Introduction

This is a tour aimed at archaeology enthusiasts focusing mainly in ancient remains and sites which are plentiful all over Albania. This tour explores the remains of these civilizations as well as that of the Illyrians widely accepted as predecessors of present day Albanians and we will proudly share with you some of their history and monuments. Although this tour has a significant archaeological theme throughout, it does not neglect UNESCO World Heritage towns, Berat and Gjirokastra.

After breakfast we drive to Shkodra the most important town of north Albania and one of the oldest in the country. It is thought to have been founded around 4th century B.C. and it was the centre of the Illyrian Tribe of Labeat. In the 3rd century B.C. it became the capital of the best known Illyrian Kingdom under Pleurat and Agron, who were two of the noteworthy kings who strengthened the Kingdom. Teuta, the Queen after the death of Agron fought and lost the Illyrio-Roman Wars during 221-219 B.C. succumbing to Roman rule, while her successor King Gent, re-ignited the anti-roman campaigns but finally was defeated at Shkodra in 168 B.C. We will visit the Rozafa Castle thought to have been rebuilt during Venetian rule in the 14th century over the previous foundations of the Illyrian castle, which served all the above mentioned Kings. Spectacular views all around can be enjoyed from the castle where you will feel the supremacy the Illyrians would have had over their enemies standing in such an imposing castle. We will also visit the Archaeological Museum situated in a traditional house of Ottoman architecture, where pavilions are small but very interesting and show the importance of this town back in time, which minted its own money. Afterwards we take a short walk in town through the nicely restored pedestrian area of Italian architectural influences and have lunch in a very characteristic restaurant. (optional) Afterwards depart for Kruja, the capital of Albania during the resistance against the Turks under Scanderbeg, who is our national hero and was a great leader that defeated the Turks in 25 battles. After visits of the Scanderbeg Museum and the Old Bazaar, we make our way just down below Kruja, to Zgërdhesh. Here is the ancient site of Albanopolis thought to have been the centre of the Illyrian tribe of Albani from which the country took its name hence becoming Albania. Only a 90 meter long fragment of the imposing wall survived, and can be seen at the lower part of the hill. There are also remains of three rectangular Illyrian watchtowers, which are thought to have been built in the 4C BC: after the visits return to Tirana for overnight.

On the way to Gjirokastra, we stop  in the ancient city of Apollonia 

Proceed to Gjirokastra, a museum town built entirely of stone, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for this distinct architecture. Visit Ethnographic Museum, which is also the house the Albanian ex-dictator was born in and the town. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

After breakfast we depart for Vlora following the so called Albanian Riviera. We stop at some characteristic towns on the coast and make a stop at the fort of Ali Pasha at Porto Palermo. We are met by breathtaking scenery at the gorge of Llogara 1000 m above sea level. Very close by is Caesar’s Pass (Qafa e Cezarit) named after Julius Caesar who set foot in the area in pursuit of Pompey After.. A large fort was built with two gates and two defensive towers in the north. Afterwards we visit the original house where the independence document was signed in 1912 turned into “Independence Museum”. The house was the first seed of an Independent Albanian Government. At leisure for the late afternoon and evening in Vlora where we overnight.