Albania Explorer Tour "Illyria Route"
Description
Tucked away in a little visited corner of Europe is Albania, is 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, The location of Albania between some of Europe’s most important empires has left them well endowed with a wealth of attractions from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. The region is home to a wealth of old Turkish architecture which sits side by side with elaborately decorated Orthodox churches and from more recent times the civic buildings of Communist era, as well as impressive ancient ruins and well preserved historic towns. This part of Europe is also blessed with incredible scenery with imposing mountains, pristine lakes and traditional villages tucked away in pretty valleys. But as with many countries it is the people who leave perhaps the most lasting impression – having come through recent strife there is an overwhelming sense of optimism about the people that cannot fail to raise your spirits.
Important Places to be Visited: Tirana, Kruje, Lezhe, Shkoder, Durres, Berat, Apollonia, Vlore, Himare, Saranda, Gjirokaster, Tepelene.
Itinerary
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Arrival - Tirane.Day 1 :
Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Leisure day. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar.
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Kruje - Durres - Tirane.Day 2 :
After 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. This 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 the ancient city castle wall and byzantine bazaar/forum, Roman public baths, etc. Return to Tirana for overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar. (B)
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Lezhe - Shkoder - Tirane.Day 3 :
After 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. A 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. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* (B)
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Berat (UNESCO).Day 4 :
After breakfast we continue to Berat where we have a short visit to Belsh Lake (part of Dumrea group of carstic lakes in central Albania, also so-called little-Toscana). Then we will 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; the 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. Lunch break in Berat.
Overnight at Rezidenca Desaret 4* or similar. (B)
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Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlore.Day 5 :
Drive to Ardenica Monastery, a 13th century Byzantine site locally famed for hosting the wedding of the hero Skanderbeg. We will continue from here to the ruins of Apollonia, an atmospheric set of Roman remains on a remote hillside and once an important city in the region. Later 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. Overnight Hotel Semaja 3* or similar. (B)
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Himare – Sarande - Butrint (UNESCO).Day 6 :
After breakfast, we continue to the south of Albania, stopping first at Llogara National Park where we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the Albanian Riviera. Continue 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 7th 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. Later return to Saranda. Overnight in Sunrays Hotel 3* or similar. (B)
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Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO).Day 7 :
This morning we will continue to Gjirokaster. En route we will make a stop in Mesopotam monastery, built over the ancient temple inside the fortress. Then we then travel to Blue Eye National Park before we reach the UNESCO listed town of Gjirokaster known for its distinct and traditional architecture. We have time to explore this UNESCO listed site, one of the highlights of Albania with an imposing citadel and numerous typical houses. Overnight Bineri 3* or similar. (B)
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Airport TransferDay 8 :
Airport Transfer as per flight itinerary.
Note: Before booking the flights, please consider that the transfer time from Gjirokastra to Tirana Airport is about 3 hours. (plus about 2 hours needed for the check-in at the airport.)
What's Included
- Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary.
- Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 3*/4* hotels (as indicated, or similar)
- Transportation with modern AC car/minibus/bus, etc) during all tour itinerary.
- English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides (as applicable)
What's Excluded
- 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
- Trip/tour cancellation
- No show
Please Note
Note:
This tour has been quoted based in a minimum number of participants.In case of the number of minimum required participants is not reached, the company reserves the rights to offer to the client other eventual alternative days, or to cancel the trip for the clients.Otherwise, the trip can also be operated on a private tour basis (subject to the respective quotation).
Confirmation
- Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a receipt of booking by email. Please do not book any airline tickets until you receive the status of your booking.
Redemption
- You will receive a confirmation voucher in 2-3 business days after you receive the e-ticket.Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination and departure details, is included in your confirmation voucher.When you reserve your attractions and services you will be asked to print the confirmation voucher to present when you arrive at your destination.It is your proof of purchase.
Single supplement: €256
Entry Fees: €86 entry/fee supplement pp.(List of the museums and other sites included as per itinerary):
- National Museum in Tirana
- Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja
-Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha Castle
- Rozafa Castle in Shkodra
- Amphitheater in Durres
- Onufri Museum in Berat
- Ardenica Monastery
- Apollonia Archeological Park
- Butrint Antic City (UNESCO)
- Mesopotam Monastery/Temple
- Blue Eye National Park
- Gjirokaster Castle
All cancellations are subject of 5% service fee to cover costs for the efforts done to first to arrange and then to cancel the respective services of relevant booking.
Language
English
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Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.