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Self-Driving Tour of 3 UNESCO Sites: Berat, Gjirokastra & Butrint in 4 Days

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Duration

4 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

___

Overview

This culture and heritage tour of Albania combines the 3 UNESCO sites Berat, Gjirokastra and Butrint with some of the most picturesque sites of Southern Albania. This trip goes deep into the rich history, traditions, local culture and culinary wonders of these destinations. The tour of Albania takes us also through some of the best national parks such as Butrint National Park.

This self-guided tour program is specially designed for travellers who wish to explore Albania independently however in a professionally organized way. By choosing this tour you will save money, time and enjoy the freedom of traveling on your own. Choose Balkans Team will apply its professionalism and knowhow in assisting you prior, during and after the tour. Once you book the tour our team will provide you all the details you need to know for this self-guided tour.

* All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.

* Single Supplement: To guarantee tour departure even for one participant we require a single supplement of 324 Euros. If other participants join this tour, you will be refunded 50% of the single supplement amount and your room occupancy will be still private. We organize small groups up to 8 pax. Please contact us if you are a larger group of participants for a quotation.

* Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in 3 stars hotel accommodation.

* Single room occupancy is possible on 35 Euros extra charge per night per person, in 3 stars hotel accommodation.

* Hotel upgrade is possible on extra charge.

* Private tour is possible on 120 Euros/person extra charge.

* Children Pricing: Age 0 – 1.99 Free of charge; Age 2+ full fare.

* Vehicles are covered with insurance in the entire Albanian territory to the extent 90% of the damage caused. Consequently, in case of damage or theft caused to the vehicle the client will be required to compensate the lessor 10 % for the value of the damage caused. Included in the referral price.

* Full insurance for the car can be offered by our company for 15 Euros per day. It covers theft or all damages caused to the vehicle, apart from any damage caused to the interior or underside of the car, tire and wheel damage, broken or lost keys or contamination of fuel neither in event of deliberate intent. In any case the maximum value the customer has to cover is 500 Euros.

* Choose Balkans reserves the rights to add other participants in and during the tour program. If you are interested in a private tour, please contact us for a quotation.

* Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control.

* On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighboring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs.

* Please note that Choose Balkans needs to receive the net (full) quoted amount. Transaction and payment fees are on the sender (you in this case). We will notify you with a print screen of the amount received at our account as soon as we receive your down payment.

* Please note that Credit/Debit card payments are possible at our office in Tirana and apply a 5% bank commission.

* If you confirm to book this tour or any other service offered by Choose Balkans, via Choose Balkans official channels; email/facebook/whatsapp/phonecall or any other form of communication it means that you have read and agreed to the terms &conditions.  https://choosebalkans.com/terms-conditions-tours/

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • The fortress in Gjirokaster (Kalaja e Gjirokastres)
  • Zekate House or Skenduli House in Gjirokaster
  • The old city of Gjirokaster
  • Medieval bazaar in Gjirokaster
  • Butrint National Park
  • Fortress of Berat
  • Mangalem neighbourhood in Berat
  • Gorica neighbourhood in Berat
  • “Ura e Gorrices” – Gorrica Bridge in Berat
  • The Onufri Museum OR Ethnographic Museum in Berat
  • Xhamia e Beqarit – Bachelor’s Mosque in Berat
  • City center of Durres
  • Pedestrian street in Durres

Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana – Gjirokastra
Day 1 Tirana – Gjirokastra

Depart this UNESCO site journey from Tirana. The main destination for this day is Gjirokastra, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage. The city is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. Visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 2 Gjirokastra – Butrint - Ksamil - Albanian Riviera
Day 2 Gjirokastra  – Butrint -  Ksamil - Albanian Riviera

From Gjirokastra, move towards Butrint, part of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania. It was the first site in Albania that became part of the UNESCO list. The ruins combined with the stunning natural surroundings make it worth a visit.
Ksmail will be your next destination! You will feel like you are exploring some tropical paradise when being on its white sandy beaches with the view of the four islands in-front of the beach. Ksamil is the pearl of the Albanian Riviera and it surely is one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Ksamil is primarily known for its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Albanian Riviera has many pretty beaches; however, this beach gives you that Bora – Bora feeling. Overnight near the Albanian Riviera.

Day 3 Albanian Riviera - Berat
Day 3 Albanian Riviera - Berat

While driving along the Albanian Riviera, you will pass some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Llamani, Dhermi and Palasa. Along the way you will drive through some small villages one by one, clinging to rock faces by the seaside, all tumbledown stone walls and narrow pathways, overhung with vines full of grapes, and trees heavy with figs and walnuts.
Your next destination is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. Continue your tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood. Overnight in Berat.

Day 4 Berat – Durres – Tirana
Day 4 Berat – Durres – Tirana

After breakfast drive towards the ancient town of Durres, where you will pass by the Amphitheatre, the Roman ruins and the Venetian Tower. Continue your tour towards the promenade by the seaside “Vollga”. Have a coffee while enjoining the view of the endless sea and soak up the sunshine. Not to be missed when visiting Durres is the traditional ice cream. Driving back towards Tirana marks the end of this amazing experience through history and adventure.

Included/Excluded

  • BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for 3overnights, in 3 stars hotels
  • All needed contacts for reservations about this tour
  • All needed instructions
  • Coordination about this tour
  • Choose Balkans Assistance throughout the tour
  • Choose Balkans professional recommendations on sites, restaurants, activities etc.
  • Contacts for required activities
  • Private vehicle for self-driving provided by the company
  • Tourist taxes
  • Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks
  • Tour guide
  • Petrol (same to same)
  • Entry Tickets
  • Souvenirs
  • Personal spending
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the included

Epic journeys

BB for all overnights
Choose Balkans Assistance
Tourists taxes

Tour's Location

from 360.00€

Inquiry

Organized by

Choose Balkans

Member Since 2020

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://choosebalkans.com

Phone

+355684400400

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