Classical Albania tour 8 days

After breakfast start from Tirana and drive to Elbasan, which is about 50 km away. We visit the castle of Elbasan, which dates back to the 15th century and has a museum and a mosque. After the short visit we will continue towards Pogradec, a very nice city at the shores of Lake Ohrid. There we also visit the Drilon National Park, where you can see the willow trees, the swans, and the springs. After we continue towards Korca, an important cultural center of the southeastern Albania, nicknamed “the little Paris of Albania”. After we arrive make a panoramic visit of the city with the historic center and the old western style houses, dating from the early XX century, explore the Old Bazaar, the Pedestrian Boulevard, and the Orthodox Cathedral. You can also visit the National Museum of Medieval Art, which has a collection of icons and paintings. You can end your day with a traditional meal and a local beer in one of the restaurants or pubs in Korca. Overnight in Korca.

After breakfast we will continue towards Gjirokaster, UNESCO World heritage town since 2004, which is admirably conserved with its ottoman architecture. 

First, we will stop in Përmet, a little city in the middle of very high mountains of the south with a traditional architecture of socialist realism. We can have an adrenaline rush with a magnificent Rafting experience (Optional) in river Vjosa, the last Wild River in Europe, recently protected Wild River National Park by the Government of Albania for its biodiversity with around 1100 animal species.  

We will continue towards Gjirokastra to explore the old UNESCO World Heritage town and the the old bazaar, traditional stone houses with an old and amazing ottoman architecture dating from the 17th century. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

After breakfast we will continue towards Saranda. On the way, we will visit the magical Blue Eye water springs natural park, one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Albania. After this coffee break, we will continue along the breathtaking road to Saranda and have Optional Lunch at the Lekuresi castle up in the hill (optional), which offers the best view of the city and the sea. After lunch we will visit the Archaeological Park of Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Founded in the VII century BC by the Chaons of Epirus, it became one of the most important cities in the Ionian Sea and nowadays it is the best-preserved archaeological site in Albania. After visiting Butrint we drive to Himare, leisure time to enjoy the city and a stroll along the sea side promenade and prepare for dinner. Overnight in Himare.

After breakfast we depart for Berat. This day we will only drive along the Albanian Riviera overlooking the Ionian Sea. We proceed to Porto Palermo, where the Ali Pasha Castle stands like a barrier in front of the blue rocky sea as a protection for the country. The bay of Porto Palermo once served as an important secret military submarine base. After the visit we will continue along the breath-taking road to Palasa and its 7 villages up to 1000 m over the sea level, and Vlora the city of Independence of the Albanians from the ottoman empire in 1912. Continue to the monastery of Ardenica XIII century, constructed over the ruins of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to goddess “Artemis”. Arrive in Berat “the city of 1001 windows”, the oldest city in Albania of at least 2400 years. We will check in the traditional Hotel.

Our visit in Berat UNESCO World Heritage town will start from the old Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods to continue with a visit in the IV century BC fortress located on the hill overlooking the Osumi valley. The fortress is better known for the old Orthodox cathedral where the Onufri Icon Gallery is located. Here we will admire some of the most beautiful and oldest icons in Albania, dating from the XIV century. After the visit we continue to Durres, the second largest city in Albania where we will visit the Amphitheatre II century AD, the Venetian tower, the Byzantine walls of the city and the Archeological Museum rich in ancient artefacts. Continue towards Tirana for a panoramic tour of the city, Skanderbeg square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, clock tower, the Orthodox Church, National Historic Museum. Overnight in Tirana. 

In the morning we drive to Shkodra the most important city of north Albania, set in a beautiful plateau in front of the largest lake in the Balkans named after the town itself, and with the Albanian Alps as a backdrop. We will take a walking tour in “Gjuhadol” a newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. Then we will visit Rozafa castle and we will not only experience the supremacy the Illyrians would have feel over their enemies standing in such an imposing Castle, but will also admire breathtaking views 360 degrees. After this photo opportunity we suggest lunch at Agro-tourism "Mrizi Zanave" between Shkodra and Lezha. We will taste some delicacies of this region such us pickles, local cheeses, bio-olive oil, several kinds of bread etc. in their rustic form; the main specialty of the restaurant is young goats’ meat done in a very traditional way. 

After this culinary highlight proceed to Kruja center of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans under our National Hero, Scanderbeg. He kept the Ottoman armies from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Athleta Christi” awarded by the Pope of the time. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum, which is dedicated mostly to the history of the national hero of Albania, Scanderbeg, well-known for the resistance again the Ottoman Empire. Finally, we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. We spend some free time on our own before heading back to the capital city. Return to Tirana. 

End of our service

After breakfast free time until transfer to the airport