experience albania

Price From

1985€

Category

Experiences, Cultural Discovery

Destinations

Berat, Gjirokastër, Coast

Duration

11 Days

Group Size

5 – 10

Trip Code

EXP01

Why join this tour?

  • Enjoy a guided tour of the colourful capital Tirana
  • Visit the handicrafts market in Krujë and watch how the traditional costumes are made
  • Immerse yourself into the wonders of medieval Albanian art
  • Walk along the alleys of the traditional market in Korça and enjoy the special atmosphere
  • Discover Gjirokastër and Berat – UNESCO World Heritage
  • Engage in a unique local life experience: coffee prepared in a stone
  • Enjoy the scenic drive along the Vjosa River Valley – one of the last still wild rivers in Europe
  • Bathe in the natural thermal baths of Bënja
  • Undertake culinary discoveries during your entire journey
  • Meet the locals and be their guest
  • Admire the archaeological ruins of Butrint – UNESCO World Heritage
  • Enjoy a mussel tour in Sarandë
  • Enjoy the scenic drive along the Ionian Coast and the visit of traditional villages
  • Undertake a journey into communist past of Albania by visiting the Bunk’Art museum

The right tour for you?

  • We take care of the luggage transportation between the accommodations. We recommend you to pack smart as you will be required to carry your own luggage from the vehicle to your accommodation.
  • Some of the places you will visit may be hilly with cobblestone streets that become slippery if wet. Be careful and pack light.
  • Summer temperatures can be high. It is essential to use sun protection. Wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water.
  • On days 4 and 9 there is a fair amount of driving involved. We have planned them well, with many stops along the way, the vehicles are modern and air-conditioned. Please make sure you are comfortable spending up to 4 hours in the vehicle.
  • Most of the meals are organized from us and included in the price. Each of them represents a unique culinary experience. The guides will give you recommendations for the free meals.
  • The beaches along the Ionian coast are sometimes rocky and sometimes gravel beaches and bathing shoes are recommended.
  • We are strongly committed towards responsible and sustainable travel. We please you to follow our guidelines regarding sustainability.
Day 1: Arriving to Tirana

Welcome to Tirana. Your hotel is located in the downtown. There are plenty of attractions, cafes and bars to keep you busy. Founded in 1614, Tirana became the capital of Albania in 1920 and is the main cultural and industrial center of Albania. The city boulevards are marked with fascinating relics of the Ottoman, Italian and communist past.
In the evening, you can have a drink at one of the numerous cafes or trendy bars of the “Blloku” district. The most animated quarter of the city lies at the place where before the democratic changes it was not allowed for the public to enter as it was inhabited only by the higher leadership.
The price includes:
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 2: The traditional city of Kruja

The day starts with the journey towards Kruja. The city lies on a mountain 600m above sea level and has a very ancient history. It was the capital of Albanopolis inhabited by the Illyrian tribes of Albans, was the capital of the principality of Arber, is the city where the history of Skanderbeg began. The city is rich in monuments of culture and ethnography.
The castle of Kruja is situated on a hill and the views from there are magnificent. The construction of the castle dates back to the VI – VII century. It was rebuilt by the Byzantines and later on by the Ottomans.
During the tour, we will visit a local handicraft workshop, where you can watch the traditional way of wool processing and the production of different parts of traditional Albanian costumes.
Lunch in Kruja will be another experience, as we will enjoy traditional dishes in a special restaurant inside the castle.
In the afternoon the journey continues back to Tirana, where a guided tour of the city and its main attractions is planned. Accommodation in Tirana.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 3: Cultural discovery of Korça

Today’s trip begins driving east in the direction of the Ohrid Lake up to Pogradec. After a coffee break at one of the bars along the Ohrid Lake promenade, the journey continues towards Korça.
Situated on the side of the Morava Mountain, 896 meters above the sea level, Korça is the largest city in the South-Eastern part of Albania. It is built on an Illyrian settlement. In the 15th century the city developed as an artisan and trading center and in the second half of the 19th century it became one of the biggest economic, commercial and cultural centers of the country.
We will visit the Cathedral of “Christ Resurrection”. Constructed in 1992, the modern Albanian Orthodox cathedral is the largest in Albania and the second largest in the Balkans.
Lunch is planned in a local restaurant in Korça, where homemade traditionally cooked dishes are served.
After lunch follows the visit of the National Museum of Medieval Art. It is one of the most important museums with about 7500 objects, of which 6000 are icons dating from the 13th – 14th Century, while other 5th – 6th century objects are made of stone, wood, textile, silver and metal.
Then we will have a guided walk through the traditional market. It used to be a trading market not only for domestic goods but also for imported items originally from Turkey, Greece, Trieste and Venice. The market has been burned three times and reconstructed each time and it continues to function. Accommodation is provided in Korçë.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Korçë
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 4: The city of flowers – Përmet and the natural thermal baths of Bënjë

After breakfast starts the drive towards Përmet. We will have a short coffee break in Leskovik. There is planned a short stroll through the old neighborhood with stone houses and cobblestone streets, surrounded by the magnificent views of the Melesin Mountain and Pindus Mountain range in horizon.
After lunch at a local fish restaurant overlooking the Vjosa river, transfer to the place called Bënjë. There, 6 beautiful natural pools of thermal waters are to be found along the river. The Langarica River forms a splendid canyon and the Ottoman Bridge of Katiu is the frame of this beautiful place. For the afternoon a walk along the canyon is planned, during which you can visit all the different pools of the area.
For dinner we will visit a traditional house in the old neighborhood of Përmet. There, you will be served many traditional dishes, and enjoy them in a special atmosphere.
Accommodation is provided in Përmet.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Përmet
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 5: Guided visit of the city of Gjirokastra – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Local life experience in Gjirokastra

The day starts with the transfer to Gjirokastra. There, will get to experience another century – old tradition, the preparation of coffee on a rock. You will be part of the entire process: roasting in an oak wood fire, pressing on a carved limestone rock, boiling on the fire in a copper pot and serving with a spoonful of jam and a glass of Raki.
Then follows the visit of Gjirokastra. It is an outstanding example of an Ottoman merchant town and one of the few still surviving in the Balkans. We will visit the castle and the weapons Museum which lies inside it. Then follows a visit of a very special museum house which is a well-preserved representative of the past urban life of the region. Accommodation in Gjirokastër.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Gjirokastër
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 6: Local life experiences in the surroundings of Gjirokastra

The day starts with the transfer from your hotel to the village called Labova of the Cross. We will visit the church, which is known as one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the entire Balkans. It has an interesting architecture, decoration and an extraordinary story. Until the end of 80s, inside the church was preserved a silver cross that was believed to contain a piece of the Holy Cross where Jesus Christ was crucified. Such very rare relic in the Byzantine world gave the village its name.
Then we will drive to a small farmhouse in Libohova, where lunch is planned. You will taste different traditional dishes of the region. It is well known for the rich culinary tradition, which is very well preserved and transmitted through generations.
Accommodation in Gjirokastër.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Gjirokastër
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 7: Mussel tour in Saranda and Butrint - UNESCO World Heritage

After breakfast starts the journey towards Saranda.
Saranda and Ksamil are well known as some of the most important producers of mussels in the entire region. The mussel tour starts from the Butrint Lake, where we will board the boat to travel directly to the mussel beds and learn about their cultivation. Then, we will taste two kinds of mussel dishes served with locally produced white wine in an idyllic setting.
In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Butrint, the most important archaeological sites of Albania, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint is known since the 7th century BC as the most important city of Epirus. Its building is linked to the presence of the Trojan prince Aeneas. After the visit we will return to Saranda. Accommodation in Sarandë
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Sarandë
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 8: Scenic drive along the Ionian coast

The day starts with the scenic drive along the Ionian Coast. It is famous for its small bays, pebbly beaches and crystal-clear waters. Since ancient times, the Albanian Ionian Coast has seen different cultural influences come and go, leaving behind a host of archaeological and historical treasures.
On the way lies the Bay of Porto Palermo. Apart from its natural beauty, it is known as an important military base during the cold war. From the sea, you can see the tunnels where Albanian military submarines were moored. During the communist years, it was forbidden to enter this area without permission. On a peninsula in the middle of the Porto Palermo Bay lie the ruins of the fortress of Ali Pasha, which has a long and very interesting history.
After visiting the fortress, we will continue to Dhërmi, where the accommodation is provided. In the afternoon you will have enough free time to enjoy the sea and sun on your own.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel in Dhërmi
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 9: Visit of Berat – UNESCO World Heritage

Today we will travel towards Berat. It is one of the main attractions of the country, has a 2400-year-old history and is a wonderful combination of eastern and western cultures, costumes, traditions. The city’s life began as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. During feudalism, churches with precious frescos and icons were built inside the castle. Today, the castle is made unique by the fact that people continue to live inside of it. We will visit the castle, walk through the cobblestone alleys of the old city and visit the Onufri museum displaying works of the most important Albanian icon painter with the same name. Accommodation is provided in Berat.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Berat
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 10: Journey to the past communist history of Albania

The day starts with the transfer to Tirana. We will start the tour of the city with the visit of Bunk’Art museum, built inside the nuclear bunker of Enver Hoxha in Tirana. This structure was built between 1972 and 1978, and is designed and set up to accommodate the entire command line of the government in case of a chemical or nuclear attack against the Albanian capital. It contains video installations, sounds, lights, images, objects and digital equipment to recreate a historical journey of emotional content.
Then you will have some free time to enjoy the city on your own or relax at your hotel.
Dinner will be provided in a traditional restaurant in Tirana.
After dinner you can have a drink at one of the numerous cafes or trendy bars of the “Blloku” district. The most animated quarter of the city lies at the place where before the democratic changes it was not allowed for the public to enter as it was inhabited only by the higher leadership.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
• Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant in Tirana
• Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Albania.
The price includes:
• Breakfast
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

Accommodation:

During the entirety of this tour, you will be accommodated in carefully selected hotels.

The accommodation will be provided on a twin-share basis. The hotel rooms all have a private bathroom with a shower/bath and toilet. In rare occasions, the accommodation in hotels will be provided in triple rooms.

In all cases, we pair up solo travelers with other travelers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

 

Solo travelers:

The tour is suitable for solo travelers.

 

Luggage transportation:

We take care of the luggage transportation between the accommodations.

 

Transfers:

All transfers described in the itinerary are included in the price and will be organized by us.

 

Extensions:

If you wish to extend your journey by a few days, we are at your disposal to further organize your tour according to your wishes. All related services and costs are not included in the tour price and as such will be additionally calculated.

If you wish to start or end your tour from/to a different location, we can pick you up or drop you off against additional charge, enabling your participation in the travel.

 

Sustainability:

We are strongly committed towards responsible and sustainable travel.

We please our guests to follow our guidelines regarding sustainability:

• Respect the local people, their culture and environment.
• Support locally owned businesses, restaurants and other services: Eat local food and drink local brands and brews.
• Shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products. Favor local products over imported items. This helps in keeping traditional crafts alive. Even a small amount could be extremely important to local producers.
• Always ask first before photographing or videoing people. Send them back copies of photos to help make it a two-way exchange.
• We strongly recommend bringing reusable water bottles. In places where tap water is potable, this eliminates the usage of single-use plastic bottles entirely.
• Bring a water filter. This way you can drink tap water even in places where it is otherwise unsafe to do so.
• Bring a reusable straw in case you use them regularly.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Our staff and guides are trained and able to advise you in detail about our approach towards sustainability.

Included in the price:
• All trips according to the program schedule
• Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• 9 nights’ accommodation in 4 Star hotels
• 1 night’s accommodation in a 3 Star hotel
• Meals as described in the program
• Water during the meals
• Entries and visits listed in the program
• Luggage transport between the accommodations
• Accompaniment by English-speaking guide during the entire journey

 

Not included in the price:
• Transfer from and to the airport
• Any type of insurance
• Any beverages
• Other services not mentioned in the included section above or in the itinerary

Essential Equipment:
• Reusable water bottles (at least 1 liter in total)
• Comfortable shoes for traveling and sightseeing
• Bathing Suit
• Beach Towel
• Beach Slippers
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Any prescription medication you might need
• Personal Luggage
• Passport or ID

 

Recommended Equipment:
• Water filter or alternative water purification system
• Reusable straw
• Slippers
• Personal first aid kit
• Insect repellent

Departure Dates:

Please click the date you are interested in from the list below:

25 May 2024 – 04 June 2024

12 October 2024 – 22 October 2024


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