Classical Tour of Albania

Arrive to Albania, Tirana. Overnight at hotel in Tirana.

Explore in the morning the capital city Tirana known for its colorful Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture. Take a walk along the main boulevard where are found the buildings of Tirana Main University, Presidential Palace, Pyramid building etc. Walk also through the Blloku district. Next approach to the “Skanderbeg” square where are found the buildings of National History Museum, E`them Bey Mosque, Clock tower and Palace of Culture.

As we leave the crowded Tirana, will have a new experience in the medieval town of Kruja .Take a walk along the old Bazaar known as the best place to find handicrafts. Next proceed to the 6th century fortress where still families live inside. Return to Tirana in the afternoon.

From Tirana we travel towards the south eastern part of Albania. Have a first stop in the city of Elbasan, known in antiquity as Skampis. Continue next towards the city of Pogradec, situated on the shore of the Ohrid Lake.  It is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem that is of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. Final destination of the day will be Korca. It is one of the largest and most important cultural and economic centers of Albania, located in the southeastern part of the country. Enjoy walking along along the “Bulevardi Republika” or visiting the Bazaar part of the city.

This will be an interesting travelling through stunning views of mountainous area of south eastern Albania. The picturesque views become more interesting also from the presence of Vjosa river all along the road till reaching the small little town of Permet .

The final destination of the day will be in the museum city of Gjirokastra, which is also one of the three UNESCO sites in Albania. The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress. Visit the old Ottoman bazaar and the fortress.

Have a first visit to the Blue Eye water spring and a natural phenomenon.

As leaving the Blue Eye, drive towards the Natural Park of Butrint. Visit to the Old Amphitheatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Baptistery with colorful mosaics and the ancient city walls.

Final destination is the city of Saranda, known as one of the most important tourist attractions of the Albanian Riviera. It is situated on an open sea gulf of the Ionian Sea in the Mediterranean and two nautical miles from the Greek island of Corfu.

Enjoy the whole morning some spectacular view of the Albanian Riviera as you travel along the touristic villages of Lukova , Qeparo , Borsh , Himara or Dhermi .

A first morning stop will be in the place known as Porto Palermo , where is also found the fortress with the same name. The fort served as former Soviet submarine base during the communist regime in Albania, and nowadays its semi abandoned tunnel and barrack attract attention of visitors, as well as the stronghold walls and gates built by the powerful Ali Pasha of Ionina.

Not to be missed is a visit in the archeological site of Apollonia. Visit the theatre, the Monument of Agonothetes, Odeon, Portic, the courtyard of the Monastery where there is found the Byzantine style church of Saint Mary and the archeological museum. In the afternoon arrive to Berat.

Dedicate this morning exploring the city of Berat UNESCO Site, known for its very special magic. Its most striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to its castle. Berat is often called as the city of “Thousand Windows”.  Walk along the old neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, and then proceed to the castle area. Visit the Onufri museum .

Continue next to the ancient city of Durres, that is also the most important seaport in Albania. Visit the Amphitheatre, the biggest in the Balkan Peninsula (capacity 15.000 spectators) with a rare wall mosaic, which belongs to the 2nd century A.D.

In the afternoon arrive to Tirana city.

From the hotel in Tirana, transfer to Tirana International Airport. End of the tour!