Albanian Riviera


 

750.00

Riviera-Shqipëtare
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Tour of the  Albanian Riviera 

Day  1. Tirane.Arrival in “Mother Teresa” Airport ,

meet and assisted by our representative.Enjoy the welcome dinner in Petrela Castle – which dates back to 4 th century B.C. This Castle is built on a rocky hill, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view. Free at leisure among the day.

Day 2.  Kruje   Durres  Ardenic ,

Continue the tour with the visit to Kruja–one of the biggest cities in Northern Albania is the “city of history” and the best known as hometown of Albanian’s National Hero  Gjergj  Kastrioti  Skanderbeg. Visit to the Castle, Skanderbeg Museum and  Ethnographic  Museum. After the visit of the castle, is free for you to explore Kruja’s old bazaar with authentic and antique shops. The route continues to Durres– the ancient Greco-Roman port city of  Dyrrachium.Formerly Durrazzo is one of the oldest towns in Albania. The legend says that it was founded by Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, who called it by his own name and named the port area after his grandson - Dyrrah.Visit to the town including the Byzantine city walls, Roman amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. After the visit to Durres proceed to Ardenica – where is a medieval monastery surrounded by stonewalls. Here you will admire Marry Church and Saint Triadha Chapel.

Day 3 .Berat   Apolloni   Vlore                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

A morning tour of marvelous city of Berat - known as “the city of thousand windows” Visit the lovely painted Mosque of the Bachelors and the Tekke of the Helvetis with its beautiful portico. Visit to Onuphri Icon Museum that contains some of the finest examples of his work as well as other outstanding Albanian artists.  Stop for the lunch at restaurant in the Fortress where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and a wine tasting of Berat cellar. Proceeds to the ancient Greek settlement of Apollonia – (founded in 588 BC).  After the visit to Apollonia continue to Vlora – an historical and coastal city. Overnight in Vlora.

Day  4. Albanian  Riviera   ( Dhermi  Himare   Sarande   )

Morning tour takes you to a sightseeing tour in Vlora.After breakfast drive up to Albanian Riviera. Continue climbing to 3,000 feet where you can enjoy the best views, as we drive through the fertile slopes and villages.Drive along Dhermi, Himara coastline and stop for a special lunch in a restaurant, enjoying the wonderful scenery among the pinewoods. En route making a short visit to the bay of Porto Palermo where the castle of Ali Pasha is situated. Depart for Saranda the hillside town facing the sea, famous for its magnificent “Butrinti” archeological site. Today experience an included excursion to Butrinti Archaeological Site, visit the Temple of Aesclepios, the Baptistery, Nymph, The Theatre, Lions Gate, the Acropolis, etc. Visit the “Blue Eye” spring, formed by underground springs and the unusual church of St. Nicholas at Mesopotam with its fine carvings of mythological beasts. Stop for the lunch to “Lekursi Castle restaurant (built on the ruins of an old castle). Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Saranda.

Day  5.   Sarande Butrrint  Archeological site .

Today experience an included excursion to Butrinti Archaeological Site, visit the Temple of Aesclepios, the Baptistery, Nymph, The Theatre, Lions Gate, the Acropolis, etc. Visit the “Blue Eye” spring, formed by underground springs and the unusual church of St. Nicholas at Mesopotam with its fine carvings of mythological beasts. Stop for the lunch to “Lekursi Castle restaurant (built on the ruins of an old castle). Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Saranda.

Day  6.  Gjirokaster   Tirane

This morning depart to Gjirokastra known as “Museum City”. After lunch continue to Gjirokastra city where the dwelling houses have the form of medieval towers constituting a building ensemble with a characteristic architecture. Visit the Castle and the Museum of Weapons.En route making a stop to a local restaurant in Permet. Here you will find the real Albanian authentic, as warm and honest as loaf of homemade bread. Drive back to Tirana.Overnight in Tirana.

Day  7 . Tirane

Today you will see examples of an age of unbounded creativity.Your morning tour begins from Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian hero the main landmark of the city. Pilgrims from far and wide reach the Et'hem Bey Mosque to offer prayers. The Clock Tower next to the Et'hem Bey Mosque, National Museum- north of Scanderbeg Square, The Fortress of Petrela, The Palace of Culture, The monument