3-Day Albania UNESCO Heritage Tour with Butrint, Berat and Gjirokastër

Butrint National Park

• The drive from Tirana takes almost 4 hours, including short breaks along the way. After passing some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, as well as Sarandë and Ksamil, we head to Butrint National Park, where we step back into antiquity with a visit to Butrint Archaeological Park.

Sarandë

• On our way back, we stop in the port city of Sarandë to enjoy the lovely seaside promenade and a delicious lunch.

Gjirokastër

• After lunch in Sarandë, we continue to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania, located on the side of Mount Gjere on top of a hill overlooking the valley. Gjirokastër is considered a museum city, and its fascinating Old Town has been beautifully preserved since Ottoman times in the Middle Ages.

Gjirokastër Castle

• We walk through the bustling bazaar to reach the grand Gjirokastër Fortress. Thanks to the hilltop's natural defenses, it was the city's first settlement and is deeply rooted in the captivating legend of Argjiro, the young princess who sacrificed herself.
• It is commonly referred to as the Crown of the City. Significantly renovated in the 19th century, it has served as a fortress and prison under countless past regimes and political powers. The fortress holds great historical significance, and its stony visage still provides a stunning view of the city, peacefully spread along the hills.

Accommodation overnight in Gjirokastër in a 3-star hotel.

Apollonia

• The ancient city of Apollonia is situated in southwestern Albania, about 13 miles from the city of Fier.
• The fascinating landscape of the archaeological park, preserved in an exceptionally intact condition, offers a successful combination of the beauty of monuments and nature, made even more attractive by its long history and its atmosphere of relaxation and meditation.

Berat Historical Town and Castle

• We shall set forth and make our way to central-southern Albania, to the City of Many Windows, Berat.
• Since 2008, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and continues to be a significant city even today, boasting a remarkable history of over two millennia.
• Despite the passage of time, life has remained constant here, and the Castle, or "Kalaja," is the oldest district of the city. Predominantly inhabited by the Christian Orthodox population, this part of the city features a remarkable assemblage of churches, some of which date as far back as the 14th century.

Accommodation in Berat in a 3-star hotel.

• We travel to the coastal city of Durrës, a unique blend of culture and nature.
• Here, we take a leisurely stroll along the main promenade and witness the serene beauty of the sea, as well as visit the historic amphitheatre, which was once home to gladiator battles.