Discovering breathtaking landscapes, including Kotorr, the largest fjord in southern Europe, ancient cities, royal palaces, archaeological sites and so many stories about the history and peoples of this part of Balkans.
Departure by scheduled flight to Tirana. Arrival at Mother Teresa Airport. Transfer to hotel and dinner
Breakfast in hotel. Depart for the ancient town of Shkoder in northern Albania, a few kilometers from the Montenegro border. Once arrived, the group will visit the ancient fortress of Rozafa (fourth century B.C.) from which one can enjoy a marvelous panoramic view of the city. Shkoder has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is built upon many historical civilizations (Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman). The trip will take the group to the city’s Catholic Cathedral. Shkoder is the spiritual center of the Albanian Catholic Church and welcomed Pope Francis in 2015. Arrive at the hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, the group take a walk through the pedestrian zone “Rruga Kol Idromeno”, recently restored with colorful houses and vibrant bars.
Dinner of roast beef in a restaurant in the city. Overnight at hotel
Breakfast at hotel. Drive along the wonderful Montenegrin coast where lush pine walls coast a transparent turquoise sea. The group will stop in the old towns of Ulqin and Bar. From the outside they can admire the lovely buildings of Sveti Stefan, an old fortified village, now converted into a luxury complex for royalty, movie and music stars, businesspeople, etc. Arrival in Budva and accommodation in hotel. Visit the ancient city. Dinner and overnight.
Budva City
Breakfast at hotel. During the day, travelers will visit Kotor, in Montenegro, one of the most beautiful scenic spots of the Mediterranean, declared by UNESCO “World Heritage”. Whole morning dedicated to a boat excursion in the Kotor bay – a kind of “fjord” which covers an area of about 87 square kilometers flowing into the Adriatic Sea. On its shores, there are small stone villages, churches, monasteries and marinas. The natural panorama is one of the most beautiful in Europe. In the afternoon, free time for shopping. Overnight in Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel. Along the way back to Albania, travelers will visit Cetinje, the ancient capital of Montenegro, and its former royal residence. Arrival in Durres in the afternoon and stroll along the lively long-sea city. Overnight at hotel on the seafront. In the evening, travelers can taste an excellent dinner of shellfish and seafood in a downtown restaurant.
Breakfast at hotel. Visit the Roman amphitheater of the city, then departure to the ancient city of Berat, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Berat is called the “city of a thousand windows”, divided into an “upper town” of 14th century origin, rich in Byzantine churches; and a “low town”. adorned with numerous ancient mosques. Its famous districts are the Castle, Mangalemi, and Gorica. Even today, its citadel is inhabited by more than a thousand families. There are countless places of interest in and around the Castle, including early Christian churches, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the many mosques built in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. Typical Albanian dinner in the hotel with meat and baked vegetables Overnight at hotel.
Departure for Gjirokaster, another “Ottoman” city, protected by UNESCO, which is also famous for being the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. The group will visit the castle; the museum of weapons and one of the most characteristic areas of the old city. Next, proceed to Saranda, stopping along the way to admire the natural area known as the “blue eye” (Syri i Kalter). “Blue Eye” is a karst spring, situated on the slopes of Mount Mali i Gjere. Arrival in Saranda in the late afternoon. Hotel accommodation. Saranda is a few kilometers from the greek island of Corfu. Fish based dinner
Departure for Butrint, mentioned by Virgil in the Eneid. The city is located in front of the Greek island of Corfu, and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO. The city retains Greek ruins; imposing Roman monuments; an early Christian Church and an Ottoman fort. Butrint was inhabited almost continuously, from the eighth century B.C. and played an important role in the first Peloponnesian War. Arrival in Vlora in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Departure to Apollonia, another archaeological site of great relevance. The city of Apollonia was founded in the fifth century BC by Greeks from Corfu and Corinth. Aristotle considered it an important political and social example of oligarchic state. The Apollonia decline began in the third century, following an earthquake that changed the riverbed of Viosa, complicating its navigability. After the arrival, visit to the archaeological area. Return to Tirana. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel. Departure to the airport. End of services
Discovering the land of the Illyrians, where the history and the culture of the West and East are interweaved. A country so near, yet so far away, that finally opened to the world after years of isolation.
Discovering breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, royal palaces, archaeological sites and so many stories about the history and peoples of this part of Balkans …
A dive into the heart of the interwoven Balkans cultures, diverse histories and religions; visiting ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas, Orthodox monasteries with golden mosaics …
