Itinerary

1. Arrival in Albania – Tirana (20 km)

   • Arrive in Albania, transfer to our hotel in Tirana.

   • In the afternoon we include a panoramic tour of Tirana.

   • Overnight in Tirana.

2. Tirana – Ardenica – Apollonia – Vlora (230 km)

   After breakfast we will visit at the National Historical museum in Tirana before we start our journey south through the Albanian countryside and visit the lovely Ardenica Monastery, a precious relic that dates to the 13th century, when religion was dominant in the country, and where the national hero, Skanderbeg, married in 1451. The ancient site of Apollonia is a classical site that dates to 588 BC, set amongst rolling hills with lovely views in all directions, it is a wonderful merge of history and nature. Overnight in Vlora.

3. Vlora – Himara – Saranda (160 km)

   • After breakfast, we will start a picturesque journey that takes us along the beautiful Albanian Riveria and high across the Llogara pass.

   • We will have time for lunch near the sea at Himare before continuing to the well preserved Ali Pasha castle at Porto Palermo before reaching Sarande.

   • Overnight in Saranda.

4. Saranda – Butrint (UNESCO) – Blue Eye – Gjirokastra (UNESCO) (55 km)

   • After breakfast, we will drive to the wonderful classical site of Butrint, whose extensive remains lie hidden in woods. After our guided tour we will enjoy lunch (included) at a picturesque beach-side position at Ksamil.

   • After lunch, a wonderful drive, with ever-changing scenery, takes us over the hills to the UNESCO town of Gjirokastra, with an en-route stop at the famous ‘Blue Eye’, an exquisitely colourful pool and source of fresh water. We will visit the 8th C. Castle and one of the traditional houses, which is now a fascinating small museum.

   • Overnight in Gjirokastra.

5. Gjirokastra (UNESCO) – Berat (UNESCO) (145 km)

   • After breakfast, we travel from one historic city to another. Berat, known as ‘The City of one thousand windows’ because of its remarkable collection of fine traditional ottoman style houses of great architectural importance that climb up the hillside, bears witness to the coexistence of various religious and cultural communities down the centuries. It features a castle, most of which was built in the 13th century, and a lovely old town.

   • Overnight Berat.

6. Berat (UNESCO) – Durres – Shkodra (200 km)

   • After breakfast, we start our journey north to Shkodra, travelling via Durres. En-route we take the opportunity to stop and enjoy a traditional lunch in the village of Fishte. This ‘slow food’ restaurant, a hidden gem in the countryside, is situated on a farm and serves organic food.

   • We then continue to Shkodra, the center of Roman Catholicism in Albania and a town with long historical roots. It is the only mentioned capital of the Illyrian Kingdom in the 3rd C.B.C.

   • We will visit the colourful pedestrian area, with its Italian influences, and the catholic cathedral.

   • Overnight in Shkodra.

7. Shkodra – Ulcinj – Budva (110 km)

   • After breakfast, we cross into Montenegro, our first stop Ulcinj, a town where 90% of the inhabitants are Albanian, visiting the fortress and the Archaeological Museum.

   • Continuing to Budva, we pass through the pretty town of Petrovac, visiting the old town, and see the famous island of Sveti Stefan. Budva, rich in historical monuments and home to a wonderful old town, offers a treasure chest of cultural heritage.

   • Overnight in Budva.

8. Budva – Perast – Lady of the Rock – Njegushi – Cetinje – Kotor (UNESCO) (145 km)

   • Our day begins with a visit to the ‘old town’ of Kotor, a picturesque UNESCO listed town overflowing with history. We will visit Perast, described by the Lonely Planet guide as ‘looking like a chunk of Venice that has floated down the Adriatic and anchored itself onto the bay’, a tiny town that boasts 16 churches and 17 Grand Palazzos.

   • We will visit the picturesque ‘Lady of the Rock’ church and the ethnic village of Njegusi where you can enjoy one of the best views over the whole of Kotor bay and perhaps try the regions well-known smoked ham and local cheese.

   • Our final visit is Cetinje, a cultural and historical Montenegro gem, where we will see the Royal Palace of King Nikola II and the Monastery of St. Petar. 

   • Overnight in Kotor.

9. Kotor – Kruja (190 km)

   • After breakfast, we return to Albania, and we will visit Kruja, the center of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans, where the national hero, Skanderbeg, continuously defeated and resisted the Ottomans for 25 years.

   • We will visit the castle, which has fantastic views, and the excellent Skanderbeg museum. There will be free time to wander in the Ottoman style bazaar, situated along the atmospheric cobbled streets that lead to the castle.

   • Overnight in Kruja.

10. Kruja – Tirana Airport (30 km)After breakfast we will transfer to the Airport. End of our services.

    • After breakfast, we will transfer to the Airport. 

    • End of our services.