Visiting: Apollonia Archaeological Park and museum, Vlora Beach, Llogara pass, Albanian Riviera, Himara Beach, Porto Palermo Castle, Saranda Beach, Butrinti Archaeological park, Ksamil Beach, Gjiroklaster Castle and old town UNESCO.
Enjoy the freedom to explore in your own time, with a dedicated driver, without timetable pressure.
Summery
This journey is a fantastic opportunity to take a break for a few days under the Mediterranean sun exploring castles, archaeological parks and the beach, while having the opportunity to taste some of the most delicious meals from traditional Albanian cuisine.
Typical itinerary for this tour.
Day 1:
Visit of Karavasta Lagoon, Ardenica Monastery, Apollonia Archaeological Park and museum.
Parku Kombetar Divjake-Karavasta
Visiting Divjake national Park and Karavasta Lagoon, a nature lover's heaven! Here can enjoy a boat ride (tickets not included in price) in to the lagoon through the marches on to a watch tower to view the pelicans' island. The lagoon hosts about 5% of global population of Dalmatian Pelicans, or like the locals call it, "Curly Pelican". Beside the pelicans the park hosts hundreds of birds and amphibious species. After the boat ride we'll take a short drive, or you can walk on a 950 meters wooded bridge that runs in parallel with the main road, to enjoy the nature and spot many birds chirping on the trees. A visit to the 360 degree watch tower that rises above the tree line 36 meters (118 foot) high. Its a fantastic place for photography, and finally visit the Nature museum showcasing the park's wildlife.
Transfer to Apollonia Archaeological Park
Apollonia is one of the ancient Greek colonies, dedicated to God Apollo. Founded in the turn of the 6th century BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu, Apollonia soon became one of the most important city-states in the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. In antiquity it has been famous for the production of tasty wines, olive oil and for its philosophy school, where Emperor Augustus studied. Artefacts have been found 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.
Transfer to Vlora
After the first half of the day, in the afternoon you'll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the deep crystal blue waters of Mediterranean. We recommend rent of a sunbed for maximum comfort and beverage service. Sunset is marvelous! In the evening you can enjoy a walk through Vlora's promenade, end indulge in slow cooked meals from many choices of traditional local restaurants, and close the night with drinks feeling the sultry air and the Mediterranean waves splash. Accommodation in Vlora.
Day 2
Llogara National Park
A beautiful day a head that will take you a trip through Albanian Riviera, with a fantastic view of the Mediterranean sea through out the day. After hotel check out will pass through Llogara National Park, 1040 meters high directly above the sea. 40 minutes drive from Vlora, at the top of Llogara pass, we'll stop for coffee or tea to enjoy the spectacular view that can see all way to the Greek island of Corfu. After the break we'll drive through a scenic road towards the most beautiful part of Albania, - Albanian Riviera.
Dhermi
A short stop at picturesque town of Dhermi. Beautiful balcony looking on the Mediterranean sea, full of narrow streets, stone houses with orange shingle roofs and wood windows.
Himare
Beach option 2: A stop on Himara Beach. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best beach towns along Albanian’s beautiful coastline, with a distinct Greek influence, excellent food and plenty to do in the area making it an excellent base for your time at the beach. (beach umbrellas not included)
Porto Palermo Castle
A stop on Porto Palermo bay to visit Porto Palermo Castle, built by Albanian ruthless ruler of early 19th century Ali Pash Tepelena, dedicated to his young bride. It has a beautiful setting on the edge of a small island, with a fantastic view of Mediterranean sea. Beautiful place for photography or even for a quick swim on route to Saranda.
Saranda
Arival and chek in the hotel in Saranda. Saranda is perhaps the most international city in Albania, frequented by more tourists than any other area in the country. Free evening to visit the city center and promenade. Many choices of coffee shops, bars and restaurant, specialized in many types of international and traditional cousin, . If you're lucky you can attend one of many street concerts that are organized throughout the summer season. After dinner there are many choices of night bars and clubs, or you can choose to stay at a beach bar to enjoy the fresh air and the sound waves splashing.
Day 3
Butrint National Park
We'll start the morning with a visit of Butrint Archaeological Park. The city is considered as one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. On the strength of the immense wealth of cultural, historical and natural value with a considerable history, Butrint was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 and further a National Park in 2000. A walking tour of the ruins and the museum inside will take you back to more than 2700 years of history, tragedy and triumph. (If you prefer e professional museum guide for the park, it costs 30-40 euros (paid on spot) per tour depending on availability)
Gjirokaster
On the way back to Tirana, a visit of Gjirokaster castle and old bazaar located in the heart of old town. The castle dominates the town, with a fantastic view, and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the imperialist western powers.
Return to Tirana
Important Information
Inclusions
- Hotel Accommodation 2 nights, 4* hotel or similar
- Breakfast
-
Driver (Not Guide)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup is offered in Tirana and Durres/Golem
- Hotel accommodation and meals for the driver
- Fuel/Petrol and fuel surcharges
- Tolls
- Sales tax
Exclusions
-
Entry tickets in museums and parks (Estimated total about 30 euros per person)
- Meals (Estimated 10 - 20 euros per meal per person in a normal restaurant)
- Drinks
- sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach.
Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
Distance:
Tirana - Apollonia 127 kilometers, Apollonia - Vlora 42 kilometers, Vlora - Himara 89 kilometers, Himara - Saranda 54 kilometers, Saranda - Butrint 17 kilometers, Butrint - Gjirokaster 80 kilometers, Gjirokaster - Tirana 242 kilometers. Total about 650 kilometers, (406 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
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level