Discovering South Albania in 7 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1: Tirana Airport – Durres

Welcome to Albania. Meet & Great at Tirana airport and transfer to Durres.

Visit Durres. Durres is home to the biggest seaport in the country. The city is home to many ancient archaeological sites and finds. The most important tourist attraction in Durrës is the Roman amphitheater with 15,000 seats. It is the second biggest amphitheater in the Balkans. Durres is the most ancient city in Albania, with about 3,000 years of history.  Free time to walk in the pedestrian street Vollga, in front of the sea.

Overnight in Durres 4* Hotel

Day 2: Durres-Ardenica Monastery–Apolloni–Vlore

Visit the Monastery of Ardenica. It. It is built in 3^rd century. One of the most  interesting historical event in Ardenica is Skanderbeg’s (Albanian National Hero) wedding. The monastery raises on the hills of Ardenica at an altitude of 237 m above sea level. Ardenica is consider as on of the most touristic attraction sites.

Visit the park of Apolonia. Apollonia is an archaeological site near Fier. In the ancient times, Apollonia was one of the most important economic and trade centers of Albania. Its population was approx. 50.000 inhabitants. One of the most notorious persons, the future Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, has done the studies in this city. The site hosts also an Orthodox monastery and an archaeological museum.

Visit Vlora, a seaside city who it’s not important only because of the port but it has a huge importance in the history of Albania. In this city Ismail Qemali proclaimed the independence of Albania in 1912.

Overnight in Vlora 4* Hotel

Day 3: Vlora – Zvernec – Llogara – Porto Palermo – Sarande

After the breakfast we depart for Zvernec

Visit the monastery of Zvernec. Next stop the monastery of Zvernec, an impressive object of significant cultural and religious value. The architecture its typical Byzantine, due tu its construction at 12^th or 12^th centuries. To reach the monastery, you will follow the charming bridge that stretching over the water, connects the island with land.

Drive on the Albanian Riviera looking at the Ionian Sea. Beautiful sceneries await you at the Llogara pass, about 1000 meters above sea level.

Vist National Park of Llogara. You can do a short hiking around the forests of Llogara National Park and have lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Visit Porto Palermo Castle. After this amazing experience we will stop to Porto Palermo Castle. It built on the small hill of an island. It is connected to the shore with narrow man-made strip of land. This Castle attracts everyone’s immediate attention. The castle was built in 19^th century at the request of Ali Pashë Tepelena, (was an Albanian ruler who served as pasha of the Pashalik of Yanina) after the destruction of Justinian’s castle.

Visit Gjikondi Oil Factory at Qeparo Village. You will have the opportunity to taste and purchase the most delicious Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Virgin Olive Oil, directly from the factory

We will continue to one of most charming towns of the Albanian Riviera, Saranda. We propose the dinner at Lekursi Castle which offer a spectacular view over the city and Corfu Island.

Overnight in Sarande.

Day 4: Sarande – Butrint – Mussel House – Sarande

Transfer to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Butrint National Park. The city was built by the Iliri in the 8th century BC. and was used as a transit station between Epirus (which were within the borders of today’s Albania) and the Italian territories to the south. Butrint was colonized by many, even by the Romans under Julius Caesar in 44 BC. and later occupied by the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman empires. These layers of civilization were rediscovered by the Italian archaeologist Luigi Ugolini in the 1920s, who unearthed an amphitheater dating back to the 4th century BC.

Mussel House. Fresh seafood and mussels straight from the water to your table will be served and same time we will enjoy a boat ride to the mussel’s farm and know more about mussels.

Overnight in Sarande.

Day 5: Sarande – Blue Eye – Gjirokaster – Berat

Visit Blue eye. A water spring which gives you the idea of an eye, in more than 50-metre deep pool. It exists 2 story about its oval shaped form which we will explain once we are there. 

Last stop will be in Gjirokaster. The stone city its a UNESCO site and museum town with very distinct architecture.

Visit Gjirokaster. The main characteristic of Gjirokastra is the intensive use of stone in building the houses.  We  will visit the Mosque of Bazaar built in 1557.

Visit the Fortress of Gjirokaster. One of the biggest castle in Albania and the most important building of the city.

One the best events that happens in the city is the National Folk Festival, which taken place in this castle during the years.

Ethnographic Museum is the house where has born the Albanian. We will have the possibility to enjoy dinner with a Albanian folklore show. Proceed our tour to Berat.

Overnight in Berat 4* Hotel

Day 6: Berat – Nurellari Winery – Tirane

After breakfast transfer start of the tourin Berat.

Berat Castle has particular interest due to the fact that people still live within its walls, in their traditional houses. The castle used to have many churches and only 7 of them are still remaining. One of them is, now known as Onufri Museum

Visit Onufri Museum. Onufri was an Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and he used a unique Red color for his icons which still today no one else can copy it. After the visit of the castle, will proceed down town.

Below the castle you can see the famous view of the houses. The construction of the houses along the step hill gave also the name of “Town of 1000 windows” to the city of Berat.

The city has 2 important quartiers Mangalem and Gorica connected with each other with a bridge, built in 1780.

Before heading to Tirana experience wine tasting with food at Nurellari Winery.

Nurellary is a family with a long tradition in production of wine. You will taste different local wines and the famous Albanian Raki (Albanian Alcohol)

Overnight in Tirana

Day 7: Tirane – Kruje – Tirane

After the breakfast we will start the tour in Tirana.

Tirana – the heart and capital of Albania, like all other capital has its movement and energy, with its clubs, bars, cafes and taverns. Tirana it’s a city that you can enjoy by day and night. The hospitality of the people is something that will mark your journey in Tirana and all the country.

We will walk through the main boulevard and visit the main point of interest. After we will proceed to Kruja.

Lunch in a local restaurant of Kruja.

Kruje – The name and the importance of the city are mostly related with the name of Skanderbeg. He, in the fifteenth century made Kruja a bastion of uncompromising resistance against the Ottoman.  Skanderbeg Museum is situated inside the castle walls. Within the walls of the castle you will find also the Ethnographic Museum. Near the castle’s entrance its also the Bazaar. You will find Albanian craft products such as embroidered items, carpeting, silver objects, copper, alabaster, filigree, traditional clothing, antiques of Kruja. After we will return in Tirana

Accommodation in 4* hotel in Tirana

Day 8: Tirane – Airport. End of our service