DayTrip to Korce and Pogradec at 8:30 am, Korca is considered the birthplace of Albania’s literary and artistic identity and the city’s charm and traditions continue to reflect this heritage. The city’s markets, monuments, mosques and churches (dating back to early Byzantine and Ottoman times) highlight the significance of this important Balkan crossroads city. We will visit the museum to see the incredible collection of Byzantine art such as icons, iconostasis, silver ecclesiastic objects etc. After the visit in Korce, we drive to Pogradec where we take a sightseeing walk in the national park Drilon – Tushemisht where we enjoy the natural beauty and we will also unveil some highly classified state secrets ;).
TUESDAY – COMMUNIST TOUR OF TIRANA & BUNKART
DayTour of Communist Tirana at 8:30 am, Explore a communist center of Albania, Tirana, learn about the harsh late years of the town, under the regime of leader Enver Hoxha. How the regime banned religion and reduced analphabetism in Albania. Why he built the bunkers of Albania? What type are the Bunkers? Get to see a real bunker! Hear how people were imprisoned for talking the truth, or saying something bad about him. Tirana is one of the most beautiful capitals in Balkans, with its newly renovated city center. We will visit Scanderbeg Square, the ministries buildings, Bunk’Art 1, the Pyramid of Tirana, the Check point, the “Blloku area”, museum “House of Leaves” and many interesting places around the lively town.
WEDNESDAY – DAY TRIP TO PRIZREN, KOSOVO
DayTrip to Prizren, Kosovo at 8:30 am, In the morning we drive to Prizren, going through the Northern mountainous are with beautiful panoramic views. We arrive in Prizren, Kosovo to visit the old town. Prizren is the most touristic and most beautiful town in Kosvo, with it’s Sinan Pasha mosque, catholic cathedral, the Slavic orthodox church, the old bazaar, the stone bridge and the “love locks” bridge. The most important place in the town for the history of the Albanians is the house of the League, where they got together to coordinate their war for freedom in 19th century, the was which resulted in the freedom of Albania in 1912.
– THURSDAY DAY TRIP TO SHKODER & KRUJE
DayTrip to Shkoder and Kruje at 8:30 am, we drive to Shkodra the most important city of north Albania, set in front of the lake with the same name. We will take a walk in “Gjuhadol” a pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences. visit the Marubi Museum (master photographer of the end of 19th century) which houses an exposition of old prints. Shkodra is the only mentioned Illyrian capital in the 3rd-2nd centuries B.C. Visiting Rozafa castle we will not only experience the supremacy the Illyrians over their enemies standing in such an imposing Castle, but will also admire breathtaking views 360 degrees. we suggest lunch at the Agro-tourism “Mrizi I Zanave” between Shkodra and Lezha. The we drive to Kruje centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans under our National Hero, Scanderbeg. He kept the Ottoman armies from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Athleta Christi” awarded by the Pope of the time. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum and a rich Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 18th century. Finally we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. we spend some free time on our own before heading back to the capital city.
FRIDAY – DAY TRIP TO KRUJE & PREZE & DURRES
DayTrip to Kruje, Preze and Durres at 8:30 am. Kruja, centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans under our National Hero Scanderbeg. He kept the Ottoman armies from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Athleta Christi” awarded by the pope of the time. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum one of the best in the country and a rich Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 19th century. Finally we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional art-crafts. Preza castle is one of Skanderbej’s medieval strongholds. nowadays is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in central Albania. We can enjoy an Optional traditional lunch where we will try some delicious regions’ recipes. After the visits continue to Durres one of the oldest towns in Albania and the first and perhaps the most important of the Greek colonies in the country. It was founded at Epidamnus in 627 B.C. We will visit some of the remains such as the Amphitheatre, the forum, archeological museum, the Venetian tower the outer walls. We have refreshment at a panoramic bar before we return to Tirana.
SATURDAY – DAY TRIP TO BERAT
DayTrip to Berat at 8:30 am, passing by Elbasan and Dumre region. Berat, known as the city of ‘one-thousand-and-one windows’, is a treasure of Albanian history and culture. The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala where the castle itself is located. We visit the ‘Kala’, the Museum of Iconography ‘Onufri’ (Optional), the Red Mosque, St. Trinity Church. We can have optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine (at extra cost). Then we visit the Mangalemi neighborhood and the National Ethnographic Museum (Optional). Across the Osumi River lies the Gorica neighborhood, the arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780. Enjoy some free time. Return to Tirana.
SUNDAY – DAY TRIP TO GJIROKASTER
DayTrip to Gjirokaster at 8:30 am. Gjirokastra is also known as “The city of Stone”, interesting architecture with its extra large huses with stone rooftops UNECO heritage town (approx. 3 hour drive.) Check-in at a hotel situated in a typical town house. Visit the Ethnographic Museum (communist dictator Enver Hoxha’s birth house) and the Skenduli house (it’s one of the most beautiful and special houses of the region – its 42 doors and 62 windows are only some of the elements which have impressed visitors we’ve brought here!) we’ll visit the Castle of Gjirokastra, its Weapon Museum and the former prison of the Castle Traditional dinner with local specialties – try the qifqi (rice balls!)
