Highlights of Albania

The tour starts at our hotel in Tirana, Albania’s capital. Those travelling
on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred the short
journey (approx. 20 mins) to our hotel. This afternoon we'll have an
orientation tour of the colourful streets of Tirana, which was made the
capital of Albania in just 1920. We’ll see the main sites, including the
impressive facade of the National History Museum which is adorned with a
gigantic mosaic known as ‘The Albanians’. This is one of the finest
examples of late Albanian Socialist Realism in the country, depicting the
resilience of the people in their fight against invasion and occupation
throughout the centuries, and dominates Skanderbeg Square. The exhibits
within the museum give great insight into Albania’s intriguing past and
recent history up to the present day.
We also visit Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Closed under communist rule, it reopened as a house of worship in 1991
despite opposition from communist authorities. This monument has been under
reconstruction for the last two years so we will only be able to view it
from the outside. We will explore an area known as Blloku on foot, where
villas were once occupied by members of The Politburo (a former leading sect
of the Party of Labour of Albania) but which is now the lively centre of
Tirana’s nightlife where trendy bars, cafés, and fashionable clubs can be
found. 

*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 2

After breakfast, we begin our drive to Pogradec (approx. 3 hrs. drive), but
en route we make a short stop to visit the fortress of Elbasan. A city
influenced by various cultures including Turks and more importantly Italians,
the fortress here dates back to the 15th century. The fortifications
originally incorporated twenty-six towers equidistantly spaced from each
other along the length of a nine-metre high wall; today the ruins can be seen
along the southern wall which remains more or less intact.
Our final destination for today is one of the most charming resorts in
Albania, Pogradec, thanks to its position on beautiful Lake Ohrid with clear
waters and mountain views. The Albanian side of the lake was included in the
UNESCO protected monuments list in 2019. Keep your eyes peeled for Ohrid
trout (known as ‘Koran’ in Albania), a species endemic to the lake. We go
for a scenic walk at Drilon Park on the far side of the lake, to discover the
waterways and ornamental plants and trees that make up this special
ecosystem. 
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*Hotel Perla or Similar*

Day 3

This morning we continue driving for about an hour to reach Voskopoja Village
(formerly known as Moskopole) an important and well-known centre of art where
many talented Albanian painters chose to practice their profession. The
village has suffered over the years, as many of its treasures were stolen
during the second half of the 18th century and this continued during the
world wars. We take a 40 minute walk to visit one of the oldest churches
representing Voskopoja religious art.
Another short drive (approx. 30 mins.) takes us to the largest city of
south-eastern Albania, Korcë, which sits at the foot of Moravia Mountain,
800m above sea level. This city became an important trading and handicraft
centre in the 18th Century and has also been referred to as ‘the city of
museums’, being home to the National Museum of Mediaeval Art and
Archaeology, the Museum of Education (where the first Albanian School was
opened in 1878), and the new museum of ‘Bratko Collections’ displaying
antiquities from the Far East. Our visit to Korcë includes the National
Museum of Mediaeval Art and Archaeology, Mirahori Mosque (one of the oldest
in the Balkans) and the famous church 'The Resurrection'. Korcë has been an
important religious centre for Orthodox Christians. It's also worth trying
the famous local beer whilst in the city.
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*Regency Hotel or Similar*

Day 4

Our drive through the mountains today is truly spectacular as we enjoy
sweeping views across the Gramos and Nemercka Mountains. Along the winding
route, we enjoy a short stop in Ersekë, which at 1050m is the highest town
in Albania. This 17th century town is surrounded by beautiful green pastures
of the Gramos Mountains. In the lush forests of Leskovik we stop at a working
farm situated in the beautiful woodland. We will see how the different
animals are raised here, as well as sample some authentic organic produce.
Continuing onwards to beautiful Përmet, we make a quick stop at the old
bridge of Benje village, and the hot springs, where we have time to relax and
swim. After quite a long day (approx. 5 hrs. drive in total) we arrive in
Përmet, situated in the heart of the white mountains on the Vjosë River.
This evening you’re sure to be in for a treat as Përmet is famous for its
food and wine, including 'gliko' sweets and raki.
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*Hotel Villa Permet or Similar*

Day 5

Drive to the beautiful town of Gjirokastër (approx. 2 hrs. drive), calling
in at the traditional village of Dhoksat en route for a home-cooked lunch. In
the afternoon we enjoy a guided visit around the famous town of Gjirokastër.
Set on a mountain slope, the cobbled streets wind their way between old
houses with interesting architectural features including mediaeval towers.
The castle is the main feature and stands like a balcony over the town
offering wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We visit the
ethnographic museum which is the house of Albania's former dictator Enver
Hoxha.

/Please note: Lunch with the local family can sometimes be changed to dinner
dependent on their availability. /

*Argjiro Hotel or Similar *

Day 6

After an early breakfast, we travel to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site situated about 18km south of Saranda. Butrint owes its growth
and early fame to a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine,
founded in the 4th century BC. The sanctuary was located on the south slope
of the acropolis (hill) and was visited by worshippers to be healed. The
Sanctuary was the making of Butrint and the sacred power of Butrint's water,
was to be revered as long as the town lasted. The city developed during the
Roman times however it fell into decline after an earthquake and was
abandoned towards the end of the Middle Ages. From here we drive to Llogora
National Park stopping along the coast on the way. Overnight in Llogora.

*Llogora Tourist Village Hotel or Similar*

Day 7

After breakfast, we take a walk in Llogora National Park, possibly reaching
Caeser’s field. Yes, Julius Caeser crossed into today’s Albania in his
battles against Pompei which was won in this territory.

Next, we stop at the wonderful ruins of Apollonia (approx. 1.5 -2 hrs.
drive). Originally occupied by the Illyrian tribes and then the Greek
colonists from Corfu and Corinth around 600BC, Apollonia flourished in the
Roman period and was home to a renowned school of philosophy (Octavian
studied here) but began to decline in the 3rd century AD when its harbour
started silting up as a result of an earthquake. After Apollonia we transfer
for just over an hour further inland to the UNESCO town of Berat where we
spend the night.  

*Hotel Belgrad Mangalem or Similar*

Day 8

Today is dedicated to Berat the gem of Albania. This morning we enjoy a
guided tour around the old district of Berat, with its pretty white buildings
perched on the hill amid pine forests. We walk through the narrow cobbled
streets and finally reach Berat Castle on the slopes of Mount Tomorr, where
we are rewarded with breath-taking views (and begin to understand why it is
known to Albanians as 'The City of a Thousand Windows'). Within the castle
walls are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum (Museum of Iconography),
which we will visit. The rest of the day is free to explore the town. 

*Hotel Belgrad Mangalem or Similar*

Day 9

From Berat we drive to the port of Durrës (approx. 2 hrs. drive), the second
largest city in Albania and famed for housing the largest amphitheatre in the
Balkans. The amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century AD, seats 15,000
people and contains an early Christian crypt with rare wall mosaics. The city
was colonised by colonists from Corinth and Korkyra in 627 BC and was named
Epidamnus, but later became Dyrrachium.
We then drive to the famous mediaeval citadel of Krujë (approx. 45 mins.
drive), where Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, led the resistance against
the Ottomans. He kept them from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years,
earning the title "Champion of Christ". In the evening we take a walk to
Kruja Hospitality a characteristic house in the castle where you will sample
raki and local cheeses.

*Hotel Panorama or Similar*

Day 10

After breakfast we’ll have a tour of Krujë. We will visit the Skanderbeg
Museum, a rich ethnographic museum inside the castle, and enjoy inspirational
views out to the Adriatic Coast. We have time to wander through the medieval
bazaar full of souvenirs and handicrafts. A transfer is included to Tirana
Airport (approx. 45 minutes drive), which will be scheduled according to the
group flight timings.