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12-Day Grand Tour From Northern Mountains to South Riviera
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12-Day Grand Tour From Northern Mountains to South Riviera
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Highlights
In this 12 days Program, we will introduce you to the gems of Albania. You will visit archaeological sites, castles, old towns, and national parks; you’ll do hiking in the mountains, enjoy sandy beaches and tasty food. This tour will cover the northern and southern Albania.
This tour is for people who are interested in learning about Albanian roots & attractions; its history, lively beaches, breathtaking nature, and incredible places. This tour covers all the regions in Albania and a bit of Kosovo. We have tried, to bring to you some of the most interesting parts of Albania and Kosovo. Albanian people are known for their hospitality and kindness. You will have the chance of living at guesthouses with locals and they will share with you their experiences and ancient stories. You will get an incredible experience.
Itinerary
Tirana
Skanderbeg Square
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeIn Tirana, you will start your visit from the Skanderbeg Square which is also the biggest square in Tirana, around this square you will see, the Palace of Culture, the old et hem bey mosque, and the National Museum. You will spend around 15 minutes in the square to get all the information from the guide.Enver Hoxha Pyramid
Admission Ticket FreeDesigned by Enver Hoxha's daughter and son-in-law and completed in 1988, this monstrously unattractive building was formerly the Enver Hoxha Museum and more recently a convention centre and nightclub. Today, covered in graffiti and surrounded by the encampments of Tirana's homeless, its once-white marble walls are now crumbling, but no decision on whether to demolish or restore it has yet been reached. The pyramid is during our sightseeing and we will stop 10 minutes for explanation.Bunk'Art 1
Admission Ticket FreeThis is a small bunker located on the way to our sightseeing in Tirana.Blloku
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeBlloku is an upmarket area in Tirana, Albania. It is widely known as an entertainment destination with its boutiques, shops, restaurants, trendy bars, pubs, and cafes. The area is part of the neighborhood of Tirana e Re in southwestern Tirana. During the peak summer months, its trendy bars transfer along the Albanian Riviera. It became very attractive after the fall of Communism in Albania because during the communist period it was a restricted residential area for the members of the Albanian politburo, ordinary Albanians would not be allowed in. On most maps it was unmarked. In Blloku you can still find the residence of Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha. In blloku neighborhood, you will spend your free time for lunch or for CaffeNational Gallery of Art
Admission Ticket FreeTracing the relatively brief history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day, this beautiful space also holds temporary exhibitions. The interesting collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting scenes from daily Albanian life and others with a far more political dimension, including some truly fabulous examples of Albanian socialist realism. The entrance of the gallery is not always open, so if there are any exhibitions at the time of your visit you can enter inside the gallery.Pazari i Ri
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThe New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), one of the oldest and most historical residential neighbourhood in the city of Tirana, has undergone renovation and re-invigoration of late. Many of the traditional elements of the old town have been preserved whilst the square has been refreshed with an updated and more modern look. The name derives from the local farmer’s marketplace situated at the center, where more than 300 farmers of the surrounding areas come to sell their fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, and spices.- Accommodations3 or 4 stars Central Tirana Hotel
Tirana - Shkodra
Rozafa Castle
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedBuilt during Antiquity, enduring the Roman and Ottoman empires, and remaining intact up to the present day, Rozafa Castle has witnessed the dramatic changes of the tide over the course of Albania’s fascinating history. Needless to say then that this archaeological area is incredibly rich in historical tales. you will visit the castle and enjoy also the amazing panoramic view.Shkodra Lake
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeIn the Northwest of Albania lies the beautiful Shkodra Lake, the largest in the Balkan Peninsula, and one of the many natural wonders of this part of the country. With a vast surface area of 368 km2, the lake stretches beyond the country and across the border with Montenegro, with 149 km2 of it lying in Albania. The lake beautifully frames the historic and artistic city of Shkodra, a calming and refreshing area, reflecting the effect of the water which gracefully surrounds it.Shkoder
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThis multifaceted city has had a traditionally rich artistic life and an enormous contribution to the Albanian culture. Shkodra is the cradle of the most important Albanian poets, like Migjeni, painters like Kol Idromeno and Edi Hila, and photographers, the Marubi Family. Shkodra houses the haunting Marubi National Photography Museum, which displays the first photo taken in Albania, and the Venice Art Mask Factory, where a local master produces the same intricate masks used in the Venice carnivals and Las Vegas shows. A city of myths and legends, the foundations of the famous Castle of Shkodra are said to be held by the body of Rozafa, the beautiful young mother who sacrificed herself for it. You will find that this naturally beautiful city has an abundance of mirrors in the Adriatic Sea, the Lake of Shkodra and the Buna River. Otherwise called the “city of bicycles,” the city’s views are best admired while pedalling in the open air. You will have free time and overnight in this city.- Accommodations3 or 4-star Hotel in ShkodraFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the hotel
Shkodra - Valbona
Valbona Valley National Park
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThe Valbona Valley is one of the rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and endless forests under the shade of the surrounding high peaks. In this spectacular setting, organic, farm-fresh products and clear air seemingly add years to your life. This natural wonder offers a rare sense of tranquility and beauty, that is not to be missed by those looking for the most awe-inspiring of Albania’s natural treasures. You will enjoy the fresh air and the nice walk in the park before having your dinner.- AccommodationsGuest house in the Valbona National ParkFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the hotelLunchDinner
Valbona - Prizren - Kruja
Prizren
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast you will depart for Kosovo country, Kosovo has a unique and complicated history – get a chance to learn some of it and be pleasantly surprised at the hospitality and friendliness you encounter here! A country-in-flux, Prizren is a town of shops, mosques, churches and old bridges, compares to many Western European cities in culture and beauty.Albanian League of Prizren Museum [Muzeu Lidhja Shqiptare e Prizrenit]
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe League for the Defense of the Rights of the Albanian Nation commonly known as the League of Prizren (Officially on June 10, 1878) in the old town of Prizren, in the Kosova Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire. This is a museum where you will get to know more about Albanian History in Kosovo.Sinan Pasha Mosque
Admission Ticket FreeThe Sinan Pasha Mosque is located in the Historic Centre of Prizren. It was built in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha – a distinguished person of knowledge, a person of important rank in the Ottoman administration. Due to its prevailing position, dimensions, shape, the proportion of minaret to the cupola, construction materials, and technique, endowments in the interior, the Sinan Pasha Mosque represents one of the most characteristic monuments of Prizren.Kruja Castle
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter the visit of Prizren, you will depart fro Albania, the direction of Kruja city, The ancient city of Kruja was the stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, who successfully fought off the Ottomans for 25 years in the 15th century. A museum dedicated to Skanderbeg, designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter, sits within the citadel walls. The small bazaar is probably the best place to buy handmade products & objects- wooden carpets, handcrafted pots, in Albania.- Accommodations4 stars Hotel in Kruja old townFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the hotel
Kruja - Elbasan - Pogradec
Elbasan
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, you will depart for Elbasan. After arriving In Elbasan, you will visit the castle of Elbasan which was very important in Roman times and which also has a view of Via Egnatia, which was the "road" between the old city of Rome and Kostandinopoja. You will also see a fortress of Elbasan, Saint Mary's Church, and the king Mosque inside the fortress. After sightseeing, you will have your free time in the castle.Lake Ohrid
Admission Ticket FreeSome cities are undeniably special. As soon as you take your first steps in them, inhale the first breath of fresh air, the first smell of a nearby body of water, and the first sight of its beauty, you know that these places must have inspired great poetry! Pogradec, the city of artists, resting on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is certainly one of these. It’s an ideal place for the romantic soul, who seeks and relishes nature’s peace and tranquillity. You will overnight near this lake in Pogradec.Pogradec
Admission Ticket FreeOnce you arrive in Pogradec you will enjoy Lake Ohrid, which utterly dominates the small town of Pogradec. This ancient tectonic lake is one of the oldest and deepest (up to 288m) lakes in Europe. The lake is divided between Albania and North Macedonia. The Macedonian side, which centers on the dreamy town of Ohrid, was declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and there is talk of that distinction being extended to the Albanian half. For the moment, though, tourism in and around Pogradec is minimal and on the surface, this is perhaps understandable. Pogradec itself is a fairly drab small town with few physical attractions, and rubbish is a serious eye-sore along the lake-shore. That being said, for an off-beat adventure and the opportunity to stroll quietly around the lake, without the masses of tourists who define its Macedonian side, Pogradec ticks all the right boxes.Tushemisht
Admission Ticket FreeTushemisht is the last village on the Albanian side of Ohrid Lake, before the Macedonian border. Tushemisht is a lovely relaxing place, surrounded by mountains, gorgeous beaches, and great restaurants that offer authentic fish cuisine.- Accommodations3 or 4-star Hotel near the ohrid lakeFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the hotel
Pogradec - Voskopoja - Korca
Driloni National Park
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeIn Morning time, you will start your visit to One of the most enchanting hamlets of southeastern Albania which is Drilon, a very small village located between Korça and Pogradec. During the Communist-era, Drilon was the favorite place of dictator Enver Hoxha, who used to come here to relax. Today Drilon is an attractive summer destination, thanks to its beauty, beaches, and a national park.Voskopojë
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter the visit of Drilon, you will depart for Voskopoja. Voskopoja is a place where nature meets history, making it a favourite destination for tourists. The town of Voskopoja has been known as a cultural center since 1330 and over the centuries, more than 24 churches have been built there. The city hosted the first printing press outside of Istanbul alongside other important institutions, such as the New Academy. Unfortunately, fire, war, robbery, and earthquakes ultimately destroyed many of these buildings. You will visit Saint Athanase, Saint Ilie, and Saint Marie churches. In Vosopoja there is a possibility of light hiking in the forest.Korce
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeIn the afternoon we have a sightseeing tour of the most important places in this city of Korca. The Cathedral, the Ottoman Bazaar, Andon Zako Cajupi theatre and the Hani I Pazarit. The city of Korca is known for its vivid life and traditional music. You will have a nice walk in the main pedestrian area in Korca.Korca Old Bazaar
Admission Ticket FreeThe old bazaar gathers both local residents, doing their daily shopping, and numerous tourists exploring the city. As the first market built-in Korçë, at the end of the 19th century, it is of great historical and monumental value. The complex preserves old buildings and parts of the city made of stone, making the visit to the bazaar an aesthetically pleasing experience. The old bazaar unites the open-air market with workshops or small commercial units, and intimate guesthouse which still preserves the city’s culinary and hosting traditions.Ngjallja e Krishtit Cathedral
Admission Ticket FreeCathedral of the Resurrection: built-in 1992 on the foundations of an old Orthodox church destroyed during the Communist era, it is now the largest and most important Orthodox church in Korça and Albania.National Museum of Medieval Art
2 hoursAdmission Ticket Not IncludedThe National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça is one of those places where the modern and the old blend seamlessly together, creating an otherworldly, timeless space. It is an ultra-modern venue, though one which restores life to the Byzantine era. Originally built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2016, it is located on the main “Fan Noli” boulevard in the city. This, the newest museum in the country, preserves some artworks which have miraculously survived countless obstacles of the communist regime, to help them be where they are today.- AccommodationsHotel in the center of KorcaFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the hotelLunch
Korca - Germenj - Permet - Gjirokastra
Ersekë
Admission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, you will depart to visit one of the most interesting parts of Albania On this day you will explore one of the most natural and interesting landscapes of Albania. We will stop from time to time to enjoy the scenery.Benja Thermal Baths
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe Benja Thermal Pools are smooth and clear, and also contain a high content of sulfur. The stone baths are the most authentic, and as such, attract a large number of visitors all year-round. The winter, when the temperature in Përmet falls below 0 degrees Celsius, it is the best time to immerse yourself in these hot baths. Enjoy that satisfying contrast between the air and water! Remember though, 20-25 minutes in the pool usually suffices! More time in the highly sulfuric waters can be quite overwhelming, and not necessarily that good for you. You will spend in the thermal baths around 2 hours, there is a possibility for jumping in the natural pools and walking in the Langarica canyonPermet
Admission Ticket FreeIn Permet, after visiting the city, we will visit one traditional house and meet the locals, we will experience the typical product of Permet, which is called Gliko. Gliko is an important element of the local cuisine in Përmet and is made from many different fruits and vegetables, all grown locally by many of the valley’s small-scale farmers. "Walnut husk" like, made from whole green walnuts, is the most common style and other popular variations include white cherry, eggplant, wild fig, plum, and apricot. Walking around the city and having some free time on your own.Gjirokastra Bazaar
15 minsAdmission Ticket FreeBy the time you arrive in Gjirokastër, you will pass by the center of the old town. The historic site in Gjirokastra, the "Neck of the Bazaar", makes up the center of the Old Town but what were once artisanal workshops are today mainly tourist souvenir shops. There are a couple of stone carvers left at the top end of the bazaar. Before dinner time you will have free time in the bazaar.Skenduli House
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedThe lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the hands of the same family for generations (apart from a few years during the communist period when the government took it over), and you'll most likely be shown around by a member of the family. Dating from the early 1700s, but partially rebuilt in 1827, the house has many fascinating features, including a room used only for wedding ceremonies and which has 15 windows, many with stained glass.- AccommodationsOvernight in Gjirokastra 3 or 4 stars HotelFood And DrinksBreakfast - in the hotel
Gjirokastra - Blue eye -Saranda
Gjirokaster Castle
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedIn the morning time you will start your walking tour in the castle of Gjirokastra. Gjirokastra's eerie hilltop castle is one of the biggest in the Balkans. There's been a fortress here since the 12th century, although much of what can be seen today dates to the early 19th century. The castle remains somewhat infamous due to its use as a prison under the communists. Inside, there's a collection of armoury, two good museums, plenty of crumbling ruins to scramble around and superb views over the valley. You will have free time in the old town.The Blue Eye
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedPerhaps describing the multidimensionality and depth of this surreal beauty is futile, but one must try! The landscape leading to the Blue Eye uncovers this anomaly of nature as you will find yourself surrounded by palm trees, wild ferns, and tropical plants, as well as dense, mountainous forest vegetation of oaks and sycamores, all at once! This vegetation is kept lush and glorious by the spring flowing down the mountain into the Bistrica River.Butrint National Park
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter lunch, you will start visiting the top archaeological sites of Butrint inside: Butrint (Butrint in Albanian) from ancient Greek was an ancient Greek city and later Roman and a bishopric in Epirus. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Buthrotum was a city of the Greek Chaonian tribe, later a Roman colony and a bishopric. It went into decline at the end of Antiquity, before being abandoned in the Middle Ages after a major earthquake flooded most of the city. Hotel check-in and free time by the sea Saranda, which is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and over the summer months, it seems like half of Tirana is moving here to enjoy the lively beach and the lively nightlife along its crowded seaside promenade.- AccommodationsOvernight in 3 or 4 stars Hotel in SarandaFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the hotel
Saranda - Albanian Riviera - Himara (llogara)
Qeparo Beach
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeSetting off from Himara, the road is only 13 km long and full of the beautiful Mediterranean views for which the Ionian Coast is so famous for. The locals say that Qeparo’s name comes from the cypress tree, which are so common in this area. Unlike the many rocky beaches of the south, Qeparo Beach has fine sand, and the sea is shallow for the first few meters, making it different from the immediate depths of Dhërmi and Jali. It’s for this reason that Qeparo is such a family favorite. There’s also a very quaint old pier which has been built on the large rocks that lay there.Porto Palermo Castle
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedOn the way to Himara near the Ionian sea, in a picturesque bay just south of Himara, this 19th-century fortress, also known as the Castle of Ali Pasha, makes for an interesting stop-off along the coastal road. The fortress itself is eerily dark inside, but it's well worth paying to wander around and explore the battlements, which have superb sea views.Himare
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeHimara, the largest village on the Southern Riviera, is an absolute must-see! Because of its strategic position along the Ionian Coast, the village has had a long history of steady growth, however, in the last couple of decades, it has grown exponentially. Of all the villages along the coastline, Himara offers the most inclusive summer experience. It’s no wonder then that nearly all travel guides recommend it without hesitation!- AccommodationsOvernight in 3 or 4-star Hotel in VloraFood And DrinksBreakfast - In the Hotel
Himara - Vlora
Llogara National Park
1 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeWhere the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas meet, begins the journey towards the Llogara National Park. The lush forests of pines and oaks are only the beginning of this “mountain of panoramas,” which is beautifully surrounded by numerous mountain ranges and the majestic Ionian Sea. Located only 40 km southeast of Vlora, the Llogara National Park is one of the most visited natural parks in Albania, home to a rich flora and fauna and some of the most exceptional food in the country. Though the park stays open throughout the year, it is most visited during the summer, as a cooling-off stop and a literal rite of passage to the southern Albanian Riviera. You will pass by the national park and you can have a nice walk or short hike.Llogara Pass
20 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe Llogara Pass is a high mountain pass within the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera. It connects the Dukat Valley in the north with Himarë in the south. You will have a short stop for pictures of the amazing Albanian Riviera.Independence Monument
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeThe Monument of Independence is a monument in Vlorë, Albania, dedicated to the Albanian Declaration of Independence and worked by Albanian sculptors, Muntaz Dhrami and Kristaq Rama. It is found in the Flag's Plaza, near the building where the first Albanian government worked in 1913. You will have one 10 minutes stop on this historical center of Vlora.Ethnographic Museum, Vlore
1 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedAs the building which hosted the operations of the very first Albanian government, the Museum of Independence in Vlorë is strategically positioned in a location that testifies to its significance, near the port, with a beautiful view of the sea. This modest, two-story house is filled with the weight of history! Founded in 1936, this museum is considered to be the first one in Albania before the ’90s. This national museum offers the most comprehensive information regarding the most culminating events in the life of a country. It was in the famous balcony of this bright yellow, a traditional house that Ismail Qemali raised the Albanian flag in 1912.Zvërnec Islands
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeSitting at 30 meters above sea level, this picturesque island is named after the village of the same name, located about 13 km from the city of Vlora. Famous for its stunning forest of tall pines extending along nine hectares of land, the fairly small island also hosts the well-preserved 13th-century Byzantine Monastery of St. Mary. While Zvërnec is indeed compact in size, at approximately 400 meters in length and 300 meters in width, the island packs a magical experience.- AccommodationsOvernight in 3 or 4 stars Hotel in vloraFood And DrinksBreakfast
Vlora - Berat
National Ethnographic Museum Berat
1 hoursAdmission Ticket Not IncludedAfter Arrival in Berat visit, the National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, situated within a striking, typical 18th century two-story Berat residence, is a pleasant immersion into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town. The museum’s pavilions are nicely organized within the two stories of the former residence. The nice journey along the pavilions reveals an accurate panorama of the traditions and daily conditions of the lives of Berat’s prominent families. You will spend in this museum around 1 hour and the admission fee it's not included in the priceBerat Castle
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedTransfer to the fortress of Berat and visit The Interior. Berati fortress, Onufri museum Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic cities of Albania under the protection of UNESCO as the patronage of the humanity for its unique architectural character. In Berat, we visit the castle and the Onufri museum. Berat Castle is particularly interesting because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, just like their ancestors for centuries. The castle had more than 40 churches, of which 7 remain, including the Sainte-Marie church, transformed into an Onufri museum. Onufri was a famous 16th-century Albanian icon painter who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece, using a special red color. The visit, you will have free time in the old town. You will spend around 2 hours in the castle depending on your request.National Iconographic Museum Onufri
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedBuilt-in 1797, this museum was a cathedral and is situated at the highest altitude of the Berat Castle, though it can be a little difficult to find. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches, though not very visibly.- AccommodationsOvernight in Berati 3 or 4 stars HotelFood And DrinksLunch - Traditional 3 course lunch in BeratBreakfast - In the Hotel
Berati - Apollonia - Karavastas - Tirana
Apollonia Archaeological Park
3 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedIn the morning time you will depart for the Apollonia archeological site. If we could choose the one place where you will have your most memorable encounter with history in Albania, it would have to be the ancient city of Apollonia, founded in the sixth century B.C. Situated in southwestern Albania, about 13 miles from the city of Fier, this city was built by Greek colonizers on the lands of the Taulantii Illyrian tribe. It was considered to be one of the most prominent cities at the time, selected from over twenty other cities throughout the Mediterranean, to receive the glorious name of Apollo, the god of music and poetry.Laguna e Karavastase
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedDivjakë-Karavasta National Park is a beautiful experience for any nature lover and a must-see for birdwatchers! The park gathers some fifty thousand birds among the wonderful natural monuments it houses inside. As such, it provides the extraordinary opportunity to become part of another world. Getting a peek at these birds’ natural habitat as well as their behaviors is a rare treat, indeed.- AccommodationsOvernight in TiranaFood And DrinksDinner - Last dinner of the program in TiranaBreakfast - in the hotel
What's included
INCLUDED
Lunch (3)
Dinner (2)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast (11)
All Fees and Taxes
Guide & Driver Service
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Public transportation options are available nearby
Wheelchair accessible
Location
Address
Plaza Tirana, Tirana, Albania 1001
Provider
Enjoy Travel