Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”
Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”
$1073
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Albania Explorer: Illyria Route" and uncover the hidden gems of this enchanting Balkan nation. Journey through Albania's rich tapestry of history, from ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences to the remnants of its Communist past. Explore the captivating landscapes of imposing mountains, pristine lakes, and charming traditional villages. Visit historic towns adorned with Turkish architecture, Orthodox churches, and Roman ruins. Highlights include the Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja, the ancient city of Lezha, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Berat and Butrint, and the picturesque coastal city of Vlora. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in 3*/4* hotels, guided tours, and modern transportation. This adventure promises a unique blend of cultural exploration and breathtaking scenery, offering a truly unforgettable experience in one of Europe's lesser-known corners. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival - Tirane
Location: Tirane
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy's 3* or similar
Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Leisure day. Overnight at Freddy's 3* or similar.
Day 2 : Kruje - Tirane.
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy's 3* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we head to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar. Then heading to Tirana. City tour of Tirana, Albania's capital. Overnight at Freddy's 3* or similar. (B)
Day 3 : Lezhe - Shkoder.
Location: Shkoder
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tradita G & Tosk Hotel 4* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, the next stop will be in Lezha city. In the ancient pelasgian period it was called Lis (in Roman era Lissus). Visit to its top hill castle where you enjoy the fascinating panorama of the Adriatic Riviera and bronze age ancient city walls, and visit the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg (Albanian National Hero). Afterward, we will continue to Shkodra. A nice landscape with highland (Albanian Alps on the north) is a full contrast. City tour of Shkodra, Old Bazaar, Centrum, Cathedral and Mosque. Visit the Castle of Rozafa and we will enjoy wonderful views of mountains (Albanian Alps), Shkodra’s lake (the biggest in the Balkans), Drini, Buna and Kir rivers with the valleys around from the top of Rozafa castle. Shkoder overnight. Overnight at Tradita G & Tosk Hotel 4*, or similar. (B)
Day 4 : Durres - Berat (UNESCO).
Location: Berat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Republika 4* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we continue to Durres. This port city, is the most important ancient central mediterranean metropol until medieval time in the 15th century when it got occupied by ottomans until 1912 when Albania proclaimed its independence, and Durres became its capital until 1920. (Durres is also more than 3500 years old (mentioned first time in Odisea where Ulicsus spent part of his time in Taulantia (ancient Pelasgian-Illyrian name of Epidamn-Durrah-Durres) on his way back to Itaka after Troyan war. This city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan region (about 20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century which we will visit with the ancient city castle wall and byzantine bazaar/forum, Roman public baths, etc. Later we will continue to Berat, one of the oldest inhabited regions of Albania, more than 2400 years old, and with special status from UNESCO. Visit the castle of Berat with the Onufri museum and other churches inside; the Mosque of Berat and the old Bridge of Gorica, Onufri Museum and several churches and mosques. Onufri was an Albanian master painter of the 16th. Many of his wonderfully painted icons still remain in the museum while others can be found in churches in Albania and Greece where he worked. Overnight at Hotel Republika 4* or similar. (B)
Day 5 : Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlore.
Location: Vlore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Semaja 3* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Ardenica Monastery, a 13th century Byzantine site locally famed for hosting the wedding of the hero Skanderbeg. We will continue from here to the ruins of Apollonia, an atmospheric set of Roman remains on a remote hillside and once an important city in the region. Later depart to the coastal city of Vlora. Visit the city, including its old town, independence square and monument, where Albanian independence from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28th, 1912. Overnight Hotel Semaja 3* or similar. (B)
Day 6 : Himare - Ksamil - Butrint (UNESCO) - Saranda.
Location: Saranda
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Havana Hotel 4* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we continue to the south of Albania, where we enjoy spectacular views of Vlora Bay, the mountains and the Ionian Riviera. Continue via some picturesque seaside villages to Saranda in Ksamil, where we stop for lunch break, with the possibility to enjoy the beach and cristal azure sea and the views. Afterward, we will continue to visit the ruins of Butrint, Albania's most important archaeological site, and a UNESCO site. Butrint dates from the 7th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony, then falling under the sway of the Venetians and Turks. Explore numerous buildings including an acropolis, basilica and palace. The location of the site itself is also very attractive, surrounded by trees and water. Later will return to Saranda. Overnight in Havana Hotel 4* or similar. (B)
Day 7 : Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO) - Tirane.
Location: Gjirokaster
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we will continue to Gjirokaster. En route we will make a stop in Mesopotam monastery, built over the ancient temple inside the fortress. Then we then travel to Blue Eye National Park before we reach the UNESCO listed town of Gjirokaster known for its distinct and traditional architecture. We have time to explore this UNESCO listed site, one of the highlights of Albania with an imposing citadel and numerous typical houses. Return then to Tirana.
Day 8 : Departure.
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Tirana Airport for departure. End of services. (B)
What's Included
-
Transportation
Air Conditioned modern van/minibus and other transportation listed in itinerary are included.
-
Tour Leader
An English speaking tour leader/manager is included.
-
Entry Fees
Entry fees to various attractions are included.
What's Not Included
-
Tips and Personal Expenditures
Tips and personal expenditures are not included.
-
Local Guides
Local guides can be provided upon request and require an extra charge.
-
Airport Transfers
Arrival & Departure Airport transfers can be purchased as a supplement.
-
Meals
Lunch and Dinner charges are not included, if applicable.
-
Losses or Additional Expenses
The tour will accept no responsibilities for losses or additional expenses.
-
Pre-Tour & End-Tour Accommodation
Pre-Tour & End-Tour Accommodation can be purchased as a supplement.
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in standard double occupancy rooms in 3* and 4* hotels, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the tour.
Know Before You Go
- Public Transportation Nearby
- Infant Seats Available
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned modern vans or minibuses, as well as other transportation options listed in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth journey across Albania.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 3* or 4* hotels, as indicated or similar.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Breakfast is included in the tour package, but lunch and dinner charges are not included and are applicable if needed.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned modern vans or minibuses for transportation, along with other transportation methods listed in the itinerary.
-
Is there a tour leader or guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking tour leader or manager is provided during the tour.
-
Are entry fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entry fees to attractions are included in the tour package.
-
Can local guides be arranged during the tour?
Local guides can be provided upon request, but they require an extra charge.
-
Is airport transfer included in the tour package?
Arrival and departure airport transfers are not included but can be purchased as a supplement.
-
What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Skanderbeg Museum and castle in Kruja, the Roman amphitheater in Durres, the castle of Berat, the ruins of Apollonia, and the archaeological site of Butrint.
-
What is the significance of the Blue Eye National Park visit?
The Blue Eye National Park is a natural spring and a popular tourist attraction known for its clear blue water and scenic beauty, which is part of the itinerary on the way to Gjirokaster.
-
Do I need Travel insurance?
We do not offer insurance packages but we highly recommend travel protection, it’s important to protect your trip investment and loved ones. We will offer you the best option for your vacation.
-
Do you book group travel ?
Yes, we book group travel all the time! We specialize in helping groups of all sizes plan their dream trips. From family reunions to corporate retreats, we can take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
-
How do I set up the consultation with the Albania Explorer agent ?
To set up a consultation with Albania Explorer's travel expert, you can contact us directly via phone or email us at contact@albaniaexplorer.com. You can even reach us on Whatsapp at +355 68 399 9480 . local operation working hours during week monday to friday : 08.00-18.00 , saturday 09.00-14.00 , Sunday - off.
-
Will you available while I am on my vacation?
Yes, we will be available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. You can get in touch with us anytime. We are committed to providing the best possible service and helping our clients create memorable vacations that they will always remember.
Reviews of this operator
Want a private tour?
-
Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
-
Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
-
Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Albania Explorer requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of albania explorer charges.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”
8 Days Starting in Kruje, Albania and ending in Rinas, Albania
Visiting: Tirane, Tirana, Shkoder, Berat, Vlore, Saranda, Gjirokaster
Tour operator:
Tour code:
182421
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-89
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour