Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Silver Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Silver Route”
Western Balkan Explorer Tour “Silver Route”
7 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Elbasan, Korçë, Tirana, Lake Ohrid, Pogradec, Kalabaka, Kastoria, Dodoni, Ioannina, Metsovo, Arta, Nicopolis, Preveza, Lefkada, Buthrotum, Sarandë, Parga, Gjirokaster, Finiq, Durrës, Apollonia Qyteti Antik Ilir
Tour operator:
Tour code:
630947
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Mention the Balkans to anyone and it can conjure up a plethora of images - flashpoint of the First World War, the atrocities of the recent civil war, Tito’s and Hoxha’s Communist dictatorships. Look beyond these clichéd stereotypes on our one week trip through three Western Balkan countries – Albania and Greece. Explore the crossroads of Europe’s East and West mosaic to cultures inherited in millenniums starting from Illyrians (Albanians), Romans, Byzantines, Slavic, and Ottoman inheritance, in fascinating historical cities, as well as some of the best landscapes in Europe. Western Balkan Explorer trip is a unique experience for those people who want to discover, enjoy and learn better those small different countries in language, religion and history, but very similar in habits, traditions, and hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tirana - Elbasan - Ohrid Lake - Pogradec - Korce. (163 Km, 2H 50 Min)
Location: Elbasan, Korçë, Tirana, Lake Ohrid, Pogradec
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight Hotel Regency or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We will head to Elbasan which was a very important city in ancient times where in Roman empire time was called “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Rome-Naples-Bari-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. Afterward, we will continue to Korca by the scenic road and the wonderful countryside. Visit to the Museum of Medieval Art with the richest icon archive in all Europe; The First Albanian School; Traditional Market; Cathedral (1992); Mosque of Iliaz Bey Mirahori (1484), and The Old Bazaar. Overnight Hotel Regency or similar.
Day 2 : Kastoria - Kalambaka (Unesco). (412 Km, 3H 20 Min)
Location: Kalabaka, Kastoria
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Kalambaka, Hotel Doupiani House 3*, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will travel to Kastoria. From a distance it looks like an Impressionist painting; houses, churches, trees seen through a haze, their reflections shimmering in the lake. This
is magnificent. We have a walking tour to enjoy from closer and to see impressive aristocratic lakeside mansions surrounded by clusters of tall trees, interspersed by Byzantine churches. We will see the locals sipping coffee or promenading by the lake, with the fishermen in their flat-bottomed boats offshore and pelicans keeping hopeful watch alongside. Then continue to Meteora, for a visit to the fascinating cliff-top monasteries. The cliffs, which average a height of 1,000 feet, were first inhabited in the 9th century by a group of hermit monks who lived on the rock towers. In the 11th and 12th centuries, basic monasteries were built and by the 14th century the great monastery of Meteoron was constructed. The difficult access gave the monks an ideal refuge, as well as protection during the Turkish occupation. Today 6 monasteries remain out of the original 20. Views of the entire valley from the magnificent rock towers, and the peace of the surroundings, make this a unique place to visit. At the end of the day you’ll drive to Kalambaka, a lovely city with beautiful gardens and magnificent views of the Meteora rocks. Overnight in Kalambaka, Hotel Doupiani House 3*, or similar.Day 3 : Metsovo - Ioannina - Dodona (Unesco). (145 Km, 2H 35 Min)
Location: Dodoni, Ioannina, Metsovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Ioannina, Filokalia Hotel or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We depart with a routing through the mountains and we will arrive at the village of Metsovo. Hidden and isolated, this is one of the most beautiful villages of the Greek countryside. Pebble paved streets, wooden houses and typical unspoiled local color fascinate the visitor. Afterwards, we will continue our trip towards Ioannina in Greece, which is the capital of the Prefecture of Epirus, which during the Osmanic period and especially during the government of Ali Pasha played an important role as one of four Albanian Vilayets. Visit Ioannina lake and the monasteries on the lake’s island.
Then, we will visit the sanctuary of Dodoni, the oldest oracle in Greece, which is located 6 km south from the city. Overnight in Ioannina, Filokalia Hotel or similar.
Day 4 : Arta - Preveza - Nikopolis (Unesco) - Lefkada. (148 Km, 2H 25 Min)
Location: Arta, Nicopolis, Preveza, Lefkada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Hotel Lefkas, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue to Arta. The prefecture of Arta contains imposing mountains covered in spruces, fertile plains, roaring rivers and lagoons with important ecosystems. It is one of Greece's most beautiful regions and is located between the Tzoumerka mountain range and the Amvrakikos gulf. The city was known in ancient times as Ambracia. Walking tour to visit The Bridge of Arta is a stone bridge that crosses the Arachthos river, Maksim Grek monastery, and Paregoretissa is the 13th-century Byzantine. Then continue to Preveza. Then we head to Preveza where we will visit the ancient city of NIkopolis. Nikopolis – city of Nike (victory) – was founded in 31 BC by Octavian Augustus, in honor of his victory over Antonios and Cleopatra at the naval battle of Aktio. Afterward, continue to Lefkada. Lefkada Town is the capital of the island located at its north eastern side. It is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Lefkada and has a population of about 8,000 inhabitants who are mostly engaged in agriculture and tourism. The capital is a small town that lies around the natural harbour. Free walking tour to enjoy the evening in this very typical greek city.
Overnight in Hotel Lefkas, or similar.
Day 5 : Parga - Butrint (Unesco) - Saranda. (168 Km, 2H 46 Min)
Location: Buthrotum, Sarandë, Parga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Titania, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to Parga which is a small town on the Ionian coast of mainland Greece, just between the cities of Igoumenitsa and Preveza, in the region of Epirus. We will have a visit to the historical castle which overlooks the town (from a headland to the west of the town) and the beaches. We will have a walk in the town, then continue to Butrint in Albania. Where we visit ruins of Butrint antic city, Albania's most important archaeological site, part of UNESCO heritage list since . Butrint dates from the 8th century BC, later becoming a Roman colony, then falling under the sway of the Venetians and Turks. Virgil claimed that the Trojans settled Butrint, but no evidence of this has yet been found. Butrint in as an important settlement had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which we can still visit. The rediscovered city is a microcosm of almost 3,000 years of Mediterranean history, and its 8th century BC fortification evokes the city's military power and symbolizes the rich culture of the once thriving ancient city. Exploration of amphitheater, Venetian tower, Mosaic, Lion gate, etc. Then continue to Saranda where we will have a shortstop in Ksamil in forn of three scenic islands and turquoise crystal clear Ionian seas waters. Then arrive in Saranda for a walking gotur and overnight. Hotel Titania, or similar.
Day 6 : Finiq - Gjirokaster (Unesco).
Location: Gjirokaster, Finiq
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: accommodation to Hotel Bineri 3*, or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we will continue to Gjirokaster. On the way there, there will be a visit to Finiq Ancient city ruins. During antiquity the territory surrounding the settlement belonged to Chaonia, part of the Epirus kingdom. The site is rich in findings from the Classical to the Byzantine period. Ancient sources mentioned the wealth of the city, especially during the Hellenistic period, between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, when Finiq was a prominent city in the Epirote League. Then continue to “Blue Eye '' National Park, and a coffee break. Arrival at Gjirokaster past of (UNESCO) heritage site since 2005. City tour, than visit to the Castle, Weapons Museum and accommodation to Hotel Bineri 3*, or similar.
Day 7 : Apollonia-Durres-Tirana. (162 Km, 2H50min).
Location: Durrës, Apollonia, Qyteti Antik Ilir, Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Tirana,Hotel Arbri 3*.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we will drive to Apolonia. Visit the ancient city of Apollonia, dating back to the 6th century BC. Then continue to visit Ardenica Monastery. Afterward, continue to Durres. This port city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan (20,000 seats), dating back to the beginning of the 2nd century built during Trajan Emperor rule. Visit to an archeological museum, amphitheater, roman Baths, Byzantine Bazar. Drive back to Tirana for our final night. Overnight in Tirana,Hotel Arbri 3*.
Day 8 : Gjirokaster (Unesco) - Tirane.
Location: Gjirokaster
After breakfast, we will continue to Gjirokaster. Arrival at Gjirokaster past of (UNESCO) heritage site since 2005. City tour, then visit to the Castle and the Weapons Museum. Drive back to Tirana for our final night.
Overnight at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 9 : Departure
Location: Tirana
After breakfast, Airport transfer. End of services. Saturday.
Optional: Change to continue to successive tour(s): Red, Yellow or Blue loops/circuits.
What's Included
Accommodation: 3* hotels on double occupancy in good locations of respective cities/places.
Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus/bus and other transportation listed in itinerary.
Breakfast: Daily breakfast. All others meals not listed are at your expense.
Guide: English speaking tour leader/manager.
What's Not Included
- A mandatory service fee for tour guide/bus driver (min. 5-7 Euro /day per person).
- Audio guide equipment 7 EUR / person / day
- Lunch and Dinner charges. (if applicable)
- Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.
- Local guide can be provided for every destination/city (at an extra charge), prior confirmation required
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Animals Or Pets Allowed
- Public Transportation Nearby
- Infants Must Sit On Laps
Please Note
- Not stroller accessible
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not wheelchair accessible
Check out our Q&As
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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.