Pearls of Albania tour in eight days (3 UNESCO sites)
This 8-day tour program is designed to offer a combination of best historical UNESCO sites such as Berat, Gjirokastra and Butrint with traditions, local culture and culinary wonders. This tour of Albania takes you through some of the most beautiful national parks. During these eight days, you will be able to visit some medieval splendour cities and spectacular land and seascapes of Albania.
ItineraryDay 1: Tirana – ShkodraPass By: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana in the morning. Our main destination for today is Shkodra.
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
The city is situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history of a thousand years of habitation. The oldest wall of the Shkodra castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Rozafa Castle, Rozafa, Shkoder Albania
We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together in the Adriatic Sea
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
The city’s architecture is highly influenced by the Venetian style and if you are lucky enough to join the tour of Shkodra in February you might experience the carnival festival. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that most of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra. The city’s favourable geographic position has always been an important trading mark through the centuries, making it possible for different civilisations to encounter. Overnight in Shkoder.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Shkodra.
Day 2: Shkodra – Theth National Park – Shkoder Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
As we drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Theth National Park, Rruga Nikgjonaj Rruga Nikgjonaj, Nr.18, Theth 4009 Albania
As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favourable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps. After arriving in Theth we will visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. Overnight in Shkoder
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Shkoder.
Day 3: Shkoder – Berat Stop At: Berat, Berat, Berat County
Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Berat Castle, Rruga Mihal Komnena, Berat 5001 Albania
Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: National Iconographic Museum Onufri, Located in the Inner Part of Saint Mary Church in Berat Castel, Berat Albania
Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish color still difficult to imitate.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gorica Bridge, Berat 5001 Albania
We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Berat
Day 4: Berat – GjirokastraStop At: Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster, Gjirokaster County
Today we will drive towards Gjirokastra, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster Albania
Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gjirokastra Bazaar, Old town, Gjirokaster Albania
Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Skenduli House, Rruga Sokaku i Te Mareve, Gjirokaster Albania
We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gjirokaster
Day 5: Gjirokastra – Blue Eye – Ksamil - Butrint – Albanian RivieraStop At: The Blue Eye, Gjirokaster 9701 Albania
From Gjirokastra, we will move towards Butrint, but not before making a stop at the natural wonder of the Blue Eye, a source of fresh water surrounded by evergreen trees. The source comes from "Mali i Gjere" and reaches a depth that has not yet been discovered, so far divers have gone deep to 50 meters. The water temperature does not go above 10 degrees. The Blue Eye looks like it come straight out of fairy tale but you can actually visit it. You will not be able to keep your eyes off the mesmerizing crystal-clear blue water.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ksamil, Ksamil, Saranda, Vlore County
Ksmail will be our next destination! You will feel like you are exploring some tropical paradise when being on its white sandy beaches with the view of the four islands in-front of the beach. Ksamil is the pearl of the Albanian Riviera and it surely is one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Ksamil is primarily known for its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Albanian Riviera has many pretty beaches; however, this beach gives you that Bora – Bora feeling.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Butrint National Park, SH81, Butrint Albania
Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania. It was the first site in Albania that became part of the UNESCO list. The ruins combined with the stunning natural surroundings make it worth a visit
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Albanian Riviera
Day 6: Albanian Riviera – Himare – Dhermi – Llogara National Park - VloreStop At: Himare, Himare, Vlore County
While driving along the Albanian Riviera, we will pass some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Llamani, Dhermi and Palasa. Along the way we will drive through some small villages one by one, clinging to rock faces by the seaside, all tumbledown stone walls and narrow pathways, overhung with vines full of grapes, and trees heavy with figs and walnuts.
Himara will be our first destination for this day. The town is located next to imposing mountain peaks covered in deep green forests, crystal-clear seas fringed by long white beaches and sparkling springs. You can enjoy a walk by the seaside, fantastically tasty food combining local cuisine and some influence by neighboring Greece. The promenade by the sea side gives you the opportunity to try fresh fruit juice and even shop handmade souvenirs.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dhermi, Dhermi, Vlore County
Our next destination will be Dhermi, one of the most famous beaches in Albania. Known for its hidden coves, pebble beaches and crystal-clear water inviting you to dive in. You will have some free time to absorb and store all the sunshine. Overnight near Vlore.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight near Vlore.
Day 7: Vlora – Durres – Tirana Stop At: Lungomare, FF2Q+6H8, Vlorë, Albania
Our first stop will be “Lungomare” a promenade by the seaside, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Among all the activities to do in Vlora you cannot miss the joys of walking along the seafront of the city. You will have some free time to enjoy the sun surrounded by emerald seas, while on the other side of the street you can have a coffee with a fantastic view of Sazani Island and Karaburun Peninsula.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Vlore, Vlore, Vlore County
Before heading to Tirana, we will explore the city of Vlora, known for its balmy year-round temperatures and very little rainfall, making it a popular destination. Vlora was founded in the 6th century BC under the name of Aulona. The city is known as the ‘’City of the Flag’’; the independence of Albania was declared here on the 28th of November 1912. We will visit the Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Muradie Mosque, FF9R+J9J, Rruga Justin Godar, Vlorë, Albania
We will then have a walk in Muradie Neighborhood, visit Vlore’s main mosque an Albanian National Monument built in 1537. The Muradie mosque is a stunning Ottoman building which has been well preserved for almost half a millennium.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Durres, Durres, Durres County
We will drive towards Durres, where, we will pass by the amphitheater, the Roman ruins and the Venetian Tower. We will continue our tour towards the promenade by the seaside “Vollga” . Have a coffee while enjoining the view of the endless sea and soak up the sunshine. Not to be missed when visiting Durres is the traditional ice cream. We will drive towards Tirana.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tirana
Day 8: Day tour of Tirana Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
We will start today’s adventure by discovering Tirana, the capital of Albania. Tirana offers a great combination of very interesting museums, historic sites, national parks, mountains. Ottoman, Italian and communist style architecture all clashing with each other, but offering a great pleasure to wander through.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Skanderbeg Square, At the center of Tirana, Tirana Albania
We will walk towards Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The main square is surrounded by the National Museum, the Bank of Albania, the Opera house, Skanderbeg Statue, Ethem Beu Mosque and fancy bars.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: BunkArt 2, Rruga Abdi Toptani, Tirana Albania
After strolling around the bustling streets of Tirana, we will visit BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war. The bunker was kept strictly secret to the general public until 2016, when the Albanian government decided to initiate an interesting project that converted the nuclear bunker into a museum. BUNKART is a video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rruga Murat Toptani, Tirana Albania
Our tour continues towards Tirana Castle, found in the city center. The castle is now a pedestrian street where modern and tradition perfectly merge creating one of the fanciest areas of modern Tirana.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Blloku, Tirana Albania
Our last attraction for this tour will be the colorful, lively and vibrant Blloku Neighborhood. Not to be missed is Tirana’s delicious food varieties, from the tasty and cheap street food to the finest gourmet options. This marks the end of this amazing experience through history and culture.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance."
"Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control."
"Single room occupancy is possible on 45 Euros extra charge per night per person in a 3 stars hotel accommodation."
"Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation."
"Tips are not a must in Albania or the Balkans, however, our recommendation is to tip the tour leader/driver as an international practice to tip good service."
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Hora de Inicio:
09:00 AM
Duración: 8 Days
Lugar de comienzo: Choose Balkans - Albania Tour Operator, Rruga Reshit Çollaku, Tirana, Albania
Traveler pickup is offered
The tour departs from Choose Balkans office at Rr. Reshit Çollaku. On request (at least 12 hours
before tour departure) we can pick you up at 9:00 am from your hotel in Tirana free of charge.
Airports- Rinas Airport, Tirana Albania
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
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