Itinerary
DAY 1: TIRANA
- Tirana Airport ➔ Tirana, 25 min (15 km)
- Departure to Albania on a regular flight. Arrival at Mother Teresa Airport in Tirana.
- Afternoon city tour depending on arrival times.
Accommodation and dinner in Tirana
DAY 2: BERAT – "THE CITY OF A THOUSAND WINDOWS"
- Tirana ➔ Berat, 1h 50 min (100 km)
- After breakfast, departure to Berat. A short stop will be made in the region of Belsh, characterized by numerous small lakes, cultivated lands, and olive tree-covered hills, giving the area a "Tuscan-like" appearance.
- Then, continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, also known as the "city of a thousand windows." Berat is one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture in the country. The typical districts, cobbled streets, traditional houses, and stunning mountain views add to the charm of this city.
Lunch during the visit
Planned visits:
- The fortress
- The Onufri Icon Museum
- The medieval center (including a Tekke, a spiritual center for Bektashi)
- The typical districts of Mangalemi and Gorica
Accommodation and dinner in Berat
DAY 3: GJIROKASTËR – "THE STONE CITY"
- Berat ➔ Gjirokastër, 2h 40 min (180 km)
- Today, we head to the city of Gjirokastër, following the Vjosa River for a while. The Vjosa is a national park and the only wild river that flows uninterrupted from its source to its outlet into the sea.
- Gjirokastër, also known as "the stone city," has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. It is the birthplace of Albania's greatest writer, Ismail Kadare, and, on a less literary note, the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The city is full of typical neighborhoods and shaded terraces. Gjirokastër has managed to preserve the picturesque and traditional architecture of old Albanian homes.
Lunch on the way
Planned visits:
- The fortress
- The "Shtëpia e Skëndulajve" house museum
- The old bazaar quarter
Accommodation and dinner in Gjirokastër
DAY 4: THE BUTRINT SITE AND THE CITY OF SARANDA
- Gjirokastër ➔ Saranda, 2h 30 min (95 km)
- Today, we take the road to Saranda.
- A stop will be made at the Blue Eye spring, a natural water spring that gushes from underground with a pressure of nearly 10 m³ per second, giving the impression of forming a "blue eye." Surrounded by forests, this peaceful spot is a wonderful place to recharge. (1h 30 min round-trip walk).
- Next, we continue towards the magnificent archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Butrint is an open-air ancient city reflecting several centuries of human occupation, having been successively inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Did you know that Racine mentioned Butrint in his play Andromaque? The Lion Gate is well hidden but still standing!
- After the visit, we continue to Saranda, facing Corfu, for check-in and leisure time.
Accommodation and dinner in Saranda
DAY 5: ALBANIAN RIVIERA – FROM SARANDA TO VLORA
- Saranda ➔ Vlora, 2h 20 min (120 km)
- Today, we head along the Albanian Riviera and visit the bay of Porto Palermo, home to the fortress of the famous Ali Pasha of Ioannina. This small triangular castle was one of the many fortresses built by the great Pasha! The stunning bay of Porto Palermo served as a significant submarine base during the communist regime. Today, the semi-abandoned base, its tunnel, and other structures are still visible.
- Stop at Llogara National Park to appreciate the landscapes and take some photos.
- The Albanian Riviera is considered one of the most beautiful regions of the country, characterized by its typical Mediterranean charm. Olive groves and turquoise-blue waters will accompany us throughout the day. The route crosses small, picturesque villages of the south.
Lunch on the way
- The visit to Vlora, a coastal city known for being one of Albania's most important ports. It is also a historically significant place, as Albania's independence was proclaimed here on November 28, 1912, by Ismail Qemali. The bay of Vlora has always been a strategic location of great importance.
- On a hill overlooking the city, we find the Bektashi religious site of "Kus Baba", offering a stunning panoramic view of the city and the sea.
Planned visits:
- Porto Palermo Fortress
- Independence Museum in Vlora
Accommodation and dinner in Vlora
DAY 6: THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF APOLLONIA AND ARDENICA MONASTERY – RETURN TO TIRANA
- Vlora ➔ Apollonia, 35 min (40 km)
- Our next stop is the archaeological site of Apollonia, located in the Fier region. Initially inhabited by Illyrian tribes, it was colonized in the 4th century BC by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corfu. Apollonia was also a significant city during the Roman era, with its agora, theater, and museum testifying to its importance. The Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus studied here.
- Apollonia ➔ Ardenica, 20 min (20 km)
- We continue to Ardenica Monastery, one of the few Albanian monasteries still used for religious purposes and home to monks. The first church was built in the 10th century. The quality and number of frescoes and iconostases covering the walls attract many visitors each year.
Lunch on the way
- Ardenica ➔ Tirana, 1h 40 min (110 km)
- Return to Tirana in the afternoon, with the possibility of further city visits.
Planned visits:
- The archaeological site of Apollonia
- Ardenica Monastery
Accommodation and dinner in Tirana
DAY 7: TIRANA – THE VIBRANT CAPITAL
Tirana is a lively and colorful city, the nerve center of the country. Exploring its typical and modern districts will give you a good overview of the city's history. A stroll around Skanderbeg Square will allow you to feel the pulse of the capital.
A visit to the Bllok district, which was once reserved for the communist elite during the dictatorship, is now the hotspot for nightlife and entertainment.
Lunch during the tour
We will then visit Bunk'Art 2, located in the city center, which offers insight into the life and operations of Sigurimi, Albania's secret police during the communist era.
Finally, the day will conclude with a walk through Tirana's bazaar, leading to Mother Teresa Square, a major landmark in the city.
Planned visits:
- National Museum
- Ethem Bey Mosque
- Bunk'Art 2
- Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals
- Walking tour of the "Pazar i Ri," "Toptani," and "Bllok" neighborhoods
Accommodation and dinner in Tirana
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
- Free morning depending on flight schedules
- Transfer to the airport
- End of our services