Albanian Highlands Experience

Reception by our guide at the airport and transfer to Tirana. Tourist tours in Tirana where you can visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower which are located in the city center. You will also see the main boulevard called "Dëshmorët e Kombit" and the characteristic Italian-style buildings. Accommodation in Hotel 4 * in Tirana.

After breakfast visit to the National Historical Museum. We then go to Kruja, one of the most important cities in Albania because of the part it played in the resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle as well as the old bazaar. Today will include lunch and the opportunity to eat some traditional food in Kruja. Then we continue to Lezha in the northwest of the place where we visit the mausoleum of Skanderbeg and the castle before leaving for Shkodra. Shkodra is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once the capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa Castle for spectacular views of the city, the lake and the surrounding mountains. Accommodation in Hotel Rozafa 4 * or similar.

Very early in the morning we will leave for Koman where we will take the ferry which passes through the spectacular canyon of the river Drin. We will continue by car along the beautiful river of Valbona valley. The day starts with the transfer to Koman, where our ferry trip begins (important to note that the ferry trip depends on the water level of the lake). The ferry ride along Lake Koman lets you see some spectacular scenery, not unlike a Norwegian fjord winding between high cliffs and high peaks. We will leave the ferry in Fierza from where the journey to Valbona will continue. Then the road passes through the valley, along the river Valbona, surrounded by wild and beautiful natural panorama and the steep mountain peaks of the Albanian Alps, to the village of Valbona. Accommodation at the hotel or guesthouse in the village of Valbona to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.

After breakfast, a coffee and some photos, we depart towards the ferry terminal of Fierza, at 12:00, which will get off there especially to pick us up around 14:30. While departure from Komani is at 15:00 and arrival in Berat around 19:00. Accommodation in Hotel Tomori 4 * or similar.

After breakfast visit Onufri Castle and Museum. Berat Castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional homes, as their ancestors did for centuries. The castle once had over 40 churches of which 7 still remain, including one converted to the Onufri Museum. Leave Berat and the tour continues to Vlora. On the way we stop in the ancient city of Apollonia, located on the famous Via Egnatia - one of the most important cities of Roman times. Then we continue to Vlora. After lunch continue to Saranda. Travel to the spectacular Albanian Riviera overlooking the Ionian Sea. Accommodation in Saranda, Accommodation in Hotel Brilant 4 * or similar.

In the morning, continue to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important archaeological find in Albania. In addition to the beautiful ancient ruins, it has the added benefit of being located on a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna. After driving visits to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO site and museum city with beautiful and very special architecture. Visit the medieval Castle which was once a political prison during the communist dictatorship and the Ethnographic Museum which is also the house where the Albanian dictator was born. After lunch, transfer to Përmet, known as the "City of Flowers", the tour continues along the Vjosa River where you will see the beautiful canyons of the Kelcyra spillway. Local family dinner where we will have a special brandy and where you will enjoy all the traditional specialties; like Japrak and Gliko at the family restaurant. Overnight in Permet. Accommodation in Hotel 3 *.

After breakfast we continue to Durres. This port city has the largest Roman amphitheater in the region, dating back to the 2nd century which we will visit. Lunch and taste of the Skanderbeg factory, where the famous Skanderbeg cognac is produced and where we can enjoy this delicious drink. Return to Tirana for our last night where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional food. Accommodation in Hotel 4 *. Accommodation in Tirana.

After breakfast, free time to explore Tirana, followed by transfer to the airport for your return flight.