Explore Albania's top attractions in the hands of an expert tour director during a 4-day, 3-night sightseeing tour. Sample authentic Albanian food and visit Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint. Day 1: Sightseeing tour of Berat via Durres Travel to Berat, stopping in Durres for a short walking tour of the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, the Venetian Tower, and the Amphitheater. Transfer to Berat passing through suggestive hills full of olive trees. Then, get settled in the hotel and head out for a guided tour admiring the citadel/castle of Berat with the Red Mosque, recognized by its solitary minaret, and the many Byzantine Churches like the Holy Trinity Church and the St. George Church. Finally, step inside a local home inside the castle of Berat for a coffee, raki, and dessert break. Enjoy the rest of the day wandering in the two main districts of Mangalam and Gorica. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokastra After breakfast, admire small villages during your transfer to Gjirokaster. Once you arrive in this “city of a thousand steps,” settle into your hotel before soaking up the rich history of the castle and enjoying the view of the “city of stone” from above. Next, see the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses. Visit the Gjirokastra Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokastra and enjoy the 360º view from there. Next, stop for lunch in a small local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house, and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of the Skenduli family. Spend a relaxing evening in the streets of Gjirokaster. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Butrint & the Blue Eye spring Travel to the “Blue Eye” spring. Admire the shades of blue and surrounding nature before heading to Butrint. There, marvel at 2,500 years of history on a guided tour with a local guide. See the highlights, such as the amphitheater, castle, churches, and Lion Gate. Drive to Ksamil and enjoy lunch by the lake at the Mussel House. Spend your afternoon in Ksamil before heading to Saranda via Lekursi Castle, which overlooks the city. Day 4: Tirana via Vlore and Riviera Road En route to the city of Vlore via the scenic Riviera road, and explore the Ali Pasha Castle with your Tour Director. First, head to the Llogara “balcony” for a stunning view of the South Coast beaches before indulging in lunch at Llogara National. Next, visit a park surrounded by pine trees and a fresh mountain breeze. Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who built it, Ali Pashe Tepelena. Then, stop for lunch at a rustic local restaurant along Shushica river. After lunch, visit the city of Vlore, the hometown of the National Independence movement. visit Flag Square with its Independence Monument in the center, the Muradie Mosque, and Vlore Lungomare. Transfer to Tirana. (Hotel accommodation in Tirana is not included on the tour).

Departing from Saranda, your first stop will be Butrint where you will learn the ancient history of this site. Full of archeological monuments, Butrint has been part of the national heritage of UNESCO.You will see the old Roman theatre, watchtowers and numerous and splendid well-preserved monuments. After taking in what represent some history of the area it will be time for your next stop. In about 30 minutes you will reach Ksamil. One of the most wonderful beaches in Albania, well known for the clear waters and a mix of white sandy beaches and white cliffs What is special about this place, is it’s three small islands around which you can reach by swimming, by kayak or by boat. With its excellent position this place is known as "the Ionian pearl".

Depart in the early morning on a drive through Albania, known for its centuries of notable world history. Travel from the north to south of the ancient nation, where we will uncover pieces of archeological history that still stand today, including churches and castles.  Learn and understand how life was organized more than 2 millennia ago. We will visit notable people’s homes, including dictators and Nobel winners in the Palorto Neighborhood in our last stop, Gjirokaster, after visiting the beaches and basilicas in Saranda, Ksamil Beach, and Butrint. The drive will take us through the Albanian Riviera, where the natural beauty of the nation can be taken in before discovering the history of the ancient world’s architecture in the next stops. The journey will end in Tirana, with stops in between the three-hour return journey.

Day 1: Travel day We start our journey in Tirana with guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, National Historical Museum, the Pyramid, Blloku area. Day 2: The Old Capital of Kruja & Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism We start our journey from Tirana, directly to the city of Kruja. Set off on a guided tour of Dollma Bektashi Teqe , the surroundings and the Castle itself, the Skanderbeg and Ethnographic Museum. Transfer in the village of Fishte and its Albanian Slow Food excellence, you will spend a couple of hours visiting the surrounding and tasting the best Albanian food there is. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokaster Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”, driving through small villages. Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses Day 4: The Blue Eye Spring, Butrint National Park & Mussel Tour Boat Ride Continue to Butrint for a guided tour of the Unesco Archaeological site where a local guided explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the Castle, the Churches and the Lion’s Gate. But before we stop at Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it. Set off for a beach day at Ksamil Islands and on the way back to Saranda visit the Lekursi Castle overseeing the city. Day 5: Berat via Porto Palermo Bay & Albanian Riviera Road En route to the city of Berat via the scenic Riviera road, explore the Ali Pasha Castle with your Tour Director. Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who build it, Ali Pashe Tepelena. Stop for lunch at a rustic local restaurant along Shushica river. Reach Berat, get settled in the hotel and enjoy an evening in the lights and promenade of this pretty Unesco town. Day 6: Walking Tour & Local Food in Berat (Unesco) This morning set out for a walking guide of “City of Thousand Windows”, where you will admire the Red Mosque, the White Mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity and the arched bridge of Gorica. In the afternoon Alpeta Winery will welcome you for a cellar and vineyard visit. enjoy lunch with their seasonal home-grown and locally sourced organic delights and their fine wine. Day 7: Departure Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Welcome to Albania! Transfer to Tirana and settle into your hotel. For those of you not too tired, there is a guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid and the Blloku area. Drive to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”. Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and have a free time for lunch in one of the local restaurants for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. Step into Skenduli house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family. Visit the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above. Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses before transfer in Saranda in Late afternoon. Travel to the Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it. Set off on a guided tour of Butrint National Park where a local guide explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the castle, the churches and the Lion Gate. Enjoy free time in the idyllic beach of Ksamil before transfer in Saranda. Enjoy your beach town in the unspoiled sand backed by rolling hills covered in olive groves, the grilled meats and cold beers, or add an excursions like: Jeep Safari, Mussel Tour with a boat, Diving Lessons, Corfu day tour In the afternoon transfer to Tirana, get settled in the hotel and in the evening gather with your group to celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner. Transfer to Berat passing through striking hills full of olive trees. On this Unesco – recognized old town with our local guide, you will admire the White Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church, Gorica Bridge and the Berati citadel/castle. Wander around this pretty town with free time for lunch. Transfer to Tirana in the late afternoon.