We drive to Shkodra the most important city in North Albania, set in a beautiful plateau in front of the largest lake in the Balkans named after the town, and with the Albanian Alps as a backdrop we will visit the castle with spectacular views all around. We will continue to Shkodra Lake and we have lunch Carp baked in the oven Shkodra style. For those not so keen on carp, there are plenty of other choices. Afterwards we continue to Shkodra a town with Italian and Austrian architectural influences
Albania in 10 Days
Introduction
Albania’ cuisine is rich and varied with a notable influence from Ottoman cuisine which has influenced many of the cuisines in the Balkans particularly that of Turkey and Greece which are probably better known than the rest. Albanian cuisine has many similarities to them , however it varies from the dry style of the Turkish and Greek cuisine, due to the fact that it has many dishes in the forms of casseroles. Similar to Greek cuisine it does away with middle eastern strong spices, substituting them with Mediterranean herbs, making the tastes more subtle and European.
Day 1: Tirana
Meet at airport and transfer to Tirana where we take a driven tour of the capital’s major attractions including the colorful buildings and we will visit the National Historic Museum in Tirana offering an in depth introduction to Albanian history from prehistory to present day. Welcome dinner is a traditional affair at one of the traditional restaurants in town, with a rustic setting and a first taste of Albania’s culinary delights. The cuisine of mid-Albania has strong Ottoman influences and therefore meats on charcoal grill, as well as grilled vegetables and yogurt sauces prevail. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 2: Tirana – Shkoder (2 hours driving time)
Day 3: Shkodra – Lezha – Kruja – Durres (3 hours driving time)
After breakfast we depart to Kruja – the centre of Albanian resistance against the Turks under our National Hero Scanderbeg. He kept them from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Protector of Christianity” given by the Pope. We will visit some interesting sites such us the castle with its rich Scanderbeg and Ethnographic museums.. Afterwards we continue to Durres for an Overnight
Day 4: Durres – Berat (UNESCO) (2 hours driving time)
Drive to Berat – a UNESCO town for its wonderful architecture where houses look as they were built on each other’s backs..Here we visit the inhabited castle where many families still live within its walls, several small churches from the 15th century and the uniquely beautiful St.Mary’s church turned into Onufri museum, in honor of this great Albanian Icon master painter of. After lunch free to explore further this wonderful town. Traditional dinner with Berat specialties’ at Mangalemi and overnight will be at a traditional house in the old quarter turned small hotel. A unique experience.
Day 5: Berat – Ardenica – Apollonia – Vlora (3.5 hours driving time)
After breakfast, depart for Vlora. On the way we stop at the Monastery of Ardenica, supposed to have been built in the middle ages in the 15th century as seen in one of its stones. However the first building belongs to the beginning of XVIII century. Today inside the church you can admire icon paintings of 1743-1745, by Albanian artists such as Konstandin and AthanosZografi, as well as KonstandinShpataraku. The Albanian National Hero Scanderbeg was married at the chapel of this church. Afterwards proceed to the ancient city of Apollonia situated on the famous Via Egnatia – one of the most important cities in Roman times. The Roman Emperor Augustus Octavian studied here. After lunch a visit of the site and continue to Vlora for overnight.
Day 6: Vlora – Albanian Riviera – Butrint (UNESCO)– Saranda (4.5 hours driving time)
After an early breakfast we depart for Saranda. Drive on the spectacular Albanian Riviera looking down at the Ionian Sea. Breathtaking views await us at the Llogara pass – 1000 m above sea level where we stop in a panorami view poin. we proceed visit the ancient city of Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries. It is considered the most important archeological site in Albania and the monuments it unveils in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation, are a live testimony of this. After visits return to Saranda, check in and relax at the hotel. Overnight in Saranda
Day 7: Saranda – SyriiKalter (Blue Eye Spring) – Gjirokastra – Permet (3 hours driving time)
After breakfast drive to Gjirokastra a museum town. On the way a quick visit at the interesting Blue Eye natural spring an amazing spring in the shape of a deep blue eye. Afterwards continue to Gjirokastra a UNESCO World Heritage site for it architechture of stone, and also one of the most acclaimed culinary towns of south Albania. Here we visit the Castle which is used as the venue for the National Festival of Folk Song and Dance and has an Arms Museum with weapons from WWI. After lunch proceed to permet through the spectacular gorge of Kelcyra on the banks of vjosa river. Permet is one fo Albania’s well known regions for its delicious cousine
Overnight in Permet.
Day 8: Permet – Korca (4 hours driving time)
After breakfast drive to Korca one of the most important towns of South East Albania and a well known culinary town. The path takes us through spectacular landscapes with spectacular nature with gorges, mountains and river valleys offering a truly fulfilling experience.. After lunch we visit the Mosque of Mirahori one of the oldest in the country. Overnight in Korca
Day 9: Korca - Pogradec –Tirana (3.5 hours driving time)
After breakfast continue any Korca visits not completed the day before and then drive to Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid, where we will visit the Drilon area where the dictator used to have its fishing villa. Visit at Drilon where the old fishing villa of the dictator is situated. Departure for Elbasan, visit at the castle where a stop for refreshments. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, free to explore until time of transfer to Airport. End of our services
PRICE: 1020 €/Person
50 % discount for childrens
Single supplement = 180 Euro.
(Single rooms will usually be double or twin for single use)
Includes
- Transportation with modern a/c vehicles
- Experienced tour guide.
- Accommodation in 4* hotels
- : Breakfast ,
- All taxes
- All entrance fees
- All taxes
- Insurance
Excludes
- Flight Tickets
- Gratuities/Tip to Driver/Guide
- meals
