Highlights of Albania
Highlights of Albania
Albania is one of Europe’s less explored gems, waiting to be discovered. During this 8 days / 7 nights guided tour you will visit the highlights of the country, learning about its history and traditions. Immerse yourself in the lively capital Tirana, being surrounded by mountains in Shkoder, explore three UNESCO sites Butrint, Berat and Gjirokastra, admire the Albanian Riviera, ancient archaeological sites & national parks, on a holiday in Albania.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Tirana
Day 2: TIRANA - KRUJA - LEZHA - SHKODRA (125 KM)
4 hoursKruje
After breakfast we start the day by visiting the medieval city of Kruja This historic city is 608m above sea level and offers an amazing panoramic view. The name and the importance of the city are closely related to the 25 years of activity of our national hero, Skanderbeg, who in the fifteenth century made Kruja a bastion of uncompromising resistance against the Ottoman. The Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum is situated inside the castle walls, which date back to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. The museum itself was inaugurated in 1981. Within the walls of the castle are also the Ethnographic Museum and the Dollma Tekke. Near the castle’s entrance is the old bazaar, which dates back to the period of Skanderbeg. Here, tourists can find Albanian craft products such as embroidered items, carpeting, silver objects, copper, alabaster, filigree, traditional clothing, antiques.
2 hoursLezhe
Then, on the way to Shkodra, we will stop in Lezha City. Lezha is one of Albania’s ancient cities and is mostly referred by the name Lissus. In 1398, after the construction of its castle, the city was under direct control of the feudal family of Lekë Dukagjini. One of the most important events in the history of Lezha is “the League of Lezha” on March 2nd, 1444, the Albanian princedoms united against the Ottomans. Then we will visit The memorial tomb of National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Scanderbeg. It is one of the most tourist landmarks in the town of Lezha. The memorial has been inaugurated in 1981 build over the ruins of Saint Nicholas cathedral. In the walls of the memorial tomb there are exposed 25 shields, which symbolize the victories of Skanderbeg's army against the Turks.
1 hourShkoder
Day 3: SHKODRA - DURRES - BERAT (UNESCO) (200 KM)
3 hoursDurres
Durrës is home of the biggest seaport in the country. It is the most ancient city in Albania, with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The city is home to many ancient archaeological sites. The most notable tourist attraction in Durrës is the amphitheater of the Roman Emperor Hadrian with 15,000 seats, the second biggest amphitheater in the Balkans. During the 9th century, a small church with mosaic-covered walls was built nearby. You can also see the bath-houses of the 2nd century A.D. and nearby is Byzantine forum build in 5th-6th century with marble columns. One-third of the original wall of the city castle is still standing and you can even walk along the same road that Caesar himself once strolled. The Archeological Museum is an another attraction to visit.
3 hoursBerat
Day 4: BERAT (UNESCO) - ARDENICA MONASTERY - APOLLONIA - VLORA (150 KM)
3 hoursArdenica Monastery
After breakfast we will drive to city of Vlore but first we will stop to visit the Ardenica Monastery. Located 237 meters above sea level, a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis had existed where the Monastery sits now, which explains the origin of the name Ardenica. Covering an area of 2,500 square meters, the Monastery was built in 282, commissioned by the emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos of Byzantium. Perhaps the most interesting historical event recorded in Ardenica is Skanderbeg’s wedding to his wife Donika, hosted on April of 1451 at the Chapel of St. Trinity Church, the monastery’s very first church, built in the 10th century. St. Mary’s Church is the most impressive building on site. Built with stones coming from the antique city of Apollonia, this church welcomes anyone through the open porch and its columns and arches.The church interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes.
1 hourApollonia Archaeological Park
Our next stop is Apollonia, an ancient Iliryan city. The city flourished during the 4th century AD as an important economic and trade center. Situated in southwestern Albania, about 13 miles from the city of Fier, this city was built by Greek colonizers on the lands of the Taulantii Illyrian tribe. Apollonia, with a strong Illyrian component, is a magical place. In Apollonia, you will find a nice combination of unique monuments, archaeology, and landscape. All this scenery creates a special atmosphere that difficult to find anywhere in the Mediterranean. The ancient city of Apollonia is one of the best known and important classical cities in the country. The site is an important destination for cultural tourism and that is the main reason why it has been visited by a very big number of tourists every year.
2 hoursVlore
Day 5: VLORA - ALBANIA RIVIERA - SARANDA (125 KM)
2 hoursAli Pasha Castle
Ali Pasha Castle is the crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera. Built on the hill of an island, connected to the shore via a narrow man-made strip of land, this castle attracts everyone’s immediate attention thanks to its triangular shape and the three bastions built on each corner. The castle was built in 1814 at the request of Ali Pashë Tepelena, after the destruction of Justinian’s castle. During the same period, the church of St. Nicolas was built directly across the castle.
1 hourBorsh
Albania’s rugged coastline, with traditional villages nestled in isolated bays and golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, was a revelation when travelers first started discovering the country during the turn of the century. Since then Europe’s last untouched beaches have changed almost beyond recognition, but there’s still plenty of reason to come here and explore this magnificent coastline where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.
2 hoursSaranda
Day 6: SARANDA - BUTRINT (UNESCO) - BLUE EYE - GJIROKASTRA (UNESCO) (110 KM)
2 hoursButrint National Park
After breakfast we start the day by visiting the ancient ruins of Butrint, The first Albanian site to be included on UNESCO’s World Heritage was Butrint in 1992. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was a part of the Greek and Roman colonies. The most ancient objects found at the archeological site in Butrint are a stone hammer and a shaft belonging to the second half of the second millennium B.C. Hekateus made first mention of the city at the end of the sixth century B.C., affirming that the city was built according to Troy and that the origin of the name refers to the sacrifice of a bull, Buthrotos, provided by the Trojan prince Aeneas on his way to Dodona. The most extraordinary objects discovered in the theater of Butrint are the statue of Apollo, the goddess of Butrint, the marble heads of Zeus, the portrait of Agrippina, the head of Livia and many Latin and Greek epigraphs. Parts of the city were rebuilt during the fifth century B.C.
3 hoursThe Blue Eye
Then we will drive to Gjirokastra but first we will stop to Blue Eye. Albania’s famous Blue Eye is a water spring and natural phenomenon that each visitor should witness. A popular tourist attraction, the beautiful light turquoise river stuns with its beauty. The Blue Eye is located beneath a small metal balcony that was built so you can get a closer look. Even though swimming has been prohibited via signs, it doesn’t really prevent people from jumping right into the ice-cold water.
1 hourGjirokaster
Day 7: GJIROKASTRA (UNESCO) - TIRANA (235 KM)
2 hoursTirana
Day 8: TIRANA - TIRANA AIRPORT (17 KM)
3 hoursTirana
No accommodation included on this day.
30 minutesIncluded
- 7 nights of accommodation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Driver/guide
- 7x Breakfast
- Accommodation included: 7 nights
- Entry/Admission - Ardenica Monastery
- Entry/Admission - Butrint National Park
- Entry/Admission - The Blue Eye
- Entry/Admission - Apollonia Archaeological Park
- Entry/Admission - Ali Pasha Castle
Not Included
- Lunches / Dinners
- All Fees and Taxes
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.