Classical Albania
Day 1: Tirana
Arrival at Rinas Airport where you will meet your tour guide. Transfer to Tirana and check in at hotel. The country’s capital at the foot of Dajti Mountain with a population of 700,000 is the largest city in Albania and the economic, cultural and political centre of the republic.
Day 2: KRUJA – DURRES
After breakfast we head for Kruja, 70 kilometres south of Tirana and situated on the slopes of Sari Salltiku Mountain, 560 metres above sea level. This historical city has existed since the 3rd century BC. Here we will visit the fortress and the Skanderbeg Museum within its ramparts, dedicated to Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero. The programme also includes the Ethnological Museum and the historical bazaar. After the tour you have time to wander around by yourself before we leave for Durres in the afternoon.
Durres, Albania’s largest port, was founded in 627 BC and was later the starting point of the Via Ignacia, the most important road between Rome and Constantinople. Here we will visit the fortress and the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans with its rare mosaics dating from the 2nd century BC. We will show you the Roman thermal baths and in the Archaeological Museum you will see numerous finds of historical importance. (Return to Tirana, overnight in hotel)
Day 3: APOLLONIA – VLORA
After breakfast our tour takes us to Apollonia, 12 kilometres from Fier and one of the country’s most famous excavation sites. Here we will visit the museum and various historical monuments. We then continue on to the antique coastal city of Vlora with one of the country’s most important ports. The important sights here include the Muradfie Mosque, a memorial to the Day of Independence in 1912 when Albania was proclaimed an autonomous state and the Museum of Independence.
Day 4: VLORA – SARANDA
Today we drive along the panoramic Ionic Riviera to Saranda and will make short stops at the traditional villages of Llogara, Dhermi and Vunoi. We’ll take our midday break in the midst of an idyllic pine forest. We will then reach the bathing resort Saranda in the late afternoon where we will spend the night.
Day 5: SARANDA – BUTRINT – KSAMIL – SARANDA
Our half day tour takes us to the ancient city of Butrint, famous for its valuable archaeological legacies such as the Asklepios Temple, the Baptisterium, the Nymphaeum, the theatre and the legendary Lion’s Gate. Butrint is a listed UNESCO heritage site.
Day 6: SARANDA – GJIROKASTRA – BERAT
Gjirokastra with its majestic fortress and traditional houses is also very impressive. Here we will visit the fortress, the National Weapons Museum, the Ethnographical Museum and Zekatet House. (Overnight in Berat).
Day 7: BERAT – TIRANA
Berat, the City of 1000 Windows is an old Lyric settlement from the 4th and 5th centuries BC and lies at the foot of Tomorr Mountain (2425 m). It is made up of three districts, Gorica, Mangalem and Kalaja. Here you will visit the fortress, the many churches and mosques, the Onufri Museum and the seven-arched bridge. We then return to Tirana in the afternoon (Overnight in hotel)
Day 8: TIRANA
To round off the holiday we will take a tour of the capital of Tirana with its numerous sights such as the famous Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard, Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, Haxhi Ethem Bey Mosque and the Sahati clock tower.
Day 9: TIRANA – Airport
Our tour has ended. Depending on your departure time, we will gladly organise a shopping tour. Transfer to airport.
