Tour Albania from Theth to Butrint 9 days

Leave Tirana on day one and head toward the North of Albania to stop at the Castle of Rozafa. Discover the fascinating legends of the Albanian Epos and how it relates to the castle's history. 

Rozafa Castle:

Dominating the city's skyline, Rozafa Castle is an ancient fortress with roots dating back to Illyrian times. The castle offers panoramic views of Shkodër, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding mountains. Legend has it that a woman named Rozafa was buried in the walls of the castle to ensure its construction.

Lake Shkodra (views from castle):

Shkodër is situated near Lake Shkodra, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. The lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with various species of birds inhabiting the area. Boat trips on the lake are popular, providing visitors with a chance to explore the scenic landscapes and historical sites along the shores.

Lead Mosque (views from castle):

Built in the 18th century, the Lead Mosque is a beautiful Ottoman-era Mosque with a distinctive lead-covered dome. It is one of the most important cultural and architectural landmarks in Shkodër. 

Marvel at the city famous for its typical architecture, sense of humor, and friendly atmosphere, it is one of the most important cities of Albania. Walk through Shkoder and explore some of the most interesting parts of the city, including the most famous “Pedonale”, a pedestrian-friendly area with bars and restaurants.

Pedestrian Street and Old Bazaar:

Shkodër features a lively pedestrian street and an old bazaar where visitors can explore local shops, cafes, and restaurants. This area is ideal for immersing yourself in the city's everyday life, enjoying local cuisine, and shopping for traditional crafts. 

In the afternoon we drive to Theth National Park for overnight. 

*After traditional breakfast, we hike to the beautiful Grunas Waterfall:

One of the most iconic natural attractions in Theth is the Grunas Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular destination for hikers. The hike to Grunas Waterfall takes you through scenic landscapes and provides breathtaking views. Enjoy a leisurely 45-min walk from the center of the village to the waterfall

Then we take a hike to the Blue Eye of Theth one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Albania: 

The Blue Eye is a mesmerizing natural spring located near Theth. It is known for its crystal-clear blue water and is a popular spot for those seeking refreshing swimming experiences amidst nature. 

Visit also the Catholic Church of Theth and see the Lock-in Tower: 

The Lock-in Tower is a traditional defensive tower in Theth, built with the purpose of protecting the village and its residents from external threats. It serves as a testament to the historical and cultural significance of the area. With more than 4 centuries of history, this building is the symbol of settling the Blood Feuds in Albania.

 In the late afternoon drive back to Tirana.

*After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Durres one of the oldest towns in Albania and the first and perhaps the most important of the Greek colonies in the country. It was founded at Eridanus in 627 B.C. by Greeks from Corcyra (present-day Corfu) and Corinth. Greek and Roman authors called it "the Admirable City" for its temple, statues, and other monuments. However, only a few remains remind us of this city’s glory days, mainly due to earthquakes and, also the fact that Durres has been continuously inhabited through the years. Therefore, it has been transformed accordingly. We will visit some of the remains such as the Amphitheatre, the forum, archeological museum, the Venetian tower the outer walls.

After lunch we drive to Vlora for overnight. It is a modern and lively city, which acts as a gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Vlora is also an important port city and several international ferries depart and arrive from here, including those to Italy and Greece. 

In the afternoon you have time to swim and relax on the seaside. 

Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. The Butrint National Park is the most famous attraction in the south of Albania and the UNESCO World Heritage site and is the most visited archaeological park in the country. It is known for its well-preserved ruins from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and the Venetian era. The city is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and Cypress trees, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the Mediterranean atmosphere.

*After the visit we drive to Gjirokaster (UNESCO). Once we get into the city you would understand that this city is not like the others. The historical part starts at one of the main squares of the city under the name of one of the most famous Albanian Patriots of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Today, restored and nicely presented to the visitor, this side of the city will bring the history in front of you through the souvenirs or interesting tales of the welcoming, local vendors.
Wondering through the Bazaar we will reach the Gjirokastra Fortress. Build on the top of the hill, into a naturally well-protected position, this was the first settlement of life in the early city. Despite the Historical values, it offers a great view of the stone city, lazily settled on the steep parts of the city.

Check in the hotel in Gjirokaster.

*We start in the morning our drive from Gjirokastra to visit the archaeological site of Apollonia, one of the most important historical sites in Albania. The ancient ruins are well preserved in parts and the park is peaceful and surrounded by beautiful nature. Julius Caesar rewarded Apollonia with the title 'free city' for supporting him against Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). He also sent his nephew Octavius, the future Emperor Augustus, to complete his studies there. There is a lot to see on this vast site. So, if you’re into history or nature, this is the place to be. 

After the visit we drive for overnight in Berat.

*Being more than 2400-year-old Berat it is one of the most attractive towns in Albania. Berat is situated at the foot of Tomorri Mountain and on the shores of River Osum. It is famous for its white-washed houses with their many windows which seem to have been built on top of each other, that give it the nickname the town “one thousand and one windows”. It retains a unique style of architecture, with narrow and the Castle is the only one in Albania that still has houses and inhabitants within its walls, going about their daily life in exactly the same place their predecessors did centuries ago. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. Then, continue to our next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River

Optional lunch and wine tasting in Roshnik. Just a 40 min drive from Berat along a tar road, enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape takes you to Roshnik. East of Berat, located in the hills, the small village mainly consists of the main road passing a tiny restaurant, leading to a roundabout, and at the end of the road, you can find a winery as well as a recently established guesthouse.

On our way back to Tirana we will stop in Belsh, a small town is the center of an area called Dumre plateau, known for more than 80 small karstic origin lakes. We will visit Belsh lake and enjoy a short walk on the town promenade. The whole area is known as the Tuscany of Albania. Drive back to Tirana for overnight.

*In the morning we drive off roading towards the Bovilla canyons, one of the most beautiful panoramic roads around Tirana. When we reach the lake Bovilla, we have a nice stop for a photo opportunity with nice background over the lake and the mountains of rural Tirana. On the safari off road ride, we have some other small stops for photos until we reach the nice caffe restaurant Bovilla that the local family has recently constructed overlooking the lake on top of the mountain. The we take a small hike, around 20 minutes to the top of Gamti mountain were at the view-point we have breathtaking views that can’t be expressed with words, it only can be experienced.
*After this visit we 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.

End of our service.

After breakfast free time until transfer to the airport