Highlights of Albania: Explore 10 Days Tour in Tirana
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Highlights of Albania: Explore 10 Days Tour
Next available dates
Thu
Jul 11
Thu
Jul 18
Thu
Jul 25
Available options
Bestseller
Single Occupancy Shared Tour
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Single Occupancy Rooms: Applies when participant of the shared group tour wants to be accommodated on single room for the full tour duration.
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Pickup included
Next availability: Thu, Aug 22
From
USD 2,227.5
Private Tour(min. 2 pax)
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Next availability: Thu, Jul 11
From
USD 2,696.87
Double Occupancy Shared Tour
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Double Occupancy Rooms: Applies when two participants share double/twin rooms for the full duration of the tour.
Pickup included
Pickup included
Next availability: Thu, Aug 22
From
USD 1,658.76
Solo Traveler
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Pickup included
Next availability: Thu, Jul 11
From
USD 4,432.94
Highlights
Tucked away in a little visited corner of Europe lies Albania, a charming and delightful country that few people know much about. For years Albania was a closed society, ruled by the iron fist of Communism, but since the end of the Cold War it has been showing curious travelers its many charms. Explore the crossroads of Europe’s East and West mosaic to cultures inherited in millenniums starting from Illyrians-Pelasgians (which Albanians are their direct descendants), and also Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Slavic and Ottoman inheritance (part of famous ancient via Ignatia road connecting Rome with Istanbul via Durres-Ohrid-Bitola-Thessaloniki, etc.) Visits in fascinating historical cities such as Durres, Tirana, Lezhe, Shkoder. This part of Europe is also blessed with incredible scenery with imposing mountains, pristine lakes and traditional villages tucked away in pretty valleys.
Itinerary
Arrival - Tirana.
Tirana
Admission Ticket FreePickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Leisure day.- AccommodationsOvernight in Freddy’s Hotel 3*, or similar. (B)
Kruje - Durres
Kruje
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast we head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar. Then heading to Durres.Durres
5 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThis port city, is the most important ancient central mediterranean metropol until medieval time in the 15th century when it got occupied by ottomans until 1912 when Albania proclaimed its independence, and Durres became its capital until 1920. (Durres is also more than 3500 years old (mentioned first time in Odisea where Ulicsus spent part of his time in Taulantia (ancient Pelasgian-Illyrian name of Epidamn-Durrah-Durres) on his way back to Itaka after Troyan war. This city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan region (about 20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century which we will visit with an archeological museum, ancient city castle wall and Byzantine bazaar/forum, Roman public baths, etc. Return to Tirana.- AccommodationsOvernight in Freddy’s Hotel 3*, or similar. (B)
Lezhe - Shkoder
Lezhe
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, the, next stop will be in Lezha city. In the ancient period it was called Lissus. Visit to its castle and Mausoleum of Skanderbeg (Albanian National Hero). Afterward, we will continue to Shkodra.Shkoder
5 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeA nice landscape with highland (Albanian Alps on the north) is a full contrast. City tour of Shkodra, Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral and Mosque. Visit the Castle of Rozafa inside it and we enjoy wonderful views of mountains, Shkodra’s lake, Drini, Buna and Kir rivers with the valleys around from the top of Rozafa castle. Return to Tirana for overnight.- AccommodationsOvernight in Freddy’s Hotel 3*, or similar. (B)
Berat (UNESCO).
Berat
8 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, continue to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania, more than 2400 years old, and with special status from UNESCO. Visit the castle of Berat with the Onufri museum and other churches inside; Mosque of Berat and the old Bridge of Gorica, Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th. Many of his wonderfully painted icons still remain in the museum while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked.- AccommodationsOvernight at Rezidenca Desaret 4* or similar. (B)
Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia (UNESCO) - Vlore.
Ardenica Monastery
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedDriving to the Ardenica Monastery, a 13th-century Byzantine site famous for hosting the wedding of the Albanian hero Skanderbeg. The monastery's ancient architecture, Byzantine art, and historical significance make it a must-see destination in the region.Apollonia, Qyteti Antik Ilir
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeWe will continue from here to the ruins of Apollonia, founded in 588 BC and taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy, because of its distinct and separate Greek and Illyrian communities. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar's civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history with its bishop attending the councils of Ephesus and Chlalkis in 431 and 451 AD. We will see its museum, Shen Meri Monastery and Church. Lunch break.Vlore
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeLater depart to the coastal city of Vlora. Visit the city, including its old town, independence square and monument, where Albanian independence from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28th, 1912.- AccommodationsOvernight Hotel Semaja 3* or similar. (B)
Himare - Sarande - Butrint (UNESCO).
Himare
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, we head south to Albania's Llogara National Park. The park offers spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera and its mountains, including the iconic Llogara Pass. It's a great spot for nature lovers and offers relaxation opportunities. Our journey through the Albanian Riviera continues, with Llogara National Park as a highlight.Butrint
4 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeContinue via some picturesque seaside villages to Saranda and onto the ruins of Butrint, Albania's most important archaeological site, and a UNESCO site. Butrint dates from the 8th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony, then falling under the sway of the Venetians and Turks. Explore numerous buildings including an acropolis, basilica and palace. The location of the site itself is also very attractive, surrounded by trees and water.Saranda
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeLater will return to Saranda.- AccommodationsOvernight in Sunrays Hotel 3* or similar. (B)
Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO)
Mesopotam
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeDuring the morning, we're heading to Gjirokaster, making a brief stop at Mesopotam Monastery within an ancient fortress along the way. It's a unique site with a rich history, and we'll learn more about it before continuing our journey to Gjirokaster.The Blue Eye
3 hoursAdmission Ticket Not IncludedThen we then travel to Blue Eye National Park before we reach the UNESCO listed town of Gjirokaster known for its distinct and traditional architecture.Gjirokaster
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeWe have time to explore this UNESCO listed site, one of the highlights of Albania with an imposing citadel and numerous typical houses.- AccommodationsOvernight Bineri 3* or similar. (B)
Permet - Voskopoje - Korce.
Permet
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, we continue to Korca via Vjosa River valley, and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding nature. (Even though the distance is a bit long today, and the toad has a segment where there is work in progress, it remains a work experience). Lunch break at Sotira Farm (or similar).Voskopoje
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThen continue to Voskopoje. First we will visit Voskopoje. You will see the traditional way of life and some outstanding examples of Orthodox Christian Churches which escaped the destruction of the communist regime. The 18th century church and 16th century monastery in Voskopoja are worth visiting with their original murals and artifacts. The air in this area is renowned to be very clean and people with respiratory problems visit to convalesce. We will return to Korca.Korce
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeKorca is a historic place with rich cultural traditions and some interesting buildings from the Ottoman period, including one of the most important mosques in Albania.- AccommodationsOn arrival in Korca we check in to the hotel Alysa 3* and overnight. (B)
Pogradec - Lin - Elbasan - Tirane.
Pogradec
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast we will travel to Pogradec. On the top of the hill overlooking Pogradec, there used to be an ancient Illyrian fortress known as Encheleana. In the Middle Ages this fortress was reconstructed and the place was renamed by the Bulgarians, who invaded Southeastern Albania at this time. (Pogradec, Pod Grad - the place beneath the fortress).Lin
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeWe will have a short break where you can enjoy walking by the Ohrid Lake. Then we will continue to Elbasan, where we will have another short stop at Lin village (oldest one discovered in Europe 8000-9000 years) by the lake of Ohrid.Elbasan
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThen proceed to Elbasan, which was a very important city in ancient Illyrian time, while in Roman empire time was famous as the cross-point of the main road “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Durres-Elbasan-Ohrid-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. City tour to visit: Elbasan Castle (dating back to 4rth Century BC), The Clock, The ethnographic Museum, Church and the Old Mosque (from outside).Tirana
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThen we will continue to Tirana. Leisure time to walk in the city.- AccommodationsOvernight in Freddy’s Hotel 3*, or similar.
Departure.
Tirana International Airport
Admission Ticket FreeTransfer to Tirana Airport for departure. End of services. (B)
What's included
INCLUDED
Entry Fees
Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 3*/4* hotels (as indicated, or similar)
English speaking guide during all tour itinerary.
Local representative at the airport.
Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary.
Transportation with modern AC car/minibus/bus, etc) during all tour itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare and airport taxes
Local city/tourist tax
Driver/guides tips
Gratuities and individual daily expenses and porterage
Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”
Travel insurance
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Location
Address
Tirana, Albania
Provider
Albania Explorer