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Itinerary

Day 1

Tirana Airport – Tirana

After arrival at Tirana airport we transfer to our hotel in the city centre. Evening meal and overnight in Tirana.

Day 2

Tirana, Shkodër and Krujë

We depart Tirana for Shkodër: one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and once the capital of Illyria. We visit the castle, with its fine views of the Shkodra lake and the estuaries of the rivers Buna and Drin. There is time to stroll in the pedestrianised city centre as well as visit the cathedral and mosque. In the afternoon, we travel onwards to Krujë; renowned for the part it played in the resistance against the Ottomans. We visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the castle and to browse the handmade artefacts of the old bazaar.
Evening meal and overnight in Krujë

Day 3

Durres and Berat

We drive to the coastal city of Durres, Albania’s second largest city. There we explore its Roman amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum before continuing to the stunning town of Berat listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With its Ottoman-style houses Berat makes a picturesque scene and is little changed since it was painted by Edward Lear in the nineteenth century. We stroll through the charming narrow streets and visit the citadel with its numerous churches and interesting museum.

Evening meal and overnight in Berat

Day 4

Ardenicë Monastery, Apollonia, Vlorë

Today we visit Ardenicë Monastery: a 13th century Byzantine site locally famed for hosting the wedding of the hero Skanderbeg. We continue from here to the archaeological site of Apollonia: an Ancient Greek trade colony which developed into an independent polis, and later a Roman city. Set on a remote hillside, Apollonia presents a atmospheric and charming visit. Later in the day we travel to the coastal city of Vlorë.

Evening meal and overnight in Vlorë.

Day 5

Viora Llogara, Dhermi, Himara

After breakfast we drive through the wonderful scenery among the pinewoods in a steep climb to the Llogara pass. We stop at Panorama view point, where we enjoy some stunning views of the lonian Sea.
We continue our drive through fertile slopes and villages, stopping at Dhermi and Himara. En route we make a short visit to the bay of Porto Palermo where the castle of Ali Pasha is situated. We continue to our overnight accommodation in Saranda.

Evening meal and overnight in Saranda.

Day 6

Butrint

Butrint is a National park incorporating the excellently preserved Ancient Greek/Roman city of Butrint – considered as one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. In 44 BC, Caesar designated Buthrotum as a colony to reward soldiers who had fought for him against Pompey. Later the seat of an early Christian bishopric in Epirus, Butrint today boasts remains that are an equal of anything in Italy. It is surrounded by wetlands that are home to a large number of birds and the tranquil atmosphere is enchanting.
Evening meal and overnight in Saranda.

Day 7

Blue Eye, Gjirokastra, Benja, Permet

After breakfast we drive to Gjirokastra via a short stop on the way at the Blue Eye National Park: a fairy tale landscape of mountains and the clear waters of the Bistrica river. Later in the morning, we explore Gjirokastra: known for its distinct architecture and imposing citadel. We visit the castle and old bazaar area before driving to Benja where we stop at the famous thermal waters. In the afternoon we continue on to the small town of Permet.

Evening meal and overnight in Permet

Day 8

Permet and Korcë

After breakfast our journey continues through some stunning mountain scenery towards Korcë. En route we enjoy wonderful panoramic views over towards Northern Greece. There is time to explore the town once we arrive in Korcë.

Evening meal and overnight in Korcë.

Day 9

Voskopoja and Tirana

This morning we continue to small mountain village of Voskopoja, which was once a prominent city. It hosts some interesting Romanesque architecture and Orthodox churches featuring some of the best 18th century frescoes in Southern Europe. In the late morning, we continue on to Tirana. There we visit Skanderbeg Square and the Namazgah mosque as well as Bunk Art 2 – an old atomic bunker since converted into an interesting museum of the Communist era.
Evening meal and overnight in Tirana

Day 10

Tirana

After breakfast, we depart the hotel for Tirana airport, whence we say our farewells and depart.

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