down at the Ionian Sea. Stop in Llogara National Park to enjoy the view, photo shooting from above. Continue on to Saranda, passing through the small coastal villages of Dhermiand Himara. Arriving in Saranda, visit to the ancient city of Butrint. The city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archeological layers of different civilizations, making it an important discovery in the Mediterranean, rich in ancient sites. Then proceed to Gjirokastra for overnight stay. (B,D).

Day 5: Gjirokastra: Breakfast at the hotel. Full day to visit the UNESCO town of Gjirokastra, the castle and the old bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastra. (B,D).

Day 6: Gjirokastra-Berat: After breakfast, proceed towards Berat, the pride at Albanian antiquity and architecture. The architecture of the old houses, with large windows that overlook the town, is the first think that impresses the visitors. First stop: the Citadel. It overlooks the river and the modern city as well as the old Christian quarter across the river. Visit the mosques in the old town. Dinner and overnight in Berat. (B,D).

Day 7: Berat-Durres-Tirana: Breakfast at the hotel. This morning continue with the visits of Berat, left from the previous day. While leaving this UNESCO town and driving towards Tirana, stop in the coastal city of Durres, where you spend time near the seaside and visit the roman amphitheater. Afterwards explore the colorful capital of Albania, Tirana. Tirana has a never-ending movement and energy. Founded in the 1614, Tirana is now a developed city which combines culture, history, contemporary architecture & lots of hospitality shown towards tourists. Dinner & overnight in Tirana. (B,D).

Day 8: Tirana: After breakfast, free time in the city, for shopping or exploring the city by your own. Transfer to the airport for your flight to home. (B).