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00355675000336
any questions? Call us
00355675000336
drop us email
any questions? Call us
00355675000336
any questions? Call us
00355675000336
This is a unique tour, which gives you the possibility to enjoy the best that Ionian coast has to offer, its cultural jewels and natural wonders.
The Albanian Ionian Coast runs from Vlora to Saranda. The coastline is famous for its small bays, pebbly beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Riviera is one of Albania’s natural beauties and certainly one of the most picturesque places in the whole Mediterranean. Since ancient times, the Albanian Coast has seen different cultural influences come and go, leaving behind a host of archaeological and historical treasures, such as ancient sites, Roman or Greek cities, hillside castles and fortresses, walled towns, monasteries, churches, mosques, temples, museums, and other interesting jewels. A typical Mediterranean climate offers ideal conditions for a beautiful holiday encompassing many different activities.
Day 1 Tirana, the vibrant capital
In the afternoon, you will meet your guide at the hotel in Tirana to start the guided tour of the city and its main attractions.
Founded in 1614, Tirana became the capital of Albania in 1920 and is the main cultural and industrial center of Albania. The city boulevards are marked with fascinating relics of the Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
Tirana has changed incredibly in the last twenty years, from the dull, grey city it once was. Tirana is a city where fun is guaranteed: lively, loud, crazy, colorful, simply fascinating.
A traditional welcome dinner and accommodation are planned in Tirana
Day 2 The ancient and modern cities of Durrës and Vlora
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Durrës. We will have time for a guided visit of the city and a drink in one of the bars by the sea promenade. Durrës was founded in 627 BC by colonists from Corinth and Corfu. They named it “Epidamnos” with the surrounding area called Epidamnia. The city was one of the starting points of the Via Egnatia, connecting the Adriatic Sea with Byzantium. The amphitheater of Durrës is one of the greatest monuments of antiquity in Albania and was built in the first decades of the 2nd century, probably during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
After some free time to enjoy lunch and to explore the city by yourself, we will continue in the direction of Vlorë, the city with a very long coastline that stretches between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The most ancient traces of Vlora date back to the period of antiquity, and today Vlora is an important trade and touristic center in Albania. Dinner and Accommodation are planned in Vlora.
Day 3 Llogara, the evergreen National Park:
Today, we will travel to the Llogara National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Albania with woods, beautiful valleys, countless natural resources, as well as numerous species of plants, animals and birds.
There, we will walk through the woods on “Caesar’s Path”. In 48 BC, during the Roman civil war, Julius Caesar crossed the mountains through this pass, on his way to Orikum.
After the hike, we will enjoy lunch at the place called “The Balcony”, overlooking the coastline. Then we will drive to Dhërmi, where the accommodation is planned.
Day 4 Kayaking along the Ionian coast to Gjipe:
After breakfast we will get on the kayaks and start today’s adventure.
We will kayak on the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, to the Pirate’s cave. There, you will have the possibility to enter, and admire the cave from the inside as well. From there, we will continue the journey to Gjipe, our destination for today.
The canyon of Gjipe is situated along the lower parts of the Ngjipe stream, is formed by water erosion and is more than 2km long and 100m deep. The landscape is attractive, the beach is clean and the water clear. In Ngjipe you will have some time to enjoy the sun and the warm sea. Then, we will return to Dhërmi, where you will have enough time for the lunch break.
In the afternoon we will travel southwards to the Porto Palermo, which is one of the most beautiful bays of the entire Ionian coast. Its harbour has been an important military base during the Cold War. The tunnel entrance, where submarines used to anchor, is visible from the road. The magnificent fortress of Ali Pasha lies on a small peninsula. The view from the fortress, over the whole coast, is wonderful. After the visit of the fortress and a short break, we will be transferred to Saranda, where dinner and accommodation are planned.
Day 5 Mussel tour in Saranda and Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage
Saranda and Ksamil are well known as some of the most important producers of mussels in the entire region. The tour starts right after the breakfast. You will be transferred from the hotel to the lake of Butrinti, where you will board the fisher boat to travel directly to the mussel beds and learn about their cultivation. Then, you will taste two kinds of mussel dishes served with locally produced white wine in an idyllic setting.
Our boat tour follows in southern direction up to the last beach within Albanian territory before Greece. On the way lie many untouched, undiscovered virgin beaches and a small island worth to be explored.
In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Butrint, the most important archaeological site of Albania, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint is known since the 7th century B.C. as the most important city of Epirus. Its building is linked to the presence of the Trojan prince Aeneas. After the visit we will return in Saranda.
Dinner is planned at a restaurant in the Lëkursi castle, which lies on a hill overlooking the bay. Accommodation in Saranda.
Day 6 Walking and cultural discovery in Gjirokastra and its surroundings:
The day starts with the transfer to the village called Labovë and the visit of its church, which is known as one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the entire Balkans. After the visit we will start the hike of the day to the village of Libohovë.
The region is known throughout Albania for its very well-preserved culinary traditions. We will have lunch at a farm in the vicinity of Libohova, where you will taste fresh homemade food, cooked in a strictly traditional way.
In the afternoon a guided visit of Gjirokastra is planned. It is an outstanding example of an Ottoman merchant town and one of the few still surviving in the Balkans. We will visit the castle and a characteristic old museum house.
Another interesting experience is planned in Gjirokastra: wood carving. Gjirokastra and the region are well known for the preservation of the tradition of wood and stone carving. The old houses of the city of Gjirokastra itself are museums of this tradition. We will visit the master at his workshop. You can take part in a unique experience through the carving of a souvenir by yourselves as a memory from Gjirokastra. You can even choose to write a dedication to your loved ones with pyrography, in one of the works you like. This will be a pleasant experience from this medieval city.
Accommodation in Gjirokastra.
Day 7 The ancient city of Apollonia and Tirana
Right after breakfast, we will start the return trip to Tirana. On the way lies the archaeological site of Apollonia. The city was originally founded in 588 BC as a Corinthian colony and was named after the God Apollo. Today, it is situated near the modern town of Fier and offers the visitor a unique insight into the immense importance this region once held. It is estimated that the city had about 60,000 inhabitants, a record for ancient times. As a trade center, the city started to decline in the 4th Century following a large earthquake which altered the course of the Vjosa river causing Apollonia’s famous harbor to silt up.
After the visit, we will continue the journey to Tirana. There, you will have time for lunch, and to enjoy the city on your own.
We will meet again for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. After dinner you can have a drink in one of the nice bars in the “Blloku” quarter, the most animated quarter of the capital. Accommodation in Tirana.
Day 8 Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Albania. (B/-/-)
Accommodation in 3* & 4* hotels.
English speaking guide.
7 Breakfasts, 7 lunch and 7 dinners.
This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request.
Entrance fees as per program.
Transportation by minibus or bus for all the tour.
Other activities and services not included
Tips
Price per person from €799 (in a double room/multi-bedroom)
Single bedroom request will be calculated based on the season of the trip!