St. Mary's Monastery

Our professional tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana. On our way to Vlora, we will visit the Narta Lagoon, the island of Zvërnec and its ancient Monastery of Saint Mary (XIII century).

Vlore

Our tour continues towards Vlora where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. The city is known for its balmy year-round temperatures and very little rainfall, making it a popular destination. Vlora was founded in the 6th century BC under the name of Aulona. The city is known as the ‘’City of the Flag’’; the independence of Albania was declared here on the 28th of November 1912. We will visit the Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument

We will then have a walk in Muradie Neighbourhood, visit Vlore’s main mosque an Albanian National Monument built in 1537. The Muradie mosque is a stunning Ottoman building which has been well preserved for almost half a millennium.

Our next stop will be “Lungomare”, a promenade by the seaside. Among all the activities to do in Vlora you cannot miss the joys of walking along the seafront of the city. You will have some free time to enjoy the sun surrounded by emerald seas, while on the other side of the street you can have a coffee with a fantastic view of Sazani Island and Karaburun Peninsula.

Vlore

After the coffee break we will drive just few minutes and immediately notice the wild rocky beaches of the Ionian Sea, also known as Albanian Riviera. The Southern Albania is blessed with beautiful beaches lapped by turquoise waters, coastal towns and hidden bays. Free afternoon by the seaside, giving you time to explore the area and taste the delicious seafood cooked by the locals or even to dive in.

Porto Palermo

Right after breakfast, we will pass nearby Llogara National Park and drive along the coastline known as the Albanian Riviera, crossing some of the most beautiful beaches of Albania; Palase, Dhermi and Llamani beaches. We will pass some small villages one by one, clinging to rock faces by the seaside, all tumbledown stone walls and narrow pathways, overhung with vines full of grapes, and trees heavy with figs and walnuts. Our first stop will be the beautiful castle of Ali Pasha at Porto Palermo, situated in the closed bay of Porto Palermo.

Butrint National Park

Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. Part of the UNESCO world heritage. Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania, and the first Albanian site that became part of the UNESCO list. The ruins combined with the stunning natural surroundings make it worth a visit.

Gjirokaster

After visiting Butrint National park we will move towards Gjirokaster.

Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress.

Gjirokaster Castle

The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes.

Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.

Skenduli House

We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.

Tirana

After visiting “The Stone City”, we will drive back to Tirana. This marks the end of this amazing experience through history and adventure.