8-Day Albania Highlights Tour with UNESCO Sites and Riviera Coast

Arrival in Tirana.

• Meet the guide: Depending on your arrival time, you will meet your guide and receive an introduction to the day's program.

Travel to Durres.

• Drive to Durres, Albania's second-largest city, located just 40 minutes from Tirana.

Durres sightseeing.

City Walls

• Explore the City Walls, built by Emperor Anastasius I in the 4th century A.D. These walls served as a defense system against invaders.
• The original walls were 18 meters high and provided protection throughout the centuries. Emperor Justinian later reinforced them by adding small observation towers.

Amphitheater of Durres

• Visit the Durres Amphitheater, one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans, built in the 2nd century A.D.

Walk through Durres.

• Enjoy a pleasant walk around the city, especially near the seaside. The lively atmosphere and coastal views make Durres a charming destination.

Lunch in Durres.

• Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in one of the local restaurants, sampling fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Return to Tirana.

Visit BUNK'ART 1

• BUNK'ART 1: After returning to Tirana, head to this historical museum located inside a five-story underground bunker.
• Learn about the communist era in Albania, with exhibits focusing on the rule of dictator Enver Hoxha and the country's history during the Cold War. The bunker was originally built as an anti-nuclear shelter and has since been transformed into an art and history center.

Tour of Tirana city center.

• Tirana city tour: Explore the most important sites in the center of Tirana, including:
  • Skanderbeg Square
  • National Historical Museum
  • Et'hem Bey Mosque
  • Clock Tower
  • The House of Opera
  • Town Hall & Government Buildings

Evening in Tirana.

• Overnight in Tirana: Relax and enjoy the evening at your hotel, or take a leisurely stroll around the city to soak in the atmosphere.

Pick-up and drive to Bovilla Lake.

• Tour guide pick-up: Your guide will meet you at your accommodation and take you on a scenic drive to Bovilla Lake.
• Drive overview: The 21-kilometer route includes half off-road sections, providing stunning views of Tirana's suburban neighborhoods and a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the locals.

Hike to Gamti Mountain.

• Arrival at the lake's dam: Upon reaching the dam, you will begin your hike to Gamti Mountain.
• Hike overview: The hike is a relatively easy route, taking around 40 minutes to reach the top. As you ascend, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Bovilla Lake and the surrounding hills.
• Break at the top: At the summit, take time to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. You can also enjoy some food in the shade of a nearby cave.
• Descent: After a well-deserved rest, you will descend via the same path.

Return to Tirana.

• Drive back to Tirana: After the hike, return to Tirana and begin your sightseeing of the capital city.

Tirana city sightseeing.

• Skanderbeg Square: Visit the heart of the city, where you will find the statue of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg.
• National Museum: Explore the history and culture of Albania in its largest museum.
• Palace of Culture: Admire the beautiful architecture and historical significance of this building.
• Gallery of Arts: Visit the museum to view Albanian art, including works from the Communist era.
• National Theater: Discover the cultural importance of this historic theater.
• BUNK'ART: Learn more about Albania's communist era in this underground bunker-turned-museum.
• Pyramid of Tirana: Visit this unique and controversial structure, once a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha.
• Government Area: See the political heart of Albania, including key government buildings.
• Blloku Area: Explore this trendy district, once off-limits during the communist era, now a lively area filled with cafes and shops.
• Mother Teresa Square: Visit the square dedicated to the famous Albanian nun.
• House of Enver Hoxha: Take a look at the former residence of Albania's communist dictator.

Evening in Tirana.

• Free time: Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You can relax at a local cafe, shop for souvenirs, or take a stroll around the city.

Overnight in Tirana.

• Rest and relax: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Tirana, ready for the next day's adventures.

Morning: Travel to Shkodra.

• Departure to Shkodra: After breakfast, head to Shkodra, the most important city in northern Albania. It is located in a beautiful plain in front of Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans, with the Albanian Alps as a stunning backdrop.

Walking tour of Shkodra.

• Gjuhadol District: Take a walking tour through this recently renovated pedestrian zone, featuring Italian and Austrian architectural influences. This area showcases the historical connections between Shkodra and these two countries.
• Optional: Marubi Museum: If you choose, visit the Marubi Museum. It houses the work of Marubi, a legendary photographer from the 19th century who took the first photograph in the Balkans in 1856. He left behind an incredible collection of 500,000 glass negatives, showcasing a wealth of historical images from Shkodra and beyond.

Visit Rozafa Castle.

• Rozafa Castle: Explore this ancient castle, which dates back to the Illyrian era. The castle offers 360-degree views of Shkodra, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding mountains. Imagine the supremacy the Illyrians would have felt while standing in this strategic stronghold, overlooking their enemies.

Optional lunch at Mrizi i Zanave.

• Agritourism experience: After your visit to the castle, enjoy a traditional lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, an agritourism restaurant between Shkodra and Lezha.

• Taste regional delicacies such as pickles, local cheeses, organic olive oil, and freshly baked bread.
• The restaurant's specialty is young goat meat, cooked in a traditional manner, which is a must-try.

Morning: Departure to Apollonia Archaeological Site.

• Breakfast & meet the guide: After breakfast, meet your driver and guide for your journey south to Apollonia Archaeological Site.
• Drive to Apollonia: Set off for Apollonia, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Albania, located on the famous Via Egnatia, which connected the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium, modern-day Istanbul.

Visit Apollonia Archaeological Site.

• Tour of Apollonia: Apollonia was a major Greek and Roman city, known for its cultural and historical importance. The city was dedicated to Apollo and was referred to as Apollonia Prima, one of 16 cities built to honor the god.

• Roman influence: As you explore, your guide will explain the rich history of the city, including its role as a cultural and intellectual center during Roman times.
• Caesar's connection: One of the city's most notable historical facts is that Augustus Octavian, the future Roman Emperor, was sent here to study oratory by Julius Caesar, underscoring the city's intellectual significance.

Lunch in Vlora.

• Arrive in Vlora: After the visit, continue your journey to Vlora, a beautiful coastal city located at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
• Lunch in Vlora: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Afternoon free time in Vlora.

• Explore Vlora: After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Vlora at your leisure. You can relax by the Bay of Vlora, stroll along the seafront promenade, or discover local shops and cafes.
• Optional activities: Depending on your interests, you might visit Independence Square or explore the Muradie Mosque, which is a significant Ottoman-era landmark.

Dinner in Vlora.

• Enjoy dinner: Head to a seaside restaurant for a delicious dinner with scenic views of the bay.

Overnight in Vlora.

• Rest and relax: Check into your hotel for an overnight stay in Vlora. Enjoy the evening in this charming coastal city.

Morning: Departure to Berat.

• Breakfast & meet the guide: After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for your journey to Berat, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows' for its picturesque Ottoman architecture.
• Drive to Berat: Depart for Berat, which has been continuously inhabited since the 6th-5th centuries B.C. as an Illyrian settlement and later transformed into a castle city known as Antipatrea in the 3rd century B.C.

Sightseeing in Berat Old Town.

• Berat Castle: Upon arrival, head to Berat Castle, located at the highest point of the city. The castle was built in the 4th century B.C. and houses several churches, with some dating back to the 13th century.

• Church of St. Mary of Blachernae: Built in 1797, this cathedral is situated within the castle walls at the highest altitude and offers a panoramic view of Berat. It was once a place of Christian worship during the Ottoman period, when Muslims allowed Christians to continue their faith.
• Inside the castle, you will find valuable frescoes, icons, and the remnants of a calligraphy school.
• Traditional life in the castle: Interestingly, many locals still reside within the castle walls today, keeping the old traditions alive.

Explore Berat's Old Town.

• Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala: These are the three major neighborhoods of the old town. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the traditional Ottoman-style houses with their characteristic white stone facades and large windows, and soak in the city's unique atmosphere.

Traditional lunch in Berat.

• Lunch in Berat: Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in one of the charming restaurants in the old town. You will have the chance to taste local specialties from the Berat region.

Free time in Berat.

• Explore on your own: After lunch, enjoy some free time to further explore the old town, take in the views from the castle, or shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Return to Vlora.

• Drive back to Vlora: After your visit, head back to Vlora and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Vlora.

• Rest and relax: Enjoy the evening at leisure in Vlora, perhaps taking a walk along the seafront or relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Morning: Departure for the Albanian Riviera.

• Breakfast & departure: After breakfast, meet your guide and driver to begin your journey along the Albanian Riviera.
• Scenic drive: Enjoy a series of photo stops as you travel along the Ionian coastline, taking in breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters and the rugged cliffs of Albania's southern coast. The drive along the Adriatic seaside is an unforgettable experience, with panoramic views at every turn.

Drive through the Llogara Pass.

• Drive through Llogara National Park: As you head up into the mountains near the seashore, you will pass through Llogara National Park. This mountain pass offers stunning views of the coastline and is a perfect spot for a quick photo break.
• Stop at Llogara: Once you reach Llogara, you will enjoy a traditional yogurt with honey, a local specialty that is deliciously refreshing after the drive.

Arrival in Himara.

• Himara city: Continue your journey south to the charming coastal town of Himara. This picturesque town is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant history.

Arrival in Saranda and visit Butrint.

• Arrive in Saranda: After passing through Himara, you will arrive in Saranda, a popular seaside city in southern Albania.
• Visit Butrint Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was first inhabited by the Greek Chaonian tribe, later becoming a Roman colony and a bishopric in Epirus.
• Ancient Greek and Roman history: Butrint flourished for centuries before experiencing decline at the end of Antiquity, eventually being abandoned due to a major earthquake that flooded most of the city. The ruins include impressive structures like a Roman theater, temples, and baths, giving you a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Visit Ksamil Village.

• Village of Ksamil: After visiting Butrint, head to the village of Ksamil, known for its beautiful beaches and three small islands just off the shore. Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach or swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Dinner and overnight in Saranda.

• Dinner at hotel: Return to your hotel in Saranda for a delicious dinner, where you can enjoy local seafood and Albanian cuisine.
• Overnight in Saranda: Relax after a day of sightseeing and coastal exploration.

Morning: Departure for Gjirokastra.

• Breakfast & meet the guide: After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for the drive to Gjirokastra, one of the best-preserved Ottoman towns in Albania.

Sightseeing in Gjirokastra.

• Start in the Old Town: Once you arrive in Gjirokastra, begin your walking tour of the Old Town, known for its cobblestone streets, Ottoman-style houses, and impressive stone architecture. The town is often called the 'City of Stone' because of its distinct architecture.

Gjirokastra Castle

• Head up to Gjirokastra Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The fortress has been around since the 12th century, though most of what you will see today dates back to the 19th century, during the Ottoman period.
• Explore the castle: As you explore, learn about the castle's history, including its dark past as a prison under the communist regime. Inside, you will find a collection of armory, ruins to explore, and fantastic views of the surrounding valley, making it a perfect spot for photos.

Visit a traditional museum house.

• Explore a traditional museum house: To experience what life was like in the Middle Ages in Albania, you will visit one of Gjirokastra's traditional museum houses. These preserved houses provide insight into local customs, architecture, and daily life in the past, giving you a deeper understanding of Albania's rich history and culture.

Free time in the Old Town.

• Stroll through the streets: After your guided tour, you will have some free time to continue exploring the charming streets of the old town, visit local shops, or enjoy a coffee in one of the quaint cafes.

Morning: Departure for Divjake-Karavasta National Park.

• Breakfast & meet the guide: After breakfast, meet your guide and driver, and begin your journey to Divjake-Karavasta National Park. The park is known for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife.
• Arrival at the park: Upon arrival, you will explore the Karavasta Lagoon, a coastal oasis that stretches over 222 square kilometers. The area is home to a range of ecosystems, including wetlands, floodplains, estuaries, woodlands, reed beds, and salt marshes.

Exploring the park.

• Nature walk: Take a nature walk through the park, enjoying the peaceful forest and diverse flora and fauna. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to many species, including the Dalmatian pelican, which migrates through this area.
• Relax in nature: Enjoy the serenity of the natural environment before heading back to Tirana. You will have time to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the coastal meadows and the surrounding landscapes.

Lunch.

• Lunch in the area: After exploring the park, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant or within the park's vicinity, sampling some traditional Albanian dishes.

Afternoon: Return to Tirana.

• Depart for Tirana: After lunch, depart from Divjake-Karavasta National Park and begin your journey back to Tirana.
• Arrival in Tirana: You will arrive back in Tirana, marking the end of your Albanian adventure.

End of the service.