Albania Uncovered: Vibrant Tirana to Ancient Apollonia

Day 1  Fly to Tirana
Arrive in Tirana today and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.  

Day 2  Tirana
We start our exploration of Albania today as we travel from Tirana to the nearby town of Kruje - a medieval town situated on the side of a mountain, close to the capital. Here we'll visit the town's fortress, as well as the National History Museum where we'll uncover the incredible story of Skanderbeg - Albania's national hero. We'll also spend time in the Ethnographic Museum. Afterwards, there's free time to enjoy the bazaar in Kruje. As its cobblestone streets wind down the hill you can visit an eclectic mix of shops, selling finely carved wooden gifts, relics from Albania's recent past, as well as woollen goods and souvenirs. You will then have free time to enjoy lunch in Kruje. In the afternoon, we'll travel back to Tirana for a walking tour of the city centre. Known for its colourful Ottoman, Italian and Soviet-era architecture, we'll take a walk along the main boulevard where the buildings of Tirana Main University, Presidential Palace, Pyramid building certainly stand out. We'll visit the hip Blloku district, home to plenty of restaurants and bars and finally, we'll arrive at the expansive main square, named after Skanderbeg. Following a visit to the House of Leaves (also known as the secret surveillance museum), you'll have the afternoon and evening free for your own exploration of Tirana. 

Days 3  Tirana to Berat
This morning we'll start to explore the rest of Albania. We'll depart Tirana and head towards the city of Berat, also known as 'The Town of 1001 Windows' because of the many large windows in its old, decorated houses which overlook the town. Berat has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage town and, as you approach the centre of the town, you're sure to be impressed by the typical buildings, beautiful historical churches, and the mosques. We'll visit the castle, which is built up on a rocky hill almost 260m above the town. The views of stunning scenery stretch for miles from here. Following the castle, we'll head to a nearby church and the Ofruni museum, which is dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography. In the evening, we'll enjoy wine testing and dinner in a local winery near Berat.

Day 4  Berat to Sarande
After leaving Berat we will travel through the stunning mountains of Albania to Gjirokastra, which is another UNESCO city. The characteristic houses of the town resemble towers, as many multi-storey, with staircases on the outside of the buildings. They are all made with one thing in common - the stone used to build them. We'll visit the castle, which stands out above the city on a natural balcony, and provides visitors with the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape. The castle also houses the National Museum of Weapons, with all kinds of weapons used and produced by the Albanians preserved and on display. Following this, we'll visit the Ethnographic Museum, which is modelled in the traditional style of other houses in the town. We'll then travel on to the coastal city of Saranda in the afternoon, where you will have free time to explore. 

Day 5  Sarande
This morning we'll visit Butrint archaeological site this morning. Not far from Sarande, the coastal road will take us to the ancient city of Butrint. We'll visit the Old Amphitheatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Baptistery with its colourful mosaics, and the ancient city walls. An old fortress housing a small museum watches over the entire site, which is one of the last unspoilt natural and ancient historical areas in the Mediterranean.
After this visit, we'll return to Sarande and walk down the main pedestrian road, as well as visiting the ruins of Synagogue - Basilica. Following this, we'll travel south of Sarande to the hilltop Castle of Lekurs, where it's possible to enjoy a fantastic view over the entire city of Sarande, as well as Corfu! This evening, we'll enjoy dinner accompanied by traditional folk music from the region.      

Days 6  Sarande to Vlore
This morning we travel back north along the famous Albanian Riviera, through the villages of Lukova, Borsh, Qeparo Dhermi. We'll make a stop in Porto Palermo and visit the Castle of Ali Pasha. Vlore is one of Albania's most beautiful cities, lying on the on the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea. On arrival in Vlore, we'll have a panoramic tour of the city when we'll see Independence Square, with the statue of independence dedicated to the independence of Albania, in November 1912. You'll have a free afternoon and evening in Vlore to explore - the promenade is great for an evening stroll before or after wherever you choose for dinner.

Day 7  Vlore to Durres
This morning we will travel to the archaeological site of Apollonia. You will visit the Odeon, the Monument of Agonothetes, the Mosaics House as well as the courtyard of the Monastery with the Byzantine style church of Saint Mary and the archaeological museum. Our trip will continue along the Adriatic Coast to the ancient city of Durres - the most important seaport in Albania. We'll visit the Amphitheatre which is the biggest in the Balkan Peninsula, with a capacity of around 15.000 spectators. The Amphitheatre boasts a rare wall mosaic, which is from the 2nd century A.D. Our sightseeing will conclude with a visit to the 16th century Venetian tower. At the end of today, join your fellow guests for a fantastic farewell dinner.   

Day 8  Durres to the UK
Transfer to Tirana airport for your journey home.