Albania – 12 day tour

Itinerary

Start and end in Tirana!   12 day tour includes accommodation in a hotel as well an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

The tour is focused on cultural and historic part of Albania, but it includes a few short hikes. Discover central, south, and southeast part of the country and also enjoy a day trip in the city of Ohrid, located in North Macedonia. Start and end the tour at Tirana airport.

Day 1 Tirana

Arrival at Tirana airport. Meet with the local guide and transfer at the hotel. Accommodation in Tirana.

Day 2 Tirana

Tirana sightseeing starts from Skanderbeg square. Visit the National History Museum, E`them Bey Mosque, Clock Tower etc. The walking tour continues then to the main boulevard, the Pyramid building, the Block area etc. Afternoon visit of BunkArt 1, which used to be a cold war bunker in the outskirts of the city, and it was turned recently into a big museum which gives a detailed background of Albania during the communist time. It was built in the 1970’s for the political elite and it covers an area of around 3000 square meters, spread over different floors. It perfectly shows the hysteria of the communist leaders to protect themselves in case of a possible war. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 3 Tirane – Divjake – Vlore

After breakfast, travel towards the largest Lagoon in Albania, called Karavasta. It is located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and covers an area of 4,300 ha of the National Park Divjake -Karavasta. This lagoon is the most important wetland system in Albania for migratory birds, providing them with suitable habitats for food, wintering, breeding, and shelter. It is also the only habitat in Albania for the nesting and breeding of the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Have a boat trip in the waters of the lagoon, followed by a visit in the Visitor’s center and the Watch tower. Afterwards, travel towards the coastal city of Vlora. Visit the Independence square. Accommodation in Vlora.

Day 4 Vlore – Sarande

In the morning start a beautiful trip along the so-called “Albanian Riviera”. Pass first Llogara national park where you can stop to relax but also do a short hike. Then drive near several small coastal villages and enjoy beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. Stop to visit one of the most attractive villages of the riviera, old Dhermi which is located on the slope of the mountain and has well preserved characteristic buildings. Take a stroll in the old, cobbled streets, visit the small churches and meet some of the few locals living here. Then take a steep walk on the cobbled streets to go to St. Mary’s church and from there enjoy the spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and the beaches below. In the evening reach the city of Saranda. Accommodation.

Day 5 Sarande – Butrint – Sarande

In the morning travel to Butrint, Unesco site and one of the most famous ancient cities in the Balkans. A scenic narrow leads you to the ancient city of Butrint. Visit to the Old Amphitheatre, 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, which is one of the last unspoiled natural and ancient historical areas in Mediterranean. After Butrint, you can have some free time to enjoy the beach of Ksamil or take an optional tour in Butrint lake to learn more about the cultivation of the mussels in this area. Accommodation in Saranda.

Day 6 Sarande – Gjirokaster

After breakfast in the hotel, travel towards Gjirokastra. Stop on the way to visit the magical Blue Eye, a water spring surrounded by greenery. Later reach Gjirokastra. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the old town of Gjirokaster is famous for being a well-preserved Ottoman town. With its huge fortress overlooking the entire city, the old houses leaning against the slopes of the hills with their beautiful old wooden facades, this place is a must for all visitors. First, we will visit the castle which provides a possibility of great views over the city, which stores some old armory and a recovered US Air force jet from communist time Albania. Then visit one of the traditional houses of the town, which is turned into a museum and belongs to “Skenduli” family. Get to know here the story of the family and their efforts to preserve this building. Spend the rest of the day wandering about the cobbled narrow streets and the shops. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 7 Gjirokaster – Permet

In the morning transfer from Gjirokastra to Permet. First do a hike to Leusa village to visit the 18th century Saint Mary’s church (hiking time around 2 hours). Then go to Benja thermal waters where you can find natural Sulphur springs with healing abilities very famous among locals and foreigners. Free afternoon. Accommodation in Permet.

Day 8 Permet – Korce

Breakfast in the hotel. Travel towards Korca, located in the southeast of the country, through some really unexplored natural area in Albania. Korca is a city which continues to reflect its strong relation with education, literature and arts. Visit the building of the first Albanian School and the largest Orthodox church of the area. The rest of the day is reserved for visiting the beautiful “Old Bazaar”, with its narrow streets, nice small cafes, and colored buildings. Following the restoration of the Bazaar, this area has become the true heart of the city, buzzing will people and energy all day long. Here you can enjoy a Turkish coffee or drink one of the most famous beers, called “Korca” like the city itself. Overnight in Korca.

Day 9 Korce – Voskopoje – Ohrid

In the morning transfer to Voskopoja village, former economic and cultural center of the region. Here we will walk through the streets of the village and will also visit the St. Nicholas Church. Possibility to arrange a “cooking class” with the locals to learn how they prepare the famous “lakror”, a typical local pie the people of this region prepare. After lunch time, transfer to the city of Ohrid, located in the republic of North Macedonia. Pass the border. Arrival and accommodation in Ohrid.

Day 10 Ohrid – Sveti Naum – Ohrid

After breakfast start with the city tour of Ohrid, the city of 365 churches, one for every day. Sightseeing of Ohrid including St. Sophia church, Kaneo, old medieval city etc. Afterwards visit Sv. Naum monastery. Saint Naum is one of the most beloved saints in Macedonia, a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius and how they participated in the creation of the Old Church Slavonic written language. Back in Ohrid for a boat trip in the lake and dinner in a panoramic restaurant. Accommodation in Ohrid.

Day 11 Ohrid – Berat

After breakfast in the hotel, drive towards Berat (back in Albania), a unique town protected by Unesco. First stop will be in the castle built on top of the hill at a strategic position. Inside the castle visit “Onufri” museum, located in the cathedral “Dormition of St. Mary”. Then descent in the lower part of the town. Pass the stone bridge of Gorica built in the 18th century, which connects the two historical neighborhoods of Berat, Gorica which was traditionally a Christian quarter and Mangalem where the Muslim population of the city lived. Take a stroll through the narrow-cobbled streets and chat with some locals. Afternoon hike at Gorica hill where are located the ruins of an old castle and from where you can enjoy stunning views of the town. The hiking trail will take you through the lush green forest, up into an opening with an unmatched panoramic view of Berat Castle, Mangalem Quarter, and Gorica Quarter. The hike is not too difficult to follow. Accommodation in Berat. Note: hiking/ activity in Gorica castle (hill) lasts around 1 hour and 30 min.

Day 12 Berat – Tirana Airport

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight back home (Berat – Tirana airport: 120 km, around 2 hours’ drive)

What’s Included

• Accommodation

Accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels.

• Guide

English speaking guide.

• Meals

11 Breakfasts

This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request.

• Additional Services

Entrance fees as per program.

• Transport

Transportation by minibus or bus for all the tour.

What’s Not Included

Flights

Insurance

Additional Services

Lunch and Dinners

Tips