Grand Tour Of Albania

After breakfast, meet your driver and your guide for a challenging morning. You’ll be escorted to the city center along the main boulevard, built in late 1930. From the main boulevard will continue visits at the National History Museum and the National Art Gallery. As we cross Skenderbeg Square, we see one of the early buildings built in Tirane, the Clock Tower. The communist system has left its mark with the great pyramid, just facing the Bell of Peace as two periods standing opposite one another. Once we’re done, you’ll return to your hotel, where hopefully you’ll have a chance to relax. In the late afternoon, you’ll meet your tour leader for a walking tour, passing by the House of Leaves (the old spy house used during the communist regime) and entering the famous “Bllok” where all the comunist leaders lived, now the center of Tirana nightlife. We’ll return to the hotel with your tour leader, or if you want, just hang back, have dinner, and enjoy the Tirana nightlife. Overnight in Tirana.

Durrës is the city that cannot be envisioned without the sea. Mythological evidence shows that Durrës was born of Poseidon’s love. So claims the ancient history of the city establishment, where Corinth fought against Corcyra, where Caesar faced Pompey. First, we will visit the Archaeological Museum, where the exhibition is organized into three wings according to historical periods. The first hall begins with the prehistoric finds in the windows of the city and its surrounding areas. Then comes the Illyrian history of the town archaic, classical periods. The Middle Ages section includes 15 centuries from V to XV and closes with the Turkish period. In the southern part of the Durrës beach is the Kavaja crag, known in Roman times as “Petra”. It was here that the last battle between Julius Caesar and Pompey took place. The most important monument to be visited in Durrës is the Roman amphitheatre, built in the second century A.D. It is the second-largest monument of this type in the Balkans. Take time to savor a delicious and typical fresh seafood lunch. Overnight in Tirana.

Krujë was inhabited by the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Albani. In 1190, Krujë became the capital of the first autonomous Albanian state in the middle ages, the Principality of Arbër. You’ll have the chance to see the old castle of Kruje, where several sieges during the medieval era took place. From Kruje we will head to Lezhe, where we will visit the ruins of a cathedral that was built and rebuilt several times. Legend tell that inside Cathedral resents National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti. After this challenging more than a half day our trip will continue towards a small and unique agro touristic farm, famous for its fresh and delicious food. Here we will have the chance to enjoy and savor different menus, all combined in a tasteful way. In late afternoon will go to hotel and rest. Overnight in Tirane.

This day we will go toward northern Albania. Our journey starts in Tirana, where we will take our van and head to the Komani Lake, an artificial lake, after a 3-hour drive there. At around 9 am, we take our ferry, which goes through a spectacular view of the Drini Valley, to stop in Fierza, and from there, with another van, we will head to Valbona village and transfer to our welcoming guesthouse. A tasteful lunch with traditional dishes of the village. Later we will have the possibility to have a walk around the village to get in touch with the real life of the natives. The dinner is a home-cooked meal prepared at the guesthouse. Overnight in Valbonë.

After a good breakfast as locals say, our day will be a walking tour through the village. Starting with the small lake in the middel of the forest and continuing at the old mill. Will experience a adventurous journey as locals do in the bumpy roads of the village to start a short walk to the waterfall. After this activity a we’ll have a delicious lunch. In your free time you can walk around and have a talk with the locals or enjoy your time. Overnight in Valbonë.

This day we will start the hiking in one of the most representative paths of Albanian Alps, the pass from Valbonë to Theth. We will start early in the morning from Valbona village to go to Gjelaj village where our hike will start. During our trip, we will have the opportunity to refresh ourselves with the cold water of the springs near our path. Descending from Qafe– Valbonë to Thethi village. The path is in the heart of the Alps, near Jezerca and Radohima. Descending will provide an amazing view of the rounding mountains in Theth, a well-known village for the hikers. After 7 hours of walking, a good rest, and then a tasteful dinner in one of the traditional guesthouses there. Overnight in Theth. * For those who want to skip the hiking day from Valbone to Theth, they can easily go to Theth with our van.

This day we will have the chance to explore one of the most exciting villages in northern Albania. An untouched nature full of attractions. Our first visit will be to Grunasi Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Albania. From there will go at Grunasi canyon and from the canyon with a van we will go at stone bathtubs, natural built ones. But we will also see a breathtaking spring called the Blue Eye; Albania has two, and one of them is in Theth, right in the middle of the mountains. After this wonderful passage discovering Thethi we will have the chance to taste again their traditional cuisine. Overnight in Theth.

Visiting Shkoder means to give oneself the privilege to touch the ancient history of Albania. Located in a wide field, about thirty miles from the sea. Shkodër is closely associated with water: the great lake at the southwest; the Drini river that licks at the east; the Kiri river among the mountains; and the Buna river to the south. Our first visit will take place at Rozafa Castle. A legend relates to the castle, it talks about human sacrifice made at the time of its construction. In our plans is the visit at the Marubi Photography Museum, where are preserved a traditional architecture of the houses of nineteenth in Shkodër. Overnight in Shkodër.

After breakfast, our upcoming city is Berat, the city of “one on top of the other windows”. Part of the UNESCO and considered as one of the oldest cities in Europe. Our first stop will be the old neighborhood of Mangalem, where we will see the real living architecture of this city. After being transferred to the hotel and having a rest and lunch, we will have the possibility of going to the castle, an old, big castle. It is built on a rocky hill on the left bank of the river Osum and is accessible only from the south. The center of the castle quarter is rich with many Byzantine churches, most of them unique for the wall paintings, icons, and values they hold. Our next stop will be at the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, which offers a unique experience through different and unique icons. Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast, you’ll experience an amazing boat trip to the most beautiful caves along the Adriatic Sea. In this unique cave, you can soak, and who knows, you might find the hidden treasures of the pirates who lived there. Our boat trip journey will continue to crystal water bays where we can stay and relax. In the late afternoon, I will be back at the hotel. Overnight in Vlorë.

After breakfast, we will drive for half an hour towards Llogara National Park. The surroundings of Llogara Pass have been described by travelers as one of the most dramatic mountain and sea panoramas of the Mediterranean. After a walk, we will relax and have lunch in a restaurant in the middle of the forest in Llogara. Then comes Dhërmi, famous village and beach for its crystal waters. We will visit Dhërmi and have dinner in a restaurant just above the rocks on the sea. Overnight in Dhërmi.

This is one of the most special days; we will visit some of the most unknown and virgin beaches in the Ionian Sea. At Dhërmi Beach, we will get our speedboats and head to Grama Bay, a beautiful beach that is nearly impossible to see from the sea. But not only that, on our way there, we will enter some sea caves and experience beautiful moments. At Grama Bay, you can swim, snorkel, or just rest in the paradise of the Albanian shores. Its history is very enigmatic, connected with Emperor Caesar, Byzantine rulers, and pirates. After this special day, we will rest at the hotel and taste the fresh seafood. Overnight in Dhërmi.

In the morning, after breakfast, it is time for another ride with a speedboat. From Dhërmi we will sail to Gjipe Bay, also known as the Bay of the Gods. On our way, we will stop at the famous Cave of the Pirates; there are no pirates left there, but who knows, maybe their treasures are there. In Gjipe bay we will stay till the late afternoon, where also you can swim, and rock climb or explore its big canyon. Overnight in Dhërmi.

This day our road will be in a beautiful sightseeing, passing through small villages, olive forests and with the fresh air that comes from the sea. In Himara, we will visit the old castle, which has a full view over the sea. During our way we will also visit the castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena at Porto Palermo, an important castle, built to lookout the shoreline. Our destination is Saranda, an ancient city that has always been a port. Located in the blue Ionian bay, sits opposite Corfu. In antiquity Saranda was named Onhezem and was part of a wharf Phoenic. Optionally, during the evening, we could go to the castle or have a walk along the passage and then a traditional dinner near the sea. Overnight in Saranda.

After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Butrint. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992, Butrint is only 18 km away from Saranda and includes such sights as the Askelapius temple, the theater, the stoa, the portals, the baptistery, the Venetian fortress, and more. The ecosystem surrounding the area is a national park, offering you the opportunity to walk in a real Mediterranean “jungle”. Our day has just begun, we’ll start the Mussel Tour, we’ll join the locals as they sail with small boats thorugh the Butrinti lake and show us thier techniques of cultivation of mussels. Then we taste mussels cooked in different ways. Overnight in Saranda.

Just after breakfast we’ll head to Gjirokastra which is part of the world heritage, and is known as the “Stone City”. On our way there, we’ll stop at the “Blue Eye”, a fascinating water source with its beautiful color of dark blue. The city is a very good starting point for a cultural and archaeological tour. In the late afternoon, we’ll walk through the tiny, rocky streets of the city to enjoy a delicious dinner while looking over the city. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

In the morning, after breakfast, our trip takes off. The city began as a fourth-century castle, which is today the greatest castle in the whole country. Inside the fortress is the Museum of Weapons, where weapons from different periods up until the Second World War are displayed. While visiting, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum, located in the house where the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born. Our next stop is the Archeological Park of Antigonea. Overnight in Gjirokastër.

After an early breakfast, we drive to Permet and Korça. This will be a wonderful day through mixed landscapes. Passing through Vjosa Valley and Kelcyra Canyon was a calming and fulfilling experience. Përmet is known for its sweets, called “Gloki” and for flowers. Driving from Përmet will stop at thermal springs. These natural springs are well known for their curative effects. On our way, we can stop for lunch at a biofarm establishment in the lush forests of Leskovik. Arriving in Korça, free time. In the city, you will find many taverns with tasteful traditional cooking such as various types of pie, which perfectly combines with the good music and the traditional drink, raki. Overnight in Korçë.

In the morning, after breakfast, we get started on our busy schedule in this charming city. Apart from the museums and monuments, Korça is the city where the largest carnival in Albania is organized, taking place before Orthodox Easter. Musically, the city is known for the local songs, called “serenata”. The city is known for its typical quarters, composed of low houses and villas, which are paved with cobblestone. We’ll get to know the city through a walking tour, visiting Muesums such as “The National Museum of Medieval Art”, “The Prehistoric Museum”, the house-museum of the famous landscape painter, Vangjush Mio, etc. A must is the famous old bazaar, where you can take time to sit in a cafe, enjoy a coffee, and live life like a Korçar. After this long day, we head back to our hotel. Our farewell dinner will be a remembering one, in traditional tavernas of the city. Overnight in Korçë.

After breakfast, on our way to Tirana, we passed through Pogradec, situated on the southwestern shores of Lake Ohrid, part of the Natural and Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO. It houses the rare fish “Koran,” a kind of trout that is impossible to find in almost any other lake in the world. Transfer to the airport.