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Pearls of Albania Tour in Eight Days (3 UNESCO Sites)

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Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

___

Overview

Number of PersonsPrice / Person
Group 8+1120 €
Group 2-7 pax1400€
Solo Traveler2660 €

This 8-day tour program is designed to offer a combination of best historical UNESCO sites such as Berat, Gjirokastra and Butrint with traditions, local culture and culinary wonders. This tour of Albania takes you through some of the most beautiful national parks. During these eight days, you will be able to visit some medieval splendour cities and spectacular land and seascapes of Albania.

Important information:

* 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. If other participants join this tour, you will be refunded 50% of the single supplement amount (630 Euros) and your room occupancy will still be 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 a 3 stars hotel accommodation.

* Single room occupancy is possible on 45 Euros extra charge per night per person in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.

* Hotel upgrade is possible on extra charge.

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

* 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.

* Private tour is possible on 360 Euros/person extra charge.

* 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 neighbouring countries such as Albania, Kosovo N. Macedonia or Montenegro. 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

  • Shkodra castle (Kalaja e Rozafes)
  • The pedestrian street (Pedonale)
  • The Catholic Cathedral in Shkodra
  • The Great Mosque in Shkodra
  • Qafa e Thores view point
  • Theth National Park
  • Lock in Tower in Theth
  • 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
  • The fortress (Kalaja e Gjirokastres)
  • The old city
  • Zekate or Skenduli preserved house.
  • Medieval bazaar
  • The polyphonic festival stage inside the castle
  • Blue Eye
  • Butrint National Park
  • Himare
  • Llogara National Park
  • Lungomare in Vlore
  • Muradie Neighbourhood
  • Muradie Mosque
  • Independence Monument
  • City center of Durres
  • Pedestrian street in Durres
  • Skanderbeg square in Tirana
  • Bunk’Art in Tirana
  • Toptani Castel in Tirana
  • Blloku neighborhood

Itinerary

Day 1 Tirana – Shkodra
Day 1 Tirana – Shkodra

Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana in the morning. Our main destination for today is Shkodra. The city is situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history of a thousand years of habitation. The oldest wall of the Shkodra castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together in the Adriatic Sea. The city’s architecture is highly influenced by the Venetian style and if you are lucky enough to join the tour of Shkodra in February you might experience the carnival festival. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that most of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra. The city’s favourable geographic position has always been an important trading mark through the centuries, making it possible for different civilisations to encounter. Overnight in Shkoder.

Day 2 Shkodra – Theth National Park – Shkoder
Day 2 Shkodra – Theth National Park – Shkoder

As we drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favourable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps. After arriving in Theth we will visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. Overnight in Shkoder.

Day 3 Shkoder – Berat
Day 3 Shkoder – Berat

Our next destination after breakfast 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. We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood. Overnight in Berat.

Day 4 Berat – Gjirokastra
Day 4 Berat – Gjirokastra

Today we will drive towards Gjirokastra, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage 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. We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic. Overnight in Gjirokastra

Day 5 Gjirokastra – Blue Eye – Butrint – Ksamil - Albanian Riviera
Day 5 Gjirokastra – Blue Eye – Butrint – Ksamil - Albanian Riviera

From Gjirokastra, we will move towards Butrint, but not before making a stop at the natural wonder of the Blue Eye, a source of fresh water surrounded by evergreen trees. The source comes from "Mali i Gjere" and reaches a depth that has not yet been discovered, so far divers have gone deep to 50 meters. The water temperature does not go above 10 degrees. The Blue Eye looks like it come straight out of fairy tale but you can actually visit it. You will not be able to keep your eyes off the mesmerizing crystal-clear blue water.
Ksmail will be our 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. Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, 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. Overnight near the Albanian Riviera

Day 6 Albanian Riviera – Himare – Dhermi Llogara National Park - Vlore
Day 6 Albanian Riviera – Himare – Dhermi  Llogara National Park - Vlore

While driving along the Albanian Riviera, we will pass some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Llamani, Dhermi and Palasa. Along the way we 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.
Himara will be our first destination for this day. The town is located next to imposing mountain peaks covered in deep green forests, crystal-clear seas fringed by long white beaches and sparkling springs. You can enjoy a walk by the seaside, fantastically tasty food combining local cuisine and some influence by neighboring Greece. The promenade by the sea side gives you the opportunity to try fresh fruit juice and even shop handmade souvenirs.
Our next destination will be Dhermi, one of the most famous beaches in Albania. Known for its hidden coves, pebble beaches and crystal-clear water inviting you to dive in. You will have some free time to absorb and store all the sunshine. Overnight near Vlore.

Day 7 Vlora – Durres – Tirana
Day 7 Vlora – Durres – Tirana

Our first stop will be “Lungomare” a promenade by the seaside, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Among all the activities to do in Vlora you cannot miss the joys of walking along the seafront of the city. You will have some free time to enjoy the sun surrounded by emerald seas, while on the other side of the street you can have a coffee with a fantastic view of Sazani Island and Karaburun Peninsula.
Before heading to Tirana, we will explore the city of Vlora, known for its balmy year-round temperatures and very little rainfall, making it a popular destination. Vlora was founded in the 6th century BC under the name of Aulona. The city is known as the ‘’City of the Flag’’; the independence of Albania was declared here on the 28th of November 1912. We will visit the Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument. We will then have a walk in Muradie Neighborhood, visit Vlore’s main mosque an Albanian National Monument built in 1537. The Muradie mosque is a stunning Ottoman building which has been well preserved for almost half a millennium.
We will drive towards Durres, where, we will pass by the amphitheater, the Roman ruins and the Venetian Tower. We will continue our 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. We will drive towards Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 8 Day tour of Tirana
Day 8 Day tour of Tirana

Today we will discover Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion, and enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures.
Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the opportunity to try Byrek and have breakfast like a local. The famous traditional Albanian food is dough with all kinds of filling such as cheese, meat or spinach. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, founded by the Albanian Çam community, who originally came from an area called Çameria in today’s North-Western Greece. Here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price. With your local companion by your side, you’ll skip past the tourist traps and discover the city’s culinary highlights in some of our favorite local neighborhoods, where you'll have the opportunity to savor a traditional dessert at an authentic pastry. We will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana, where dozens of street hawkers sell fresh vegetables and fruits. After walking through the busy streets, we'll introduce you to the country's rich coffee culture. We will join locals at a cozy café and taste traditional "Albanian coffee". The tour will continue through the charming neighborhoods of Tirana; observe the daily lives of the city's residents, admire colorful buildings, and get a feel for the authentic atmosphere. We will visit the so-called Bicycle bazaar, where you can find everything, from second hand clothes to second hand furniture. The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will try the traditional Albanian lunch – "Qofte" (meatballs) grilled to perfection and paired with freshly baked bread. Vegetarians can enjoy freshly baked bread with Albanian Gjize (cottage cheese).
To wash it all down, we will also taste some Albanian Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix!
Our last stop will be BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war. The bunker was hidden to the general public until 2014, when the Albanian government decided to initiate an interesting project that converted the nuclear bunker into a museum. BUNKART is video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime. This marks the end of this remarkable adventure through history and culture.

Included/Excluded

  • BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnights in 3 stars hotel
  • Private transport provided by the company
  • Professional tour leader
  • Hotel pick up in Tirana
  • Hotel drop off in Tirana
  • Entry tickets for the ‘’will be visited’’ sites
  • Tourist taxes
  • Road taxes
  • Petrol
  • Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks
  • Souvenirs
  • Personal spending
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the included
  • * Tips are not a must in Albania or the Balkans, however, our recommendation is to tip the tour leader/driver as an international practice to tip good service.

Epic journeys

BB for all overnights
Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
Local Transport
Personal Tour Guide
Road taxes
Tourists taxes

Tour's Location

20%
from 1,120.00€ 896.00€

Inquiry

Organized by

Choose Balkans

Member Since 2020

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://choosebalkans.com/

Phone

+355684400400

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