11 Days Grand Tour of Albania

Meet & Assist on arrival

Tirana- Arrive in Tirana and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. 

Overnight in Tirana.

After breakfast we depart to Shkoder.

During road stop to Kruja city. Visit Kruja Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, and explore the charming Old Bazaar with traditional handicrafts. Continue towards Shkoder, one of Albania’s oldest cities, stop for lunch at Mrizi Zanave agrifarm, enjoy all seasonal plates and tour of artisanry. Arriving in Shkoder visit to Venetian Museum of Masks.  Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once a capital of the Illyrian era, a true time statement.

Overnight in Shkoder.

Breakfast and depart to Tirana.

Stop at Rozafa Castle and a 30minute boat ride at lake Skadar, on Shiroka Village. 
We continue to Berat, with its white houses clinging to the hillsides, we will visit one of the best Albanian Wineries. Kantina Cobo is family owned and produces local wines.
After some relaxing time here we visit the city which contains numerous churches and an interesting museum, and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. 
Continue the journey to Berat, the UNESCO city of “a thousand windows,” and check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Berat.

Berat, with its white houses clinging to the hillsides, enjoy a full Berat city tour, visiting Berat Castle, the Onufri Icon Museum, the Mangalem & Gorica quarters, and the Gorica Bridge.
We stop in Apollonia Archeological Park, an atmospheric set of Roman remains on a remote hillside and once an important city in the region.
Later in the day we travel to the coastal city of Vlora and have a short sightseeing tour of the city, before heading for our overnight stay in this famous city. 
Overnight in Vlora.

After breakfast we procced to Sarande , a coastal city, but vibrant during summer, stop at National Park of Llogara, procced  the trip via coastal road, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and white sandy beaches.
 We travel through some amazing old villages like Dhermi, Vuno and Himare.
We will stop for a short walk in a bay of Palermo, where Ali Pasha has built a castle for his favorite wife.
We will stay in Saranda for our overnight. 
Overnight in Saranda.

After breakfast, we continue onto the ruins of Butrint, Albania's most important archaeological site, and a UNESCO site.
Butrint dates from the 7th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony, then falling under the rule of the Venetians and Turks.
Explore numerous buildings including anacropolis, basilica and palace.
The location of the site itself is also very attractive surrounded by trees and water.
After lunch we depart for Gjirokastra with a short stop in Blue Eye National Park, a fairy tale landscape of mountains and the clear waters of the Bistrica river.
On arrival, free time and lunch. The whole day is in your disposition. 
Lekursi castle is a must see during sunset.

Overnight in Saranda. 

After breakfast we depart to Blue eye, a natural water spring , shaped as an eye within electric blue. Spend 2hrs and we visit Gjirokaster, known for its distinct and traditional architecture.
We have time to explore this UNESCO listed site, with its imposing citadel and numerous houses with typical styling.
Visit the Argjiro castle and old bazaar area before transferring to the small town of Permet on a panoramic drive.
Later in the day we visit the village of Benja and have a relaxing afternoon at the famous thermal waters which form six beautiful small natural pools.
The Ottoman Bridge of Katiu is a wonderful sight as it spans the river Langarica. We have dinner and overnight in Permet. 

Overnight in Permet.

Breakfast at the hotel.
 On our winding journey through the mountains towards Korca, we enjoy wonderful panoramic views.
We travel through some town, which look like a time had stopped here. For fresh fish for our lunch and some fresh air we will stop at Farma Sotira.
This afternoon we arrive in Korca where we should have some free time to explore. 

Overnight in Korca.

Breakfast, we procced to Korca and Voskopoja - This morning we continue to explore the city and its amazing museums. 
 in the day we travel on to Voskopoja, once an ancient city rich in history, with interesting Romanesque architecture and Orthodox churches featuring some of the best 18th century frescoes in Southern Europe;  today it is a small mountain village around 1300m above sea level. For accommodation we will transfer to the  lake city of Pogradec. 

Overnight Stay at Pogradec.

After breakfast, we will continue to Tirana and begin a tour of the city.

We visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, and the Mosque of Et'hem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana.
We then visit Bunk Art 2 – an old atomic bunker, now a museum representing the days of the communist regime in the country.
Check in and free time.
19.30pm Farewell dinner, with Folk Music and traditional food, an atmosphere that  warms the soul and of course with good food comes good memories.
Overnight in Tirana.

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure.