Visit albania 2013

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Albania – with her cultural monuments,

old towns, and endless beaches remains

undiscovered, full of surprises. We let you

into this secret with numerous short trips

around Albania. Not only the castles,

monasteries and old towns offer something

special, but the new Albania is also worth

a look. Albania is experiencing a spirit of

renewal like nowhere else in Europe. Not

to mention the amazing building boom,

which has swept our country in the last

few years. Tirana has become a colourful

and lively city. The countless bars, cafes

and restaurant invite you to while away

your time. The hotels offer every

imaginable comfort. All the rooms are

well-furnished. The restaurants offer

international as well as Albanian dishes

with service second to none. Altogether an

experience you will never forget.

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Located to the east of Tirana, it has an area of 3,300

hectares. It is 50 km far from the international

airport or 26 km from Tirana. The park has a

number of 200 year old beech trees that are really

worth visiting. The Park is frequented by daily

visitors and it is considered Tirana's "natural

balcony". Accommodation is available for tourists

interested in more than day-long stays.

It has an area of 1,280 hectares to the east of "Lura's

Crown". The most picturesque feature is the 14

glacier lakes of Lura which are frozen in the winter.

To the south you can visit the "field of mares" which

has a wide variety of colorful plants and coniferous

trees. The Park has great possibilities for developing

eco-tourism.

This Park is 40 km from the town of Lushnja or 5

km from Divjaka. It has an area of 1,250 hectares

part of the Karavasta Lagoon under the protection

of Ramsar International Convention since 1994.

Here is one of the most important ecosystems in the

country. The fauna of the Park is particularly rich

with the curly/Dalmatian pelican here constituting

about 5 percent of world population of this type of

pelican.

About 40 km to the southeast of Vlora, this Park is

where the Adriatic becomes the Ionian Sea. Near the

Llogara Pass, a number of very interesting tree

shapes due to wind currents can be observed. Ask

for "Pisha Flamur" (Pine of the Flag). From the

Llogara Pass, visitors can see the Ionian Sea, the

sharp slopes of Vetëtima (Lightning) mountain and

a good part of the "Albanian Riviera". It is a great

spot for air sports as well as a wonderful climate

due to the combination of mountain and sea air.

Located 10 km from the city of Korca, the park has

an area of 1,380 hectares. It is visited frequently by

locals as well as tourists. Many drinking water

sources such as Shen Gjergji,. Plaka, Pllica and

others are located in the Park.

With an area of 8,000 hectares this is the gem of

Albanian Alps. It is located 25-30 km to the north

west of Bajram Curri town. It lies between high

mountain peaks and it is a festival of colors and

contrasts. Its biodiversity makes it very important as

a tourist attraction. Valbona village is the focal point

of the Park. Its configuration, hydrology, forests,

flowers, characteristic dwellings and the hospitality

of its people make this park an ideal place to visit.

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With an area of 4,000 hectares, the Park is to the

east of the museum city of Berat. From afar, the

mountain of Tomorr gives the impression of a

gigantic natural fortress. Here is also the grave of

Abaz Aliu (Tyrba e Kulmakut), 1,200 m above sea

level. Every August thousands of pilgrims go up to

the Tyrba for a week thus stimulating religious

tourism.

It has an area of 27,750 hectares and straddles the

borders of three countries: Albania, Greece and

Macedonia. It contains the lakes of Prespa e Madhe

and Prespa e Vogël and their water source. It is an

area rich with cultural tradition. Eremite Byzantine

churches exist in the cave of Tren, Prespa e Vogël

Lake, Trajani's castle, St. Mary's Church and in the

island of Maligrad. The two lakes have now become

the Balkan Prespa Park.

This Park is located about 25 km to the south of

Saranda. It has high scientific, tourist and

archaeological values as well as a high biodiversity.

The park is 2,500 hectares. The following activities

can be carried out in this area: blue tourism in

Ksamil, ecotourism in Butrint Lake, fishing, water

sports etc.

Located in the Albanian Alps, by the Cursed

Mountains (Bjeshkët e Namuna), it has an area of

2,630 hectares. It is 70 km far from Shkodra and is

run through by the Theth River with a plentiful

supply of mountain trout. The Grunas waterfall is

particularly worth visiting. Also, there are many oak

trees and a variety of animals in the park.

With an area of 1,200 hectares in the region of Frashër, it

is located about 35 km to the northeast of Përmet. Its

characteristic is the Hotova Fir which is on of the most

important Mediterranean plant relics of the country.

Thanks to its great nature, healthy climate and proximity

to living quarters, this Park has great recreational value year round.

With an area of 2,000 hectares, the Park is 25 km to the

northeast of Kruja. The water sources "Queen Mother" is

one of the most attractive spots in the Park with clean, cold

and curative waters. The Park is frequented by a large

number of visitors.

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The famous Roman orator Cicero, astonished by the

beauty of Apollonia named it in his Philippics, magna

urbs et gravis - a great and important city. Established in

the 7th century B.C. By Greek settlers from Corinth and

Corcyra, the ancient city is located11km to the west of

the modern city of Fier. Archaeological excavations have

revealed that Apollonia achieved its zenith in the 4th -

3rd centuries B.C. In the first century B.C., Octavian

Augustus studied philosophy there until he heard news of

Caesar's murder in the Senate and went on to become the

next Roman emperor.

The city had a 4 km long surrounding wall encircling an

area of 137 hectares. It has been estimated that during the

developed stages of the city, 60000 inhabitants lived

inside its imposing walls. Among the most interesting

monuments worth visiting are the Bouleterion (city

council), the library, the triumphal arch, the temple of

Artemis, the Odeon built in the 2nd century B.C., the

two-storey 77 m long Stoa, a theater with a capacity of

ca. 10000 spectators, and the Nymphaeum (a monumental

water fountain covering an area of 2000m2), which has

been visited by the Roman emperor Sulla, as ancient

sources indicate. In the 3rd-4th centuries A.D. Apollonia

suffered great destruction from several earthquakes which

were followed also by the shifting southwards of the

nearby Vjosa (Aoos) river. Being deprived by its port

facilities and damaged by earthquakes and Gothic

invasions, Apollonia went into a rapid decline, loosing all

its grandeur from the past. Today the site can be

approached easily from the modern city of Fier and offers

unique views over the Adriatic sea and the hinterland.

Excavations conducted by Albanian archaeologists near

the modern village of Saraqinishte, mainly in the 1960s-

1980s, on the hill of Jerme, on the east side of the Drinos

valley, led to the identification of the fortified city with

that of Antigonea. The identification is based on the

discovery of fourteen bronze tesserae with the inscription

ANTIGONEON, in one of the houses of the Hellenistic

period.

The ancient literary sources do not mention the

circumstances of Antigonea's founding or the reason

behind its name. The various opinions range from

Antigonos Gonatas, King of Macedonia being its founder

to the most persuasive of all opinions that Pyrrhus, the

Molossian king built the city in 296 B.C., in honor of his

wife Antigone.

Antigonea lies on a hill about 600 meters above sea level

and the wall circuit is estimated to have had a length of ca.

four kilometers, covering 35 hectares. The Agora of the

city has been excavated and a Stoa, 59 meters long and 9

m wide has been brought to light. Coins from various city

states have been found in excavations, arriving from

Korkyra (modern Corfu), Apollonia, Dyrrachium, Oricum,

Ambracia but also the Epirote League, most of them made

of bronze and few in silver.

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Butrint is situated on a low promontory on the southwest

coast of Albania, south of the modern city of Saranda and

opposite from the Greek island of Corfu. The site has

been occupied since at least the 8th century BC, although

myths associated with its origins speak of the city's

foundation by Trojan exiles.

By the 4th century B.C. a walled settlement was

established and the city became a successful cult site,

dedicated to Aesclepius. Augustus founded a colony at

Butrint and the town seems to have remained a relatively

small Roman port until the 6th century A.D. Little is

known of the site between the 7th and 9th centuries A.D.

Its later medieval history was turbulent as the town was

involved first in the power struggles between Byzantium

and successive Norman, Angevin and Venetian states and

second in the conflict between Venice and the Ottoman

Turks. By the early 19th century it had declined to a

small fishingvillage clustered around a Venetian castle.

Main monuments around Butrint would definitely

include the elegant 4th century B.C. Greek theater with

its fine cavea and Roman scaenae frons with a capacity of

a. 1500 spectators, the associated Greek sanctuary of

Asclepius, immediately to the west of the theater, the line

of Roman-period courtyard houses and bath-houses, east

of the theater disposed around the forum, the ruins of the

Triconch close to the Butrint canal, a large Byzantine

baptistery with its intact mosaic pavement dating to the

early 6th century A.D., the well-preserved 6th century

basilica (refurbished in later medieval times), the ruins of

a 2nd century A.D. nymphaeum immediately adjacent to

the basilica, and the kilometers of high, imposing walls

dating from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval

occupations.

Byllis has been the largest city in Southern Illyria, but

geographers. Its walls have a length of 2250m and over an

area of 30ha. In 49-48 B.C. the city surrenders to the

forces of Caesar and served as a base for his large despite

this fact, has been mentioned relatively late by historians

and ancient army.

Stephanus of Byzantium, wrote that Byllis was established

by Neoptolemus, Achiles' son. Despite this account, the

construction techniques date the site not earlier than 370-

350 B.C. Around 270 B.C. the city was the center of a

koinon, a political organization of the time, covering about

20km2.

Byllis became a Roman colony, during the first years of

the dominium of Augustus, and its name became Colonia

Iulia Augusta. During the Late Antique period Byllis

became an important center and several large Palaeo-

Christian basilicas were constructed, all of them carrying

lavishly decorated mosaics.

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Phoinike is situated ca.8 km east of the modern city of

Saranda and about 20 km from the Greek border. In

antiquity the territory around the site belonged to

Chaonia, part of the Epirus kingdom, and it is rich in

finds from the Classical to the Byzantine period, while in

the distance to the south of the ancient city lies the

Butrint lake.

Ancient sources mention the wealth of the city, especially

during the Hellenistic period, between the 3rd and 2nd

centuries B.C. when Phoinike was a leading city in the

Epirote League.

Within the walls of Phoinike was signed the end of the

first Macedonian War, the document took of the name

"the Peace of Phoinike".

The city's prosperity continued also during the Roman

imperial period, while during the Byzantine period the

city records about 10 centuries of continuous life. The

Ottoman occupation of Phoinike came abruptly and the

city declined by taking the form of a small village.

A thesaurus (a small prostylos temple), the theatre,

Hellenistic houses, several Roman water cisterns and a

Byzantine church can be seen while visiting Phoinike.

The ancient city of Lissos is situated about half way

between ancient Epidamnos-Dyrrahium and Scodra, built

on a hill overlooking the flow of the Drin river. Diodoros

of Sicily links the foundation of the city with Dionysus of

Syracuse, before 385 B.C. Lissos appears again on ancient

sources only at the end of the First Illyrian-Roman war,

when queen Teuta had to sign an insulting peace accord

with the Romans. In 213 B.C. Lissos becomes a

Macedonian port in the Adriatic sea and only in 209 the

Illyrians retake it in their possession. During 169 B.C. the

city is also one of the residences of the Illyrian king

Genthios. During the wars between Caesar and Pompey,

Caesar controlled the city and reinforced its defenses.

It continued to be an urban centre known by the name of

Lissus until the early Middle Ages. Until 1398 the town

was under the rule of the Dukagjini feudal family, who

later gave it up to Venice. It was here that the Lezha

Assembly was held on 2nd March 1444, under the

leadership of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania's

national hero. The Assembly created a political-military

league of Albanian princes and a common Albanian army

of 10,000 strong as a response to the Ottoman threat. It is

thus no surprise that when he died, Gjergj Kastrioti was

buried at the Shen Kolli Cathedral in 1468, though his

grave was later destroyed by the Turks.

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Oricum is located to the right of the Vlora-Saranda

national road and 42 km south of the Greek colony of

Apollonia. According to Pseudo-Scymnos, the city of

Oricum was established by Euboeans who, being on their

way home from Troy were blown off their route by

strong winds. Its geographical position made it an

important harbor on the Adriatic coast.

Oricum was used by the Romans in ancient times as a

defensive base in the wars against the Illyrians as well as

in the 3rd century B.C. against the Macedonians, who in

fact occupied it in 214 B.C. Julius Caesar stationed his

troops in camps there for several months, until they were

taken by Pompey (Pompeius Magnus).

Being in the crossroads of such influences, Oricum

became a civilized urban centre, as evidenced by various

archaeological ruins, such as part of an Orchestra, a small

theatre, which is thought to have seated 400 spectators,

traces of wall ruins and streets that are clearly seen, albeit

lying under the water of the lagoon, and the nearby

Marmiroi Church. This is a church of dating back to the

early Byzantine period, of the Byzantine emperor

Theodore of the 13th century A.D. It has a small 6m x 9m

main hall and a dome approximately 3m in diameter that

is supported by four Roman arches.

The internal walls still feature fragments of murals

characteristic of Byzantine culture. The church has three

entrances and is renowned for its complex construction

and architectural values. To reach the church one has to

pass through the modern town of Oricum, in the direction

of Pashaliman. Today Oricum is an important settlement

which is seeing renewed development..

Shkodra is one of the most ancient cities in northwestern

Albania. It was founded in the 4th century B.C. as the

centre of the Illyrian tribe of the Labeates.Under the rule

of the Illyrian king Genthios, it became the capital of the

Illyrian kingdom. This is the period when the first coins of

the city appear. In 168 BC it fell under Roman rule while

during the 1st century A.D. it became a Roman colony

under Claudius. In 395 A.D. Scodra becomes the centre of

the Byzantine Praevalis province while in 1040 came

under Serbian rule.

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The area of today‟s Albania has been populated

since prehistoric times. In antiquity, much of it was

settled by the Illyrians, possible ancestors of

present-day Albanians. The modern Albanian state

comprises the southernmost part of ancient Illyria

and the northern part of ancient Epirus. Surrounded

by powerful, warring empires, Albania has

experienced considerable violence and competition

for control throughout its history. Greeks, Romans,

Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans swept

through, leaving their cultural mark as well as their

ruins. Archaeological research shows that the lands

that are today inhabited by Albanians were first

populated in the Paleolithic Age (Stone Age). The

first areas settled were those with favorable

climatic and geographic conditions. For all tourists,

which will be mostly interested, to that kind of

tourism, and focus to the archeology, come and

enjoy the program shown below.Welcome to

the antiquity of ALBANIA.

Day 1: Airport Mother Theresa – Tirana

Arrival in the Airport Mother Tereza. Airport

procedures. Please send us in advance all the

passport and arrival details. Meeting Guide &

Driver and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome

dinner and overnight. Accommodation will be in a

hotel in Tirana.

Day 2: Tirana – Kruja – Durres

After the breakfast meet the group at the lobby and

departure for a sightseeing tour in Kruja city. Is

situated only 90 min far from Tirana city. On this

day, we will be mostly focused in the History along

the Ottoman Empire. Kruja is exactly the city

where the tradition and History are crossed

together.

Kruja, as the famous English painter Edward Lear

quotes it as “..a charming little town all up in the

sky”. Our guide will lead you through the ancient

history of Kruja area, its people, culture and

tradition. From the adobe type dwelling places to

the Ottoman houses and communist flats, you‟ll

experience newly modern buildings, in the city

center as well on the top of Sari-Salltik mountain.

Get off the bus in the city center and start the

walking tour toward the Bazaar. Enjoy the

architectural values of the cobble stones and

wooden shops. Proceed to the fortress through the

main gate. Skenderbeg museum, build during

communism, invites you to a wonderful historic

insights of medieval period. Do not forget the

ethnographic museum, which displays a lively

exhibition of rich tradition and culture of the Kruja

people and those, who used it as a stopover on their

way to central or southern Albania. Leaving Kruja

and driving to Durres city.

Afternoon city tour in Durres, which is another site,

with completely different sight and point of view.

We will be mostly focused to the ruins and

archeology in Durres area. Some important

buildings in Durrës include the main library, the

cultural center with the Aleksander Moisiu Theater,

the Estrada Theater, the puppet theater, the

philharmonic orchestra, etc. There are also several

museums such as Byzantine Forum, Venetian Torra

(small castle open as a bar), Ancient city wall, The

Exhibition of Folk Culture (open 8.00-13.00 for

each day) The mosaic of Arapaj, Arapaj village (it

can be opened only with special permit) the

Archaeological Museum and the Museum of

History. Check in hotel. Enjoy the dinner and

overnight. Accommodation in the hotel in Durres.

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Day 3: Durres – Apollonia – Vlora

After the breakfast in the hotel, meet the group at

the hotel lobby for departure program. This day we

will have the possibility to enjoy sightseeing tour

where the history interlaces with archeology in the

different époque of Albanian tribe. First stop will

be in Durres.

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Apollonia – An ancient city, one of the biggest in

Adriatic basin and the most distinguished among

30 others that bore the same name during antiquity.

It was built on a hill (whose tops are respectively

101 and 103 m above the sea level), a position that

overlooks the whole area and leads through Vjosa

River to Adriatic. During its first years of

existence, Apollonia kept close contacts with Corfu

and Corinth and played the part of a trade

negotiator between Hellenians and Illyrians. During

5th century BC it became an advanced economic

centre with numerous crafts and extended its

relations with both the Illyrian world and Attica

and later on with Magma Grecia (Southern Italy).

The sight of Apollonia, is divided in to 2 parts. The

visitors may have the chance to Visit the Ruins of

the old city, and the second one is The Museum of

Apollonia.

After tour in Apollonia we drive to Vlora city. Late

afternoon check in hotel. Enjoy the dinner and over

night. Accommodation & overnight in the hotel in

Vlora.

Day 4: Vlora – Saranda

After the breakfast in hotel meet the group at the

hotel lobby and departure trip. This is a wonderful

panoramic tour that passes through the Jonian

Riviera. Some brief visits to traditional villages, as

Llogara, Dhermi, Vunoi. We will stop to have

lunch (Facultative) to Llogara area, enjoying the

nice scenery among the pinewoods. Late afternoon

we arrive in Saranda. Check in hotel, enjoy the

dinner and overnight. Accommodation in the hotel

in Saranda.

Day 5: Saranda – Butrinti – Saranda

In the morning, after the breakfast, meet the group

at the hotel lobby for departure trip. Driving to

Butrinti. The ancient city, just 20 min far.

Butrinti – Archaeological artifacts prove that

during the 7th and the 6th centuries BC Butrint was

a proto-urban centre, but it was only during the 5th

century BC that it turned into a full city. By the end

of the 4th century the agora, the boulevard, a small

temple and the theatre holding 1500 seats were

built up, the latter one fortunately being preserved

till our days. The complex of the theatre and other

buildings like Asklep‟s temple, portico, baths, etc.

form the most magnificent part of the ancient

city. During late antiquity and early Middle Ages,

Butrint flourished greatly. The construction of the

baptistery, which is the most important monument

of the early Christian period, dates from this time.

The baptistery, which has a round shape with a

diameter of 13.50 m, is laid with multicolored

geometric and animal mosaic motifs and bears

special artistic values. The hall has two rows of

granite colonnades upon which the roof rests.

After tour back in Saranda. Afternoon free time in

the city center (Possibility to enjoy the dinner in

Lekursi Castle, an interesting sight nowadays

combined to a traditional restaurant). Check in

hotel, enjoy the Dinner and

overnight. Accommodation in the hotel in Saranda.

Day 6: Saranda – Finiq – Gjirokastra –

Antigonea


at the hotel lobby for departure trip. Transfer to

Gjirokastra city. On way short stop to Finiq area.

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Finiq (Phoinike) – Declared an Archaeological

Park, by the Council of Ministers decision No.396,

on 31/03/2005. Phoinike is situated ca.8 km east of

the modern city of Saranda and about 20 km from

the Greek border. In antiquity the territory around

the site belonged to Chaonia, part of the Epirus

kingdom, and it is rich in finds from the Classical

to the Byzantine period, while in the distance to the

south of the ancient city lies the Butrint lake.

Ancient sources mention the wealth of the city,

especially during the Hellenistic period, between

the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. when Phoinike was

a leading city in the Epirote League.

Within the walls of Phoinike was signed the end of

the first Macedonian War, the document took of the

name “the Peace of Phoinike”. The city‟s

prosperity continued also during the Roman

imperial period, while during the Byzantine period

the city records about 10 centuries of continuous

life. The Ottoman occupation of Phoinike came

abruptly and the city declined by taking the form of

a small village. A thesaurus (a small prostylos

temple), the theatre, Hellenistic houses, several

Roman water cisterns and a Byzantine church can

be seen while visiting Phoinike. After tour in Finiq,

continue to Gjirokastra city, with a brief city tour.

Gjirokastra – Many houses in Gjirokastër have a

distinctive local style that has earned the city the

nickname “Town of the Stones”, because most of

the old houses have roofs covered with stones. Of a

great importance and interesting to be visit, are The

Museum of Weapons (inside the castle)The

Ethnographic Museum or known as the

Enver Hoxha house, The Castle of Gjirokastra,

The characteristic house of Zekate, an important

family in Gjirokastra. Transfer down town and

continue to another archeological site as Antigonea.

Antigonea – lies on a hill about 600 meters above

sea level The Agora of the city has been excavated

and a Stoa, 59 meters long and 9 m wide has been

brought to light. Coins from various city states

have been found in excavations, arriving from

Korkyra (modern Corfu), Apollonia, Dyrrachium,

Oricum, Ambracia but also the Epirote League,

most of them made of bronze and few in silver.A

triconch Palaeo-Christian basilica has been found at

the site, dated to the 6th century A.D., and

decorated with a mosaic floor. The Egyptian god

Anubis is represented on the central panel of the

mosaic, and according to one interpretation it may

depict Saint Christopher “the Dog-head”.

Check in hotel, enjoy the dinner and

overnight. Accommodation in the hotel in

Gjirokastra.

Day 7: Gjirokastra – Bylis – Berat



Berat city. On way we will have a short stop to the

archeological ancient site of Bylis.

Bylis – (in today Mallakastra) which is a very

important archeological center in Albania, is one of

ancient Illyrian citys inhabited by the tribe of

Bylliones. Established in the third century B.C.,

Bylis

flourished as a political, economic, and cultural

center of the community. The city was governed by

an annual council of civil servants. In 230-146

B.C.,

Several stadium elements. – Medieval cultural

objects such as Basilica. In the Church of Bylis

which was build on the IV-th century AD, the

mosaics have Ilirian (Illyrian) motifs which for the

church later where known as pagan ones. It

introduced bronze coins, which were used

throughout this region. The handicrafts from the

workshops of Bylis were competing with the

handicrafts of Apollonia. The surrounding wall of

Bylis, built in the second quarter of the fourth

century B.C., is very well-preserved. It is 2250 m

long, 3.5 m wide and 8-9 m high and it surrounds

an area of 30 ha. The wall is triangular. The city

consisted of several quarters and objects, such as

the agora, which sheltered the inhabitants of the

villages and their wealth in the event of war. It is

very interesting to see: The theatre, which is larger

than that of Butrint and was built in the middle of

the third century B.C. The monumental fountain of

the 3rd century.

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After tour in Bylis transfer to Berat. Check in hotel,

enjoy the dinner and overnight. Accommodation in

the hotel in Berat.

Day 8: Berat – Tirana

In the morning, after the breakfast meet the group

at the lobby and continue with a sightseeing tour in

Berat.

Berat – The town is still renowned for its historic

architecture and scenic beauty and is known as the

“Town of a Thousand Windows”, due to the many

large windows of the old decorated houses

overlooking the town. The Citadel overlooks the

river and the modern city as well as the old

Christian quarter across the river. Modern Berat

consists of three parts divided by the Ossum River:

Goritsa (“little mountain” in Old Slavonic,

Mangalem and Kalaja, the latter being a residential

quarter within the old Byzantine citadel that

overlooks the town. The town also has a 15th

century mosque and a number of churches of the

Albanian Orthodox Church, whose autocephaly

was proclaimed there in 1922. Several of the

churches house works by the renowned 16th

century painter Onufri. Of inters it is also the

Onufri Museum in the city.

After tour transfer back to Tirana. Check in hotel,

Free in leisure, enjoy the dinner and

overnight. Accommodation in the hotel in Tirana.

Day 9: Tirana

Morning after breakfast meet the group at the lobby

and departure for a sightseeing tour in Tirana city.

Tirana – “The Albanians” – a mosaic on the face

of the National Historical Museum, Statue of

Skanderbeg in Skanderbeg Square, Et‟hem Bey

Mosque at the south east corner of Skanderbeg

Square – The Clock Tower next to the Et‟hem Bey

Mosque, Government buildings: at the south end of

Skenderbeg Square. Roman Catholic Church of

Saint Paul: completed in 2001, the largest church in

Tirana. Orthodox Church of St Prokop was built in

1780. The Tabakëve and Terzive bridges

(respectively in front of the Parliament building

and on Elbasani Street) date from the beginning of

the 20th century. The Palace of Culture (Pallati I

Kulturës), where the Theatre of Opera and Ballet

and the National Library stand, was completed in

1963 on the site of the former Trade of Tirana

building, with the first brick being placed by Soviet

president Nikita Khruschev in 1959. The

monument to Mother Albania, 12 meters high, was

inaugurated in the Dëshmoret e Kombit cemetery

in 1971. The Academy of Sciences building, The

Gallery of Figurative, The International Cultural

Centre, formerly the Enver Hoxha Museum, was

inaugurated in 1988. Popularly referred to as „the

Pyramid‟, it was designed by a group of architects

under the direction of the dictator‟s daughter,

Pranvera Hoxha, and her husband Klement

Kolaneci. The Palac of Congres, and President

Resident, all this wonderfull buildings, extended,

along the Bulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, the

Bulevard of Albanian History. All this wonderful

things you could get to our Capital along to

panorama tour in Tirana.

After tour transfer back to the hotel, enjoy the


in Tirana.

Day 10: Tirana – Out

After the breakfast, meet the group at the lobby and

check out. Transfer to the Airport Mother Theresa.

End of our service!

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Geography and History mixed together with the its

rich culture and tradition, made the Central Albania

one of the most visited places in our country. If you

need to see the improvement, you may just visit

central Albania including in here our Capital,

Tirana city. Everything has been transformed from

a grey, dusty town in to colorful, vibrant city, a

magic invitation for everyone. If you are interested

to see and experience a country undergoing fast

transformation, meet hospitable people and share,

this will be your tour to remember. There is no

surprise to see a local from a rural area, taking on

the mobile phone, while riding a mule cart.

Day 1: Mother Theresa Airport – Durres

Arrival in the Airport Mother Theresa. Airport

procedures. Please send us in advance all the

passport and arrival details meeting Guide &

Driver and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome

dinner and overnight. Accommodation will be in a

hotel in Durres.

Day 2: Durres – Apollonia and Berat

After the breakfast in the hotel, meet the group at

the lobby and depart to Durres. This day we will

have the possibility to enjoy sightseeing tour where

the history interlaces with archeology in the

different stages of Albanian tribes. First stop will

be in Durres. Some important buildings

in Durres include the main library, the cultural

center with Aleksander Moisiu theater, the Estrada

Theater, the puppet theater, the philharmonic

orchestra and city hall. There are also several sites

such as Byzantine Forum, Venetian Torra (small

castle open as a bar), Byzantine city wall, followed

by the Roman Amphitheater and archeological

museum. The city‟s beaches are also a popular

destination for many foregin and local tourists.

After tour in Durres, we continue our trip to

Apollonia, an ancient archeological park.

Apollonia - An ancient city, one of the biggest in



It was built on a hill, 105m above the sea level, a

position that overlooks the whole area and leads

throught Vjosa River to Adriatic. During its first

years of existence, Apollonia kept close with

Corcyra and Corinth and played the part of a trade





later on with Magna Grecia (Southern Italy). The

sight of Apollonia, is divided in to 2 parts. The

visitors may have the chance to Visit The Ruins of


Apollonia. After tour in Apollonia we drive to

Berat city. Late afternoon check in hotel. Enjoy the

dinner and over night. Accommodation &

overnight in the hotel in Berat.

Day 3: Berat, Kruja and Tirana


at the lobby and continue with a sightseeing tour in

Berat.

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Berat - The town is still renowned for its historic


“Town of a Thousand indows”, due to the many








quarter within the old Byzantine citadel. The town

also has a 15th century mosque and a number of

churches of the Albanian Orthodox Church, whose

autocephaly was proclaimed there in 1922. Several

of the churches house works by the renowned 16th

century painter Onufri. Onufri museum, located

within the sorrunding walls of the citadel is a must

for every visitor. Leaving Berat and continue to

Kruja city, afternoon brief tour.

Kruja - is a tourist attraction alongside a

panoramic mountainside location. Some of the

main points of interest include the restored Castle

and Citadel, the Skanderbeg museum located inside

the castle and the Old Restored Bazaar. The citadel

includes a restored house from the Ottoman rule

that serves as the Ethnographic Museum. After visit

in Kruja, transfer in Tirana. Enjoy the dinner and

over night. Accommodation & overnight in the

hotel.

Day 4: Tirana

After breakfast, join us for a morning city tour of

Tirana

Tirana - ”The Albanians” - a mosaic on the face of

the National Historical Museum, Statue of

Skanderbeg in Skanderbeg Square, Et‟hem Bey

Mosque at the south east corner of Skanderbeg

Square – The Clock Tower next to the Et‟hem Bey

Mosque, Government buildings: at the south end of







the 20th century. The Palace of Culture (Pallati i

Kulturës)built in 1963, where the Opera House,

Ballet theater and the national Library, on the site

of Tirana old bazaar, with the first brick being

placed by Soviet president Nikita Khruschev in

1959. The monument to Mother Albania, 12 meters

high, was inaugurated in “Dëshmoret e Kombit”

cemetery in 1971. The Academy of Sciences

building, Art Gallery, The International Cultural

Centre, formerly the Enver Hoxha Museum, was

inaugurated in 1988. Popularly referred to as „the

Pyramid‟, it was designed by a group of architects

under the direction of the dictator‟s daughter,

Pranvera Hoxha and her husband Klement

Kolaneci. The Palace of Congres and President

Residence, all this wonderful buildings, extended,

along the Bulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, The

Bulevard of Albanian History. All this wonderful

things you could get to our Capital along to

panorama tour in Tirana. Afternoon free time in

leisure, or possibilities to buy souvenirs. After tour

transfer back to the hotel, enjoy the dinner and

overnight in Tirana.

Day 5: Tirana – Mother Theresa Airport

In the morning after the breakfast, check out and

board your bus. Transfer to the Airport.

End of our service!

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Ride the trail, where few have gone before, to

discover the evolution of the Albanian capital, walk

through the street of the medieval fortresses with a

refined restoration of the Ottoman

architecture. Experience the polyphonic songs of

the south Albania and interact with the local

singers. Uncover the cultural wonders of Ohrid

and St. Naum monastery with our expert private

guides by your side.

Day 1: Mother Theresa Aiport – Tirana

Arrival at Tirana airport. Please let us know the

flight details in advance. Upon arrival we will do

the check in, meet with our guide and driver and

transfer to Tirana.Afternoon check in at hotel and

overnight in Tirana.

Day 2: Tirana – Elbasan – Ohrid

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast leave for a

brief city tour of Tirana. We shall explore the

capital city of Albania, including some of the

historical highlights, as the city centre, the

Skenderbeg Statue, the Et‟hem bey mosque, the

Clock Tower, Italian buildings and the Martyrs of

the Nation Boulevard. Visit the ex-communist

buildings, painted with vibrant colours and the

expansion of the city. We will visit:

The National Historic Museum.

The Statue of Gjergj Kastrioiti

Skenderbeg.

The center of Development of Culture

and Business.

The Palace of Culture.

The Mosques of Haxhi Et‟hem Bey.

The clock tower.

Lunch will be a free choice at one of the restaurants

in the Tirana. Leave Tirane for Ohrid. Stop en

route to Elbasan for refreshments and a brief

panoramic tour of the Ottoman castle. Upon arrival

in Ohrid, check in at the hotel. An orientation

walking tour will be offered from the hotel to the

lake shore. Enjoy the panoramic view of Ohrid

lake. Dinner included. Spend two nights in Ohrid.

Day 3: Ohrid

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we start a full

day tour in Ohrid. The highlight of the Ohrid tour

include the Church of St.Sophia, St.Bogorodica

Perivlepta, St.Jovan Kaneo, St.Pantelejmon–

Plaosnik, the Old Bazaar, Mesokastro Settlement,

Kaneo Settlement, the Ohrid Fortifications, King

Samoil Fortress, the Antique Theatre, Ohrid

Traditional Architecture, the Icon museum etc. We

will visit:

The Icon Museum.

The Kaneo Settlement.

The Sophia Church.

The boat ride in the lake.(Optional)

After the tour we suggest a local restaurant, in the

old town for an optional lunch or snack. We

continue to St. Naum Monastery for an afternoon

visit. This journey will take you to a monastic

complex, known for its rich history of orthodox

religion, some of the painting achievements and

wood-carving, displayed within the church of St.

Naum, a priest and scholar with a famous

legacy. Tucked away in a middle of a natural

wonder of water springs, this site is a must for any

traveller. We will visit:

The Monastery of ST.Naum.

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Transfer back in at hotel and prepare for

dinner. We suggest dinner at a local restaurant near

the lake, and possibility to enjoy a traditional fish

menu.

Day 4: Ohrid – Korca – Gjirokastra

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the group and continue

to Korca city. The panoramic city tour will

introduce you to the cultural highlights and rich

history of the area. The sightseeing tour will

include the city centre, the Orthodox church, old

town with its unique architecture, often referred as

little Paris by the locals, the museum of Medieval

Arts and the Literacy museum. We will visit:

The Museum of Medieval Arts.

The Literacy Museum.

After the tour there will be the possibility for lunch

at local restaurant. After the lunch, continue to

Gjirokastra via Permet town. It‟s a long ride

through river valleys and mountain

passes. Have your cameras ready for a

breathtaking scenic ride. Afternoon upon arrival in

Gjirokastra check in and prepare for dinner.

Accommodation and overnight in Gjirokaster.

Day 5: Gjirokastra – Butrinti – Saranda

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, check out,

meet the group and visit the old town. Known for

its unique architecture, this UNESCO WORLD

HERITAGE SITE, will offer something interesting

for everyone. The highlights of the Old Town,

include the castle, its weapons museum and

breathtaking views, the bazaar area and the

ethnographic museum. We will visit:

The castle.

The Weapon Museum.

The Enver Hoxha birth house.

Zekati house.

Board the bus and continue to Butrinti Park. On the

way there is possibility for lunch at a local

restaurant. Visit Butrinti, one of the best

archeological attractions in the country. This

impressive walking tour will stir your imagination

about the ancient word during the peak of the

Roman power and the classical Greek

mythology. Start with the Asclepius temple,

theatre, Roman portico and baths, early Christian

baptistery, byzantine basilica, defensive walls and

their impressive gates. We will visit:

The Ruins.

The ancient city of Butrinti.

The Tample of Aesculapius.

The Baptisery.

The Nympheum.

The gate with towers.

Drive to Saranda. Get introduced to the town along

the bay, its main highlights and venues. Check in

at the hotel in town and prepare for dinner. Dinner

is included. Accommodation and overnight in

Saranda.

Day 6: Saranda – Vlora – Apollonia –

Berat

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast continue to

Albania Riviera, on the way to Vlora city. Upon

arrival in Vlora, possibility for lunch in local

restaurant and brief city tour. Leave Vlora and

drive to Apollonia national park, via Fier town. The

afternoon tour of archaeological park, the

monastery and of the museum. The walking tour of

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the ancient Apollonian site includes the Encircling

Wall, the monuments of Agonothetes, the Library,

the Odeon, the Portico, the house with mosaics,

Archealogical museum and the Church of St. Mary.

We will visit:

The Museum of Apollonia.

The excavations and the Momuments of

Apollonia.

The Encirciling Wall.

The Tarraced Wall with the arched gates.

The Monumnet of Agonothetes.

The Library and the Odeon.

The Portico.

The house with mosaics.

The church of ST. Mary.

Leave Apollonia and drive to Berat city. Upon

arrival check in at the hotel and prepare for

dinner. Dinner included. Accommodation and

overnight in Berat.

Day 7: Berat – Durres – Kruja – Tirana

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and meet the

guests. Continue with the panoramic tour of Berat

old town.Visit Mangalem quarter known as the

„City of windows one over another‟, still preserving

some elements of the Ottoman architecture of the

dwelling places and narrow pathways with

cobblestones. Visit the unique mosques, monastery

and the newly build orthodox church. Drive to the

castle, located on the top of the hill.The walking

tour of the castle will explore the ancient fortress,

main gates, towers, orthodox churches, the

typical rchitecture of the dwelling sites, bearing

2500 years of heritage and the tour of Onufri

Museum, located within St. Mary‟s church.

The Fortess.

The Onufri‟s Museum.

Drive to Durres, with stop en route for refreshment

and optional lunch at a local restaurant. Visit

Durres city. Explore the ruins of town forum,

Roman baths, the city center, the Town Hall, the

Roman Amphiteatre, Byzantine walls, the Venetian

tower and the archeological museum, a panoramic

display of discoveries and urban planning of this

once important city. We will visit:

The Roman Amphitheatre.

The Archaeological Museum.

Leave Durres and drive to Kruja TOWN. Proceed

with Kruja city tour. The walking tour of Kruja will

take you through the cobble stone pathway of the

Ottoman bazaar, with wooden shops and displays

of various gifts and antique household items. Visit

within the walls of the castle will include the

historic museum dedicated to Skanderbeg and his

resistance against the Ottoman invasion. An

old house turned to an ethnographic museum will

invite you to a unique cultural aspect of life in

northern Albania. We will visit:

The Fortess.

The Museum of Gjergj Kastrioti

Skenderbeg.

The Ethnographic Museum.

The old Bazaar.

Drive to Tirana. Check in at the hotel and enjoy

dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Accommodation and overnight in Tirana.

Day 8: Tirana – Out

After breakfast in the hotel, check out and transfer

to the airport.

End of our service!

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The best combination, between the Greece and

Albania. Since ancient time, there has been a close

relationship through Hellenics and Illyrian. This comes

from the huge trade which both countries had with each

other. For every one who are interested to get more

information about these cultures, may have the

opportunity to enjoy this program.

Day 1: Mother Theresa Aiport –

Thessalonica

Arrival in APT. Meeting group. After APT procedures

transfer to hotel. After check in dinner

included. Overnight and accommodation in the

hotel. Hotel in Thessaloniki.

Day 2: Thessalonica – Kalambaka

Breakfast in the hotel, buffet. Meat all the group at

hotel lobby for departure trip. Before leaving

Thessalonica, brief city tour.

Thessalonica – This superb tour of Thessalonica is an

excellent way to get to know the city, with our

professional, knowledgeable guide to lead the way. We

include some of the most memorable and important

sights, such as the White Tower, the city‟s important

landmark. We‟ll explore the exhibition grounds,

Galerius Arch, the Rotonda Monument, the Citadel, and

many more important spots and monuments.

We will stop at the City Walls, from where you have a

marvelous view of Thessalonica. We will also visit St.

Dimitrios Byzantine church, and we‟ll take a walk

along one of the most famous seaside promenades in

the country, lined with many cafes and

restaurants. After visit to Thesaloniki, driving to

Kalambaka. Late afternoon arrival in

Kalambaka. Check in the hotel and dinner


hotel. Hotel in Kalambaka.

Day 3: Kalambaka – Meteora – Kalambaka


hotel lobby for departure trip. Full day sightseeing tour

in Meteora.

Meteora – The most important monasteries of Meteora

are: The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron. It is the

biggest of the Meteorite monasteries. The church

„Katholikon‟, honored to the „Transfiguration‟ was

erected in the middle of 14th c. and 1387/88 and

decorated in 1483 and 1552. The old monastery is used

as a museum, nowadays. The Holy Monastery of

Varlaam is the second, after the Great Meteoro, big in

size monastery. The church, honoured to the three

Bishops, is in the Athonite type (cross-in-square with

dome and choirs), with spacious esonarthex (lite)

surrounded by dome as well. It was built in 1541/42

and decorated in 1548, while the esonarthex was

decorated in 1566. The old refectory is used as a

museum while North of the Church we can see the

parekklesion of the Three (Bishops) built in 1627 and

decorated in 1637.

Megalo Meteora. After tour in Meteora, transfer back to

Kalambaka. Check in the hotel and dinner


hotel. Hotel in Kalambaka.

Day 4: Kalambaka – Ioannina


hotel lobby for departure trip. Driving to Ioannia,

another interesting city in the north area of Greece.

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Ioannina Ianina, is a city of Epirus, north-western

Greece, with a metropolitan population of

approximately 100,000. It lies at an elevation of

600 meters above sea level. It is the capital of

Ioannina Prefecture and of Epirus. The city lies on

the western side of lake Pamvotis. It is located 450

km northwest of Athens, 350 km southwest of

Thessaloniki and 100 km east of the port of

Igoumenitsa in the Ionian Sea.

The city has a General and a University Hospital

and is the seat of the University of Ioannina

(situated 5 km south of the city, with 17

departments and 20,000 students) as well as several

departments of the Τechnological Educational

Institute of Epirus (the headquarters of which are

located in Arta). The city‟s emblem consists of the

portrait of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian

crowned by a stylized depiction of the nearby

ancient theatre of Dodoni.

Of important is the Isle of Ali Pasha where were

the residence of Ali Pasha, and it was there where

the big masakre take place. Of interes is that Ali

Pasha is the only person with 2 graves, one in

Ioanina & other one in Istanbul. Check in the hotel

and dinner included. Overnight and

accommodation in the hotel. Hotel in Ioannina.

Day 5: Ioannina – Gjirokastra – Saranda


hotel lobby for departure trip. Driving from

Ioannia, to Gjirokastra city. Cross the Border

Kakavija, and continue to Gjirokastra. Upon arrival

a brief city tour.

Gjirokastra – Many houses in Gjirokastër have a

distinctive local style that has earned the city the

nickname “Town of the Stones”, because most of

the old houses have roofs covered with stones. Of a

great importance and interesting to be visit, are The

Museum of Weapons (inside the castle), The

Ethnographic Museum or known as the

Enver Hoxha house, The Castle of Gjirokastra,

The characteristic house of Zekate, an important

family in Gjirokastra.

After tour, free time for lunch and continue to

Saranda. Afternoon arrival in Saranda. Check in the

hotel, and enjoy the dinner. Overnight in the

hotel. Hotel in Saranda.

Day 6: Saranda – Butrinti – Saranda


at the hotel lobby for departure trip. Driving to

Butrinti. the ancient city, just 20 min far.

Butrint Archaeological artifacts prove that during

the 7th and the 6th centuries BC Butrint was a

proto-urban centre, but it was only during the 5th

century BC that it turned into a full city. By the end

of the 4th century the agora, the boulevard, a small

temple and the theatre holding 1500 seats were

built up, the latter one fortunately being preserved

till our days. The complex of the theatre and other

buildings like Asklep‟s temple, portico, baths, etc.

form the most magnificent part of the ancient

city. During late antiquity and early Middle Ages,

Butrint flourished greatly. The construction of the

baptistery, which is the most important monument

of the early Christian period, dates from this time.

The baptistery, which has a round shape with a

diameter of 13.50 m, is laid with multicolored

geometric and animal mosaic motifs and bears

special artistic values. The hall has two rows of

granite colonnades upon which the roof rests.

After tour back in Saranda. Afternoon free time in

the city center (Possibility to enjoy the dinner in

Lekursi Castle, an interesting sight now days

combined to a traditional restaurant).

Accommodation and overnight in the hotel in

Saranda.

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Day 7: Saranda – Vlora

After the breakfast in hotel meet the group at the

hotel lobby and departure trip. This is a wonderful

panoramic tour that passes through the Jonian

Riviera. Some brief visits to traditional villages, as

Llogara, Dhermi, Vunoi,. We will stop to have

lunch (Facultative) to Llogara area, enjoying the

nice scenery among the pinewoods. Late afternoon

we arrive in Vlora. Check in hotel, enjoy the dinner

and overnight. Accommodation in the hotel in

Vlora.

Day 8: Vlora – Apollonia – Berat



Apollonia, with a sightseeing tour.

Apollonia – An ancient city, one of the biggest in



It was built on a hill (whose tops are respectively

101 and 103 m above the sea level), a position that

overlooks the whole area and leads through Vjosa

River to Adriatic. During its first years of

existence, Apollonia kept close contacts with

Corcyra and Corinth and played the part of a trade





and later on with Magma Grecia (Southern Italy).

The sight of Apollonia, is divided in to 2 parts. The

visitors may have the chance to Visit The Ruins of


Apollonia. After tour in Apollonia, driving to Berat

city. If time permits brief city tour in Berat.

Berat – The town is still renowned for its historic


“Town of a Thousand Windows”, due to the many








quarter within the old Byzantine citadel that

overlooks the town. The town also has a 15th

century mosque and a number of churches of the

Albanian Orthodox Church, whose autocephaly

was proclaimed there in 1922. Several of the

churches house works by the renowned 16th

century painter Onufri. Of inters it is also the

Onufri Museum in the city.

Check in the hotel, and enjoy the dinner. Overnight

in the hotel. Hotel in Berat.

Day 9: Berat – Durres – Tirana



Durres city with brief city tour. Some important

buildings in Durrës include the main library, the

cultural center with the Aleksander Moisiu theater,

the Estrada Theater, the puppet theater, the

philharmonic orchestra, etc. There are also several

museums such as Byzantine Forum, Venetian Torra

(small castle open as a bar), Ancient city wall, The

Exhibition of Folk Culture (open 8.00-13.00 for

each day)The mosaic of Arapaj, Arapaj village (it

can be opened only with special permit) the

Archaeological Museum and the Museum of

History.The city‟s beaches are also a popular

destination for many foreign and local

tourists. After tour in Durres, transfer to

Tirana. Check in the hotel, and enjoy the

dinner. Overnight in the hotel. Hotel in Tirana.

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Day 10: Tirana – Kruja – Tirana

Morning after breakfast meet the group at the lobby

and departure for a sightseeing tour in Kruja city. Is

situated only 90 min far from Tirana city.

Kruja – is a tourist attraction alongside a

panoramic mountainside location. Some of the

main points of interest include the restored Castle

and Citadel, the Skanderbeg museum located inside

the castle, and the Old Restored Bazaar. The citadel

includes a restored house from the Ottoman epoch

that serves as the Ethnographic Museum.

After visit in Kruja, transfer back in

Tirana. Afternoon sightseeing tour in Tirana.Tirana

– “The Albanians” – a mosaic on the face of the

National Historical Museum, Statue of Skanderbeg

in Skanderbeg Square, Et‟hem Bey Mosque at the

south east corner of Skanderbeg Square – The

Clock Tower next to the Et‟hem Bey Mosque,

Government buildings: at the south end of







the 20th century. The Palace of Culture (Pallati I

Kulturës), where the Theatre of Opera and Ballet

and the National Library stand, was completed in

1963 on the site of the former Trade of Tirana

building, with the first brick being placed by Soviet

president Nikita Khruschev in 1959. The

monument to Mother Albania, 12 meters high, was

inaugurated in the Dëshmoret e Kombit cemetery

in 1971. The Academy of Sciences building,

The Gallery of Figurative, The International

Cultural Centre, formerly the Enver Hoxha

Museum, was inaugurated in 1988. Popularly

referred to as „the Pyramid‟, it was designed by a

group of architects under the direction of the

dictator‟s daughter, Pranvera Hoxha, and her

husband Klement Kolaneci. The Palac of Congres,

and President Resident, all this wonderful

buildings, extended, along the Bulevard Deshmoret

e Kombit, The Bulevard of Albanian History. All

this wonderful things you could get to our Capital

along to panorama tour in Tirana.

After tour transfer back to the hotel, enjoy the


in Tirana.

Day 11 : Tirana – Out

In the morning after the breakfast, meet the group

at the lobby and check out. Transfer to the Airport

Mother Theresa.

End of our service!

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Discover unique cultural traditions, historic sites,

rich cuisine of North Greece, Albania and

Macedonia. Immerse yourself to the performance

of the local artists in Albania of the polyphonic

songs, revealing the hidden secrets of their folklore.

Visit the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE sites in

this area. We have picked Igoumenitsa port, if you

are travelling with your own coach. We provide

service from any sea entry point.

Day 1: Border from Igoumenitsa – Ohrid

Arrival in Igoumenitca port with Greek at 11:30

with the local time. After port procedures, continue

to MAQEDONIA via BITOLA. First stop

IOANNINA at 13:00 – Free time for

Lunch and walking tour of the city centre. The

highlights of the city include the city centre,

Fortress kale, Fethye mosque, Ethnographic

museum, the Jewish Synagogue, the Cathedral of

St. Athanasius and the Arcade Loulis, the

commercial centre. Departure via GREVENA to

the border Macedonia at 14:30. Walking tour of

BITOLA city centre at 15:45. Visit Magnolia

square, statue of Philip the 2nd and the pedestrian

street with an ottoman architecture feel, the Clock

tower and St Demetrius church.

Proceed to Heraklea archaeological site. Discover

the well preserved ruins of the Roman baths, the

baptistery and the Episcopal church, the Jewish

temple, Portico and an ancient theatre. We will

visit:

The Ancient Roman Theater.

The Roman Baths.

The Episcopal Church and Baptisery.

The Jewish Temple.

The Portico.

Departure to OHRID at 17:30.

Day 2: Ohrid

Breakfast in the hotel at 08:00. Meet the guest and

continue to Ohrid full day city tour at 09:00. The

highlight of the Ohrid tour include Church of St.

Sophia, St.Bogorodica Perivlepta, St.Jovan Kaneo,

St.Pantelejmon – Plaosnik, Old Bazaar, Mesokastro

Settlement, Kaneo Settlement, Ohrid Fortifications,

King Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Ohrid

Traditional Architecture, Icon museum. We will

visit:

Icon Museum.

Kaneo Settlement.

ST. Sophia Church.

Boat ride in the lake.(Optional)

Afternoon tour St.Naum at 15:30. This journey

will take you to a monastic complex, known for its

rich history of orthodox religion, some of the

painting achievements and wood carving, displayed

within the church of St. Naum, a priest and scholar

with a famous legacy. Tucked away in a middle of

a natural wonder of water spring, this site is a must

for any traveller. We will visit:

The Monastery of ST.Naum.

After the tour, transfer back to the hotel.

Day 3: Ohrid – Elbasan – Tirane

After breakfast in the hotel, meet the group and

continue to Border way to Albania at 08:00. Border

procedures and continue to Elbasan at 09:00. The

panoramic tour includes the remains of the

medieval castle, Clock tour and the city

centre. Upon arrival in Tirana check in hotel at

14:00. We shall explore the capital city of Albania,

including some of the

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historical highlights, as city centre, Skanderbeg

Statue, Et‟hem bey mosque, Clock tower, Italian

buildings and Martyr‟s of the Nation

Boulevard. Visit the ex-communist buildings,

painted with vibrant colours and the expansion of

city. We will visit:

The National Historik Museum.

The Statue of Gjergj Kastrioti

Skenderbeg.

The center of Development of Culture

and Business.

The Palace of Culture.

The Mosques of Haxhi Et‟hem Bey.

The clock tower.

Accommodation and overnight in Tirana.

Day 4: Tirane – Kruje – Shkoder

After breakfast in the hotel, meet the guest and

continue to Kruja city at 09:00. Upon arrival in

Kruja start the city tour at 09:50. The walking tour

of Kruja will take you through the cobble stone

pathway of Ottoman bazaar, with wooden shops

and displays of various gifts and ntique household

items. Visit within the walls of the castle will

include the historic museum dedicated to

Scanderbeg and his resistance against the Ottoman

invasion. An old house turned to an ethnographic

museum will invite you to a unique cultural aspect

of life in northern Albania. We will visit:

Museum of Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbeg.

The Ethnographic Museum.

Old Bazaar.

Drive to Shkodra city at 13:45. Shkoder is an

ancient city with a rich history; The tour will give

insights of the old characteristic houses where

wood and other traditional motifs are used. The

leaden Mosque, Catholic cathedral, and a walking

tour of Rozafa castle are main attractions of the

city. We will visit:

“Rozafa” Fortress.

The Leaden Mosque

The Catholic Cathedral.

After the tour check in and prepare for

dinner. Accommodation and overnight in Shkoder.

Day 5: Shkoder – Durres – Fier


depart to Durres city at 08:30. Upon arrival in

Durres brief city tour at 10:30. Explore the ruins of

town forum, roman baths, city centre, town hall,

Roman Amphitheatre, byzantine walls, Venetian

tower and archaeological museum, a panoramic

display of discoveries and urban planning of this

once important city. We will visit:

Amphitheater.

Archeological Museum.

Leave Durres and drive to Apollonia way to Fier at

13:30. Upon arrival in Apollonia start the tour at

15:00. The walking tour of the ancient Apollonian

site includes the Encircling Wall, the monuments of

Agonothetes, the Library, the Odeon, the Portico,

the house with mosaics, Archeological museum

and the Church of St. Mary.


The Excavation and the Monuments of

Apollania.

Transfer to Fier city and check in hotel. Dinner

included. Accommodation and overnight in Fier.

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Day 6: Fier – Vlore – Sarande


drive to Vlora city at 08:00. Upon arrival in Vlora a

brief panoramic tour to the city at 09:00. Upon

arrival in Vlora, the panoramic city tour includes

old town, independence square and Muradie

Mosque. Drive along the Albanian Riviera to

Saranda city at 10:30. Continue driving along the

high mountain and fascinated view of Albanian

beauty and arriving to LLogara national park, stop

for refreshments and continue southward to

Albanian Riviera, passing by villages of Dhermi

Himara, and Porto Palermo bay, with its long

history buffs, from the Mediterranean pirates to the

stronghold of Ali Pasha. Upon arrival in Saranda,

continue to Butrinti National Park at 15:00-

17:30. This impressive walking tour will stir your

imagination about the ancient word during the peak

of the Roman power and the classical Greek

mythology.

Start with the Asclepius temple, theatre, Roman

portico and baths, early Christian baptistery,

byzantine basilica, defensive walls and their

impressive gates. We will visit:

The Ruins.

The Ancient city of Butrinti.

The Tample of Aesculapius.

The Baptisery.

The Nympheum.


Accommodation and overnight in Saranda.

Day 7: Sarande – Gjirokastra – Saranda

After breakfast in the hotel meet the group and

depart to Gjirokastra at 09:00. Known for its

unique architecture, this UNESCO WORLD

HERITAGE SITE, will offer something interesting

for everyone. The highlights of the Old Town

include the castle, its weapons museum and

breathtaking views, the bazaar area, the

ethnographic museum. We will visit:

The Castle.

The Weapon Museum.

The Enver Hoxha birth house.

Zekati house.

Traditional music and dance performance – not to

be missed! This city is known as the cultural cradle

of the southern Albania. A music show with the

typical polyphonic songs and traditional dances,

performed by artists dressed in their folk costumes,

can be arranged for your pleasure. Your

local guide and a folklore specialist will be also

present to give you etails and answers questions.

Not only a memorable experience, but an event,

that is featuring team building for the

travelers. After the visit return back to

Saranda. Dinner included. Accommodation and

overnight in Saranda.

Day 8: Saranda – Out (Igoumenitsa)

After breakfast in the hotel, check out and depart to

IGOUMENITSA.

End of our service!

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Day 1: Durres – Prizren – Pristina

We will start our trip to Metropolitan of Kosovo at

5:00 a clock from the sport palace. During the tour

will be made several stops, including the city of

Prizren, which is defined as "museum city" to

honor the rich culture, until we reach our final

destination "Pristina". In this short break will be

visited:

The Ottoman Stone Bridge - symbol of

Prizren, built in 1534 by Ali Bey,

The Museum House of Albanian League

of Prizren - is one of the historical places

in which it is held by the League of

Prizren June 10, 1878,

The Sinan Pasha Mosque, this mosque in

Prizren was built in 1615,

The castle of Prizren – an old fortress

which has been a place for shelter and

protection from prehistoric times.

After this city will continue to Pristina, Kosovo's

ancient capital. Lying between the rivers Prishtevka

and Vellusha, Pristina maintains a residential

territory 7000 year old over its shoulders. Pristina

will have much to tell us. Here will speak the

numerous monuments that it has, the mosque, the

academy of sciences and arts, the great history

about the development of this city.

We will arrive in Pristina at 13:30 and after

organizing in the hotel, along with the assistance of

guides we will know Pristina closely visiting:

Kosovo's National Library

Statue of Mother Teresa

Statue of George Kastrioti Scanderbeg

Kosovo Museum

Bazaar Mosque

The Academy Building

Clock Tower

Fatih mosque or "imperial mosque"

Ethnographic Museum

New Born

After this visit we will return back to the hotel

where we will prepare for a fantastic dinner in one

of the most wonderful clubs that offers this

outstanding capital for night life.

Day 2: Pristina – Prekazi – Durres

After consuming breakfast in the hotel, we will

depart in a shopping center in Pristina, where you

will be able to do shopping. Then we go to the city

of Prekazi, where is house of Adem Jashari, hero of

Kosovo. There will have possibility to visit:

Jashari martyrs cemetery

The house where the family Jashari was

assassinated

Here you have the possibility to buy different

souvenirs and consume lunch. After this visit we

will return to Durres. During the trip we will make

different stops upon their group members.

End of our service!

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Founded under the name of Corcyra, Corfu was

registered as one of the Corinth colony. It is a

beautiful Greek island found in the Ion sea. Visit

Corfu is like visiting the history of cities. Because

that is an island, that is located on the coast of

Epirus, it has served as a haven of Serbian and

Italian army for many years. For many years Corfu

attracts tourists thanks to the smooth climate, the

beauty of the sea, the Royal Palace, Theater and

Venetian fortifications.

Day 1: Ioannina – Igoumenitsa – Corfu

Meeting with tourists in the center of town. After

accommodation in our luxury bus starts our tour.

During the trip we can make numerous stops,

which will be optional. The trip will continue until

the city of Gjirokastra, where we will make the

police control and after it continues in Greece. We

will go to the city of Ioannina where can visit some

interesting things like the castle of Ali Pasha. After

visitng Ionnina we will go to the city of

Igoumenitsa, where our trip will continue with

ferry to Corfu. This journey will last two hours.

After arriving in the island of Corfu we will go to

the hotel where we will stay for two nights.

Day 2: Corfu

After eating the breakfast, our group will meet in

the hotel lobby and then turn to our guide to visit

the historic landmarks of the Corfu island, the

palace of Queen Sissi, amazing beaches of the

island, the old fortess, the new fortess, the

historical center of Corfu, etc. The lunch is

optional. Free time and in afternoon we will go

back to the hotel. We will pass the dinner in a

tavern in the center of the island.

Day 3: Corfu – Igoumenitsa – Durres

After breakfast, we will meet in the hotel lobby.

We will take our bus which will send us to port,

where we will travel by ferry to the town of

Igoumenitsa. After arriving in the city of

Igoumenitsa we will travel to the border crossing

point. During the trip wi will make stops, where we

can make instant photos. The lunch is optional.

After crossing the border point we will turn to the

city of Durres and where it will be the last stop.

End of our service!

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The Albanian culture and history as one of the

oldest in the Balkan Peninsula deriving from the

Illyrians and Arberesh comes through generations

full of authenticity and richness.

Day 1:

The tourist group arrives in the Mother Theresa

Airport. Sondor Agency welcomes the group and

assists them with the luggages-Transfer to Tirana

by bus. Accommodation in a 3 star Hotel near the

city center – Guided visits in: Scanderbeg Square,

Ethem-Beu Mosque, ex-residential area “The

Block”, Pyramid, Historical parts of Tirana,

Tabak‟s Bridge, Historic Museum etc. Traditional

Albanian Dinner.

Day 2:

Breakfast in Tirana – Departure to Berat- On the

way to Berat we make a stop in Durres to visit the

Roman Amphitheatre – In Berat we first visit the

Castle Berat. – After the Castle we visit Onufri

Museum and the Etnographic Museum-

Accommodation – According to the desire of the

group we can have lunch in Restorant Mangalemi

(on group expenses) – After lunch we will visit

another section of the city called “Gorica”- Dinner

in “White House” Restorant.

Day 3:

Breakfast in Berat – Departure to the city of Vlora

– Visit Ardenica Monastery -Visit the archeological

center of Apolloni and the monastery. Optional:

lunch in Apollonia (on group expenses) -Visit the

Flag Square in Vlora -Short break in Vlora near

Hotel Bolonja and free time. – Accommodation

near Radhima beach-Free time to swim-Dinner in

hotel.

Day 4:

Breakfast in Radhime-Vlore -Drive to Saranda

through Llogara, Himara, Borsh-Time to swim and

lunch in Himara (lunch or picnic on group

expenses). – Visit Porto Palermo Castle.

Accommodation in Saranda-Guided Tour in the

Archeological site of Butrinti.Traditional Albanian

Dinner.

Day 5:

Breakfast in Saranda-Departure for Gjirokaster-

Visit Shen Koll monastery-Mesopotam -Visit Syri i

Kalter and coffee-break -Arrival and

accommodation in Gjirokaster in Çerçiz square -

Lunch or picnic in the tourist site of Viroi,

Gjirokaster (on group expenses)-Visit of old center,

market, mosque, castle, Zekate-house, time-off-

Dinner at a traditional place.

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Day 6:

Breakfast in Gjirokaster – Departure to Korça –

Visit the Ali Pasha castle in Tepelene – Short photo

stops through Vjosa valley and Gramoz Mountain -

Picnic in the green near Erseka (on group

expenses)- Accommodation in Grand Hotel

Korça.Walk through the old city, market, Orthodox

Church and time off- Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7:

Breakfast in Korca. Departure from Korça to Kruja

– Visit the Lin village and Lin‟s Mosaic. After that

coffee-break – Scenic route along Shkumbin-valley

– Walk along Elbasan Castle (time permitting)-

Depending on the time lunch will be somewhere

near river Shkumbini and Librazhd or near Elbasan

(group expenses)- Visit Petrela castle- Visit the

Historical Center of Tirana.Arrival and

accommodation in Kruja for 2 nights.- Dinner at

the hotel or near the Castle.

Day 8:

Breakfast in Kruja-Departure to Shkoder- Visit the

Scanderbeg memorial in Lezhe-Visit Rozafa Castle

in Shkoder -Time-off at the center/ market of

Shkoder – Lunch in tavern near the bridge (on

group expenses)- Visit Mesi bridge or Shengjin

beach for swimming (time permitting)- Back to

Kruje – Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 9:

Breakfast at the hotel in Kruja-Visit the old bazaar

and castle of Kruje as well as the ethnographic

museum-Snack/lunch on group expenses. Transfer

to Rinas airport.

End of our service

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53

Travel through Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and

Montenegro and learn what makes these sites

special and important to UNESCO. See how the

history and culture has given shape to the

development of distinctive styles of architecture.

Day 1:

Arrival in Albania by airline-transfer from the

airport – accommodation in Tirana – city tour and

visit the center of Tirana – dinner.

Overnight: Tirana.

Day 2:

Departure for Durres. Visit the historical center of

Durres and the Roman Amphitheater of Durres, the

biggest in the Balkans. Arrival in Berat, a city

under the protection of UNESCO, accommodation

in the hotel. Visit the Castle of Berat and

neighborhood within the castle. Visit the city of

“one upon one” window.

Overnight: Berat.

Day 3:

Continue to the Archaeological Center of Apolonia,

a city in which Roman Emperors like August and

Caesar studied in. Depart to the city of Vlora.

Accommodation in Vlora. Visit the Square of the

Flag and Gus Baba Center. Dinner.

Overnight: Vlora.

Day 4:

Continue to the ancient city of Orikum which was a

ground battle between the Roman armies of Caesar

and Mark Anthony. Journey continues through the

Albanian Riviera from Llogoraja, Himara, Borsh.

Arrival in Saranda, visit the ruins of the Hebraic

synagogue dating about 2000 years, visit the castle

Lekurs,

Overnight: Saranda.

Day 5:

Visit the archeological center of Butrint, an object

under the protection of UNESCO, established by

the ancient Trojans, as an imitation of the old Troy

destroyed by the Greeks. Visit the “Blue Eye” an

interesting water flow gushing from the ground,

return to Saranda – Dinner.

Overnight: Saranda.

Day 6:

Visit the ancient monastery of Mesopotamia.

Arrival in Gjirokaster, the city of “one upon

another roof” under the protection of UNESCO.

Accommodation in hotel, visit the Castle of

Gjirokastra, the Museum of Arms, house of the

writer Ismail Kadare now a museum. Dinner.

Overnight: Gjirokaster.

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Day 7:

Depart to Gjirokastra in the direction of Permet and

Erseka, following the banks of Vjosa River, a

valley attractive for its nature. Before entering in

Korce we visit Tumas of Kamenica, very ancient

Illyrian cemetery. Accommodate in Hotel and then

visit the mosque Mirahori. Dinner.

Overnight: Korce.

Day 8:

Continue to Pogradec. Visit the picturesque lake.

Departure to Macedonia through the border check –

point of Tushemishtit. Arrival to the monastery of

St. Naum – an old Orthodox religious site. In Ohrid

which is one of the oldest cities of the Balkans, an

important center of the Episcopal Church of Rome

and Byzantium, will visit its old castle.

Accommodation in hotel. Dinner

Overnight: Ohrid.

Day 9:

Head on to the city of Skopje. On our way there

will visit also the city of Tetovo, an important

center of the Bektashi Sect “Arabati Teke” in

Tetovo. Accommodation in Skopje, one of the most

important centers or “Vilajete” of the Ottoman

Empire. Visit the birth house of “Mother Teresa of

Calcutta” a native Albanian of Skopje. Dinner.

Overnight: Skopje.

Day 10:

The journey continues to Pristina, capital of

Kosovo. Passing through the crossing point of Hani

Elezit. On our way to Pristina will visit a very

interesting natural object – the Cave of Gadimes

near Pristina. Visit the historical center of Pec and

Patriarchate of Pec which is under the protection of

UNESCO. After this we will visit the Monastery of

Decani as well under the protection of UNESCO

and historic center of Gjakova.. Accommodation in

Gjakova. Dinner.

Overnight: Gjakova.

Day 11: Continue from Gjakova to Prizren. In Prizren will

visit historical complex Prizren League. From

Morina border crossing we enter to Albania and

through the recently build highway and tunnel we

arrive to Shkodra. Accommodation to the hotel.

Dinner.

Overnight: Shkodra.

Day 12:

There will visit the historic center and Illyrian

fortress of Rozafat. Depart to M.negro through the

crossing point of Hani Hotit. Visit the capital

Podgorica and Cetinje the historical capital of

M.negro. Arrive in Kotor, an historic center under

the protection of UNESCO. Return to Budva

Accommodation in the hotel. Dinner.

Overnight: Budva

Day 13:

Visit the castle and old town of Budva. On our way

to Ulcinj we visit St. Stephen a tourist site. In

Ulcinj will visit the castle and old town of Ulcinj.

We enter in Albania through the border crossing

point of Muriqan. Arrival in Tirana.

Accommodation in hotel.

Overnight: Tirana

Day 14:

Free time – Transfer to the “Mother Theresa”

International Airport.

End of our service

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Albania Coast of its stunning beaches. Whether you

like sandy beaches or rocky beaches you can find it

all in Albania. The seafood is fresh, delicious and

priced very well. You will love the atmosphere

especially in the beginning and end of the summer

season.

Day 1: Shkoder – Apollonia – Vlora

Enter Albania through Muriqan border

checkpoint. Short break in Shkoder and in

Apollonia, Fier. Arrival in Vlore – accommodation.

Overnight: Vlore

Day 2: Vlore – Narte – Rradhime

Visits will continue to Zvernec, Narte. The day will

be spent swimming and doing other recreational

activities in Radhime beach.

Overnight: Vlore

Day 3: Vlore – Saranda

We depart to the city of Saranda passing through

Llogara, Himara, Borsh and finally to Saranda

where will be accommodated.

Overnight: Saranda

Day 4: Saranda – Butrint – Syri i kalter

Today we will visit the archeological and cultural

centers of Butrint, Ksamil, Lekures and Syri i

Kalter.

Overnight: Saranda

Day 5: Saranda

Visit the city of Saranda. The rest of the day is at

leisure in the beach of Saranda.

Overnight: Saranda

Day 6: Saranda – Gjirokaster – Berat –

Durres

Return to the city of Durres. On our way back will

visit the city of Gjirokaster and Berat as well as

castles and the museums of the cities. In the

afternoon we arrive in Durres. The remainder of the

day is at leisure.

Overnight: Durres

Day 7: Durres

Visit the city of Durres. The rest of the day is at

leisure in the beach of Durres.

Overnight: Durres

Day 8: Durres - Tirana – Kruja – Durres

The day will be spent visiting the cities of Tirana

and Kruja where will see the historical and

archeological objects as well as other attractions of

these cities.

Overnight: Durres

Day 9: Durres – Out

The tourist group will be transferred by bus in the

direction of Macedonia or Montenegro.

End of our service.

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Day 1: Tirana

Once the normal procedures are ended in the

airport, the group will depart for Tirana by bus; in

the entry of Tirana will see a panoramic view of the

city for about one hour with a professional guide

passing through the historical places of the city.

Subsequent to the panoramic tour, the group will be

accommodated in hotel, in the center of the city. At

18:00 o‟clock we will visit the National Historical

Museum for 1 hour. In the end of the visit will turn

back to the hotel where is waiting for us a plenty

dinner.

Day 2: Tirana – Apollonia – Vlora –

Saranda

Breakfast at the Hotel in Tirana starts at 08.00

o‟clock. After breakfast will depart for the city of

Vlora, making few stops and panoramic views

along the way in the cities of Durres, Lushnja, Fier,

the archeological center of Apollonia etc. At 10:00

o‟clock we will make a short visit in the city of

Durres, its amphitheater and center. Following the

one hour visit in Durres, excursionists depart to the

city of Fier, passing from cities of Rrogozhina and

Lushnja. Once we arrive to the city, around 12:30,

will deviate in the direction of the archeological

center of Apollonia which dates 6 century BC. In

this archeological center are well protected

nowadays monuments like the encircling wall with

its big bend, the monument of Agonotetve, Odeon,

Library, portico, church of saint Mary etc.

Day 3: Saranda

At 9.00 o‟clock after breakfast at the hotel in

Saranda will make a familiarizing walk around it.

After lunch and the tourist excursion in Butrint

Park, tourist group will turn to the hotel to rest.

Dinner is organized in the dominant tourist site of

Lekurs in Saranda together with a folk orchestra

lasting until late hours of the night.

Day 4: Saranda – Gjirokastra – Tirana

Breakfast is served at 08:00 o‟clock in the city of

Saranda. After breakfast and excursion in the

tourist region of Saranda will depart for the city of

Gjirokastra in the direction of Tirana which is the

end of our tour. In the end of the visits in

Gjirokastra the excursion group turns in the

direction of Tirana making a few stops in the “Cold

Water” in Telpelena, castle of Ali Pasha in

Tepelena, cities of Ballsh, Fier, Lushnje, Kavaja

etc. Lunch will be organized in the tourist site of

Tepelena called “cold water”. In the afternoon we

arrive in Tirana where will be accommodated in a

very pleasant hotel deserving the rest after all the

road we have done. After accommodation we will

be made ready for the dinner served in the outdoor

surroundings of the hotel which owns a very

interesting park suitable for this kind of

organizations. Dinner is accompanied by an

orchestra playing characteristic music until late

hours of the night.

Day 5: Tirana – Kruja

Breakfast starts at 08:30. After breakfast the group

makes all the normal procedures to leave the hotel

and depart for a tourist visit in the city of Kruja, the

historical Albanian chief town and of our national

hero Gjergj Kastrioti – Scanderbeg

End of our service.

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Many don‟t know that Albania and Kosovo have

many similarities like the same language, belong to

the same ethnic group have similar cultures. We

explore the vibrant cities of Tirana and Prishtina,

experience the local hospitality, visit the well

preserved monasteries and churches of Decan and

Peja, learn about the history of Albanians in Kruja

and Prizren, admire the Ottoman architecture and

atmosphere of Gjirokastra and Gjakova.

Day 1: Tirana.

Transfer from Mother Theresa Airport –

Accommodation to the hotel – visit the Historic

Museum – free time – dinner.

Overnight: Tirana

Day 2: Tirana.

City tour in Tirana – visit the ex communist

residential area – house of Enver Hoxha (former

dictator ) – underground tunnels – documentary

show of the communist period visit the ex- museum

of E. Hoxha–visit the World War Two Martyrs

Cemetery–dinner.

Overnight: Tirana

Day 3: Tirana –Durres – Berat.

Breakfast in Tirana-visit the city of Kruja and

castle of Scanderbeg-visit the city of Durres and the

Roman Amphitheatre-arrival in Berat-visit the

castle of Berat-dinner.

Day 4: Berat – Fier – Vlora.

Breakfast in Berat – visit Berat and the ex – Textile

Mill “Mao Ce Dun”– visit the archeological center

of Apollonia, Fier–visit the ex –Nitrogenous Mill in

Fier–Arrival in Vlore– Dinner

Day 5: Vlora – Orikum – Porto Palermo

– Saranda.

Breakfast in Vlora – visit the Independence

Memorial and tourist site of Gus Baba – visit the

military base of Pashaliman, Orikum – short stay in

the tourist site of Llogara – passing through the

Albanian Riviera we arrive at Porto Palermo

Military Base – Arrival in Saranda – Dinner.

Overnight in Saranda

Day 6: Saranda – Butrint – Gjirokaster.

Breakfast in Saranda – visit the archeological

center of Butrint – visit the tourist site of “Syri i

Kalter”– arrival in Gjirokastra– visit the house of

Enver Hoxha now turned into a museum – dinner.

Overnight in Gjirokastra

Day 7: Gjirokaster

Visit the castle of Gjirokastra and the Weapons

Museum – visit the house of the renowned writer

Ismail Kadare – attend the Gjirokastra Folk

Festival – Dinner.

Overnight in Gjirokastra

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Day 8: Gjirokaster – Tepelena – Durres –

Shkoder.

Breakfast in Gjirokastra – continue the journey to

the city of Tepelena – visit the castle of Ali Pasha –

panoramic view of the cities of Ballsh,Fier,Durres

– accommodation in Shkodra – visit the castle –

dinner.

Overnight in Shkodra.

Day 9: Shkoder – Kukes – Prizren

(Kosovo).

Breakfast in Shkoder – continue in the direction of

Kosovo through to possible routes: Option 1. If the

road Milot – Kukes is finished we will head in this

direction visiting during the road the notorious

prison of Spac – A short break in Kukes –

accommodation in Prisren – dinner. Option

2. Continue through the lake by ferry line Koman –

Fierze – short break in the cities of B. Curri and

Gjakove (Kosovo) – accommodation in Prizren –

dinner.

Overnight in Prizren.

Day 10: Prizren – Decan – Peje.

Breakfast in Prizren – Visit the memorial of

Albanian League of Prizren – visit the liquor

storehouse in Rahovec – visit the commercial road

“Carshia” in Gjakove – Visit the Monastery of

Decan – accommodation in Peja – dinner.

Overnight in Peja.

Day 11: Peja – Rugova – Prekaz –

Prishtina.

Breakfast in Peja – visit the historical center of Peja

– excursion in Rugova canyon – visit the memorial

of Resistance against Serbian army in Prekaz –

accommodation in Prishtina – dinner.

Overnight in Prishtina.

Day 12: Prishtina – Mitrovica.

Visit the historical objects – then continue to

Mitrovica- visit the dividing bridge between the

Albanians and Serbs-return to Prishtina-dinner

Overnight: Prishtina

Day 13: Prishtina – Janjeve – Ferizaj.

Visit the Gadima Cave in Janjeve– continue the

journey to Ferizaj-visit the American military camp

“Bondstill”-return to Prishtina-dinner.

Overnight: Prishtina

Day 14: Prishtina.

Breakfast in Prishtina – free time – transfer to

Prishtina Airport.

End of our service.

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Day 1: Shkodra – Tirana

The tourist group enters through Muriqan border

checkpoint – visit Shkodra, Rozafa castle as well as

the old part of the city – lunch time – proceed to

Tirana – accommodation – dinner.

Day 2: Tirana – Fier – Berat

Breakfast in Tirana – visit the National Historic

Museum – Excursion to Petrela Castle situated

southwest of Tirana – dinner in one of the

characteristic restaurants there – continue to Fier –

visit Apollonia – accommodation in Berat – dinner.

Day 3: Berat – Durres

Breakfast in Berat – visit the Onufri castle and

museum – continue to Durres – accommodation –

lunch – visit the amphitheatre and archeological

museum – dinner.

Day 4: Durres – Kruja

Breakfast in Durres – excursion in Kruja – visits in

the characteristic road and castle of Scanderbeg –

dinner inside the castle – continue to Montenegro

through Muriqan border checkpoint or to

Macedonia through Qafe Thane border checkpoint.

End of our service.

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Our journey will take you to the captivating

legendary castle of Rozafa, overlooking Shkodra

(Skadar) lake and Adriatik sea, once the stronghold

of the brave Adrian Illyrian tribe. Join us to explore

the mix of the ancient and modern trail of history and

traditions of locals in the north western Albania

Itinerary: Shkodra

Your driver and guide will meet you outside your

hotel. Head out north of Tirana, toward the Airport

road onto the main road north west to Lezha. Stop

near the ruins of St. Nicole cathedral and the walk

tour will include the surrounding walls of old town of

Lissus, once a trading and commercial center

managed in early antiquity by the romans and Venice

during the medieval period. Follow with the visit of

burial place of National hero Skanderbeg, once a

great cathedral, destroyed by the ottomans and

converted to a mosque in 16th century. Board the bus

and proceed to Shkoder city for sightseeing. The

architectural elements indicate a mix from the

ottoman, west, east, communist and modern styles.

Walking tour will include the lead mosque in the city

center and the promenade. There is time here for a

snack or drink. The local shop vendors offer hand-

made souvenirs. Board the bus and proceed to visit

Rozafa castle. The walk up the coble stone pathway

takes you through the main ancient gate,

reconstructed in the 20th century. Enjoy the

panoramic views from here of Adriatik Sea, south

west, Lake north west, Albanian Alps in the North

and East. The surrounding walls and watch towers,

still stand strong, despite heavy wind blows through

centuries from all corners. Return back to Tirana.

End of our service!

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Get much more of this tour to find about the rich

history of Gjergj Kastrioti, Skenderbeg , the Albanian

hero, who led the Christian defense against the

Ottoman empire in the peak of its strength. Our ride

will include Kruja castle, Skenderbeg Museum,

Ethnographic Museum and the Turkish bazaar.

Itinerary: Kruja

Our tour starts at the arranged pick up points after

which we leave Tirana toward the Airport and Fushe

Kruja town, then driving upward the winding road to

Kruja, as the famous English painter Edward Lear

quotes it as “..a charming little town all up in the

sky”. Our guide will lead you through the ancient

history of Kruja area, its people, culture and

tradition. From the adobe type dwelling places to the

Ottoman houses and communist flats, you’ll

experience newly modern buildings, in the city center

as well on the top of Sari-Salltik mountain. Get off

the bus in the city center and start the walking tour

toward the Bazaar. Enjoy the architectural values of

the cobble stones and wooden shops. Proceed to the

fortress through the main gate. Skenderbeg museum,

build during communism, invites you to a wonderful

historic insights of medieval period. Do not forget

the ethnographic museum, which displays a lively

exhibition of rich tradition and culture of the Kruja

people and those, who used it as a stopover on their

way to central or southern Albania. After a break for

an optional snack or lunch in one of the traditional

restaurants in Kruja, board the bus and continue back

to Tirana – drop off stops.

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Head out west toward the Adriatic sea coast. Some

of the highlights are the sightseeing of old town of

Durres, train station, harbor, resistance mausoleum,

city center. Stroll through the promenade to visit the

newly discovered roman amphitheater, byzantine

churches and city wall, venetian tower and

archeological museum.

Itinerary: Durres

Our tour starts at the arranged pick up point after

which we leave Tirana toward Durres city, one of

Albania’s oldest cities, the country’s main sea port

and the second largest industrial center after Tirana.

Durres lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the

Adriatic Sea. The city was colonized by the Greeks in

627 B.C. It was named Epidamnos, which later

became Dyrrachium. From the Venetian Tower at the

harbor the Medieval Town Wall leads to the

amphitheater (capacity 15,000 spectators) dating back

to the 2nd century AD and containing an early

Christian Crypt with a rare wall mosaic. Between the

1st and 3rd centuries, Durres was an important port

and trading center on the Via Egnatia trading route

between Rome and Byzantium (Istanbul). After a

great number of earthquakes, much of ancient Durrës

sank into the sea and was subsequently built over.

Today the city is well known for the nearby beach

resort of Durres Plazh, its wonderful sand and warm

sea water for every holiday maker and beach lover.

End of service!

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This journey will take you to Berati city, 120 km

south of Tirana, for you to explore a mix of history,

civilization,culture, architecture, religion. Highlights

of the tour are Old Mangalem town, Goritsa bridge,

towers and walls of the citadel, orthodox churches,

Mosques and Onufri Museum.

Itinerary: Berat

Meet our driver and guide at your hotel and leave

Tirana toward Berat, through towns of Kavaja and

Lushnja. The bus will stop close the first main gate.

Stroll upward the stone pathways into the next gate,

to see the ruins of the mosque, towers, panoramic

views of the river valley, churches within the walls,

red minaret of the mosque, and the former quarters of

the Turkish garrison. Proceed to Onufri Museum,

where the museum guide will walk you through the

heritage of the art effects, stone and wood

works. Board the bus and continue to city center for

an optional lunch or snack. After a short sightseeing

of Old town of Mangalem , with its striking

architecture of the houses, continue to see the lead

Mosque, king mosque and the orthodox cathedral,

newly build. Board the bus in the city center and

proceed along the river to see Goritsa bridge. Back

to Tirana.

End of our service!

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Get much more of this tour to find about The

Museum of Apollonia and the Excavations and the

Monuments of Apollonia, also to know more about

Vlora, the second port city important in Albania.

Itinerary: Apollonia and Vlora

Meet the group at hotel lobby. Depart for a daily tour

to the main interesting sight as Apollonia & Vlora

city.

Apollonia – Situated 12 km from the city of Fier and

1 hour and 15 min far from Vlora city. Illyrian

Apollonian was found at the beginning of the 7-th

century BC by the Greek colonists coming from

Corinth and Corcyra. Apollonian was in Roman

times, a large and flourishing city near Aos river

(today Vjosa). Of great interest to be visited are; The

Encircling Wall, the monuments of Agonothetes, the

Library, the Odeon, the Portico, the house with

mosaics, The Museum of Apollonia, the Church of

St. Mary. Unfortunaly, some of the statues and object

were appropriated before 1946 by other countries.

Those remaining are displayed in the museum, which

is housed in the monastery. The monastery courtyard

enclosed a Byzantine church dating back to the 14th

century. We will visit:


The Excavations and the Monuments of Apollonia.

Free time for optional Lunch – (Albanian traditional

meal). After Lunch transfer to Vlora city.

Vlora – The city of Vlora, known also as Vlonë, or

Valona is located in the southwest of Albania, with a

population of 61,300 inhabitants. It is in front of

Karaburuni peninsula and Sazani Island, close to

various sandy and rocky beaches and the scenic

nearby mountains. Vlora is Albania’s second largest

port, having regular ferry boat.

After the tour back in the hotel. Leave the group at

hotel lobby.

End of our service!

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Get much more of this city tour to learn and te see

more about:

The Fortress

The National Weapons Museum

The Ethnographic Museum

The characteristic house Zekati

The ancient city of Antigonea.

Itinerary: Gjirokastra & Antigonea


to the main interesting sight as Gjirokastra &

Antigonea, ancient city.

Gjirokastra – the “Stone City”, situated in the

southern part of Albania only 1 hour far from

Saranda city, on the eastern slope of mountain Mali i

Gjere. It is a commercial center in South Albania, it

produces foodstuffs, leather, and textiles. There are

several 18th-century mosques and churches and an

old citadel (rebuilt in the 19th cent.) in the town.

Dating probably from the 4th cent., Gjirokastër

passed to the Turks in the 15th cent. It was captured

(1811) by Ali Pasha and was the center (late 1800s)

of anti-Turkish resistance. In World War II it was

occupied by Italy, Greece, and Germany in

succession. What strikes the visitors most in

Gjirokastra are its typical and characteristic houses

which resemble little fortresses, clustered one above

the other. Their exterior combines roughness with the

beauty of windows, small rooms and light pillars

supporting the roofs protruding from the walls. The

most attractive feature is the stone which has been

masterfully elaborated by the builders. Once

Gjirokastra has been called the “city of one thousand

steps” or “the stone city”.Free time for optional

Lunch – (Albanian traditional meal). After Lunch

depart to Antigonea.

Antigonea – In this region near the village of

Saraqinisht there are the ruins of ancient city of

Antigonea. The city was part of Kaonia and dates

back to the II century B.C. Antigonea was, thought to

be established from King Pirro of Epirus and took its

name for the honor of his wife called Antigonea.

After the tour back in the city. Leave the group at

hotel lobby.

End of our service!

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Get much more of this tour to find about the Ancient

Saranda, the most attractive town in Albania Riviera,

and the archaeological city of Butrinti.

Itinerary: Saranda and Butrinti


to the main interesting sight as Saranda & Butrinti

ancient city.

Saranda – Saranda, the gateway to the southern

Albania, is a small town located between high

mountain and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda

derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated

to Santi Quaranta (Forty Saints). Located on the

shores of Ionian sea, in front of Greek island of

Corfu, Saranda is characterized by a Mediterranean

climate and warm sea waters. Due to its location and

warm weather Saranda is one of the most attractive

tourist town in Albanian Riviera, where

honeymooners traditionally spend their holidays.

Located in front of the sea and along the main

promenade there are some hotels and restaurants

which offer you catering facilities and

accommodation. Daily ferryboat link Saranda with

the nearby Greek island of Corfu.

Free time for optional Lunch – (Albanian traditional

meal). After Lunch transfer to Butrinti, another

interesting sight.

Butrinti – Archaeological Site, perhaps the most

romantic archaeological site in Albania. Inhabited

since prehistoric times, Butrint has been a Roman

city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity

under Byzantine administration, then a brief

occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned

in the late middle Ages after marshes formed in the

area. The present archaeological site is a repository of

ruins representing each period in the city’s

development. We will visit:

The Castle of Lekursi.

Penisula of Ksamil.

The Ancient City of Butrinti.

Tample of Aesculapius.

The Baptisery.

The Nympheum.


Leave the group at hotel lobby.

End of our service!

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We will start our journey towards Prizren, known as

"museum city" at 5:00 o’clock at sports hall. The

entire trip will be a pleasure and relaxation starting

from different stops that group will do during the trip.

After two and a half hour journey will be arriving at

Prizren. An ancient city found under the picturesque

slopes sharrit. iknown in the Roman period as

theranda and that of Byzantium as prizdrijana the

Kosovo town will give us the opportunity to become

acquainted with during the journey closely with its

beauty and culture.

During this tour will visit:

The Stone Bridge-Ottoman symbol of Prizren built

in 1534 by Ali Bey

The Bath Gazi Mehmet Pasha

The Sinan Pasha Mosque, the mosque in Prizren

remarkable built in 1615

The house museum of the Prizren-Albanian

relationship is one of the historical places in which

it is held by the League of Prizren June 10, 1878

The Prizren castle - old fortess which has been a

place for shelter and protection

The Cathedral of the eternal Assumption -Catholic

church built in 1870 wearing marble where the

door has a description medieval Albanian hero

Scanderbeg

The Church of st.Friday.

End of our service

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Ad.1: The main Boulevard, Durres-Albania

Ad.2: The new building near the Railway-Station

Tel: 00355 52 218144 / 233693

Fax: 00355 52 233693

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.unlimitedtravel.al