Summery
Enjoy a day full of fun and adventure. Visit Apollonia Archaeological park and travel in time 2400 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.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this tour, about 8-9 Hours, total of 250 kilometers.
This is a typical itinerary for this tour, about 8-9 Hours, total of 250 kilometers.
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
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.
We will continue to Albania Winery and Agritourism, where you can take your time to enjoy the view of Mediterranean sea on the distance, from a beautiful balcony, while indulging in slow cooked food and mixed "meze" (appetizers), the traditional way. Select how many wines you want to taste, from a selection of white, rose and red.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Wine Tasting is optional, and is paid direct to the restaurant)
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.
We will continue to Albania Winery and Agritourism, where you can take your time to enjoy the view of Mediterranean sea on the distance, from a beautiful balcony, while indulging in slow cooked food and mixed "meze" (appetizers), the traditional way. Select how many wines you want to taste, from a selection of white, rose and red.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Wine Tasting is optional, and is paid direct to the restaurant)
Duration about 1.5 - 2 hours.
Transfer back to your hotel in Tirana or Durres area, about 1.5 hours
Important information
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Entry fees in Apollonia Archaeological Park and Museum
- Entry fee at Ardenica Monastery
Exclusions
- No meals included
- No Drinks included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Wine Tasting in Albanica Winery (menu cost, depending on your choice, between 12 - 20 Euro per 1 person)
Departure details
- Correct address or location must be provided for pick up If unable to provide correct address must contact service provider before arrival to arrange pick up.
- Hotel pickup is offered.
Duration
8–10 hours
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