Five-Day Tour in South Albania

Airport–Durres–Vlora–Saranda–Butrint–Gjirokaster–Tirana–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. Dinner, Overnight in Durres.

Day Two

Durres–Vlore. After breakfast, the tour program starts with the Durres historical sites, the second largest city to Tirana and the most important seaport in the country. 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. Site visit (pending on arrival time) and relaxing walk on the sea shore. Dinner at a restaurant on the seaside.

Day Three

Vlore–Sarande–Butrint. After breakfast, the group takes a trip round 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, The trip to Saranda proceeds along the Albanian Riviera, with brethataking views of the beach, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions in Albania. Photo stops. Lunch in Sarande. In the afternoon, the bus takes the group to 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. Dinner in Ksamil, at a Restaurant on the seaside offering fresh sea food. Return to the Hotel in Sarande. 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. Overnight in Saranda.

Day Four

Saranda–Gjirokastra–Tirana. After breakfast we depart for Gjirokaster, on the way you will visit the Blue Eye and learn about the legend of this amazing source and the Mesopotamian Monastery and then continue to Gjirokaster, part of UNESCO World Heritage Fund. The Gjirokaster dwelling houses have medieval-tower-shape, consisting of a building ensemble with period architecture. Visit to the Castle and the Weapons Museum. Lunch at a traditional restaurant for a traditional meal. Return to Tirana. Dinner at the Hotel.More about Gjirokaster

Day Five

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.

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