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.
Itinerary
Day 1
Tour of Tirana (Albanian Capital) 120 minutes
Visit of City Center Skanderbeg Square that is surrounded by the most important city landmarks, National Museum of History to get a preview of how Albania came to be, and the days ahead, Ethem Bay Mosque, National Heroes Boulevard, Ex-Block, Orthodox Cathedral and House of Leafs Spy Museum, followed by a visit at BunkArt, a real anti bombing bunker in the city center built to protect the communist elite up to 1991.
Transfer to Berat (UNESCO city) Staying overnight
After lunch we'll transfer Berat City, 1.5 hours drive. After checking in the hotel, we advise you visit the city’s main boulevard alongside Osumi riverbank. It’s a main attraction for local residents during evening hours, for walking with friends, hang out on coffee shops, and dine in traditional restaurants.
Day 2
Visit of Berat Castle and Mangalemi district. 4 hours
Your morning city tour begins from marvelous city of Berat - known as “the city of thousand windows”. Visit the lovely painted Mosque of the Bachelors and the Tekke of the Helvetis with its beautiful portico. We’ll fly back on time to Ottoman era by visiting a Traditional House Museum in Mangalemi district, beautifully restored down the smallest details. From there we’ll continue our journey on a rollercoaster ride of time that will take us back 2400 years. Berat Castle, seats on top of a hill above Managalemi world heritage district. The castle wall have fallen and rebuilt many time through its glorious and tragic history. Inside the castle local residents are very keen to preserving the beauty and mystique that the castle offers to them and visitors with its history, many churches, mosques, and museum of one of the greatest icons painters of all time in Albania, Onouphri. Hideden in the narrow stone streets we’ll find Onouphri Icon Museum of early 20th century, which contains some of the finest examples of Onuphri's work as well as other outstanding Albanian artists. Take advantage of the low cost hand crafted souvenirs, stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant specialized in local dish recipes inside the Castle where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and a wine tasting of Berat cellar. (Optional)
Transfer to Elbasan City, visit of Elbasan Castle. 30 minutes
After lunch we’ll drive to Korca City. On the way to Korca we’ll stop in Elbasan City for a short tour of the only castle in Albania that is built in flat land and is fully inhabited. Elbasan castle is a 15th-century fortress in the city center of Elbasan. The castle was initially composed of 26 towers of equal distance at 9-metre high. This castle was part of Via Egnatia and a very important attraction for trade caravans that would pass from East to West.
Transfer to Korca City. Staying overnight
After arrival in Korca City, hotel check in. Free evening to stroll through the old district to taste local hot wine, and coffe, or choose one of many traditional restaurants available famous for their local recipes of (kerrnacka) meat balls, (sac byrek) caster filled with cheese and or vegetables and meat, and pickled stuffed peppers and green tomatoes. You'll have your choice of accommodation in traditional guest house or hotel depending on availability.
Transfer to Voskopoja 90 minutes
Visit of Voskopoja, one of the oldest town in Korca region, left in ruins after it was burned from local religious feuds. Visit of one of the most famous churches turned to museum, with wall frescos, and icon painting since 17 century.
Transfer to Pogradec 20 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.
Important information
Inclusions
- Private transportation with Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guide and Driver
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry Fees in Berat Castle
- Entry Fees in Onufri Museum Berat
- Entry Fees in Ethnographic Museum Berat
- Entry Fees in Elbasan Castle
- Entry Fees in Archaeological Museum Korca
- Hotel Accommodation (+3* or 4* Hotel depending on availability)
- Breakfast
Exclusions
- Meals
- Drinks
Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- Guests must provide correct address or location for pick up.
Duration
3 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