Tirana

Overview

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Itinerary

• Arrival in TirananUpon arrival at Tirana International Airport, you will meet your guide, who will brief you on the dayu2019s program and assist with your transfer.nnTravel to Durru00ebsnnBegin your journey with a short 40-minute drive to Durru00ebs, Albaniau2019s second-largest city and one of the oldest ports on the Adriatic.nnDurru00ebs Sightseeing (Included)nCity WallsnExplore the ancient City Walls, originally constructed in the 4th century A.D. under Emperor Anastasius I. Once rising 18 meters high, they protected the city for centuries. Emperor Justinian later reinforced them with additional lookout towers.nnDurru00ebs AmphitheaternVisit the impressive Roman Amphitheater of Durru00ebs, one of the largest in the Balkans and built in the 2nd century A.D. Admire its remarkable design and historical significance.nnSeaside WalknEnjoy a pleasant stroll through the city and along the lively seaside promenade, taking in coastal views and the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

• Visit to BUNKu2019ART 1nBack in Tirana, explore BUNKu2019ART 1, a unique museum inside a five-story underground bunker.nDiscover Albaniau2019s communist-era history, the isolationist policies of Enver Hoxha, and Cold War events. The bunker, once designed as an anti-nuclear shelter, now blends historical exhibits with contemporary art installations.nnTirana City Center TournContinue with a guided tour through the heart of the capital, including stops at:nnSkanderbeg SquarenNational Historical MuseumnEtu2019hem Bey MosquenClock TowernOpera HousenTown Hall & Government BuildingsnExperience the vibrancy, culture, and energy of modern Tirana.nnEvening in TirananSettle into your hotel for the night. Enjoy a relaxing evening or take a leisurely walk to discover Tiranau2019s cafu00e9s and nightlife.nnOvernight In Tirana Hotel

• Pick-Up and Drive to Bovilla LakenYour guide will pick you up from your accommodation for a scenic drive toward Bovilla Lake, located northeast of Tirana.nnDrive Overview:nThe 21-kilometer journey includes partially off-road sections, offering beautiful landscapes, views of Tiranau2019s outskirts, and insight into the everyday life of local residents.nnHike to Gamti MountainnArrival at the Dam:nOnce you reach the lakeu2019s dam, your hiking adventure begins.nnHike Overview:nnDifficulty: Easy to moderatenDuration: Approx. 40 minutes to the topnHighlights: Spectacular panoramas of Bovilla Lake, dramatic cliffs, and rolling green hills.nBreak at the Summit:nAt the top, take time to rest, enjoy the stunning views, and relax in the shade of a nearby cave. This is the perfect moment for photos and a light snack.nnDescent:nAfter your break, return to the starting point by the same trail.

• Morning u2013 Travel to ShkodranAfter breakfast, depart for Shkodra, the cultural capital of northern Albania. Nestled on a wide plain overlooking Lake Shkodrau2014the largest lake in the Balkansu2014and framed by the dramatic Albanian Alps, Shkodra offers stunning natural scenery and deep historical roots.nWalking Tour of ShkodranGjuhadol DistrictnBegin with a stroll through the charming Gjuhadol District, a beautifully renovated pedestrian area influenced by Italian and Austrian architecture. This area reflects Shkodrau2019s long-standing cultural connections with Central Europe.

• Visit Rozafa CastlenExplore the legendary Rozafa Castle, dating back to the Illyrian period. Its elevated position provides breathtaking 360u00b0 views over Shkodra, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding valleys and mountains.

• Lunch at Mrizi i Zanave nAfter visiting the castle, head to Mrizi i Zanave, one of Albaniau2019s most famous agritourism restaurants, located between Shkodra and Lezha.nnEnjoy an authentic farm-to-table culinary experience, featuring:nnRegional picklesnFresh local cheesesnOrganic olive oilnStone-baked breadnThe restaurantu2019s specialty: young goat meat prepared in the traditional stylenThis unforgettable meal is included in the 90u20ac optional tour price.

• Afternoon u2013 Travel to KrujanAfter lunch, continue to Kruja, the historic center of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire and the hometown of the national hero Skanderbeg.nnKruja SightseeingnSkanderbeg MuseumnLocated within Kruja Castle, this museum presents the story of Skanderbeg and the long struggle for Albanian independence.nnOptional: Ethnographic MuseumnVisit this beautifully preserved 18th-century Ottoman house, filled with authentic household items and cultural artifacts that reveal traditional Albanian life.nnOld Bazaar of KrujanWander through the charming Bazaar of Kruja, one of the oldest traditional markets in the country. Enjoy free time to explore the shops and purchase handmade crafts, rugs, and souvenirs.nnEvening in Tirana

• Morning u2013 Transfer to Durru00ebs BeachnAfter breakfast, the group will be transferred to Durru00ebs, where you will check into your seaside hotel located directly in front of the beautiful Adriatic coastline.nGuests who choose not to join the optional tour can spend the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the hotel facilities.

• Departure to Apollonia Archaeological SitenBegin your journey south toward Apollonia, one of Albaniau2019s most important ancient cities, located along the historic Via Egnatia, the great Roman road connecting the Adriatic with Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul).nnVisit to Apollonia Archaeological SitenExplore the remains of the ancient Greek and Roman city known as Apollonia Prima, dedicated to the god Apollo.nHighlights include:nnThe ancient theatrenThe BouleterionnThe Church and Monastery of St. MarynThe impressive city walls and surrounding landscapenLearn about Apolloniau2019s key role as a cultural and educational hub during Roman times. Your guide will share fascinating stories about daily life in the ancient city.

• Morning u2013 Departure to BeratnBreakfast & Meet the Guide:nAfter breakfast, meet your guide and driver and begin your journey toward Berat, one of Albaniau2019s most picturesque and historically rich cities.nnDrive to Berat:nTravel south toward this UNESCO-listed gem, continuously inhabited since the 6thu20135th centuries B.C. Originally an Illyrian fortress named Antipatrea, Berat grew into a prominent castle city during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.nnSightseeing in Berat Old TownnUpon arrival, visit Berat Castle, standing proudly atop the hill with origins dating back to the 4th century B.C.nInside the castle walls, explore:nnSeveral beautifully preserved churches (some from the 13th century)nCobbled streets and traditional stone housesnLocal life, as many families still reside within the fortress todaynBuilt in 1797, this cathedral offers:

• Explore Beratu2019s Old Town NeighborhoodnMangalemi, Gorica & Kala:nWalk through Beratu2019s famous districts, known for their stacked white houses and distinctive windows. The architecture and atmosphere give Berat its name: u201cThe City of a Thousand Windows.u201dnnEnjoy plenty of photo opportunities and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of these ancient quarters.nnTraditional Lunch & Wine TastingnEnjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in Berat, sampling regional specialties such as:nnFresh saladsnHomemade dishes typical to the regionnLocal dessertsnAfter lunch, experience a wine tasting session at a local winery, where you can enjoy some of the best wines produced in the Berat region. Learn about local winemaking traditions and taste carefully selected varieties.nnFree Time in BeratnAfter the wine tasting, enjoy free time to:nnContinue exploring the old townnVisit artisan shopsnEnjoy a coffee in a traditional cafu00e9nTake in the beautiful views from the castle walls

• Depart Gjirokastu00ebr and drive toward the coast (approx. 2 hrs), stopping at Syri i Kaltu00ebr (Blue Eye), a mesmerizing natural spring where crystal-clear blue water bubbles up from a depth of over 50 meters.nnThe surrounding forest offers shade and scenic walking trailsu2014perfect for photos or a cool drink.nnContinue to Sarandu00eb, a popular coastal town known for its turquoise waters and relaxed Mediterranean vibe.nnAfternoon options:nnRelax on the beach or stroll along the lively promenade.nnVisit Butrint National Park (UNESCO), one of Albaniau2019s most important archaeological sites. Explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, an amphitheater, and a baptistery with mosaic floorsu2014all set within a lush lagoon ecosystem.

• Drive Through the Llogara PassnLlogara National Park:nAscend through the mountains via the Llogara Pass, where the lush greenery of the national park contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sea below. This is the perfect spot for a quick photo break.nnLocal Treat at Llogara:nEnjoy a traditional yogurt with honey, a refreshing local specialty, while taking in the spectacular surroundings.nnArrival in Himara u2013 Beach TimenContinue south to Himara, a charming coastal town with pristine beaches. Guests can enjoy some free time to relax on the beach, swim in the Ionian Sea, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this historic town.nnArrival in Saranda & Butrint Archaeological Site

• Butrint Archaeological Site:nExplore Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. Highlights include:nnRoman theater and templesnAncient baths and city wallsnInsights into the cityu2019s history as a Greek colony, Roman settlement, and later bishopric of EpirusnLearn about Butrintu2019s rich history and its decline following natural disasters and earthquakes, which left much of the city submerged.nnVisit Ksamil VillagenAfter Butrint, stop at the village of Ksamil, famous for its stunning beaches and three small islands just off the shore. Guests can enjoy free time for swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing on the sand.nnDinner and Overnight in SarandanReturn to your hotel in Saranda for a delicious dinner, featuring fresh local seafood and Albanian specialties.nnOvernight in Saranda:nRelax and enjoy the evening at your hotel, ready for the next dayu2019s adventures along Albaniau2019s southern coast.

• morning u2013 departure for gjirokastranbreakfast & meet the guide:nafter breakfast, meet your guide and driver for the scenic drive to gjirokastra, one of albaniau2019s best-preserved ottoman towns, famous for its stone architecture and historic charm.nnSightseeing in gjirokastrenold town walking tour:nstart your visit in the old town, wandering through cobblestone streets lined with ottoman-era houses. known as the u201ccity of stone,u201d gjirokastra is famous for its traditional architecture, historic atmosphere, and panoramic views of the valley below.

• gjirokastra castle:nascend to gjirokastra castle, perched atop a hill. while originally built in the 12th century, much of the current structure dates back to the 19th century ottoman period. highlights include:nnimpressive fortifications and towersnexhibits on its use as a prison during the communist erana collection of armory and artifactsnstunning panoramic views of the town and valley, perfect for photosntraditional museum house:nvisit one of gjirokastrau2019s traditional museum houses to learn about local life during the ottoman period. see preserved furnishings, architecture, and daily artifacts that showcase albaniau2019s rich cultural heritage.nnfree time in the old town:nafter the guided tour, enjoy free time to:nnexplore the streets independentlynvisit artisan shops for local craftsnrelax in a traditional cafu00e9

• Morning u2013 departure for divjake karavasta national parknbreakfast & meet the guide:nafter breakfast, meet your guide and driver for the journey to divjake karavasta national park, a coastal haven known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.nnArrival at the parknexplore the karavasta lagoon, a vast coastal oasis covering over 222 square kilometers. the area includes diverse ecosystems such as wetlands, floodplains, estuaries, woodlands, reed beds, and salt marshes, making it a paradise for nature lovers.nnExploring the parknnature walk:ntake a guided nature walk through the park, enjoying the peaceful forests and observing the rich variety of flora and fauna. the park is especially famous for birdwatching, including the dalmatian pelican, which migrates through the lagoon.nnrelax in nature:nenjoy the tranquility of the coastal meadows, lush surroundings, and pristine landscapes before departing the park.

Good to know

• Specialized infant seats are available

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.