Enjoy a day full of fun and adventure. Visit Apollonia Archaeological park and travel in time 2600 years, when Albanians started to build their cities along side with Rome and Greece. Follow with a visit in Ardenica Monastery placed on top of a beautiful hill, watching over the Mediterranean Sea and Myzeqe plains. Close the day by indulging in traditional "meze" (appetizers) accompanied by wine made from local vineyards.
Wine tasting tour with a dedicated driver, without worries about driving under the influence. (Alcohol tolerance while driving in Albania is 0%).
Itinerary
Transfer from Tirana to Apollonia Archaeological Park, about 1:40 hours
Stop At: Apollonia Archaeological Park, Pojan Albania
After meeting with the guide you will be transferred in Apollonia. Apollonia is one of the ancient colonies of the Greeks, dedicated to God Apollo. Founded in the turn of the 6th century BC by Greek colonist from Corinth and Corfu. In antiquity it has been famous for the production of tasty wines, olive oil and for its philosophy school, where Roman Emperor Augustus studied. There have been found objects from both Greek and Roman influence and today, in the remains of the mighty city that once stood, you can see many of the parts of the ancient Apollonia depicting both periods. It was so important that the Romans built a branch connection Via Egnatia to Apollonia, especially for Apollonia.
Duration: about 2,5 hours
Transfer to Ardenica Monastery, about 35 minutes.
Stop At: Ardenica Monastery, Ardenice Albania
Built by Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 after the victory against the Angevins in the Siege of Berat, the monastery is famous as the place where, in 1451, was celebrated the marriage of Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania, with Andronika Arianiti. In 1780 the Monastery started a theological school to prepare clerics in Greek Orthodoxy. It had an important library with 32,000 volumes that got completely burned by a fire in 1932. The Church of Saint Mary within the monastery is decorated with wall frescos, and icons from brothers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi, notably one of Saint John Kukuzelis, born in Durrës, Albania.
Duration: 20 - 30 minutes
Stop At: Wine Tasting in a traditional agricultural restaurant, surrounded by vineyards. with a view of Mediterranean Sea.
Albanica Winery is a family business that produces organic wine from organic grapes, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The vineyard is positioned on a hillside, facing west towards the Mediterranean sea with beautiful sunsets. It was founded by the Prifti family, who have a long tradition of winemaking in the region. Near the vineyard is the 13th century Monastery of Ardenica, a historical and cultural site. Albanica Winery uses native Albanian grapes, such as Puls, Shesh i Zi, and Kashmer, and collaborates with a German winemaker, to create premium wines that combine tradition and innovation.
Duration about 1.5 - 2 hours.
Transfer back to your hotel in Tirana or Durres area, about 1.5 hours
Important information
Included in price:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private Driver (No Guide)
- Entry Fees at Apollonia Archaeological Park and museum
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1 Wine tasting per person at Albanica Winery with mixed appetizers (meze)
- Entry fees - Ardenica Monastery
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Fuel and Fuel Surcharges
- All Taxes
