The Best of Albania Tour, Tirana, Albania Sight-Seeing Tours

View All 26 Images »

ESCORTED TOUR 12 DAYS, Highlights of Albania, Travel to Albania and discover a country of wild, natural beauty with dark, brooding mountains, a dramatic undeveloped coastline and hills clad with olive trees. Explore the museum cities of Berat and

ESCORTED TOUR 12 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival-Tirana
Arrival in “Mother Teresa” Airport, meet and assisted by our representative.
Enjoy the welcome dinner in Petrela Castle �' which dates back to 4th century B.C.
This Castle is built on a rocky hill, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view.
Free at leisure among the day.
Overnight in Tirana

Day 2: Tirana
Your morning city tour begins from Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian
hero the main landmark of the city.
Pilgrims from far and wide reach the Et'hem Bey Mosque to offer prayers.
The Clock Tower next to the Et'hem Bey Mosque, National Museum- north of Scanderbeg Square,
The Palace of Culture, The monument to Mother Albania and The National Historical Museum
are the significant spots that catch up the attention of one and all who make a visit to the city.
This afternoon is free for you to explore Tirana’s lovely shops and boutiques.
Overnight in Tirana.

Day 3: Tirana - Elbasan - Pogradec
Morning departure to visit Pogradec - on the Roman via Egnatia route to the east.
Drive through Elbasan (ancient Scampa).
A short stop to Visit its fine Ottoman walls and continue to Pogradec.
Arrive at Lake Ohrid - one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Europe �'
it is the home to a number of fish and birds found nowhere else in the world.
Enjoy the lunch at local restaurant in Drilon (nice spot not far from Ohrid Lake
which has been a preferred holiday place for the ex-dictator Hoxha) �' decorated with
willow trees, and streams flowing down to the lake.
Overnight in Pogradec.

Day 4: Pogradec - Korca
This morning depart to visit Korça.
A brief sightseeing tour to Korça city to visit to the Archaeological Museum
housed in a lovely wooden Ottoman house - the Museum of Medieval Art
(seeing paintings and icons made by famous local artists).
Visit the architecturally important 15th century Mirahorit Mosque, and the Old Bazaar.
Drive into the pine-forested mountains to the rough little rural settlement of Voskopoja �'
a well known center of art, where some of the most talented Albanian painters practiced their profession.
Visit to the most interesting and accessible Church of Shen Koll,
notable for its frescoes made by the famous Albanian painters.
Drive back to Korça.
Overnight in Korça.

Day 5: Korca - Gjirokaster
This morning depart to Gjirokastra known as “Museum City”.
En route making a stop to a local restaurant in Permet.
Here you will find the real Albanian authentic, as warm and honest as loaf of homemade bread.
After lunch continue to Gjirokastra city where the dwelling houses have the form of
medieval towers constituting a building ensemble with a characteristic architecture.
Visit the Castle and the Museum of Weapons.
Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 6: Gjirokaster - Sarande
This morning depart to Saranda, the hillside town facing the sea, famous
for its magnificent “Butrinti” archeological site.
Visit the “Blue Eye” spring, formed by underground springs and the unusual church of St. Nicholas at Mesopotam
with its fine carvings of mythological beasts.
Stop for the lunch to “Lekursi Castle restaurant (built on the ruins of an old castle).
Overnight in Saranda.

Day 7: Sarande - Butrinti
Today experience an included excursion to Butrinti Archaeological Site,
visit the Temple of Aesclepios, the Baptistery, Nymph, The Theatre, Lions Gate, the Acropolis, etc.
Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight in Saranda.

Day 8: Sarande - Dhermi - Vlore
After breakfast drive up to Albanian Riviera.
En route making a short visit to the bay of Porto Palermo where the castle of Ali Pasha is situated.
Continue climbing to 3,000 feet where you can enjoy the best views, as we drive
through the fertile slopes and villages.
Drive along Himara, Dhermi coastline and stop for a special lunch
in a restaurant in Llogara, enjoying the wonderful scenery among the pinewoods.
Afternoon arrival in Vlora, an historical and costal city.
Overnight in Vlora.

Day 9: Vlore - Apollonia - Ardenice - Berat
Morning tour takes you to a sightseeing tour in Vlora.
Proceeds to the ancient Greek settlement of Apollonia �' (founded in 588 BC).
After the visit to Apollonia proceed to Ardenica �' where is a medieval monastery
surrounded by stonewalls.
Here you will admire Marry Church and Saint Triadha Chapel.
After the visit to Apollonia continue to Berat - the other one “Museum City”.
Overnight in Berat.

Day 10: Berat - Durres
A morning tour of 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.
Visit to Onuphri Icon Museum that contains some of the finest examples
of his work as well as other outstanding Albanian artists.
Stop for the lunch at restaurant in the Fortress where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and a wine tasting of Berat cellar.
The route continues to Durres�' the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Dyrrachium.
Formerly Durrazzo is one of the oldest towns in Albania.
The legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area,
who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson - Dyrrah.
Visit to the town including the Byzantine city walls,Roman amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum.
Overnight in Durres.

Day 11: Kruje - Shkoder - Tirane
Today you will see examples of an age of unbounded creativity.
Your morning tour begins with the visit to Kruja�'one of the biggest cities in Northern Albania is the “city of history”
and the best known as hometown of Albanian’s National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg.
Visit to the Castle, Skanderbeg Museum and Ethnographic Museum.
After the visit of the castle, is free for you to explore Kruja’s old bazaar with authentic and antique shops.
Continue to Shkodra.
Tour to visit the Mosque of Plumbit and the castle of Rosafa over the lake of Shkodra
perched at more than 4,000 feet above sea level.
In the evening bid “mirupafshim” to your travel companions during a farewell with delectable cuisine
and sparkling wine
in a fashionable restaurant.
Overnight in Tirana.

Day 12: Tirane -Departure
Transfer to “Mother Teresa” airport for your return flight home.

Tirana, Elbasan, Pogradec, Korca, Gjirokastra Saranda, Butrint, Vlora, Berat, Durres, Shkoder

Local Culture, Sightseeing, Archeological sites, Museums,etc

No Restrictions

10% Discount From 15 October- 30 April

Price Includes:
• Hotel and breakfast (tourist class and better hotels)

• Other meals (where indicated)
• Services of driver and guide throughout
• Entrance fees
• Airport transfer

Price Does Not Include:
• Airfare (unless otherwise arranged)
• Departure and custom fees