Visiting: Apollonia Archaeological Ruins, Vlora City, Llogara Pass, Albanian Riviera, Dhermi village, Himare Beach, Porto Palermo castle, Saranda, Butrint Archaeological Park UNESCO, Gjirokaster old bazaar UNESCO, Gjirokaster Castle, Vlosa river valley, Kelcyre, Permet, Benja hot Springs, Korca City, Pogradec Beach,Ohrid Lake.
A journey that will leave you hungry for more
On this tour you'll have a chance to get in a roller coaster of time, flying back and forth thousands of years through Albania's history and culture. Its amazing to see how Albania has coexisted and triumphed in tragedy in the shadows of Titans of the time like the Roman Empire, Byzantines and Ottomans. Explore Albania's natural beauties, like Vjosa River (the last wild river in Europe), Albanian Riviera, with fantastic views of Mediterranean Sea, Natural Springs, and Lake Ohrid the deepest lake in Europe.
Itinerary.
Day 1
Pick up from your hotel or Tirana International Airport!
Tour of Tirana (Albanian Capital) 2 hours
City tour of Tirana. Visits of Tirana Skanderbeg Square, Heroes Boulevards, Tirana Pyramid, Mother Teresa square, Communist leader's (Enver Hoxha) former residence, Orthodox Cathedral, BunkArt 2 underground elite bunker turned in to museum, and Tirana Castle.
Transfer to Apollonia Archaeological Park (2 hours)
Visit of Apollonia Archaeological park. Over 2400 year old ruins. Visit of Apollonia Monastery, Museum of Archaeology, and 13th century chapel. Visit of ruins, city's Council where the iconic columns still stand, Library, Agora, and Acropolis,
Transfer to Vlora Beach City. Stay overnight.
Free evening to enjoy the beach in Vlora promenade with bars and restaurants.
Day 2
Llogara National Park 30 minutes
After hotel check out will pass through Llogara National Park, 1040 meters high directly above the sea. 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.
Dhermi town Albanian Riviera (short stop)
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 3 hours
Beach option 2: A stop on Himara Beach. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best beach towns along Albanian’s beautiful coastline
Porto Palermo Castle 30 minutes
Visit of Porto Palermo Castle, This Venetian style castle stands on top of a small island looking west on the Mediterranean sea, surrounded by crystal blue waters.
Sranda City beachside. Staying overnight
Arrival and check in the hotel in Saranda. Free evening to enjoy Saranda promenade with many choices of bars and restaurants.
Day 3
Visit Butrint Archaeological Park 2 hours
We'll start the morning with a visit of Butrint Archaeological Park. 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 archaeological museum inside will take you back in time more than 2700 years.
Gjirokaster Castle and Bazaar 2 hours
On the way back to Tirana, a visit of Gjirokastra medieval castle and old bazaar paved with cobble stones full of artisans’ shops. The castle has a military museum featuring captured artillery from WWII and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against Nazi Germans.
Transfer to Permet. Staying overnight
Day 4
- Visit of Permet City, and a short stop to satisfy your sweet tooth in one of the many family owned "Gliko" making shops.
- Transfer to Benja Hot Springs
- Free time to enjoy the hot springs of Benja 2 hours.
Transfer to Korca. 4.5 hours.
This will be one of the most spectacular journeys with gorgeous views of Vjosa River from a narrow road that snakes through the mountains. Arrival in Korca. and hotel check in.
Free evening. After arrival in Korca City, hotel check in. Free evening to stroll through the old district to taste local hot wine, and coffee, and choose one of many traditional restaurants.
Day 5
After breakfast City tour of Korca. Visits of Korca Old Bazaar, Korca promenade, Korca Orthodox Cathedral, Korca museum of Archeology, Ikons museum and dhe ABC museum.
Transfer to Pogradec 40 minutes
Visit of lake Ohrid (the deepest lake in Balkans) in Pogradec City, short walk to Pogradec promenade, and Drilon, famous for its reference in movies during communist propaganda of agriculture. Suggested to lunch in a local lakeside traditional restaurant.
Return to Tirana or drop off at Tirana International Airport!
Important information
Inclusions
- Private transportation with Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guide and Driver
- All Fees and Taxes
- Hotel Accommodation 4 nights (+3* or 4* Hotel depending on availability)
- Breakfast
Exclusions
- Meals
- Drinks
- Entry Fees in all castles, museums and parks
- Sunbeds on the beach
Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- Guests must provide correct address or location for pick up.
Duration
5 days
Return details
- Returns to original departure point
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps