Classical Tour of Albania – 8 Days

Itinerary of the Classical Tour of Albania:

Day 1: Arrival to Albania

Arrive in Albania from Mother Teresa International Airport. Meet and great by the local guide and transfer at the hotel in Tirana for overnight.

Day 2: Tirana - Elbasan - Pogradec - Korca

Depart towards the southeastern part of Albania. Have a first stop in the city of Elbasan, known in antiquity as Skampis. Continue next towards the city of Pogradec, situated on the shore of the Ohrid Lake. It is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem that is of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. Afterward, proceed towards Korca. It is one of the largest and most important cultural and economic centers of Albania, located in the southeastern part of the country. The city is known for its typical quarters, composed of low houses and villas, which are paved with cobblestone. Enjoy some free time on your own along the “Bulevardi Republika” or visiting the Old Bazaar part of the city. Overnight in Korca.

Day 3: Korca – Permet – Gjirokaster

This will be an interesting day passing through stunning views of the mountainous area of southeastern Albania. The picturesque views become more interesting also from the presence of the Vjosa river all along the road till reaching the small little town of Permet. The final destination of the day will be in the museum city of Gjirokastra, which is also one of the three UNESCO sites in Albania. The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress, where the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival is held every five years. Gjirokastër features an old Ottoman bazaar which was originally built in the 17th century; it was rebuilt in the 19th century after a fire. There are more than 500 homes preserved as "cultural monuments" in Gjirokastër today. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Day 4: Gjirokaster – Blue Eye – Butrinti – Saranda

Have a first visit to the Blue Eye. It is a water spring, a natural phenomenon. As leaving the Blue Eye, drive towards the Natural Park of Butrint. Due to its importance for the preservation of archaeological and historical heritage, Butrint was designated in 1992 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Old Amphitheater, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Baptistery with colorful mosaics, and the ancient city walls. An old fortress housing a small museum watch over the entire site. Return overnight in Saranda.

Day 5: Gjirokaster – Apollonia – Berat

Enjoy the whole morning some spectacular view of the Albanian Riviera as you travel along with the touristic villages of Lukova, Qeparo, Borsh, Himara, or DHermi. An interesting stop will be in the Llogara National Park, spanning a surface area of 10.1 km2 and the road from Dhermi to Orikum passes through the LLogara Pass, a spectacular winding road, rising up to 1027m. Not to be missed is a visit to the archaeological site of Apollonia. Visit the theater, the Monument of Agonotheteve, Odeon, Portes, the Mosaics House, the courtyard of the Monastery where there is found the Byzantine-style church of Saint Mary. In the afternoon arrive at Berat and enjoy a visit to the historical quartes of Mangalemi and Gorica. Overnight in Berat.

Day 6: Berat – Durres - Kruja Tirana

In the morning we continue with the visit of Berat castle and Onufri morning to explore Berat which has its own very special magic and is easily a highlight of visiting Albania. Its most striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to its castle, have given the city the title of 'town of a thousand windows' and a Unesco World Heritage site from 2008. and then proceed to the castle area to visit the Onufri Icon museum. In the afternoon travel to the ancient city of Durres, is also the most important seaport in Albania. Visit the Amphitheater, the biggest in the Balkan Peninsula (capacity 15.000 spectators) with a rare wall mosaic, which belongs to the 2nd century A.D. Overnight in Durres.

Day 7: Tirana

Explore in the morning the capital city Tirana known for its colorful Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture. Take a walk along the main boulevard where are found the buildings of Tirana Main University, Presidential Palace, Pyramid building, etc. Walk also through the Blloku district. Next approach to the main square of the city, named after our National Hero “Skanderbeg”. Visit E`them Bey Mosque, Clock tower, etc. Another interesting experience can be in Bunk's art 2, a structure that was converted only recently from a nuclear Bunker to a museum describing the communist period in Tirana. Free afternoon in Tirana and overnight.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport!

End of Classical tour of Albania and our services.