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Car
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3-4 Stars Hotels
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Tirana
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Year-Round
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Autotour
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English, Spanish, French,
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Easy to Moderate
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1-15
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12
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65
Overview
A 12-day trip to Albania will offer you a diverse and enriching experience, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Nestled in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania remains a hidden gem, waiting to be explored. Discover the Albanian capital, Tirana, with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Dive into the Albanian Riviera where crystalline beaches await and discover the ancient city of Butrint and Gjirokastër, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights
- Visit Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the vibrant Blloku district,
- Discover the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera,
- Explore the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World
- Visit Gjirokastër and Berat, both UNESCO-listed
Itinerary
Arrival at “Mother Teresa” airport in Tirana.
Tirana, the capital city of Albania, has undergone significant transformation in recent years, becoming a vibrant and dynamic destination.
You will have the opportunity to explore Skanderbeg Square where stands the equestrian statue of Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbej, the famous warrior of the Albanian resistance to Ottoman occupation in the 15th century. Take a stroll to the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, the National Museum, the Central Bank and the Ministry buildings to learn more about its history and enjoy Tirana's vibrant atmosphere with its many terraces in the Blloku neighborhood.
The city of Shkodër is positioned on the shores of Lake Shkodra and next to the Drini River.
Shkodra is a historic town located in northwest Albania, near the border with Montenegro. It is considered one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, with a history dating back to Illyrian times. One of the town's main highlight is Rozafa Castle, which stands on a rocky hill. It is considered one of the largest castles in the Balkans. In addition to the fortification system, other attractions include the Church of St. Stephen, later converted into a mosque, the captain's office, the prison, the Saranjas and the secret exits.
Kruja is a historic town located in central Albania, known for its medieval castle, traditional market and museum dedicated to the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg.
Spend a day discovering the history of one of the oldest towns, Kruja, exploring its castle and old bazaar.
In the 15th century, this town was the scene of numerous battles between the Ottomans and the Albanians. The Albanians resisted the Ottomans for 25 years under the command of Skanderbeg, who went on to become the national hero of the Albanians.
A visit to Kruja begins with a stroll around the Kruja Castle and a chance to admire the breathtaking view. The Kruja Castle is one of the oldest monuments of its kind in the country. It best reflects an important part of Albanian history, culture and traditions.
You'll see a copy of Scanderbeg's helmet and sword in the main hall, as well as the flags and rods of the great families of the time who supported the national hero.
Continue on to the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum inside the castle. The Skanderbeg Museum is named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbej. Admire the original wall paintings, wood-carved ceilings and rare furniture.
You'll then explore the old Bazaar market, which is a great place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts (embroidered items, carpets, silverware, copperware, traditional clothing) as well as enjoying a coffee on the terrace.
Before reaching the southern shore of Lake Ohrid at Tushemisht, we will make a stop to visit the town of Elbasan.
Elbasan is a historic city dating back to Roman times, and which experienced strong economic and industrial growth during the 20th century. The city is known for its many historical monuments, including the Elbasan Citadel, which was built in the 15th century and offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Then, we will be heading towards the village of Tushemisht.
Tushemisht is a small village located on the Albanian shore of Lake Ohrid, about 10km south of the town of Pogradec. The village is known for its natural beauty, local culture and traditional cuisine.
Tushemisht offers spectacular views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains. The village is located in a lush green area and is home to many fresh water springs that feed the lake.
The village is also known for its unique culinary traditions. Local dishes include fresh fish from the lake, as well as specialties based on fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs and dairy products.
Today, you will travel to Voskopoja (also known as Moscopole), a small historic village located in the mountains of eastern Albania, about 20 kilometers southeast of Korça. The town is located at an altitude of around 1,200 meters, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Voskopoja in the 18th century quickly became an important cultural and commercial center in the region. The city was known for its production of textiles, carpets, religious icons and other crafts, as well as for its intellectual and artistic activity. Voskopoja was also an important religious center, with many Orthodox churches. You can visit the church located in the center of the village of Saint Nicolas, built in the 18th century.
In the afternoon, we will be heading to Korça, renowned throughout the country for its historical attachment to France and the Francophonie, having hosted a French high school from 1917 to 1939. The National Museum of Medieval Art, the Cemetery of French Soldiers of the First War Mondiale and the Orthodox Cathedral represent the key monuments to discover and visit.
Today, you will be heading towards the Vjosa valley. The Vjosa River is the main attraction of the valley. This river is one of the last wild rivers in Europe and is home to a great diversity of fish and plant species. You can go rafting, kayaking or just relax by the river.
The Vjosa Valley is an ideal destination for nature lovers and for people looking to experience traditional Albanian culture and life. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities and spectacular natural scenery that will delight all visitors.
Gjirokastër is a town is perched on a rocky hillside and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Drinos River valley. It is often nicknamed the "city of stone", as many buildings were constructed of stone and wood in a traditional Ottoman architectural style.
Places to visit in Gjirokastra include Gjirokastra Castle, which was built in the 13th century and now houses a historical museum. The town's bazaar is also a popular attraction, with its narrow cobbled streets, artisan shops and outdoor cafes.
This morning, we will depart to discover one of the most significant archaeological sites in Albania listed by UNESCO in 1992, the ancient Bouthrotum.
The archaeological site includes several interesting historical ruins and monuments, such as the Roman theater, the Temple of Asclepius, the city's walls, the early Christian basilica, the amphitheater, the baptistery and the Roman baths.
The site is also known for its beautiful nature, with forested hills, lakes, rivers and a rich flora and fauna. It is also an important site for birdwatching, with a wide variety of bird species nesting in the area.
It is a must-see site for anyone interested in the history and culture of Albania and the surrounding region.
Today, you will set off towards 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 the fortress of Ali Pasha on the edge of the splendid bay of Palermo, the famous bays of the Riviera like Gjipe, Livadh and Dhërmi, where you can stop to refresh yourself.
Your route continues towards the Llogara National Park.
You are going to explore the museum town of Berat.
It is often nicknamed the "city of a thousand windows" because of its traditional architecture, characterized by white stone houses with many windows overlooking the river and surrounding mountains.
Berat is an ancient city, dating back to Illyrian times, and has been continuously inhabited for over 2,400 years. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 due to its architectural richness and historical importance.
Among the most popular tourist sites in Berat is the Berat Fortress, which is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Inside is the Onufri Museum, which houses a collection of paintings and icons.
Before arriving in Tirana, you can make a stop at Divjakë National Park. A leisurely stroll will allow you to see different species of birds, some of which belong to endangered species such as the pygmy cormorant, the screaming eagle, the Dalmatian pelican (Pelicanus crispus) of which 10% of the population is found in the Karavasta lagoon. .
In the afternoon, you will be taking the road to Tirana.
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.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport
- Transportation to and from!!
- Accommodation in 3* 4* hotels, Charming Hotels
- Breakfast from day 2 to day 11
- A road book
- Rental car
- Reception and assistance
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses