Apollonia Archaeological Park

Start the morning with a transfer to the 2600 years old ruins of Apollonia Archaeological Park, Apollonia, an important hub of trade for Illyrians, was founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and possibly Corcyra, and turned independent later during Roman rule. it stood on the right bank of the Vjosë river, about 10 km from the Adriatic Sea. Apollonia’s oligarchic system allowed political independence, with a small Greek elite ruling over local Illyrians. The city allied with the Roman Republic from the 2nd century BC, hosting a renowned school of philosophy and military training. Emperor Augustus himself studied here. However, a 3rd-century AD earthquake diverted the Vjosë River, isolating Apollonia from the sea and leading to its eventual abandonment. The Archaeological Museum of Apolonia, located within the ancient site, showcases artifacts from this once-thriving center of learning.

Berat

After lunch we'll transfer Berat City, 1.5 hours drive. After checking in the hotel, we advise you visit the city’s main boulevard alongside Osumi riverbank. It’s a main attraction for local residents during evening hours, for walking with friends, hang out on coffee shops, and dine in traditional restaurants. While enjoying a glass of Cobo local wine, you can mingle with the locals that are very welcoming to visitors. You'll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the price of this tour) sent to you based on budget and preferences. You may also choose to book you own hotel independently.

Ardenica Monastery

The Ardenica Monastery (Albanian: Manastiri i Ardenices) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located 18 kilometers south of Lushnjë, Albania. It was built by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 after a victory against the Angevins during the siege of Berat. The monastery gained historical significance as the site of the 1451 marriage between George Kastrioti (Albanian symbol hero Skanderbeg) and Andronika Arianiti. In 1967, Albania’s communist government declared all religions illegal, leading to the closure and demolition of religious institutions, including monasteries. Fortunately Ardenica Monastery survived this rage due the historical significance of Skanderbeg getting married there. The monastery’s architecture blends Byzantine and Romanesque features, covering an area of 2,500 square meters. Within its Church of Saint Mary, you can find frescoes by brothers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi.

Berat

Visit of Berat Castle and Mangalemi district. Your morning city tour begins from marvelous city of Berat - known as “the city of thousand windows”. Visit of Berat Castle (Kala), e journey in 2400 years of history. Visit of Onoufri Ikons Museum, the most beautiful ikon museum in Berat. Visit of Ehtnographic museum of Berat, a taste of local culture. Visit of King's Mosque Visit of Helveti Tekke Visit of Gorica Old District Visit of Gorica Stone Bridge

Elbasan

After lunch we’ll drive to Korca City. On the way to Korca we’ll stop in Elbasan City for a short tour of the only castle in Albania that is built in flat land and is fully inhabited. Elbasan castle is a 15th-century fortress in the city center of Elbasan. The castle was initially composed of 26 towers of equal distance at 9-metre high. This castle was part of Via Egnatia and a very important attraction for trade caravans that would pass from East to West.

Korce

After arrival in Korca City, hotel check in. Free evening to stroll through the old district to taste local hot wine, and coffe, or choose one of many traditional restaurants available famous for their local recipes of (kerrnacka) meat balls, (sac byrek) caster filled with cheese and or vegetables and meat, and pickled stuffed peppers and green tomatoes. And don’t forget to try Korca beer, locally made, one of the best beers in Albania. You'll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the price of this tour) sent to you based on budget and preferences. You may also choose to book you own hotel independently.

Korce

Korca, otherwise known as Albania's Paris. Impressive with its well-preserved architecture of residential buildings, and famous for its reach religious culture and hospitality Visit of Old Bazaar Visit of ABC museum Visit of Korca Orthodox Cathedral Visit of Archeological Museum Visit of Museum of Ikons

Voskopoje

After the Korca city tour we’ll drive for about 30 minutes to Voskopoja village, seating on the mountains that surround Korca. Voskopoja sits 1,200 meters above sea-level and is a perfect place for hiking and walking. In the past, Voskopoja had over twenty Orthodox churches; however now only seven are still standing – complete with 18th frescos, both inside and out they are well preserved. The landscape of Voskopoja and its surroundings are stunning. After hiking through the stone streets and visiting the old churches, it will be ideal to lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants of the village, specialised in meat cooking and traditional slow cooked dishes.

Pogradec

After lunch, driving back to Tirana, we’ll stop for a short relax time where you can enjoy coffee or snack by Ohrid Lake, one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, with a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. Take a short walk to enjoy the nature and fresh lake air, rent a small boat to paddle through lake’s canal, or just relax with a drink in one of the beach bars with a gorgeous lake view. After the visit of Ohrid lake, transfer back to Tirana. You'll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the price of this tour) sent to you based on budget and preferences. You may also choose to book you own hotel independently.