Highlights of Albania

Trip Overview:

Still emerging from isolation Albania’s wealth of historic sites, charming rural villages and the colourful capital, Tirana, are all waiting to be discovered. Along the way explore the Adriatic Coast, the White Mountains and peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid.

Duration: 11 days

Trip Highlights:

• Explore historic sites in Albania

• Discover charming rural villages

• Experience the vibrant capital, Tirana

• Enjoy the Adriatic Coast and White Mountains

• Relax on the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid

Why We Love This Trip:

• Explore Butrint, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans

• Discover Llogara National Park, one of the most unspoiled places in the Adriatic

• Stroll along the cobbled streets of UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster and visit its hilltop castle

Included Meals:

• Breakfast: 10

• Lunch: 2

Trip Staff:

• Explore Tour Leader

• Driver(s)

Transport:

• Bus

Accommodation:

• 10 nights in comfortable hotels

Trip Pace:

• Full on

Group Size:

• Trip maximum: 16

• Explore average: 11

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Join trip in Tirana Arrive in Tirana, Albania’s colourful capital. Welcome meeting in the evening. Opportunity to explore the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Tafaj (or similar)

Day 2 – Cable car up Mount Dajti and walking tour of Tirana Visit Bunk Art 1 and take the Dajti Express cable car. Lunch at Pellumbus Guesthouse. Walking tour of Tirana.

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Tafaj (or similar)

Day 3 – See Elbasan Fortress and drive to Lake Ohrid Visit Bektashi World Centre and Elbasan Fortress. Drive to Lake Ohrid via Lin and Pogradec.

Accommodation: Enkelana Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 – Drive to Korca via the medieval town of Voskopoja Explore Voskopoja and Korca. City tour of Korca including Resurrection Cathedral. Evening option to try ‘Baked Raki’.

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Palace (or similar)

Day 5 – Scenic drive to Gjirokaster with a stop at the thermal baths in Benja Drive to Gjirokaster via Barmash Pass and Benja. Visit thermal baths in Benja. Arrive in Gjirokaster.

Accommodation: Hotel Cajupi (or similar)

Day 6 – Visit Gjirokaster and enjoy lunch with a family in Dhkosat Explore Gjirokaster including The Ethnographical Museum. Lunch with a family in Dhkosat village. Visit Gjirokastra Castle.

Accommodation: Hotel Cajupi (or similar)

Day 7 – Explore Butrint, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans Drive to Saranda via The Blue Eye. Visit UNESCO listed Butrint. Overnight in Saranda.

Accommodation: Hotel Iliria (or similar)

Day 8 – Visit Ali Pasha’s Fortress; stay in Llogora National Park Scenic coastal drive to Llogora National Park. Visit Ali Pasha Fortress and Himara Beach. Optional hike in Llogora National Park.

Accommodation: Hotel Alpin (or similar)

Day 9 – Visit ancient Apollonia and Vlora en route to Berat Visit Vlora and Apollonia. Arrive in Berat.

Accommodation: Hotel Mangalemi (or similar)

Day 10 – Walking tour of Berat and Durresi Walking tour of Berat including the fortress and Red Mosque. Visit Durresi including the Roman Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Panorama (or similar)

Day 11 – Trip ends in Kruja Breakfast at hotel. Free time to explore Kruja. Departure from Tirana International Airport (TIA).

Meals Provided: Breakfast