Six-Day Tour in South Albania

Airport-Tirane-Durres-Apollonia-Vlore-Sarande-Butrint-Gjirokastra-Tirane.

Day One

Airport-Tirane. Takimi me grupin at “Mother Teresa" airport and Transfer to Tirana in Hotel. Pending on the arrival time, it starts with a half-day city tour of the capital: the National History Museum followed by a stop at the Mosque of Et`hem Bey built in 1830. The Opera House (National Theater of Opera and Ballet) looks over the Scanderbeg Square. 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.

Day Two

Durres-Apollonia-Vlore. After breakfast, early morning departure for Durres, a 35 km ride. The second to Tirana largest city of Albania and the most important seaport, the City of Durres (Dyrracium) enjoyed the status of “a free city” in the times of Julius Caesar. Visit of the Fortress, with a prominent Venetian Tower; 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); the Archaeological Museum, located near the sea, is rich in objects found during archeological excavations in Durres.

The tour is transferred to Apolonia, located 12km South of Fier, near the Village of Pojan. Apolonia was around 588 B.C. Tourists frequently visit its numerous objects, the Marvelous Façade of Bouleterion, the Theatre, the Odeon, Nympheum (monumental fountain), Stoa, canals structure, gymnasium etc, to mention some of them. There are many mosaics in the ancient city of Apolonia. The Monastery of Saint Mary, can also be visited within the premises of the complex of Apolonia, located the Museum of Apolonia. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to Vlore. Early evening the group arrives at the Hotel. Check in. Walk on the sea shore. Dinner at a restaurant on the seaside.

Day Three

Vlore-Sarande. After breakfast, the group starts visit of Vlore, Vlore is one of the major cities of the country, an important seaport, and tourist site. Visit to the Historical Museum of Independence, hosted in the building where the independence of Albania was declared in November 28, 1912. A monument, commemorating this historic event, is set up at the Flag Square. Return trip to Tirane, Lunch on the way to Sarande on the coastal road, with photo stops. Arrival in Sarande in the evening, accommodation and dinner at Hotel. Relaxing walk on the side walk on the sea shore.

Day Four

Sarande-Butrint-Sarande. After breakfast at hotel, the bus will drive you to the Antique City of Butrint, part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Fund, founded in the Century VIII, BC. In Butrint, you will visit: Acropolis Century VIII, AC, the Sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, God of Healing Century IV, BC. Visit continues to the Lake Gate Century IV, AC, the Roman Theatre Century III, AC., Agoraja, the City Centre and the Trade Centre. The Gymnasium of the city was a holy place, The Grand Basilica Century IV, AC., a civil Roman house, a fountain dating from Century II, the Venetian Castle and the Tower of Century XIV - XVI AC. Lunch in Ksamil, at a Restaurant on the seaside offering fresh sea food. Return to the Hotel. In the evening, visit to Lekursi Castle, drinks at the bar built over the ruins of the old castle, with an amazing view of Saranda and Corfu. More about Butrinti

Day Five

Saranda-Gjirokastra-Tirana. After breakfast we depart for Gjirokaster. Known with the old name of Argyrokastra. On the way you will visit the Blue Eye and learn about the legend of this amazing source and the Mesopotamian Monastery. In Gjirokaster, part of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage, the dwelling houses have the form of medieval towers constituting a building ensemble with a characteristic architecture. Visit to the Castle and the Museum of Weapons. Lunch at a local restaurant in Gjirokaster and taste the traditional cuisine (optional). Return to Tirana. Dinner. Overnight at Hotel in Tirana.

Day Six

Tirana - Airport. After breakfast at the Hotel, until time to leave Tirana for the airport (pending on flight schedule) visit to important historic sites: ride on the main streets and boulevard, visit to the National Historic Museum, the Mosque of Et’hem Beu, Clock Tower, Archeological Museum, the Bridge of Tabake, etc. Transfer to Mother Teresa Airport.More about Tirana

Prices in Euro per person.

Hotel 3* HB in twin / double room

• In a minimum of 6 participants is 455 €. Single supplement 90 €.

• In a minimum of 10 participants is 445 €.

• In a minimum of 20 participants is 435 €.

• In a minimum of 30 participants is 420 €.

• 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