Day 1:TIRANA

Arrival in “Mother Tereza” airport, meet & assisted by our guide. Transfer by car and accommodation in the hotel.

Enjoy the welcome dinner in a characteristic restaurant of Tirana.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 2: KRUJA-SHKODER

Morning departure to the ancient town of Kruja. It is situated in a small mountain at more than 1200 meter above sea level. Kruja is the famous birthplace of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, a XV century Albanian leader who resisted the Ottoman Empire for 25 years. Visit the Old Bazaar with its famous shops full of silver filigree jewelry, authentic folk costumes, woven rugs, and traditional felt hats.
Will continue to Shkodra. Shkodra is one of the oldest cities in Albania, founded in the fourth century B.C. as the center of the Labeat tribe of Illyrians. For lunch we will try a the distinctive cooking of Carp from the Lake of Shkodra. After we will continue to visit Shkodra’s main tourist attraction is Rozafa Castle. It is surrounded by the waters of three rivers; the Drini, Buna, and Kiri. Much like the town it protected, the castle has Illyrian origins. In the evening you will enjoy the nightlife of Shkodra.
Overnight in hotel in Shkodra.

Day 3: DURRES-BERATI

After breakfast departure to Vlora, On the way we will stop in Durres, Albania’s second largest city was known formerly (in antiquity) as Durrahium and is one of the oldest towns in the country and Balkan Peninsula. It was for centuries the largest port on the Adriatic Sea, and the start of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople. Visit the town including the Byzantine city walls and Roman amphitheater.
Lunch on the sea side based on fresh Adriatic Sea fish. After leisure relax of the harmony of seaside waves sounds. After a lunch in the castle we will stop in one of the best wineries of Albania near Berati and will spend some time in wine testing.
After lunch departure to Berat, the city of 1000 windows. Berati is a treasure-trove of Albanian history and culture, and testimony to the country’s tradition of religious harmony. Visit at the post-Byzantine monumental Cathedral of Shën Maria are located within the castle. The Cathedral of Shën Mëria houses a museum of works by the famous iconographers of the 16th century: Onufri, and his son, Nikolla. There are over 100 icons on display and they also include works of other artists
Overnight in Berati.

Day 4: VLORA

On the way to Vlora short visit to Apollonia Archaeological Park an ancient Illyrian city. The first documentation of the settlers’ presence dates back to 588 B.C. Apollonia was the most important, as it served as a middleman for trade between the Illyrians and the Hellenes (Greeks). Emperor Augustus studied there, and Aristotle mentioned the town in his book on politics. It will be visit to its museum, Shen Meri Monastery and Church. Our tour will proceed to Vlora, a beautiful coastal city which in ancient times Vlora was known as Aulona. At the beginning it was only a port, and has always been famous for its olive groves and vineyards. We visit the Independence Museum, city tour, and accommodation at hotel and overnight in hotel in National Park of Llogara 1025 above the level of sea.

Day 5: SARANDA

On the way to Saranda you will have the opportunity to view the marvelous panorama of coast of Albania. This warm Mediterranean zone has nearly 300 sunny days a year, and the average temperature in July is 25°C (77° Fahrenheit). The coast is famous for its crystal-clear waters, and small, intimate pebble beach’s. We will go through beautiful small characteristic villages along the coast as Dhermi, Vunoi, Himara, Qeparo and Lukove.
Another site to visit is the Castle of Ali Pashë Tepelena, built on a small peninsula in the tectonic gulf of Porto Palermo. The castle was built in the shape of a triangle and has 20 m high walls. Ali Pasha dedicated this castle to his wife, Vasiliqia.
If summer you have the possibility to swim in the crystal Ionian waters.
Lunch on the way to Saranda enjoying the sun and relax. Overnight in Saranda.

Day 6: SARANDA

South of Burtint Lake, 18 km from Saranda, we will visit the ancient city of Butrint, the most important archaeological site in Albania, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name of Butrint has been well known since the seventh century B.C. as the most important city of Epirus. According to Dionysius of Halicarnassus, the building of Butrint was linked to the presence of the Trojan prince Aeneas during his travel to the temple of Dodona. He paid tribute to the oracle of Dodona by sacrificing a bull (Buthros in Greek) in the place where the city of Butrint began to rise. There are many destinations to visit within Butrint. The most interesting ones are the Temple of Asclepius, a second century B.C. God of good health; a 1,500-seat theatre from the third century B.C. (which now hosts the International Theatre Festival every September); the Baptismal, a paleocristian monument; as well as the nymfeu, the baths, the stoa (covered walkway), the Lake Gate, the Lion Gate, the Venetian fortress of Ali Pasha, and many others. Besides its historical value, Butrint is renowned for its marvelous ecological system. The ruins and the buildings of the city stand amidst an amazing subtropical jungle, with lots of laurel and other high woods.
Lunch in Saranda in a characteristic restaurant on the Lekursit castle with a beautiful view on the sea. Enjoy the relax on the beach and night discos of this touristic city.
Overnight in Saranda.

Day 7: GJIROKASTER-PERMET

After breakfaston the way to Permet we will stop for a visit in Blue Eye (water source) and Gjirokastra. Blue Eye is a water spring, natural phenomenon occurring in Saranda. A popular tourist attraction, the clear blue water of the river bubbles forth from a stunning, more than fifty-metre-deep pool. Divers have descended to fifty metres, but it is still unclear what the actual depth of the karst hole is.
What most attract visitors to Gjirokastra are the traditional tall houses made of stone, which resemble small fortresses that form a complex of architectural monuments. Due to its architectural value, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main object is the city fortress, called Fortress of Argjiro. (The renowned story of the famous princess Argjiro gave rise to the name “Argjirokastro” given to the city in 1336.) The Weapons Museum located inside of the fortress displays weapons from the Paleolithic period up until the Second World War. During your stay in Gjirokastra you also can visit the Ethnographic Museum. Lunch in Gjirokastra
Overnight in Permet.

Day 8: KORCA

After breakfast departure to Korca. It is a historic place with rich cultural traditions and some interesting buildings from the Ottoman period, including one of the most important mosques in Albania and one of the oldest schools teaching the Albanian language established Albania in 1887. Our sightseeing includes the Museum of Medieval Arts where you can see works by Albania’s most famous painters of the Middle Ages. Accommodation to hotel.
After lunch we depart for the town of Voskopoja which became one of the most developed and prosperous cities in the European part of the Ottoman Empire between the 17 and 18th centuries. Testament to this are the first Printing House in the Balkans in 1720, the Academia of Voskopoja founded in 1744, the famous Basilicas, the painted house walls by the famous Albanian painters including David Selenica and the Zeografi brothers. Return to hotel and overnight in Korca.
Overnight in Korca.

Day 9: OHRID

After breakfast, we proceed to Pogradec one of the most charming tourist cities in Albania because of its position near the Ohrid Lake, which distinguishes itself for clear water. Our sightseeing tour continue to Drilon one of the most beautiful tourist centers in Albania, situated 4 km from Pogradec, across the Ohrid Lake. Lunch in Drilon than continue to Tushemisht and passing to the Border Crossing Point to Ohrid, Macedonia
After crossing the border to Macedonia we will visit the Monastery of Saint Naum. Saint Naum is known as Naum of Ohrid or Naum of Preslav (c. 830 – December 23, 910) was a medieval Bulgarian scholar and missionary among the Slavs. He is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church. The city of Ohrid lie long the amazing coast of Ohrid Lake, cover the most attractive part of Macedonia and is one of ancients locality of Europe. Concerning the historical and cultural values Ohrid is protected from UNESCO and it is called a museum – city also. Ohrid is notable for having once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and has been referred to as a "Jerusalem". The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. In 1979 and in 1980, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In fact, Ohrid is one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage that are both Cultural and Natural sites.
Overnight in Ohrid.

Day 10: ELBASAN-TIRANA

On the way to Tirana we will have a short coffee break in Elbasan. Located at the Shkumbini River, where it crosses the famous Egnatia Road, the city of Elbasani – ancient Scampini – is just 50 km away from Tirana. In ancient times, Scampini was a typical Roman fortification, but in the 4th century it received a new administrative status and, with its new name Hiscampis, it became one of the major cities of the new Epirus, home of the area’s only Roman legion.
Lunch in Tirana and free afternoon to enjoy the nightlife of capital of Albania.
Overnight in Tirana.

Day 11: TIRANA

After a late morning wake-up you will have time for shopping characteristic Albanian souvenirs.
Transfer to the airport of Mother Teresa.

Accommodations

3* Hotels - (or similar)

Sightseeing

Private day guided tour during all days including Museum entrance fees and wine testing

Private half day guide to around Tirana during shopping time with English speaking guide

Transfers

Private transfers in luxury car from and to Rinas Airport

English speaking assistant

Meals

Breakfast daily at hotel

Lunch in, included everyday and the first dinner in Tirana

Services

Local emergency contact number daily.

Does not include

Airfare

Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides

1) Consult with our tour designers

Contact our office by phone or e-mail and speak to one of our tour designers who will answer any question you have about our suggested tour. They will listen attentively to your ideas and plans and suggest changes to personalize the tour based on your interests and budget.

Tel: +355 684040066
E-mail: reservations@bestbalkantours.com

2) We send you a Proposal

Shortly after your initial contact with our tour designers, you will receive a draft proposal based on your earlier discussions, normally within 2 business days. This proposal is a no obligation draft for your review and comments. Any additions or modifications will be implemented and a new proposal will be forwarded to you for approval.

3) You like what you see!

Upon meeting your requirements and expectations, you will be requested to send a deposit in the amount of 25% of total. Final Payment is due 45 days prior to scheduled departure date.

4) Buon viaggio!

Approximately, 2 weeks prior to departure you will receive a personalized and detailed day by day itinerary booklet and the necessary vouchers for the services to be provided, along with a general information section on the various regions of Italy.

The booklet and vouchers will include all the important information; addresses, phone & mobile numbers for all your service providers, hotels as well as the phone number of our office in Rome.