Explore Albania at the Borders with Greece and North Macedonia
An Exploration of Places Witnessing the Italy-Greece War 1940-1941
Embark on a unique tour that unveils the lesser-known realities of Albania, delving into the sites of historical significance, especially those marked by the Italy-Greece war where the Alpini of Julia and Tridentina played a crucial role. Highlights of the journey include visits to the enchanting Lake Ohrid, the gems of southern Albania – Korça (Coriza), and Voskopoja (Moscopoli).
The tour takes you through Permet and Tepelene, retracing the zones of the Italian advance in November 1940, the Greek breakthrough, and the Italian counteroffensive in the spring of 1941. The journey continues to Saranda (Porto Edda), offering stunning sunset views over the island of Corfu (Greece). Prepare to be amazed by the “Albanian Pompeii” Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the emerald waters of Ksamil, often referred to as the Bora Bora of the Ionian Sea.
Berat, the “city of a thousand windows” and UNESCO heritage site, awaits with its castle and the Iconographic Museum of Onufri, the most important in Albania. The itinerary also includes Apollonia, an Illyrian city on the ancient Via Egnatia. From Saranda, the journey proceeds to Himare, stopping at Porto Palermo to explore Ali Pasha Tepelene’s Castle and witness the submerged bay from the dictatorship era.
Ascend to the breathtaking Llogora Pass at 1,000 meters, offering a panoramic view of the Ionian coast. Explore the less-touristy side of Albania amid the mountains, including a visit to the charming town and castle of Argirocastro.
Discover Tirana, the western metropolis with over one million inhabitants, and Durres, the historic port city once known as the “Tavern of the Adriatic” during Roman times, featuring the largest amphitheater in the Balkans.
Indulge in the local cuisine, where the richness of Albanian enogastronomy shines through natural and organic products, along with exquisite wines like Debine white and Kallmet red. Sample famous dishes such as Tave Dheu, Kosi, Byrek, and traditional desserts like Bakllava, Kadaif, Ballokume, and the classic Lacror in Voskopoje.
This tour promises an engaging experience, with overnight stays in just two carefully selected accommodations. Enjoy delectable dinners at well-appointed restaurants, and weather permitting, dine alfresco, immersed in the sea-scented air. Your journey ensures a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight, promising an unforgettable adventure in Albania.
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Destination
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Departure
TIA Airport
From our gallery
MAPS CAMPAIGN OF GREECE 1939 – 1940 - 1941
Tour Plan
Day 1 - Arrival - Accommodation - Durres Visit
- Morning arrival at Tirana airport, welcomed by our representative.
- Transfer to Durres hotel in the Plazh area.
- Check-in and lunch in a local restaurant.
- Explore Durres: Venetian Tower, Ottoman Walls, Roman Amphitheater, and modern city attractions.
- Free time for shopping.
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 - Departure to Lake Ohrid, Voskopoje, and Korca
- Journey to Lake Ohrid, passing through picturesque landscapes.
- Visit Voskopoje: a town with a rich history and Orthodox churches.
- Continue to Korca, the cultural hub of the region.
- Explore Korca and its attractions.
- Lunch in Voskopoje with traditional dishes.
- Late afternoon check-in at a Korca hotel and dinner.
Day 3 - Explore Korca
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Explore Korca: Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, museums, and historical sites.
- Departure to Permet via Erseke, lunch at Sofra Kolonjare.
- Brief stop at the famous Perati Bridge.
- Check-in and dinner in Permet.
Day 4 - Departure to Saranda via Tepelene and Visit of Argirocastro, Blue Eye, Mesopotam
- Visit Tepelene: explore the castle and learn about its historical significance.
- Continue to Argirocastro (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Lunch in a local restaurant.
- Visit the Blue Eye spring and Mesopotam Church.
- Arrival in Saranda, check-in, and dinner.
Day 5 - Explore Butrint, Ksamil, and Saranda
- Visit Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a guided tour.
- Lunch in a restaurant.
- Explore Ksamil's beautiful beaches.
- Free time for a seaside stroll and shopping.
- Dinner in an external restaurant, overnight in Saranda.
Day 6 - Departure to Berat
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure to Porto Palermo: visit Ali Pasha Tepelene's castle.
- Brief stop at the former submarine base from the communist era.
- Transit through Llogora Pass with a panoramic view.
- Arrival in Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), lunch, and exploration of the historical city.
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 7 - Departure to Tirana
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure to Tirana: explore the city center, Skanderbeg Square, and major landmarks.
- Lunch in a restaurant.
- Visit the BunkArt, an underground bunker turned museum.
- Check-in at a Tirana hotel and dinner.
Day 8 - Return to Italy
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Tirana airport for the return journey to Italy.
Gallery
MAPS CAMPAIGN OF GREECE 1939 – 1940 - 1941
- Supplemental Guides: Additional guides at archaeological sites of Apollonia, Butrint; for visits to Berat, Corfu throughout the entire stay; Underground atomic bunker of dictator Hoxha (BunkArt).
- Accommodations: 7 nights in a standard double room with facilities in 4*/5* hotels in all locations.
- Meals:
- 7 buffet breakfasts at the hotel.
- 7 dinners as per the program in the hotel's internal restaurant or external restaurant (including mineral water per person).
- 7 lunches as per the program in a restaurant (including mineral water per person). The arrival lunch is not counted (depends on the arrival time at the airport).
- English - speaking Tour Leader: Accompanying/guide in English language throughout the journey during the specified service hours, with good knowledge of roads, traffic conditions, and local challenges.
- Entrance Fees: All entrance fees as per the program:
- Durres (Archaeological Museum and Roman Amphitheater).
- Berat (Castle, Onufri Museum).
- Apollonia (Apollonia Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum).
- Porto Palermo (Ali Pasha Tepelene Castle).
- Tepelene (Castle).
- Saranda (Butrint Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum).
- Argirocastro (Gjirokaster Castle).
- Blue Eye, Ardenica Monastery.
- Korca (Museum of Medieval Art, Museum of the First Albanian Language School).
- Voskopoja (Churches of St. Nicholas and St. Athanasius).
- Tirana (BunkArt).
- Transportation: Tourist coach with a capacity suitable for the group size and a driver for the indicated itinerary in the program.
- Free Spot: One complimentary spot for the agency for every 21 paying persons (i.e., 21st and 42nd person).
- Roundtrip Airfare.
- Single Room Supplement: EUR 220 for 7 nights.
- Personal Extras: Personal expenses