Albania Cultural and Archeological Tour

Albania Cultural & Archaeological Tour is for any visitor who would like to discover Albania within an acceptable time frame. It offers a great introduction into Albania’s past and present history, customs, and traditions, from ancient sites to architectural buildings and towns, comprising three UNESCO World Heritage sites, enjoy the beauty of the Albanian Riviera, and uncover Albania’s rich history.

Day 1: Airport-Tirana

Meet with our representatives at Tirana Airport-transfer to Tirana. Begin the tour of Tirana City. It starts with a newly opened Atonic nuclear bunker, the Bunk’Art2 museum in Tirana opened to the public describing it as a museum throwing light on political persecution during the Albanian communist era. The museum – called Bunk’Art 2 – is also intended as a memorial to the tens of thousands of people who were imprisoned and executed by the communist regime,”  continue with National Historical museum followed by a stop at the Mosque of Et`hem Bey built-in 1793. The Opera House (National Theatre of Opera and Ballet) looks over Scanderbeg Square. A walk in the main boulevard provides a close sight of the City Hall and a number of Governmental buildings, on both sides. You cannot miss the National Gallery of Arts along this walk. In the evening, a visit to the former Communist Residential area, with modern bars, restaurants, and pubs were populated by different age groups, especially Albanian youth. Coffee time, in the sky tower a rotating bar. Where you can enjoy, a fantastic view of Tirana. Overnight in Tirana 4*

Day 2: Tirana-Apolonia-Vlora-Saranda

After breakfast, you transfer to Saranda. This will be a long but worthwhile day. First to Apollonia to visit the archaeological site and museum, then the coastal Albanian Riviera route to Vlora, visit the Independence Monument and Museum. It was in Vlora in 1912 that Albania gained Independence and became a country in its own right. After Vlora you will travel south going through the Llogara National Park in the Lura Mountains. The scenery is spectacular with the sea on your right and the mountains to the left before going through the spectacular Llogara Pass. Travel on to Himare [The Greek Village] and then to Porto Palermo and the Fortress of Ali Pasha, it is here that you will see the underground submarine base built by Enver Hoxha. After passing through the villages of Qepara and Borsh you will arrive in Saranda. Overnight in Saranda, Hotel Brilant or similar

Day 3: Saranda-Butrint-Ksamil- Saranda

After breakfast a full day at the World Heritage site of Butrint. After breakfast, we drive to the ancient city of Butrinti, founded in the 7th century BC by the Corkirians, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. What began as a Greek colony became one of the most important towns in the Mediterranean and a Roman colony in the 1st century AD. We will admire the theatre, the temple of Asclepeon, the Baptisteries, the Gymnasium, the aqueduct, the largest Basilica in south Albania, and the Venetian castle on top of the town, where a very interesting small museum hosts original artifacts discovered during the excavations. optional lunch will be in a restaurant by the sea near the archaeological park in Villages of Ksamil. Just before sunset, we go for dinner to Lekuresi Castle located on top of the hill overlooking the bay of Saranda to enjoy the sunset with views of the Island of Corfu in the middle of the blue Ionian waters. Overnight in Hotel Brilant Saranda or similar

Day 4: Saranda-Gjirokastra

After breakfast depart for a tour of Gjirokaster. The journey from Saranda to Gjirokaster is quite spectacular through the Muzine Pass and Buret Mountain. On arrival in Gjirokaster, you will visit the Fortress, which contains the National Museum of Arms. You can also see the remains of the world’s largest-ever aqueduct built by Ali Pasha. Under communist times the fortress was used as a prison for political prisoners. From the fortress, there are fabulous views over the Drinos Valley between Albania and Greece. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, this building is the family home of the notorious former ruler and Dictator Enver Hoxha, Gjirokaster being his hometown. Gjirokaster is known as the town of 1000 steps, after a day in the town, you will understand why. Overnight in Gjirokaster Hotel Kalemi 2 or Argjiro

Day 5: Gjirokaster-Bylis-Berat

After breakfast drive to  Berat is home to some of the best examples of Ottoman architecture. Enjoy a wine tasting and visit Berat’s old quarter. Berat is one of Albania’s most beautiful towns. It is known as the town of 1000 windows, due to the architecture of the houses. Afternoon tour of Berat visiting the Castle, Sultan’s  Mosque, and Onuphrie con Museum of religious art. You will also pass other mosques and churches all in the valley of the Osumi River with Tomor Mountain looking down over you. Evening at leisure with an overnight in Berat Hotel Magalemi

Day 6: Berat-Durres- Kruja

After breakfast drive to Durres, one of the oldest towns in Albania dating back to the 6th century BC. Visit the old town, including the Byzantine city walls, a Roman amphitheater. Continue to Kruja, a previous capital during the resistance against the Turks. On the way we will stop to visit a family house, where we can meet with local people, also we will try our traditional drink Raki. Continue to Kruja visits will include, the Skanderbeg and Ethnographic museums and the Old Bazaar. Diner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight in Hotel Panorama Kruja

Day 7: Kruja- Airport

After breakfast free time at your leisure, before the Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Included in the tour price:

Including Transfers with Modern A/C private car/ bus or minibus with driver on tour, Good standard Accommodation at 3*, 4*  hotels, all parking costs, Professional English-French-German-Italian-Russian or Spanish speaking local guide throughout the tour, all the museum entry fee. Visit 3 Unesco world heritage sites Comprehensive visits to the Roman ruins of Apollonia & Butrint.