Best of Albania Central and South Tour
Best of Albania Central and South Tour
Best of Albania Central and South Tour
10 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Tirana, Shkoder, Berat, Vlore, Butrint, Gjirokaster, Korce, Tirane
Tour operator:
Tour code:
728010
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
12-89
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Albania with the "Best of Albania Central and South Tour." This cultural sightseeing adventure takes you through the historical and natural wonders of Southern and Central Albania. Explore the vibrant capital, Tirana, and delve into the rich history of cities like Shkoder, Kruje, and Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the ancient ruins of Apollonia and Butrint, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Llogara National Park. Visit the picturesque coastal city of Vlore and the charming town of Gjirokaster, known for its unique architecture. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Albania's cultural and natural treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival - Tirane
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. After arrival and check in the hotel. We start exploring Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square,
dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Visit the Skanderbeg Square, Mosque of Et’hem Bey (1824), the Clock Tower (1822), the National Museum, Grand Park and government buildings, and BunkArt. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar.
Day 2 : Lezhe - Shkoder - Tirane.
Location: Shkoder
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, the, next stop will be in Lezha city. In the ancient period it was called Lissus. Visit to its castle and 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 the museum inside it and we enjoy wonderful views of mountains,Shkodra’s lake, Drini, Buna and Kir rivers with the valleys around from the top of Rozafa castle,and “Ura e Mesit'' over Kir River. Return to Tirana for overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3*
(B)
Day 3 : Kruje - Durres - Tirane.
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 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 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 an archeological museum, ancient city castle wall and bizatine bazaar/forum, Roman public baths, etc. Return to Tirana for overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar. (B)
Day 4 : Berat (Unesco) - Tirane.
Location: Berat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we continue to Berat where we have a short visit in Elbasan city and Belsh Lake (part of Dumrea group of carstic lakes in central Albania, also
so-called little-Toscana). Then 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 to its castle of Berat with Onufri museum and other churches inside; 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. Lunch at traditional restaurant. Then continue to Tirana overnight. Overnight at Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar. (B)
Day 5 : Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia (Unesco) - Vlore.
Location: Vlore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Partner 4* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Ardenice 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 museum, where Albanian independence from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28th, 1912. Overnight Hotel Partner 4* or similar. (B)
Day 6 : Himare - Sarande - Butrint (Unesco).
Location: Butrint
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Brilant Hotel 4* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we continue to the south of Albania, stopping first at Llogara National Park where we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the Albanian Riviera. Continue via some picturesque seaside villages to Saranda and onto 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 return to Saranda. Overnight Brilant Hotel 4* or similar. (B)
Day 7 : Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (Unesco).
Location: Gjirokaster
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Argjiro Hotel 4* or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster (UNESCO). This morning we continue to Gjirokaster. Enroute we will make a stop at the hilltop settlement of Finiq first established in the 5th century by the Chaones, a pelasgian kingdom in ancient Epirus, but it was inhabited well into the Byzantine era. Its 12-feet-thick stone walls were built to protect the ancient residents against Illyrian attacks. The ruins today include a small temple, a theatre and remains of houses and Roman cisterns. 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. Overnight Argjiro Hotel 4* or similar. (B)
Day 8 : Tepelena, Voskopoje And Korce.
Location: Korce
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Regency 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
We stop at the castle of Tepelene, famous for Ali Pash Tepelena, the leader of Ioannina Province under the Ottoman Emperor reign and then continue
to Korce. First we will visit Voskopoje. You will see the traditional way of life and some outstanding examples of Orthodox Christian Churches which escaped the destruction of the communist regime. The 18th century church and 16th century monastery in Voskopoja are worth visiting with their original murals and artifacts. The air in this area is renowned to be very clean and people with respiratory problems visit to convalesce. We will return to Korca. Korca is a historic place with rich cultural traditions and some interesting buildings from the Ottoman period, including one of the most important mosques in Albania. On arrival in Korca we check in to the hotel Regency 3* and overnight. (B)
Day 9 : Pogradec - Lin - Tirane.
Location: Tirane
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Freddy’s Hotel 3* or similar
After breakfast travel to Pogradec. On the top of the hill overlooking Pogradec, there is an ancient Illyrian fortress known as Encheleana. In the Middle Ages this
fortress was reconstructed and the place was renamed by the Bulgarians, who invaded Southeastern Albania at this time. (Pogradec, Pod Grad - the place beneath the fortress). Then we will continue to Elbasan. Elbasan which was a very important city in ancient Illyrian time,while in Roman empire time was famous as the cross-point of main road “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Durres-Elbasan-Ohrid-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. City tour to visit: Elbasan Castle (dating back to 4rth Century BC), The Clock, The ethnographic Museum, Church, The Old Mosque. Then we continue to Tirane. Leisure time to walk in the city. Overnight in Freddy’s Hotel 3*, or
similar.
Day 10 : Departure.
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Tirana Airport for departure. End of services. (B)
What's Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary.
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Accommodation
Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 3*/4* hotels (as indicated, or similar).
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Transportation
Transportation with modern AC car/minibus/bus during all tour itinerary.
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Guided Tours
English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides as applicable.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International airfare and airport taxes are not included.
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Entry Tickets
All museums and other sites entry tickets as per itinerary are not included.
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Tips
Driver/guides tips are not included.
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Gratuities and Personal Expenses
Gratuities and individual daily expenses and porterage are not included.
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Unmentioned Services
Everything not mentioned in 'Inclusions' is excluded.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Trip Cancellation
Trip/tour cancellation is not covered.
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No Show
No show is not covered.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with airport transfers and modern AC vehicles, including cars, minibuses, and buses, ensuring a smooth journey throughout the tour itinerary.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in standard double occupancy rooms at 3* and 4* hotels, including Freddy’s Hotel and Brilant Hotel, ensuring a relaxing retreat after each day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes transportation with a modern air-conditioned car, minibus, or bus throughout the entire itinerary.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking guide for the entire itinerary, as well as local guides where applicable.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in standard double occupancy rooms in 3-star or 4-star hotels, or similar.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers and all other transfers as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Archaeological Museum in Tirana, the Castle of Rozafa in Shkodra, the Skanderbeg Museum and castle in Kruja, the Roman amphitheater in Durres, and the UNESCO sites of Berat, Apollonia, Butrint, and Gjirokaster.
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Is the entry to museums and other sites included in the tour price?
No, entry tickets to museums and other sites as per the itinerary are not included in the tour price.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast each day as part of the accommodation package.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.