5 Days Albanian Country Side UNESCO Lake and old Towns Tour

• 08:00 – 08:25: Meet and assist upon arrival at Mother Teresa Airport in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. After the airport transfer, check-in at your hotel and get settled.

• Morning: Begin your exploration of Tirana, Albania’s bustling capital city. Start with a visit to the National Historical Museum, where you’ll uncover the rich history of Albania. Take a leisurely walk around Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, and enjoy the view of important landmarks including:

  • Ethem Bey Mosque, built in 1789
  • The towering Clock Tower (built in 1830)
  • Opera House, Town Hall, Government Buildings, and the International Cultural Center

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in one of Tirana’s local restaurants.

• Afternoon: Depart from Tirana and drive towards Tushemisht, with a stop in Elbasan. Explore the Elbasan Castle and stroll along the Ancient Egnatia Street, a historic Roman route.

• Coffee Break: Stop for a relaxing coffee break before continuing to Pogradec, a charming town on the shore of Lake Ohrid.

• Afternoon: Arrive at Tushemisht, a picturesque village on the edge of Lake Ohrid. Tushemisht is like a mini version of Venice, with canals of spring water flowing through the village. The natural springs that feed Lake Ohrid flow through the area, adding to its unique beauty.

  • Explore the canals that pass under and around the houses, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem, rarely visited by tourists.

• Lunch: Enjoy a delightful lunch in Tushemisht, where you will sample a traditional dish from the lake, prepared using local ingredients.

• Late Afternoon: Depart for Korça, often called the "threshold of Albanian culture". Upon arrival, embark on a 1-hour walking tour of the city.

  • Visit Korça’s City Center and explore the Old Bazaar, a traditional marketplace with unique Albanian handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.

• Evening: Check-in to your hotel in Korça. After some rest, you will have free time to explore the town at your leisure or enjoy a local dinner.

• Overnight: Stay overnight in Korça.

Morning: Korça to Voskopoja Village

• After breakfast at your hotel in Korça, depart for the charming village of Voskopoja. This picturesque village, recently restored, offers a unique blend of historical and natural beauty. The village is harmoniously integrated into its surroundings, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

• Cultural Exploration: Take a leisurely walk through Voskopoja’s serene landscape, perfect for hiking and exploring. Visit some of the village’s most important churches, known for their remarkable frescoes and historical significance.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian meal in a local restaurant, featuring fresh, regional dishes that showcase the flavors of the area.

Afternoon: Voskopoja to Permet

• Depart from Voskopoja and embark on a scenic drive through the Albanian countryside, where you’ll pass through rolling hills, stunning mountain landscapes, and traditional villages. This route offers some of the most captivating views in Albania, providing an unforgettable experience.

• Arrival in the Langarica Canyon: Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Langarica Canyon, an area known for its natural beauty and thermal springs. At Benja Village, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the river, walking barefoot on the smooth stones and experiencing the therapeutic properties of the hot spring water.

Evening: Arrival in Permet

• After a day filled with natural beauty and exploration, arrive in Permet, a small city nestled along the Vjosa River, renowned for its thermal baths and surrounding landscapes.

• Free Time: You will have some time to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere before heading out for dinner. You can either explore the charming town or enjoy a relaxing meal at one of Permet’s local restaurants.

• Overnight: Stay overnight in Permet, where you can unwind and prepare for the next day of your adventure.

Morning: Depart from Përmet to Gjirokastra

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive to Gjirokastra, one of Albania’s most historic cities. Known as the "City of Stone," Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Arrival in Gjirokastra

• Upon arrival, you’ll be immersed in the city’s unique charm. Begin your exploration with a visit to Gjirokastra Castle, perched high above the town, offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The castle is home to the Weapons Museum, showcasing Albania’s military history, and gives a glimpse into the region’s strategic importance during different historical periods.

• Historic Bazaar: After the castle visit, head to the Neck of the Bazaar, a central area in the Old Town. While this was once home to artisan workshops, it’s now a lively area filled with souvenir shops. Here, you can take a stroll and visit a few remaining stone carvers who continue this ancient craft. Enjoy some free time to explore the bazaar at your leisure and shop for unique local goods.

Afternoon: Cultural Immersion

• Visit the Traditional Skendulaj House, a 300-year-old family home, which has been transformed into a museum. The house is a prime example of Gjirokastra's masterful stone architecture, reflecting the grandeur and craftsmanship of the town’s past.

• Explore the Skendulaj Fortress, a notable historical site, and learn about the town's strategic significance during different periods of history.

  • Political Prison Museum: Another key visit is to a former political prison where dissidents of the communist regime were held. This historical site offers an eye-opening look into Albania's more recent past and its journey to freedom.

Evening: Free Time & Dinner

• After the day’s exploration, you’ll have some free time to relax, further explore Gjirokastra’s charming streets, or enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant.

• Overnight: Stay overnight in Gjirokastra, where you can rest and reflect on the rich history and beauty of this incredible town.

Morning: Depart Gjirokastra to Saranda

• After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for Saranda, a charming city located along the Ionian Sea, directly across from Corfu Island. The scenic drive will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the sparkling blue waters of the Ionian.

• Arrival in Saranda: Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk along the beautiful coastline, with time to admire the stunning views and vibrant seaside atmosphere.

Visit Butrint Archaeological Site

• After taking in the views, head to the Butrint Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city has a fascinating history, having been inhabited since prehistoric times. Butrint was once a Greek city of the Chaonian tribe, later becoming a Roman colony and a bishopric.
  • Explore the ruins, including the ancient Greek theater, Roman baths, Basilica, and the city walls. Learn about its decline during the end of Antiquity, and how most of the city was abandoned after a major earthquake flooded the area.

Lunch & Free Time at Ksamil

• After exploring Butrint, head to Ksamil, a picturesque village known for its magical beaches and the stunning three islands that lie just off the coast. Here, you’ll have some free time to relax, swim, and enjoy the beach. The crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for unwinding.

Afternoon: Return to Gjirokastra

• After a relaxing time at the beach, return to Gjirokastra. On the way back, take in the natural beauty of the Albanian countryside, with its rolling hills and lush landscapes.

Evening: Free Time & Dinner

• Once you return to Gjirokastra, enjoy some free time to explore the town at your leisure or relax before your dinner. You can wander through the historic streets, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the charming atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed city.

• Overnight: Stay overnight in Gjirokastra, reflecting on the day’s experiences by the sea and in the ancient city.

Morning: Depart Gjirokastra to Berat

• After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart for Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The journey to Berat takes you through scenic landscapes, offering glimpses of Albania’s beautiful countryside.

Arrival in Berat: Visit the Berat Fortress

• Upon arrival, head straight to Berat Fortress, one of the best-preserved castles in Albania. The fortress has been a key part of the city’s history and still houses a small community of locals who live in traditional houses, much like their ancestors have for centuries.

  • Explore the Onufri Museum inside the castle, dedicated to the famous Albanian icon painter Onufri. The museum, housed in the Sainte-Marie Church, displays a rich collection of religious icons and artifacts from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant inside the fortress, where you can savor regional dishes while soaking in the beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Afternoon: Explore Berat City Center

• After lunch, take some time to explore the city center of Berat. Wander through the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, famous for their well-preserved Ottoman-style houses and narrow, cobbled streets. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Ethnological Museum for an insight into the traditional life of the people of Berat.

Evening: Depart to Tirana

• After your visit to Berat, depart for Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Enjoy the scenic drive as you make your way back to the city.

End of Tour: Arrival in Tirana

• Arrive in Tirana, where the tour concludes. Your guide will assist you with the transfer to your hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the heart of Albania