Itinerary

1. Day 1: Tirana

   • After landing in Tirana, at the International Tirana Airport “Mother Therese”, you will be welcomed by the staff of our agency and accompanied to the hotel where you will be staying the first night. Some visits to the city may be planned, but it will be decided upon the time of arrival.

2. Day 2: Shkoder – Kruje

   • Heading to Shkodra, on the border with Montenegro. This town is the symbol of harmony between all the coexisting religions in Albania. You will see some Catholic, Orthodox Muslim, and Bektashi monuments.
   • Explore the town of Kruja. Kruja is known as the hometown of Skanderbeg, a 15th-century Albanian leader, considered as our national hero for his fight against the Ottoman Empire. We will have the opportunity to learn more about this great leader by visiting the museum which was named after him, “Skanderbeg Museum”. The ethnographic museum is also an opportunity to discover the local culture, lifestyle, and family traditions. Finally, we can have a stroll between the stalls of the old market located on a charming square with cobbled streets: ideal to pick some souvenirs!

3. Day 3: Ardenice – Apollonia - Vlore

   • Go to the Orthodox monastery of Ardenica. The only one still operating in Albania! The quality of its frescoes attracts many visitors each year. From there you will have a spectacular view all over the fields up to the sea. 
   • Travel to Fier to visit the archaeological site of Apollonia. A former massive antique city, Apollonia is the country's largest archaeological park. You will see some city relics such as the Bouleterion, the Odeon or the library (the one in which the emperor Octavius studied!). By going further, you also will see the theatre, the old fountain, and even bunkers from the communist era.
   • Later in the afternoon, continue in the direction of the city of Vlora. You can stop and have a short visit to the city where the Independency of Albania was declared.

4. Day 4: Riviera – Butrint - Sarande

   • Pass through the national park of LLogara. However, we will have the possibility to enjoy some amazing sceneries that only the Ionian coast may offer. 
   • Head towards the region of Himara with its amazing villages like Dhermi, Qeparo, Borsh, etc. On the way to Saranda, we will have the possibility to visit the castle of Ali Pasha of Ioannina.
   • In the afternoon, we will visit the archaeological site of Butrint protected by UNESCO. This site is also part of the 1001 wonders of the world. Almost everything in this park remains from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. The rich flora and fauna, as well as the romantic views, make this place quite paradisiac. 
   • Later in the afternoon, we arrive in the city of Saranda. We will visit the city, with its beautiful promenade by the seaside.

5. Day 5: Gjirokaster

   • Continue our journey in the direction of Gjirokastra, known as the “stone city”. The stoned city will reveal to you its special characteristics, which made UNESCO list this city too as a World Heritage Site. “Chronicle in stone” is the novel of Ismail Kadare, where he describes his city. Enver Hoxha, the communist dictator, is from Gjirokastra too. The visits planned for today are the castle of the city, as well as one of the characteristic houses known as “Skenduli house”.

6. Day 6: Berat

   • Visit another site protected by UNESCO, the city of Berat, known for its characteristic architecture. Best known as "The city of 1000 windows" you will be charmed by its white houses and steep streets that offer you a special promenade. 
   • During a walk, you will see the Castle, many mosques, the Onufri Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.

7. Day 7: Tirane

   • Today we will come back to Tirana. City of vivid colours and nightlife.
   • While walking around the city you will discover a mosque, a catholic cathedral, and an orthodox one, not located far from each other, which shows the religious harmony in our country. 
   • Visit the National Museum located on Skanderbeg Square. it will be a nice introduction to the rich Albanian history as well.
   • In the evening, we recommend you to enjoy the nightlife of the capital in the district of Blok: Once reserved to the communist nomenclature is now a trendy neighbourhood and the place where you can have a drink or find a nice restaurant to relax after your last day.

8. Day 8: Departure

   • This is the last day of your trip to Albania. One of our agents will accompany you to the airport according to your flight schedule. We hope you had a great time during your visit and that you will come back to Albania once again.