ALBANIA – THE LAND OF EAGLES
790€
/ per person
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8 Days Exploring Albania
This unique tour unveils the lesser-known reality of Albania, a country divided politically but united by its ethnic origin, language, history, culture, and traditions. From Northern Albania’s cultural hub, Shkodra, to the enchanting Southern coast of Saranda, discover the hidden gems of this diverse nation.
From North to South Journey:
Explore the rich heritage of Albania, from the cultural capital Shkodra to the Southern gem Saranda. Highlights include the UNESCO heritage site Butrint, Albania’s Pompeii, and the emerald waters of Ksamil, often referred to as the Bora Bora of the Ionian Sea.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks:
- Tirana: Albania’s bustling capital, home to over a million inhabitants. Uncover its history, including a visit to the six-story underground bunker built by dictator Enver Hoxha, a relic of the communist era.
- Kruja: City of the national hero Scanderbeg, known as the “Protector of Christianity.” Explore the dedicated square and statue in Rome.
- Durres: An ancient Roman port known as the “Tavern of the Adriatic” with the largest amphitheater in the Balkans.
- Berat: The UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows” with its castle and the Onufri Iconographic Museum.
Coastal Beauty and Historical Sites:
- Apollonia: An Illyrian city on the ancient Via Egnatia.
- Llogara Pass: Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of the Ionian coast.
- Himare and Porto Palermo: Explore the submerged bay from the dictatorship era and visit Ali Pasha Tepelene’s Castle.
Saranda and Sunset Over Corfu:
- Enjoy Saranda’s beautiful bay and witness the sunset over the nearby Corfu Island in Greece.
Argirocastro and Culinary Delights:
- Visit the picturesque village and castle of Argirocastro.
- Immerse yourself in the less-touristy, authentic side of Albania. Indulge in local cuisine, featuring organic fruits, wines, and famous dishes like Tave Dheu, Kosi, Byrek, and traditional desserts.
Travel comfortably in a private car or minibus (depending on the number of participants) with a professional Albanian guide and an Italian-speaking guide or local English-speaking companion. After eight intense days, return to Italy having not just visited Albania but lived its captivating richness and surprises. Say yes to an unforgettable journey!
8 Days
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Destination
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Departure
TIA Airport
Tour Plan
1
Day 1: Arrival – Accommodation – Visit to Durres
- Morning welcome at Durres port or Tirana airport by our representative.
- Transfer to the hotel in the Plazh area in Durres.
- Check-in and accommodation.
- Transfer to the center of Durres for a historical tour, including the Venetian Tower, Ottoman Walls, and the Roman Amphitheater (the largest in the Balkans).
- Explore modern Durres, including Bashkia Square, the Promenade, Boulevard, and St. Lucia Catholic Cathedral.
- Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in Durres.
2
Day 2: Explore Tirana
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure for Tirana.
- Morning visit to the center of Tirana, including Scanderberg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, and the Clock Tower.
- Stroll through Taiwan Park and Boulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, passing landmarks like the Pyramid of Enver Hoxha, Government Palace, and Qemal Stafa Stadium.
- Afternoon visit to the BunkArt underground bunker, a six-story testament to the communist era.
- Return to Durres and overnight stay.
3
Day 3: Visit Shkodra and Kruja
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure for Shkodra, considered the "Cradle of Albanian Culture."
- Explore the city center and visit the largest Catholic cathedral in the Balkans.
- Transfer to Kruja for a brief visit to the historical town, including the castle and the old bazaar for shopping.
- Return to Durres for dinner and overnight stay.
4
Day 4: Explore Berat
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Depart for Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Visit the historic center, the Mangalemi district, Gorica neighborhood, and the Gorica Bridge.
- Return to Durres for dinner and overnight stay.
5
Day 5: Departure to Saranda
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Depart for Saranda with a stop at Apollonia for a visit to the archaeological park and museum.
- Continue to Saranda with stops at Llogara Pass for a breathtaking view and Porto Palermo to visit Ali Pasha Tepelene's Castle.
- Arrival in Saranda, check-in, dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight stay.
6
Day 6: Visit Butrint and Ksamil
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its archaeological wonders.
- Explore Ksamil, known as the "Albanian Maldives," for its beautiful beaches.
- Return to Saranda for dinner and overnight stay.
7
Day 7: Explore Gjirokaster and Ardenica
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Depart for Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with visits to Mesopotam Church and the Blue Eye natural spring.
- Visit the old town, castle, and the National Museum of Arms.
- Departure to Durres with a stop at Ardenica Monastery, known for hosting the wedding of national hero Skanderbeg.
- Check-in at the hotel in Durres, dinner, and overnight stay.
8
Day 8: Return to Italy.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure to Tirana airport.
- Return to Italy.
COSTS INCLUDE
- 7 nights in a standard double room with facilities in 4-star hotels in all locations.
- Buffet breakfast for 7 days in the hotel.
- 7 dinners as per the program in the hotel's restaurant (including 0.33 L water and 1 glass of wine or draft beer per person; coffee and liqueurs excluded).
- Internal transportation with a private car, driver-guide familiar with the Albanian roads, traffic, and local challenges.
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip during specified service hours, with good knowledge of roads, traffic, and local challenges.
- Entrance fees included for the following locations:
- Durres: Archaeological Museum and Roman Amphitheatre.
- Tirana: National Historical Museum, BunkArt Bunker of Hoxha.
- Berat: Castle, Onufri Museum.
- Apollonia: Apollonia Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum.
- Porto Palermo: Ali Pasha Tepelene Castle.
- Saranda: Butrint Archaeological Site.
- Gjirokaster: Gjirokaster Castle.
- Ardenica Monastery.
- Ferry and flights to and from Italy to Albania.
- Lunches, snacks, or other unspecified meals.
- Drinks during meals (except those mentioned in "Costs Include").
- Drinks, liquors, snacks, etc., during the tours.
- Mandatory medical insurance supplement of €20 per person.
- Personal extras and anything not expressly indicated under "Costs Include."
- Single room supplement.
- Tips.
- Anything else not specifically mentioned in the program
- Single room for 7 nights: €220.00
- No. 8 lunches in a restaurant during the tours: €150.00 (including 0.33 L water and 1 glass of wine or draft beer per person; coffee and liqueurs excluded).
- Mandatory medical insurance supplement: €20 per person (you can also arrange it personally with your insurance company in Italy).
- For entry into Albania, a valid ID card is sufficient.
- No specific health precautions are required. The only caution is to avoid drinking tap water; it is better to use bottled water.
- The local currency is the Lek, which currently exchanges at around 110 Leke for one Euro (it is recommended to exchange some Euros for personal expenses to avoid irregular exchanges).
- Recommended attire for the indicated visits: athletic shoes with a slightly rugged sole, practical layered clothing, and a swimsuit for those who wish to immerse themselves in thermal waters.
- Hotel in Durres 4*: Located in the Plazh area (the long sandy beach of Durres Bay), easily reachable and also served by public transport to the city center. It offers excellent rooms with various accommodation options, including the standard room with an entrance, bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and accessories, including a bidet. The beds are double or twin. The room is furnished in a modern style with a plasma TV, hot and cold air conditioning, and a minibar; some have a balcony. Free Wi-Fi is available. It has an "a la carte" restaurant for those who want to use it. The complex is completed with a lounge bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas, available to a select clientele from all over Europe and Italy.
- Hotel in Saranda 4*: Located in the center of Saranda, near the city center and the promenade along the sea, where you can take a relaxing evening stroll, have a coffee, or enjoy an aperitif in the many bars, savoring the sea breeze and enjoying the sunset over the bay. The rooms are modernly furnished with air conditioning, minibar, and free Wi-Fi; some have a balcony with sea views. It does not have an internal restaurant but is located in the immediate vicinity.