Epic journeys
3*-4* Hotel
7 breakfasts
Transportation
English guide
Airport Shutle
Museum Ticket
Tour Overview
Day 1
TIRANA
Our representative will wait for you at Tirana International Airport and escort you to your hotel in Tirana, the Capital of Albania. Time at leisure, overnight in Tirana
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Day 2
TIRANA - KORÇA (ELBASAN - POGRADEC)
After breakfast we drive to Elbasan. We will visit this interesting city with its ottoman fortress. After the short visit we will continue towards Pogradec, a very nice city at the shores of Lake Ohrid. We continue towards Korça, an important cultural centre of the southeastern Albania, nicknamed “the little Paris of Albania”. After we arrive make a panoramic visit of the city with the historic centre and the old western style houses, dating from the early XX century, the Orthodox Cathedral and the old bazaar. Overnight
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Day 3
KORÇA - GJIROKASTRA (PERMET)
After breakfast we will continue towards Gjirokaster, UNESCO World heritage town since 2004, which is admirably conserved with its ottoman architecture. First we will stop in Përmet, a little city in the middle of very high mountains of the south with a traditional architecture of socialist realism. We will visit the special orthodox church of Saint Mary of the XVIII century in the village of Leusë. We will continue towards Gjirokastra to explore the old town, UNESCO World Heritage town.We will start our visit from the Ottoman fortress (XIV century) and continue with a visit at the old bazaar. Overnight in Gjirokaster.
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Day 4
GJIROKASTRA - SARANDA (BLUE EYE SPRING, BUTRINT)
After breakfast we will continue towards Saranda. On the way, we will visit the magical Blue Eye water springs natural park. After this coffee break we will continue along the breath-taking road to Saranda and check in the Hotel near the sea and have Lunch at the Lekuresi castle up in the hill, which offers the best view of the city and the sea. After lunch we will visit the Archaeological park of Butrinti, UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Founded in the VII century BC by the Chaons of Epirus, it became one of the most important cities in the Ionian Sea and nowadays it is the best preserved archaeological site in Albania. After visiting Butrint leisure time to enjoy the city and a stroll along the sea side promenade and prepare for dinner. Overnight in Saranda.
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Day 5
SARANDA - BERAT (UNESCO)
After breakfast we depart for Berat. This day we will only drive along the Albanian Riviera overlooking the Ionian Sea. We proceed to Porto Palermo, where the Ali Pasha Castle stands like a barrier in front of the blue rocky sea as a protection for the country. The bay of Porto Palermo once served as an important secret military submarine base. After the visit we will continue along the breath-taking road to Himara and its 7 villages up to 1000 m over the sea level, and Vlora the city of Independence of the Albanians from the ottoman empire in 1912. Continue to the monastery of Ardenica XIII century, constructed over the ruins of a ancient pagan temple dedicated to goddes “Artemis”. Arrive in Berat “the city of 1001 windows”, the oldest city in Albania of at least 2400 years. We will check in the traditional Hotel.
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Day 6
BERAT - TIRANA (DURRES)
Our visit in Berat UNESCO World Heritage town will start from the old Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods to continue with a visit in the IV century BC fortress located on the hill overlooking the Osumi valley. The fortress is better known for the old Orthodox cathedral where the Onufri Icon Gallery is located. Here we will admire some of the most beautiful and oldest icons in Albania, dating from the XIV century. After the visit we continue to Durres, the second largest city in Albania where we will visit the Amphitheatre II century AD, the Venetian tower, the Byzantine walls of the city and the Archeological museum rich in ancient artefacts. Continue towards Tirana for a panoramic tour of the city, Skanderbeg square, Et’hem Bey mosque, clock tower, the Orthodox Church, National Historic Museum. Overnight in Tirana.
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Day 7
TIRANA (KRUJA - SHKODER)
After breakfast we drive to Shkodra the most important town of north Albania and the Illyrian capital, in the 3rd century BC. Visit Rozafa Castle with striking views all around. Continue to town for a visit at the Marubi Photographic Museum with a selection of prints of negatives taken in the second half of the 19th century till the 1900-s, illustrating the life of the population of the area in that period. Take a walk in the newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architecture, testimony to this town historic links with both these countries. Proceed to Kruja - the centre of Albanian resistance against the Turks under our national hero Scanderbeg who kept them from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Champion of Christ” given by the Pope. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum, a very rich Ethnographic Museum and the Old Bazaar where the best handmade souvenirs can be purchased. Return and overnight in Tirana.
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Day 8
TIRANA - AIRPORT
After breakfast free time to explore Tirana followed by the airport transfer wishing you a nice flight back home. End of services and thank you for choosing us.
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