Private 1 Day Tour. Visit Karavasta Lagoon, Ardenica Monastery & Wine Tasting at Albanica Winery Included.

Private 1 Day Tour. Visit Karavasta Lagoon, Ardenica Monastery & Wine Tasting at Albanica Winery Included - No Guide.

Summary

Enjoy a full-day experience that blends nature, wildlife, culture, and authentic Albanian flavors. Visit Karavasta Lagoon, one of the Mediterranean’s most important wetlands, with opportunities for bird watching, a scenic boat ride, panoramic views from the 360° watch tower, and visits to the Nature Museum and Butterfly Collection. Continue to the historic Ardenica Monastery, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary rich in frescoes and religious art, and end your day at Albanica Cantina with wine tasting and traditional meze made from local organic products.

*Must know before you go! This tour is designed for comfort and peace of mind, with a dedicated driver so you can fully enjoy the wine tasting without driving concerns. (Alcohol level tolerance while driving in Albania is 0%). 

Itinerary

Morning departure from Tirana

Transfer to Karavasta Lagoon

Stop at Karavasta Lagoon and Divjake

Karavasta Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Albania and one of the best-preserved wetlands in the Mediterranean. It is home to the rare Dalmatian pelican, as well as flamingos, herons, egrets, and many other bird species.

The lagoon is rich in fish such as mullets and eels, traditionally caught by local fishermen.

During the visit you may:
Visit the Nature Museum
Visit the Butterfly Collection Exposition
Climb the 360-degree watch tower for panoramic views of lagoon, pine forest, and Mediterranean Sea
Walk through pine forest areas
Optional boat ride inside the lagoon

Duration at Karavasta Lagoon: about 3 hours

Transfer to Ardenica Monastery

Stop at Ardenica Monastery

Visit the 700-year-old Orthodox Monastery of Ardenica. Inside you will find a beautiful church decorated with original frescoes and a magnificent wooden iconostasis located in front of the main church hall.

Duration: about 20 minutes

Transfer to Albanica Cantina

Stop at Albanica Winery

Albanica Winery is a family business producing organic wine from organic grapes, as well as olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The vineyard is positioned on a hillside facing west toward the Mediterranean Sea, offering beautiful sunset views.

The winery uses native Albanian grape varieties such as Puls, Shesh i Zi, and Kashmer, and collaborates with a German winemaker to produce premium wines that combine tradition and innovation.

Enjoy wine tasting accompanied by mixed traditional appetizers (meze).

Duration: about 1.5 hours

Return transfer to Tirana

Important Information

Start time: 09:00 AM

Included in Price:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver (Not a tour Guide)
• Entry fee at Ardenica Monastery
• Wine tasting per person at Albanica Winery with mixed appetizers (meze)
• Fuel and Fuel Srucharges
• All Taxes

Not Included in Price:

• No extra meals or Drinks
• Guide

Optional:

• Boat ride tickets at Karavasta Lagoon (about 20 euro per boat up to 7 people)
• Entry tickets at 360 Tower (estimated 2 euro per 1 person)
• Entry ticket at butterfly collection exposition (estimated 2 euro per 1 person)
• Entry fee at Ardenica Monastery

Departure Details:

• Traveler pickup in Tirana Region is offered for free. (Other locations have a variable fee)
• Correct address or location must be provided for pick up
• If unable to provide a pick up location contact tour provider before arrival to arrange Hotel pickup is offered

Duration
Full Day 8–10 hours

Distance
Tirana – Karavasta Lagoon – Ardenica – Tirana
230 kilometers / 144 miles

Return Details 
Returns to original departure point

Additional Information

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate