Description
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- Day 1
Visit of Tirana Durres and Overnight in Vlora
This is the first day of your trip. After picking you up at the airport or hotel you will have a general introduction of the tour From the tour guide.
Depart to Durrës city. You will visit one of the most famous Amphitheaters in Albanian region. Compared with Colosseum of Rome. Durrës was once, albeit briefly, Albania’s capital. It’s now virtually an extension of Tirana, joined to the capital by a ceaseless urban corridor full of hypermarkets and car dealerships. Blessed with a reasonable 10km stretch of beach, Durrës is a pleasant escape from Tirana and has a charmingly Mediterranean air once you get off the seafront, which can be very crowded, noisy, and a bit tacky during the summer months. The town has a long and impressive history, and for international visitors, the main reason for coming to Durrës isn’t for the beaches but for the interesting Roman amphitheater and superb archaeological museum. You will spend some time in the Ancien part of Durres and also enjoy the adriatic seaside That’s why if you are history lover, it’s important for you to visit this city. You will spend 1 night in Durrës and you will enjoy this ancient and exotic city of Albania.
After visit and lunch depart to Vlora
Visit the archeological site of Apollonia on the way to Vlora
Visit Ardenica Monastery
city of ancient Apollonia (Fieri). This city is situated on the famous Apia – one of the most important cities in Roman times. Due to its fame and importance, it is known as Apollonia Prima out of 16 ancient cities built
to honor Apollo. Caesar chose to send his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory in Apollonia revealing the importance of this ancient city. After the city visit you will have some free time for coffee and discuss about the history.Dinner and overnight in Vlora
- Day 2
Enjoy the Riviera Region
After breakfast visit vlora and depart to the riviera Vlora is also very exotic city located near the Adriatic and Ionian sea. This city its frequented a lot especially in the summer time because of the very nice beaches nearby. The Historical importance of this city is:
As the building, which hosted the operations of the very first Albanian government, the Museum of Independence in Vlora is strategically positioned in a location that testifies to its significance, near the port, with a beautiful view of the sea. This modest, two-story
house is filled with the weight of history!
Founded in 1936, this museum is considered to be the first one in Albania before the ’90s. This national museum offers the most comprehensive information regarding the most
culminating events in the life of a country. It was in the famous balcony of this bright yellow, the traditional house that Ismail Qemali raised the Albanian flag in 1912.After visit depart to the Riviera along the coastal road from Orikum to Dhermi you will pass through the famous Llogara Pass, a spectacular winding road, rising up to 1,027m and overlooking the Ionian coast of the Albanian Riviera. This is the highest point on the main coastal road between Vlore and Sarande.
Llogara Pass (Qafa e Llogarasë – in Albanian) sits at the height of 1027m and is nestled in the middle of the Çika Mountain range, which is part of the Llogara National Park.
Driving near the Ionian sea and making some breaks for coffee or for enjoying the panoramic view to the small beaches You will stop for lunch in Himara, which is the central city in Riviera and also possibility of visiting the Ali Pasha castle. (Located on a island)
Late in the afternoon you will arrive in Saranda and you will visit the main pedestrian area. This day you will enjoy the city by yourself.Dinner and overnight in Sarande.
- Day 3
Visit the most important archeological site in Albania and
Greece “Butrint” and the Blue Eye Natural Monument.
After breakfast meet the guide and start the tour to the amazing Butrinti site.Butrint is located in 15 minutes away from Saranda city center. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site and the most important archaeological discovery in Albania. Legend associates this city with Trojan settlers who fled Troy under the leadership of Aeneas. In
fact, the city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of several eras of civilization. Apart from the beautiful antique ruins, it has the added benefit of being situated in a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna
After visit you will drive direction of another city called Gjirokastra. Arrive in Gjirokastra after 1 hour driving you will be a part of a completely different kind of architecture that has to do mostly with ottoman culture. You will visit Gjirokastra castle and Skendulaj house (traditional house ). The fortress of Gjirokastra, part of which was turned into a political prison for dissidents of the regime and the Arms Museum. Visit to the Ethnographic Museum, which is also the house the Albanian dictator was born in, as well as a 300-year-old house next to it, where the grandeur of Gjirokastra’s master builders can be observed.Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastër.
- Day 4
Visit Gjirokastra Old town and the White city “Berat”
After breakfast in the hotel depart to Berat. The trip will be mostly highway and you will have some stops for coffee on the way.
Arrive in Berat and start visiting this of UNESCO Old town.
Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania under the protection of UNESCO as a patronage of humanity for its architectural uniqueness. In Berat, we visit the Castle and the Onufri Museum. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors for centuries. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain including St. Mary’s church turned into Onufri Museum. Onufri was a famous Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece, using a special red color. After the visit you will have free time for pictures and for relaxing in the pedestrian area.Dinner and overnight in Berat.
- Day 5
Visit the Castle of Elbasan and Pogradec city. And Arrive in Ohrid
After breakfast depart to another beautiful and rich country in history and culture. Depart to Pogradec.
On the way to Pogradec you will stop in Elbasan where you will pass by a natural Landscape and you will enjoy the beauty of Albanian central Hills region. Pass by the eco Village of “Belsh” you will check 5 natural different Lakes. Arrive in Elbasan. You will have Lunch at a traditional restaurant and after lunch start the visit of the Elbasan Fortress (Real Scami) very important during the Roman and Ottoman Time. In Elbasan, you will visit the castle of Elbasan which was very important in Roman times and which also has a view of Via Egnatia, which was the “road” between the old city of Rome and Kostandinopoja. You will also see a fortress of Elbasan, Saint Mary’s Church and the king Mosque inside the fortress. After sightseeing you will have free time in the castle. Duration: 1 hour After the visit depart to Pogradeci, which is also, another interesting town near the most ancient Lake in Europe (Ohrid lake). Pogradec, the city of artists, resting on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is certainly one of these. It’s an ideal place for the romantic soul, who seeks and relishes nature’s peace and tranquillity. You will overnight near this lake in Pogradec. After visit depart to ohrid and check in hotelDinner and overnight in Pogradec.
- Day 6
Ohrid and Skopja
Today you will cross the border to Macedonia and visit one of the most known city in Balkan.Ohrid. You will visit, the old city, St Sophia church, St Kaneo church, the theatre, Ohrid Lake. After Sightseeing have some free time in the old town. Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Ohrid. Ohrid (Macedonian: a city in North Macedonia and the seat of the Ohrid Municipality. It is the largest city on Lake Ohrid and the eighth-largest city in the country, with over 42,000 inhabitants
as of 2002. Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as a “Jerusalem of the Balkans”.[2][4] The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. It is located southwest of Skopje, west of Resen and Bitola. In 1979 and in 1980 respectively, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Ohrid is one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO’s World
Heritage that are Cultural as well as Natural sites.After visit and lunch in Ohrid depart to Skopja, Arrival in skopja after 3 hours of Driving
Dinner and overnight in Skopja
- Day 7
Skopja – Prishtina
After Breakfast meet the driver & guide and start the sightseeing of Skopja Visit the Old Bazzar Mahmut Pasha Hammam, the memorial house of Mother Teresa, stone bridge and the Macedonia Plaza.Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, the City that lies in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, at the crossroad of important communications,
a city with a 2000 years old tradition. Skopje is a modern city with population of almost one million and presents Macedonia’s major political, economical, educational and cultural center. It
continues to be a focus for new residents, economic development, construction and refurbishment. Skopje urban area extends across the Skopje valley for approximately 30 kilometers (18.75 mi) in width and comprises 10 municipalities. After visit Have some free time in the bazaar. Have dinner at a Local restaurant in Skopje.Have lunch in skopja and Depart to Kosovo
Arrival in the Capital of Kosovo Prishtina and have some free time in the city
- Day 8
Prishtina – Prizren
After breakfast meet the driver & guide and depart to Prizren. Arrive in Prizren and start the sightseeing with the guide.
Visit: League of Prizren Old Bazzar, Sinan Pasha Mosque.
Prizren is a true open-air museum, one of the most beautiful towns of Kosovo. It is situated on the slopes of the Sharr Mountains and on the banks of the river Bistrica. The craftsmen of Prizren
are well known for their beautiful gold and silver articles and other folk handcrafts. From all the cities of Kosovo, Prizren has best preserved the architectural style of the past. Take a short tour
of the Rahoveci renowned wines; Stone Castle and Podrumi i Vjeter.
After visit have some free time in the town. After free time have lunch at a local restaurant.Dinner and overnight in Prizren.
- Day 9
Prizren – Shkodra
After breakfast meet the driver & guide and depart to Shkodra , the city on the north of Albania.
On the way you will have information of Albanian History and on the places that you will visit. Arrive in Shkodra and visit Rozafa Castle. Visit the center of Shkodra, pedestal, and mosque of kings. After the visit, lunch at a local restaurant in the city center. You will have lunch in one Traditional restaurant in the center of Shkodra .After lunch, free time in the city. Check-in at the hotel after free time. Rozafa Castle Built during Antiquity, enduring the Roman and Ottoman empires, and remaining intact up to the present day, Rozafa Castle has witnessed the dramatic changes of the tide over
the course of Albania’s fascinating history. Needless to say then that this archaeological area is incredibly rich in historical tales. you will visit the castle and enjoy also the amazing panoramic view.
Shkodra Lake In the Northwest of Albania lies the beautiful Shkodra Lake, the largest in the Balkan Peninsula, and one of the many natural wonders of this part of the country. With a vast surface area of 368 km2, the lake stretches beyond the country and across the border with
Montenegro, with 149 km2 of it lying in Albania. The lake beautifully frames the historic and artistic city of Shkodra, a calming and refreshing area, reflecting the effect of the water which
gracefully surrounds it.Dinner in a traditional famous restaurant.
Overnight in Shkodra.Dinner and overnight in Tirana.
- Day 10
Shkodra – Thethi – Shkodra
After breakfast meet the driver & guide and depart to thethi, where on route you will stop in the mountain village of Boge and Thore Pass surrounded by mountains. Enjoy lunch with one of the best views there is in the North. Get settled in the guesthouse in Theth and have a relaxing afternoon and a walking guide of the village where a four century old tower used as reconciliation tower and the 100 – year – old, well-preserved church are the highlights, before a rustic dinner with a glass or two of Raki.Spend a day exploring Theth National Park on a leisure hike. Marvel at the view and sound of Grunas waterfall and Canyon. Enjoy a refreshing bath and a picnic lunch at the Natural pools and the Blue Eye of Theth, after hiking through stunning scenery. After A light hiking and Lunch go back to Shkodra and have some free time in the city
Overnight in shkodra
- Day 11
Shkodra – Budva – Kotor
After Breakfast Depart to Visit Budva old town Budva is on the central part of Montenegrin coast, called “Budvanska Rivijera”. It has developed around a small peninsula, on which the old town is situated. It is by far most visited destination in Montenegro, attracting mostly domestic, Russian, Serbian and other Eastern European tourists with an old town, bars and nightclubs, and beaches mostly consisting of small rocks. It is base for mass tourism, while in its near vicinity there are luxury resorts such as Sveti Stefan and Miločer. After visit of Budva Depart to Kotor and visit Old town Kotor Pillar of shame, churches square, weapons square Kotor is situated in the secluded Boka Kotorska bay, on Montenegro’s northern coast. It has developed around Stari Grad(local language for “old town”), the city’s old town and best known landmark, which is listed with UNESCO World heritage sites, and the city walls are even separately listed together with five other Venetian city walls along the Adriatic and in Italy. The bay is the deepest natural fjord in the Mediterranean Sea, and the scenery around it (including the steep mountains which come almost to the waterfront) is spectacular. After visit of Kotor have free time Enjoy Montenegro and
Overnight in Kotor or Budva
- Day 12
Kotor – Tirana Airport or Podgorica Airport
This is the last day of your tour, Suggest timing for departure is afternoon from 17:00 if from Tirana
and 14:00 if from Podgorica.
Driving time from Kotor to Tirana : 4-5 hours including Border traffic
Driving to from Kotor to Podgorica (capital of Montenegro) 2-3 hours
