Albania and Montenegro 15 days trip

Airport – Tirana, transfer: 30min 20km
Accommodation: Tirana. 4* hotel,https://maps.app.goo.gl/yca5DrzMVZ9saBgN9
Meals included: morning

After collecting your luggage, you are welcomed by our correspondent at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can begin your discovery of Tirana by visiting its many museums: the National Historical Museum retracing the history of Albania or the Bunk'art 2, a museum housed in a large underground bunker and the House of Leaves which allows you to understand the history of espionage in Albania during communism. You can also take the time to admire the colorful facades of the city's buildings, testimony to the post-communist era of the early 90s. You can then stroll through the Shetitorja Murat Toptani district to admire the castle ramparts of Tirana, the Tanners' Bridge, the Et'hem Bey mosque and the Pazar i Ri bazaar.

In the evening, we advise you to go to the Bloc, which was at the time a place reserved for the political elite and which is, today, the trendiest district of Tirana. You will have the opportunity to have a drink there and discover the typical atmosphere of Albanian bars.

Tirana-Shkoder: 2h 100 km

Accommodation: Shkoder. Boutique Hotel,https://maps.app.goo.gl/bJmzgh544bPh3GmW7
Meals included: morning

Today, you will collect the rental car.

This morning, there will be a briefing at your hotel by our French-speaking team on the progress of your adventure and collection of your rental car. You will head towards Shkoder, the largest city in northern Albania, on the shores of Lake Shkodra and next to the Drin River. This is the ideal place to start your discovery of Albania! Considered “the cradle of Albanian culture” and the capital of the Illyrian Empire during Antiquity, it has retained the charm of a historic city. The Romans, Venetians and Ottomans are part of its history.

A city rich in history and charm, offering visitors a multitude of attractions to discover. You will have the opportunity to visit the Rozafa citadel. A historic fortress located on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Shkodra. The interior of the castle houses interesting museums and ruins.

Shkoder – Ulcinj: 1h 42 km
Ulcinj- Budva: 1h 20 65 km

Accommodationin Budva: 3* hotel, https://maps.app.goo.gl/jhsQ6Z6mAqb19b6i6
New day dedicated to the discovery of Ulcinj.
In Ulcinj you can enjoy its large fine sandy beaches which are also rare in Montenegro, or discover the old medial fortress installed on the old hill with a view of the sea. From Ulcinj, you can visit the old town of Ulcinj, with its narrow streets, historic mosques, bustling market and medieval fortress.

Then, you will be heading to Budva, Montenegro.
Enjoy a day under the sun on the Adriatic coast. Follow the coastal road and discover the famous Sveti Stefan peninsula, a historic vacation spot for the Jet Set, from Elizabeth Taylor to Sophia Loren, the Hollywood flame of this place was rekindled in the early 2000s by Jeremy Irons who personally invested in it. Visit the old town of Budva whose ramparts and citadel are bordered by the waves of the Mediterranean.

Budva – Tivat: 40 mins 24km
Tivat-Kotor: 20 mins 11km

Accommodationin Kotor. 4* hotel,

Today, you are heading towards Tivat, a city located on the Adriatic coast, in Montenegro.
Visit the Monastery of St. Michael, a historic site located on a small island off the coast of Tivat, offering panoramic views of the city and bay. You can enjoy the sun and the sea on the beaches of Tivat, including Plavi Horizonti beach, Kalardovo beach and Belane beach.
Tivat is a water sports enthusiast's paradise, with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, scuba diving and jet skiing in the crystal clear waters of the bay.
Afterwards, your destination is Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of Saint-Tryphon and climb the stairs to the Fortress of Saint-Jean for panoramic views of the city and the bay.
The main tourist area of Montenegro extends around the fantastic Boka Kotorska, which extends 28 km inland, forming a multi-armed fjord surrounded by high limestone cliffs. A whole universe of islands, bare peaks reflected in the water and, from one port to another, from one village to another, coves succeeding one another in a riot of oleanders, palm trees and mimosas. The Adriatic juts so deep into the mountain range that the region benefits from a microclimate.
Optional: 2-hour hike to reach the fortress of Kotor (Saint John) and have a superb view of the mouth of Kotor.

Kotor-Cetinje: 1h 50km
Cetinje-Mrizi Zanave: 2h 128 km

Accommodationto Mrizi Zanave,https://maps.app.goo.gl/aCsHNi5V4RXFTFqi9
Meals included: morning
Cetinje, the old capital, is located at an altitude of 670 m, in a basin surrounded by mountains. Dear to the hearts of Montenegrins, it remained until the recognition of independence in 1878, the main nationalist bastion. Its growth at this time saw it acquire numerous palaces and legations of the great powers, today transformed into museums, libraries or art galleries. Cetinje remains the religious center of Montenegro.
Stopover at the Mrizi i Zanave agrotourism farm, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the most traditional dishes. Mrizi i Zanave is located in the village of Fishtë, near Lezha. It is a traditional Albanian farm and restaurant that offers visitors the opportunity to experience Albanian hospitality and cuisine in a rural setting. This farm offers an authentic Albanian experience, with passionate owners eager to share their culture and traditions.

At Mrizi i Zanave you will have the opportunity to make a gastronomic discovery of traditional Albanian cuisine brought with great charm and taste to the table.

Mrizi Zanave – Flax: 3h30 185km
Lin-Tushemisht: 30 mins 26km

Accommodation: Tushemisht. 4* hotel,https://maps.app.goo.gl/tGPHACkspcTTP78N9
Meals included: morning

Departure towards the south and Lake Ohrid. Stop also at the village of Lin, nestled on the shores of the majestic Lake Ohrid. The crystal clear waters of the lake blend harmoniously with the traditional houses and cobbled streets of the village. You can observe the locals going about their ancestral fishing activities and visit the small churches and historical sites of the village.
Continue to Tushemisht, also on the shores of Lake Ohrid, near North Macedonia. Well maintained by its inhabitants, it offers a peaceful living environment.
During the dictatorship, Tushemisht was an example of prosperity and propaganda film shoots took place there. Silence...action!

Proposed Activities:
• Bike ride
• Boat trip
• Hiking in Drilon

Restaurant options:

Millennium Hotel Restaurant:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Millennium/
Bar restaurant Mjelma:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bar+Restorant+Mjelma/

Tushemisht-Voskopoja: 1h10 55 km
Korçe - Voskopoja: 30 mins 20km
Accommodation in Korca: Vila Borgjeze.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/af8yYy3qfPtTtceD8
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you take the road towards the village of Voskopoja, renowned throughout the country for its historical attachment to Balkan Orthodoxy.
In Voskopoja you have the possibility to either do:
A short three-hour stroll to explore the village and its surroundings. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to visit a magnificent, very well preserved Orthodox church. Voskopoja is a small town in Albania that is home to a number of historic and notable Orthodox churches. These churches, mainly dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, bear witness to the importance of Voskopoja as a cultural and religious center of Albania.
Then, you take the road again towards the town of Korça. Located in the southeast of the country and close to the Greek and Macedonian borders, Korça is one of the most important cities in southeastern Albania, both in terms of population and its role in the emergence of an Albanian national feeling.
Nicknamed “Little Paris”, set off on foot to explore the city and its Old Bazaar district (Pazari i Vjetër) with its traditional houses, its shaded terraces, its shops and its small streets.

Activities offered in Voskopoja:
• Walking tour
• Visits to Orthodox churches

Suggested restaurants in Voskopoja:
Bujtina Pashuta:https://goo.gl/maps/Q68jwEEePoEPLpye8
Taverna Voskopoja:https://goo.gl/maps/c4AF4dUYUvwds7GRA

Activities proposed in Korca:

• Visit to the National Museum of Medieval Art
• The Bratko Museum of Oriental Art
• Korçe Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
• Mirahori Mosque

Suggested restaurants in Korça:
- Taverna Vasili: https://goo.gl/maps/Nt1xa8Bz4B2nCHcj9
- Vila Cofiel:https://goo.gl/maps/epp8JwnaAdwpoqx98

Voskopoja-Farma Sotira: 1h 45 min, 68 km
Farma Sotira-Permet: 1h 30min, 65 km
Accommodation: Permet, 4* Hotel Link
Meals included: breakfast

After breakfast, head south towards Leskovik at the Greek border. Cross the pine forests to Sotira farm, which serves as a beautiful stopover surrounded by pine forests and river valleys. The farm restaurant offers high-quality products such as meat and dairy dishes. You can choose from horse riding, hiking in the forest, and discovering the farm animals.
After this culinary and natural stopover, continue to Permet, the "city of roses," renowned for its agricultural products, particularly fruits, and vegetables. Visit the 17th-century St. Mary’s Church in Leusa and the 18th-century Church of St. Nicholas in the center of Permet. Near Permet, enjoy the hot springs at Benja, known for their medicinal properties, located under a medieval Ottoman bridge in a picturesque setting.

Accommodation: Permet, Hotel 4*, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BwUGMqv5rAcNWDw46
Meals included: morning

Departure this morning for the Langarica canyon and the famous Benja baths, located about ten kilometers from Permet, in the heart of the Hotova-Dangell pine national park.
To fully enjoy the site, we advise you to arrive on site before 9am, in order to avoid the many tourists who come to visit these 2 must-see spots in the country.
Upon arrival, you will not miss the photogenic stone bridge of Kadi, a magnificent Ottoman building that overlooks the Langarica river and marks the entrance to the canyon.
Start your visit with a natural bath in the first hot water pool, the largest of the ten springs, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Then go for a water hike to discover the Langarica canyon. You then move between cliffs over 150m high, in a sumptuous setting that has nothing to envy the canyon of Wadi Mujib in Jordan. Possibility of going up the river for more than 4 kilometers.

In the afternoon, another essential activity of the region, rafting. So for lovers of white water sports, do not hesitate to book a descent of the Vjosa by rafting directly from your hotel. The activity is accessible to all, even the most novice.

Permet – Gjirokaster: 1h 10min 60km
Accommodation: Gjirokastër, Hotel Old Bazar, https://maps.app.goo.gl/TG3Qqh2ZvojyEpJA8
Meals included: morning

After breakfast, you continue your Albanian adventure towards Gjirokastër, nicknamed "the stone city" and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
The beginning of the stage will take you first to the Kelcyra gorges, a natural wonder where the Vjosa plunges into an impressive corridor under steep cliffs over 1000 meters high. To enjoy the spectacle, stop for a coffee at the Gryka e Kelcyres hotel and access the small iron bridge. Then head to Gjirokastër, where you arrive for lunch. Gjirokastër, an iconic city in Albania, captivates with its unique architecture and cultural heritage. Cobbled streets wind between stone houses, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The medieval castle dominates the city, evoking centuries of history. The characteristic stone roofs give Gjirokastër its nickname "the city of stone". Museums and house museums, including that of the famous writer Ismail Kadare, tell the story of the city's rich cultural past. Gjirokastër elegantly combines the authenticity of its heritage with a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to its lively markets and cultural events. A must-see destination to immerse yourself in Albanian history and a timeless atmosphere.

Accommodation: Qeparo, https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbQpWiFHDciTrooA7
Meals included: morning

Today, your journey will continue to Butrint National Park, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in an exceptional natural environment, which Julius Caesar transformed into a residential city and an aristocratic cultural center for his war generals. Butrint was also, two thousand years ago, a true inspiration for various Greek authors and philosophers who described it as "the garden of democracy".
After visiting Butrint, the day will be dedicated to relaxation. Your journey will continue to the only sandy beach on the Albanian Riviera: Ksamil is famous for its turquoise water and its four islands facing the Greek island of Corfu!
Road to the magnificent Albanian Riviera. Throughout your journey, you will face the Ionian Sea and an impressive panorama. Today, you will have the opportunity to discover and explore the small villages of Borsh and Qeparo, the fortress of Ali Pasha on the edge of the splendid bay of Palermo, the city of Himara with its lively evenings or the famous bays of the Riviera such as Gjipe, Livadh and Dhërmi, where you can stop to refresh yourself.

Accommodation: Himare, 3* Hotel, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ynq9suC3aP6LMBZd9
Meals Included: Morning

A relaxing day in Himara, a picturesque seaside resort on the Albanian Riviera, promises to be a relaxing and refreshing experience.
Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach, take a nap under a parasol or explore the surroundings of Himara on foot or by bike.
End your day with a romantic sunset dinner at one of Himara's seaside restaurants. Enjoy a peaceful and romantic atmosphere while tasting delicious dishes and admiring the spectacular colors of the sunset over the sea.

Accommodation: Berat, 4* Hotel, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1JxSypTJVKbhNXXRA
Meals included: morning

Resuming the road trip heading north. You take a magnificent road, with many viewpoints on the Albanian Riviera, to Dhermi, a charming village with Greek architecture, so characteristic of the Ionian coast.
Then gain height to reach the Llogara Pass. The road rises and the bends follow one another before arriving at the summit perched at 1043 meters above sea level with an impressive panorama of the region and the Adriatic Sea. You then enter the Llogara National Park, known for its wide variety of conifers (Bosnian pines, buglar firs, etc.), its mountain fauna (chamois, wolves, etc.) but also for its many hiking trails.

Before reaching Berat, a detour is possible via the village of Zvernec, north of Vlora, to discover the Narta lagoon with its colony of pink flamingos and its famous Orthodox monastery built on an island covered in pine trees and accessible from a wide wooden footbridge.

Berat is nicknamed the "city of a thousand windows". Nestled between the mountains, it reveals a unique architecture where the white houses stack up in terraces along the hills. Its medieval castle overlooks the city, offering panoramic views. The cobbled streets and Orthodox churches recall its rich history. The Osum River creates a picturesque setting for strolling along the banks. Berat is also home to museums and galleries, witnesses to its cultural heritage. With its captivating beauty and authentic charm, Berat seduces visitors looking for an experience at the crossroads of history and modernity.
Optional activities in Berat
• Fortress
• Medieval Center, King's Mosque and Teke Bektashi
• Ethnographic Museum
• Onufri Museum

Accommodation: Tirana. 4* Hotel, https://maps.app.goo.gl/yca5DrzMVZ9saBgN9
Meals included: morning

Last discovery of the city of Berat, and on the way to your last stop in Tirana.
Possible passage through the lagoon and the Karavasta National Park, south of Durres. A small paradise for ornithologists and migratory birds, the 4,300-hectare park is known for being home to one of the largest colonies of Dalmatian pelicans in the world.

Upon arrival, return your vehicle directly to your hotel located in the city center.
For this last Albanian evening, we invite you to Oda, a classic of the Albanian capital. Located in the popular district of Pazari i Ri, the establishment has a pleasant shaded terrace, and offers, with music, quality traditional cuisine.

Tirana – Airport: 30min

Today, one of our agents will accompany you to the airport.
We hope you enjoyed this trip.
We look forward to seeing you again in Albania.