Five-Day Tour to North Albania

Airport-Durres-Kruje-Shkoder-Theth-Lezhe-Tirane-Airport

Day One

Airport-Durres. Arrival at Tirana Airport. Meet and greet at the airport, Ride on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to Durres. Check in and hotel accommodation. Pending on flight schedules and arrival time in Durres, the site visit plan in Durres will be adjusted on arrival day. The coastal city of Durres was first known in 627 BC by the name of Epidamnus and later on as Dyrracium. It is now the second biggest city to Tirana. The tour proceeds to the Archeological Museum, visit of the Fortress, with a prominent Venetian Tower dating back from the 4th and 5th Century BC; the Amphitheatre (one of the biggest in the Balkan Peninsula and most exquisite monuments that has survived from the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century A.C during the Roman period. According to the records, the amphitheatre was very big and could sit 15.000 spectators). Dinner, overnight at the hotel in Durres.

Day Two

Durres–Kruje–Shkoder. After breakfast, the group departs by bus to the ancient city of Kruje. The City of Kruje is built on a mountainside, at 1200m above sea level. It is the famous birthplace of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, a XV century Albanian leader who resisted the Ottoman Empire for 25 years. Visit to the Old Bazaar with its famous shops full of silver filigree jewelry, authentic folk costumes, woven rugs, and traditional felt hats. Visit to the Kruje Castle, a city highlight. This fortress dates back to the Century V-VI. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, built within the Castle premises, in honor of the Albanian National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Lunch at a local characteristic traditional restaurant. Depart for the antique city of Shkoder. Founded in the 4th Century BC, capital of the Illyrian state of the Ardian Tribe. In the evening, the group takes a walking tour of the city center, a historical area. Visit of the Hamam, the Big Church, the Lead Mosque, the photography museum Marubi. Overnight at the Hotel in Shkoder.

Day Three

Shkoder–Theth. Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the Rozafa Castle and its museum to learn about the history of the city and the legend of Rozafa, the woman sacrificed and buried alive at the foundation of the castle. The castle was built in the 12th Century AC. Departure on an excursion to the Natural Park of Theth. The group will visit the surroundings of Theth, one of the most famous villages of northern Albania for its stunning nature and the traditional houses. The group will walk downhill from the house, and visit the attractions near by the village, including the Church, a tower house used in the past by men as a shelter against ongoing blood feud, the Theth Waterfall, and the Canyon of Grunas. The tour will proceed with a visit to the Cyclopean stone walled terraces dating from the late bronze era, discovered in 2007! Outdoor lunch will constitute of fresh bio dairy produce cooked in the traditional way of the local villagers. Return to Shkoder in the afternoon. Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel in Shkoder.

Day Four

Shkoder-Lezhe-Tirane. After breakfast at the hotel, the tour continues to the city of Lezhe, known since the Century IV BC as Lissus. Visit to the Scanderbeg Memorial in the Saint Nicolas cathedral is followed by a site visit of Lezha Fortress, a monument that testifies to the Illyrian civilization. Depart Lezha for Tirane. Arrive in Tirana before lunch time. We take the cable car (built by the Austrians, European Masters in the business) to Dajti Mountain, 1200m above sea level. Lunch at one of the most panoramic restaurants in Dajti, offers a wonderful view, as far as the Adriatic Sea on a clear day, “Panorama” Restaurant looks like a big balcony over the capital of Albania. Upon return to the city in the evening, a visit to the former Communist Residential area, with modern bars, restaurants and pubs where the populated by different age groups, especially Albanian youth. Dinner at a luxurious restaurant with live music. Overnight at the Hotel in Tirana.

Day Five

Tirana-Airport. After breakfast at the hotel, a visit of downtown Tirana before departure for the airport. It starts with a visit at the National History Museum followed by a stop at the Mosque of Et`hem Bey built in 1830. A walk in the main boulevard provides a close sight of the City Hall and a number of Governmental buildings, on both sides. You cannot miss the National Gallery of Arts along this walk. Bus transportation to the airport.

Prices in Euro per person.

Hotel 3* HB in twin / double room

• In a minimum of 6 participants is 380 €.

• In a minimum of 10 participants is 370 €.

• In a minimum of 20 participants is 360 €.

• In a minimum of 30 participants is 345 €.

• Best Time: April, May, June, September and October.

• Good Time: March, November

• Smaller groups and individuals are welcome with price available upon request

Includes:

• Transfers and transportation with AC coach

• Guide in German, English, French, Italian or Span speaking