Berati
Apollonia
Apollonia became an emporium of merchandising between Greeks an Illyrians and was taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy due to the distinct and separate Greek and Illyrian communities. The city prospered very much in roman times. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar’s civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history as the resident bishop attended the councils of Ephesus and Chalkis in 431 and 451.The discovered monuments on the site are: the fortification wall of the city, the Prytaneon, the Bouleterion, the big and small Stoas, the Odeion, the Theatre, the Nympheum and many more. The museum of Apollonia is hosted in the nearby monastery of the XIV century when can be visit also the Church of St. Mary.
Vlora
After the visit drive towards the city of Vlora and the Llogara National Park. Vlora is the second largest port city of Albania and the most important economical and cultural city of southwest Albania. It is the city where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. The city was for a short time the capital of Albania. Founded as an ancient Greek colony in the 6th century BC by the name of Aulon and continuously inhabited for about 26 centuries.
Llogara
From here the road begin to snake up towards the Llogara Pass, the highest point of which is 1025m above sea level where you can enjoy dramatic views. The Llogaraja National Park takes its name from the passage with the same name, which is over 1000 meters in height and extend along the road that from the city of Vlora goes toward the south of the country.This impressive panoramic Ionian road was built by Mussolini in the Thirties. The park is characterized by a wild and untouched nature where the peaks of the “Malet Vetetimes” or the Mountains of the Lightings, are often surrounded by clouds and so much more evocative. The breathtaking views enjoyed from the park, especially on the side where the hills fall abruptly into the sea below.After driving through the Llogara National Park the road will continue along the Albanian Ionian Riviera that connects the cities of Vlora and Saranda. Albanian Ionian Riviera dubbed by some as “the last secret of Europe”, boasts stunning Mediterranean beaches of the Ionian coast. It’s a stretch of coastline between Vlore and Sarande in south-west Albania. This is the most beautiful part of the coast in Albania and also one of the most beautiful areas in the whole Ionian Sea. The road goes through breathtaking scenery, with mountains rising dramatically up from the coast and the deep blue sea shimmering in the sunlight. The Ionian coast here is very rugged, with rocky coves along the narrow coastal strip and steep mountains rising almost straight up along much of its length. The sea along this part of the coast has clear blue water and the beaches are usually made of small pebbles, but there are also many sandy ones, especially in the south.
Butrint
ButrintButrint is a National park that includes a very well preserved archaeological area, an uncontaminated vegetation area of Mediterranean maquis, and has also a lake that is connected to the Ionian Sea by a natural channel.The wetlands around the lake are shelter for different animals and aquatic species in danger of extinction. The excavations and studies has proved that during the VII and the VI centuries BC. Butrint was a protourban centre. By the V century BC Butrint has got the full form of an ancient city. During the VI century the city was equipped with new buildings such as the theatre, the agora, the small, temple and the stoa. The complex of the sanctuary of Asclepius forms the most magnificent part of the city. The main importance and magnificence of the Site was in the Roman period when the City was proclaimed a Roman Colony and used by the roman aristocracy as a holiday destination. Even during late antiquity Butrint maintained its importance. The construction of the Great Basilica and of the baptistery dates to this period. The baptistery has the floor surface covered by a mosaic decoration of a very fine processing, which is very well preserved.After the visits in Butrint and lunch, the tour will continue toward the city of Gjirokaster, another Unesco protected site for the particularity of its medieval architecture.
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster: “It was a strange city, and seemed to have been cast up in the valley one winter's night like some prehistoric creature that was now clawing its way up the mountainside. Everything in the city was old and made of stone, from the streets and fountains to the roofs of the sprawling age-old houses covered with grey slates like gigantic scales. It was hard to believe that under this powerful carapace the tender flesh of life survived and reproduced.” – (from the book of Ismail Kadare “Cronicle in Stone”). Gjirokastra, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known by many as the City of Stone and comprises hundreds of Ottoman-style tower houses with distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies and whitewashed stone walls.Dominated by the sheer flanks of its vast castle, Gjirokastra is a magical city with a tumultuous past. From feudal stronghold to Ottoman jewel to Italian colony, the city has known many rulers and has inspired poets, authors and artists. A walk around the network of cobbled streets will transport you back in time. A visit to the vast 13th-century Castle brings the adventurous tales of medieval rulers and communist atrocities alive.After visiting the city with its fortress the ethnographic museum and the typical Zekate house, check in the hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Antigonea
AntigoneaAntigone: Pyrrhos, the King of Epiros, (in today’s southern Albania and northern Greece) founded Antigonea in the year 295 BC. Antigonea developed as an important economic, social, cultural and political center, and at the end of the 3rd century and in the beginning of the 2nd century BC took shape as a polis (city-state) and one of most important settlements of antiquity. The city thrived for several centuries. However, like the surrounding region it became involved in the clash between the Roman Republic and the Kingdom of Macedonia. Pyrrhos called the city Antigonea after his first wife, the daughter of Berenice that married Ptolemy, the King of Egypt, in the court of whom Pyrrhos got acquainted with Antigone. In the area of Antigonea you can get in touch with all historic periods of mankind from prehistory to modern times. While the caves of Spile and Ladovishtë indicate that the area has been populated from the earliest times, the greatness of antiquity is represented by Antigonea. Three basilicas in the neighboring villages testify to the outset of Christianity, and the monastery of Erem in Spile, with Saint Nicola Church, is evidence of the Byzantium era. The Ottoman period has left its traces through the architecture of 17th - 18th century houses in Tranoshishtë, and the trends of the communist period can be seen in the agricultural cooperative villages named after partisans Arshi Lengo and Asim Zeneli.
Permet
LeusaAfter the lunch and the visits transfer to the town of Permet. From here a walking tour of 1.5 km will bring us in the hill where is located the village of Leuse. Here we will visit the marvelous orthodox church of the village.Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” Pёrmet is located in the Vjosa River Valley, approximately 30 kilometers from the Greek border. The city is famous for the sweets called ‘Gliko’ and the flowers. The city of Permet, lies along the river Vjosa from which, the valley takes its name. Permet District lies in the heart of Vjosa valley and is surrounded by amazing mountains with particular Flora and Fauna.There are several places of natural interest such as Bredhi (fir) i Hotoves or the thermal sulfuric water, in Langarica valley, which forms natural pools. The city is known for its clean environment and tradition of wine and raki making. Old Permet is worth a look. Church of Leusa (Shen Maria) in Leusa village near Permet features outstanding iconography paintings. Probably the most spectacular church in Albania, it was not burned in WW2 from it resembling more an art gallery than a church.
Korça
korcAfter breakfast drive towards Korca. Continue to Erseka which is the highest above the sea level town in the Balkans, a small town located in the west of the Gramoz Mountain’s valley, near the Greek border. Korca is known as the center of culture and arts. The first Albanian language school opened here in 1887 and a French Lyceum opened in Korca in 1917 following independence. The city has served as a very important trading market and caravans traveled from here to Greece, Turkey, and Russia. Korca today exhibits eastern characteristics, along with traces of French influence in its urban scheme and grand architectural planning. There will be visits to the Orthodox Cathedral, the Old Bazaar, the Museum of Medieval Arts, Albanian school museum etc.
Ohrid
OhriAfter breakfast visit the town of Ohrid. Ohrid, an UNESCO protected site, which in ancient times was known as Lychnidos, we will visit the Hellenistic theatre transformed in an amphitheatre by the Romans. The visit of the city will follow a course that has as its theme the byzantine architecture. Among the monuments to be visited are the cathedral of St. Sofia and other pearls of byzantine period such as the icon collection that is considered to be the most important of the Balkans. Drive towards Tirana.Sightseeing tour of the city concentrated on Tirana Highlights.
Tirana
A cross between Istanbul and Naples with a pinch of Minsk. The capital and the biggest city in Albania offer a wide range of activities, museums and monuments to explore.
Tirana in the main square of the city, Skanderbeg Square (picture above), and along the main “boulevard” named “The Martyrs of the Nations” are located most of the Museums buildings and monuments of Tirana. In the main square are located: The National Historic Museum with its façade decorated by a large mosaic called “Albania”, the huge statue of Skanderbeg, the Et’hem beg mosque with its delicious decorations, the Palace of Culture, where the Theatre of Opera and Ballet and National Library are located, the government buildings that close the square from the south side. Instead along the main “boulevard” and not far from it can be seen: The Catholic church of St. Paul completed in 2001, The Orthodox Cathedral, The late medieval bridge of Tabakeve, the remains of the old fortress of Tirana, different houses in ottoman style. The building of the Parliament, the academy of Sciences building, the Gallery of Figurative Arts, The International Cultural Centre, constructed in 1988 to be the Museum of the ex communist dictator Enver Hoxha and commonly called by the people “The pyramid” according to the strange and curious pyramidal shape of the building, the Palace of the Congresses and the Presidential Residence. The monument of Mother Albania, 12 meters high, was inaugurated in the “Heroes of the Nation” cemetery in 1971.
Shkodër
Shkoder Set on the banks of a sparkling lake at the foot of the wild and rugged mountains of High Albania, Shkodra, was once the largest and most flourishing town in the country. Even today, it remains the cradle of northern Albanian culture. Its mighty fortress, Rozafa, still rises proudly over the Drin and Buna Rivers as a symbol of Shkodra's will to survive. Shkodra itself was a hybrid town. The half-Catholic, half-Muslim population was western-oriented and had close ties with Italy. Shkodra’s turbulent 2400-year history has left plenty of interesting relics that make a visit worthwhile. The oldest wall of the Shkodër castle dates from the first millennium bc. Illyrian king Gentius, to the Romans in 168 bc. The town was subsequently held by the Byzantines, Bulgars, Serbs, Venice and Turks. It became the centre of the Albanian cultural movement after the Albanian League was suppressed in 1881. After being occupied by the Austrians in 1916–18 during World War I, it was taken over by the Allied Powers until it was reunited with free Albania in 1921. Lunch in a local restaurant - Drive to Kruja
Kruja
Kruja Having survived for thousands of years, nearly disappeared at the beginning of the 20th Century and been brought back to life during the last 50 years, Kruja is a tourist attraction alongside a panoramic mountainside location.
“Kruja is a strange town, all clustered around its bazaar.” Some of the main points of interests include the restored Castle and Citadel that it is tied to the legend of the hero who fought against the Turks for about 25 years. The Skanderbeg Museum located inside the castle and erected in memory of the Albanian national hero. Skanderbeg was in fact from these parts and Kruja was a strategic point in the anti-Ottoman resistance. The Old Restored Bazaar has a truly oriental look, multi-colored and overflowing with goods of every description - a typical Ottoman market right before our eyes. The citadel includes the restored house of the Pasha of Kruja, dating from the ottoman period, which hosts the Ethnographic Museum.
Durrës
DurresDurrës is the main port and the second biggest city in the country. Some important archeological monuments that testify the glorious past of the city during different periods of history are: The ancient city walls, the roman amphitheater and baths, the byzantine forum, the Venetian tower, the ottoman hamam. The city offers to the visitor also a range of interesting buildings and museums such as: the Archeological Museum, The Exhibition of Folk Culture hosted in an very elegant house of ottoman architecture, The museum of History ect. Of interest to be seen are the Italian building constructed in between the WWI and WWII that now hosts the Municipality, the Cultural centre with the Aleksander Moisiu Theater, the main Library, the philharmonic orchestra etc.
Berat is known as “The town of a Thousand windows” due to the many large buildings that decorate the houses of the old town. The town is still renowned for its historic architecture and particular beauty and is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Historical Berat consist of three quarters.The quarters of Gorica and Mangalem are situated on the slopes of two hills that are divided by the river Osum. The Kalaja (fortress) quarter stands on the top of the Magalemi hill and is enclosed by a fortification wall that dates back to the IV century BC. The town has several XV century mosques, very well decorated and a very large numbers of Byzantine orthodox churches. Several of the churches has frescoes by the well known painter Onufri and his school and from other later famous schools of frescos and icons of the Balkan area.Of particular interest are: The icons museum located in the old cathedral church of the Castle and the Ethnographic museum hosted in an old house in the Mangalem quarter.
Apollonia
Apollonia became an emporium of merchandising between Greeks an Illyrians and was taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy due to the distinct and separate Greek and Illyrian communities. The city prospered very much in roman times. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar’s civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history as the resident bishop attended the councils of Ephesus and Chalkis in 431 and 451.The discovered monuments on the site are: the fortification wall of the city, the Prytaneon, the Bouleterion, the big and small Stoas, the Odeion, the Theatre, the Nympheum and many more. The museum of Apollonia is hosted in the nearby monastery of the XIV century when can be visit also the Church of St. Mary.
Vlora
After the visit drive towards the city of Vlora and the Llogara National Park. Vlora is the second largest port city of Albania and the most important economical and cultural city of southwest Albania. It is the city where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. The city was for a short time the capital of Albania. Founded as an ancient Greek colony in the 6th century BC by the name of Aulon and continuously inhabited for about 26 centuries.
Llogara
From here the road begin to snake up towards the Llogara Pass, the highest point of which is 1025m above sea level where you can enjoy dramatic views. The Llogaraja National Park takes its name from the passage with the same name, which is over 1000 meters in height and extend along the road that from the city of Vlora goes toward the south of the country.This impressive panoramic Ionian road was built by Mussolini in the Thirties. The park is characterized by a wild and untouched nature where the peaks of the “Malet Vetetimes” or the Mountains of the Lightings, are often surrounded by clouds and so much more evocative. The breathtaking views enjoyed from the park, especially on the side where the hills fall abruptly into the sea below.After driving through the Llogara National Park the road will continue along the Albanian Ionian Riviera that connects the cities of Vlora and Saranda. Albanian Ionian Riviera dubbed by some as “the last secret of Europe”, boasts stunning Mediterranean beaches of the Ionian coast. It’s a stretch of coastline between Vlore and Sarande in south-west Albania. This is the most beautiful part of the coast in Albania and also one of the most beautiful areas in the whole Ionian Sea. The road goes through breathtaking scenery, with mountains rising dramatically up from the coast and the deep blue sea shimmering in the sunlight. The Ionian coast here is very rugged, with rocky coves along the narrow coastal strip and steep mountains rising almost straight up along much of its length. The sea along this part of the coast has clear blue water and the beaches are usually made of small pebbles, but there are also many sandy ones, especially in the south.
Butrint
ButrintButrint is a National park that includes a very well preserved archaeological area, an uncontaminated vegetation area of Mediterranean maquis, and has also a lake that is connected to the Ionian Sea by a natural channel.The wetlands around the lake are shelter for different animals and aquatic species in danger of extinction. The excavations and studies has proved that during the VII and the VI centuries BC. Butrint was a protourban centre. By the V century BC Butrint has got the full form of an ancient city. During the VI century the city was equipped with new buildings such as the theatre, the agora, the small, temple and the stoa. The complex of the sanctuary of Asclepius forms the most magnificent part of the city. The main importance and magnificence of the Site was in the Roman period when the City was proclaimed a Roman Colony and used by the roman aristocracy as a holiday destination. Even during late antiquity Butrint maintained its importance. The construction of the Great Basilica and of the baptistery dates to this period. The baptistery has the floor surface covered by a mosaic decoration of a very fine processing, which is very well preserved.After the visits in Butrint and lunch, the tour will continue toward the city of Gjirokaster, another Unesco protected site for the particularity of its medieval architecture.
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster: “It was a strange city, and seemed to have been cast up in the valley one winter's night like some prehistoric creature that was now clawing its way up the mountainside. Everything in the city was old and made of stone, from the streets and fountains to the roofs of the sprawling age-old houses covered with grey slates like gigantic scales. It was hard to believe that under this powerful carapace the tender flesh of life survived and reproduced.” – (from the book of Ismail Kadare “Cronicle in Stone”). Gjirokastra, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known by many as the City of Stone and comprises hundreds of Ottoman-style tower houses with distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies and whitewashed stone walls.Dominated by the sheer flanks of its vast castle, Gjirokastra is a magical city with a tumultuous past. From feudal stronghold to Ottoman jewel to Italian colony, the city has known many rulers and has inspired poets, authors and artists. A walk around the network of cobbled streets will transport you back in time. A visit to the vast 13th-century Castle brings the adventurous tales of medieval rulers and communist atrocities alive.After visiting the city with its fortress the ethnographic museum and the typical Zekate house, check in the hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Antigonea
AntigoneaAntigone: Pyrrhos, the King of Epiros, (in today’s southern Albania and northern Greece) founded Antigonea in the year 295 BC. Antigonea developed as an important economic, social, cultural and political center, and at the end of the 3rd century and in the beginning of the 2nd century BC took shape as a polis (city-state) and one of most important settlements of antiquity. The city thrived for several centuries. However, like the surrounding region it became involved in the clash between the Roman Republic and the Kingdom of Macedonia. Pyrrhos called the city Antigonea after his first wife, the daughter of Berenice that married Ptolemy, the King of Egypt, in the court of whom Pyrrhos got acquainted with Antigone. In the area of Antigonea you can get in touch with all historic periods of mankind from prehistory to modern times. While the caves of Spile and Ladovishtë indicate that the area has been populated from the earliest times, the greatness of antiquity is represented by Antigonea. Three basilicas in the neighboring villages testify to the outset of Christianity, and the monastery of Erem in Spile, with Saint Nicola Church, is evidence of the Byzantium era. The Ottoman period has left its traces through the architecture of 17th - 18th century houses in Tranoshishtë, and the trends of the communist period can be seen in the agricultural cooperative villages named after partisans Arshi Lengo and Asim Zeneli.
Permet
LeusaAfter the lunch and the visits transfer to the town of Permet. From here a walking tour of 1.5 km will bring us in the hill where is located the village of Leuse. Here we will visit the marvelous orthodox church of the village.Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” Pёrmet is located in the Vjosa River Valley, approximately 30 kilometers from the Greek border. The city is famous for the sweets called ‘Gliko’ and the flowers. The city of Permet, lies along the river Vjosa from which, the valley takes its name. Permet District lies in the heart of Vjosa valley and is surrounded by amazing mountains with particular Flora and Fauna.There are several places of natural interest such as Bredhi (fir) i Hotoves or the thermal sulfuric water, in Langarica valley, which forms natural pools. The city is known for its clean environment and tradition of wine and raki making. Old Permet is worth a look. Church of Leusa (Shen Maria) in Leusa village near Permet features outstanding iconography paintings. Probably the most spectacular church in Albania, it was not burned in WW2 from it resembling more an art gallery than a church.
Korça
korcAfter breakfast drive towards Korca. Continue to Erseka which is the highest above the sea level town in the Balkans, a small town located in the west of the Gramoz Mountain’s valley, near the Greek border. Korca is known as the center of culture and arts. The first Albanian language school opened here in 1887 and a French Lyceum opened in Korca in 1917 following independence. The city has served as a very important trading market and caravans traveled from here to Greece, Turkey, and Russia. Korca today exhibits eastern characteristics, along with traces of French influence in its urban scheme and grand architectural planning. There will be visits to the Orthodox Cathedral, the Old Bazaar, the Museum of Medieval Arts, Albanian school museum etc.
Ohrid
OhriAfter breakfast visit the town of Ohrid. Ohrid, an UNESCO protected site, which in ancient times was known as Lychnidos, we will visit the Hellenistic theatre transformed in an amphitheatre by the Romans. The visit of the city will follow a course that has as its theme the byzantine architecture. Among the monuments to be visited are the cathedral of St. Sofia and other pearls of byzantine period such as the icon collection that is considered to be the most important of the Balkans. Drive towards Tirana.Sightseeing tour of the city concentrated on Tirana Highlights.
Tirana
A cross between Istanbul and Naples with a pinch of Minsk. The capital and the biggest city in Albania offer a wide range of activities, museums and monuments to explore.
Tirana in the main square of the city, Skanderbeg Square (picture above), and along the main “boulevard” named “The Martyrs of the Nations” are located most of the Museums buildings and monuments of Tirana. In the main square are located: The National Historic Museum with its façade decorated by a large mosaic called “Albania”, the huge statue of Skanderbeg, the Et’hem beg mosque with its delicious decorations, the Palace of Culture, where the Theatre of Opera and Ballet and National Library are located, the government buildings that close the square from the south side. Instead along the main “boulevard” and not far from it can be seen: The Catholic church of St. Paul completed in 2001, The Orthodox Cathedral, The late medieval bridge of Tabakeve, the remains of the old fortress of Tirana, different houses in ottoman style. The building of the Parliament, the academy of Sciences building, the Gallery of Figurative Arts, The International Cultural Centre, constructed in 1988 to be the Museum of the ex communist dictator Enver Hoxha and commonly called by the people “The pyramid” according to the strange and curious pyramidal shape of the building, the Palace of the Congresses and the Presidential Residence. The monument of Mother Albania, 12 meters high, was inaugurated in the “Heroes of the Nation” cemetery in 1971.
Shkodër
Shkoder Set on the banks of a sparkling lake at the foot of the wild and rugged mountains of High Albania, Shkodra, was once the largest and most flourishing town in the country. Even today, it remains the cradle of northern Albanian culture. Its mighty fortress, Rozafa, still rises proudly over the Drin and Buna Rivers as a symbol of Shkodra's will to survive. Shkodra itself was a hybrid town. The half-Catholic, half-Muslim population was western-oriented and had close ties with Italy. Shkodra’s turbulent 2400-year history has left plenty of interesting relics that make a visit worthwhile. The oldest wall of the Shkodër castle dates from the first millennium bc. Illyrian king Gentius, to the Romans in 168 bc. The town was subsequently held by the Byzantines, Bulgars, Serbs, Venice and Turks. It became the centre of the Albanian cultural movement after the Albanian League was suppressed in 1881. After being occupied by the Austrians in 1916–18 during World War I, it was taken over by the Allied Powers until it was reunited with free Albania in 1921. Lunch in a local restaurant - Drive to Kruja
Kruja
Kruja Having survived for thousands of years, nearly disappeared at the beginning of the 20th Century and been brought back to life during the last 50 years, Kruja is a tourist attraction alongside a panoramic mountainside location.
“Kruja is a strange town, all clustered around its bazaar.” Some of the main points of interests include the restored Castle and Citadel that it is tied to the legend of the hero who fought against the Turks for about 25 years. The Skanderbeg Museum located inside the castle and erected in memory of the Albanian national hero. Skanderbeg was in fact from these parts and Kruja was a strategic point in the anti-Ottoman resistance. The Old Restored Bazaar has a truly oriental look, multi-colored and overflowing with goods of every description - a typical Ottoman market right before our eyes. The citadel includes the restored house of the Pasha of Kruja, dating from the ottoman period, which hosts the Ethnographic Museum.
Durrës
DurresDurrës is the main port and the second biggest city in the country. Some important archeological monuments that testify the glorious past of the city during different periods of history are: The ancient city walls, the roman amphitheater and baths, the byzantine forum, the Venetian tower, the ottoman hamam. The city offers to the visitor also a range of interesting buildings and museums such as: the Archeological Museum, The Exhibition of Folk Culture hosted in an very elegant house of ottoman architecture, The museum of History ect. Of interest to be seen are the Italian building constructed in between the WWI and WWII that now hosts the Municipality, the Cultural centre with the Aleksander Moisiu Theater, the main Library, the philharmonic orchestra etc.