Albania: 8 Days of History, Nature, and Traditions
Your Journey
Italy - Tirana
Arrival at Tirana International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Free time, dinner included.
Tirana – Kruja – Shkodra – Tirana
After breakfast, we'll depart for Kruja, where we'll visit the city and its fortress, which houses a museum dedicated to George Kastrioti Scanderbeg, the founding father of Albanian national sentiment. This visit will not only offer an overview of European resistance against Ottoman expansionism and the origins of Albanian national sentiment, but will also allow us to experience the living legacy of the Albanian community around the world. We'll continue to Shkodra, the main city in northern Albania. We'll begin with a stroll through the recently renovated pedestrian area, where elements of Italian and Austrian architecture intertwine, testifying to the city's historical ties with these two countries. Next, we'll visit the Marubi Photographic Museum, which houses a selection of photographs dating from the second half of the 19th century to 1900. Return to Tirana. Dinner included.
Tirana – Ardenica – Apollonia – Zvernec – Vlora
On the way to Vlora, we'll stop at the Ardenica Monastery, whose construction dates back to the Middle Ages, as indicated by the stone at the entrance dating back to 1417. It is said that Skanderbeg was married in the small chapel of Ardenica. We'll continue to Apollonia, located along the historic Via Egnatia, one of the most significant cities of Ancient Rome. Julius Caesar sent his nephew, Augustus Octavian, to this place to study oratory, a testament to the city's importance. In the afternoon, we'll head to Vlora, stopping to visit the Zvernec Monastery, located in the center of the island and completely surrounded by evergreens. This Byzantine monastery, built in the 13th/14th centuries and dedicated to Saint Mary, is one of the best preserved in Albania and remains an important religious center for the inhabitants of the Vlora district. After the visit, we'll arrive in Vlora and check into our hotel. Dinner included.
Vlora – Albanian Riviera – Porto Palermo – Butrint – Saranda
In the morning, we'll visit Vlora, where we'll explore the Independence Museum, located in the house that housed the offices of the first independent Albanian government and from which independence was proclaimed. Next, we'll head to Saranda, traveling along the spectacular Albanian Riviera and admiring the Ionian Sea stretching out below us. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of Llogara National Park, located over 1,200 meters above sea level. We'll continue to Saranda with a brief stop at Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo, a fortress strategically positioned to control maritime trade routes. Our day will continue with a visit to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Albania. After the visit, we'll return to Saranda. Dinner included.
Saranda – Blue Eye – Gjirokastra
After breakfast, we'll set off to visit the Blue Eye, a light walk of about 4 km round trip. In the afternoon, we'll head to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. This museum-city is known for its distinctive historical architecture. We'll visit the medieval castle, which houses the National Museum of Weapons, which houses weapons used in Albania since ancient times, as well as war materials from World Wars I and II. The castle also served as a political prison during the communist dictatorship. Next, we'll visit the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the birthplace of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, and then Skenduli House, one of Gjirokastër's most famous Ottoman houses. At the end of the day, we'll return to the hotel for check-in. Dinner included.
Gjirokastër - Berat
After breakfast, we'll set off to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Berat, also known as the "city of a thousand windows." This museum-city is recognized for its extraordinary historical and architectural value. Berat Castle once housed 40 churches, but today only seven remain, including one that has been transformed into the Onufri Museum. Onufri, a 16th-century Albanian painter, is known for his sacred icons and for decorating numerous Orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. We'll have the opportunity to taste some local specialties in a traditional house located within the walls of Berat Castle. We'll savor the renowned Raki, Gliko, and Turkish coffee, following our grandmothers' traditions. Return to the hotel. Dinner included.
Berat – Durres – Tirana
After breakfast, we'll depart for Durrës, one of Albania's oldest cities, founded in 627 BC. We'll visit the amphitheater located in the center of the modern city. In the afternoon, we'll move to Tirana, where we'll have the opportunity to explore Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, and more. We'll also visit Bunkart 2, Enver Hoxha's hidden bunker, Tirana's most famous tourist attraction. Dinner included.
Tirana – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight. Albania: 8 Days of History, Nature, and Traditions