Cities On Crossroad

DAY 1 - Tirane

Today we'll have an orientation tour of the colourful streets of Tirana, which was made the capital of Albania in just 1920. Today Tirana is not only the most populated city in Albania, but also the biggest political and economic centre in the country. We will start our tour in Albania, exploring Tirana the capital of Albania, starting with a visit to Et’HemBej Mosque, built in 1789 (one of the most beautiful in the Balkans).We'll walk to the main sites, stopping to visit the impressive National History Museum, the facade of which is adorned with a gigantic mosaic known as, 'The Albanians'. During this we can admire other buildings to like: The Clock Tower next to the Et'hemBey Mosque government buildings: at the south end of Skenderbeg Square. The Tabakëve and Terzive bridges, The Palace of Culture, where the Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the National Library. Popularly referred to as ‘the Pyramid’, it was designed by a group of architects. After we visit the city center we can move to Pertrela Castle which is located at south of Tirana on the right side of national road linking capital with the city of Elbasan.The Castle is perched on a rocky hill, above the village with the same name. It has a triangular shape with two observation towers. The castle offers spectacular views of the Erzen valley, the hills, olive groves, and surrounding mountains. Welcome dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in Tirana. 
Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 2 - Berat

After breakfast we’ll start driving to Berat, our guide will meet you at the hotel. Going to this city it’s like traveling back in time. Being more than 2400 year old, the town it is one of the most attractive towns in Albania. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the "Museum City of Albania". Berat lies on the sides on the Osum River with a backdrop of Mount Tomorr, elevation. Additionally a 2,500 year old castle overlooks the city with numerous, high architectural and historical stone neighborhoods below. Our visit will start in the characteristics neighborhood Mangalemi, near the old bazaar, where we will visit the Ethnographic museum. Our next stop will be at the fortress located on the top of the hill overlooking the Osumi river and the Gorica neighborhood. The castle is the only one in Albania that still has houses and inhabitants within its walls, going about their daily life in exactly the same place their predecessors did centuries ago. We will visit the Castle, St Marys Church turned Onufri Museum which houses an amazingly diverse collection of Icons. We will be able to see also The Red Mosque , The Church of Saint Mehilli, (Michael) , The Church of Saint Triadha (Trinity) and lots of other monuments. We’ll have a little breake while we enjoy lunch. After this we will walk towards the old bridge of Gorica. The bridge's primary purpose is to connect the neighborhood of Gorica, over the Osum River, with the beautiful Mangalemi quarter and adjacent neighborhoods. The architecture of Gorica Bridge holds 7 stone arches, has a length of 129.3 meters, width of 5.3 meters, and height (average) of 3.5 meters. 
Overnight in Berat.

DAY 3 - Vlore

Wake up at eight and go down for breakfast, when our guide will meet you and show you the itinerary. After breakfast we drive to Vlora. Valona is one of the largest, most populous cities in Albania,is the second largest port city of Albania, after Durrës.Vlora is rich with history and antiquity which dates back to the 6th century B.C., when it was known as Aulona. Exactly at the Valona Bay was the official border of the Roman provinces of Epirus – the Epirus Nova and Epirus Vetus, while later, in the 9th century it used to be the border of the Bulgarian Kingdon of Tsar Simeun and the Byzantine Empire. This city has a great historical importance as it was here that in 1912 the Assembly was convened to proclaim Albania as an independent state and to set up the first National Government headed by Ismail Qemali. Thus Vlore became the first capital city in independent Albania. One of the best costal cities in Albania. Continue the drive to coastal Vlora, we see the Independence Square, The museum of Indipendence and the Muradie Mosque. We visit the Flag Square, House of Indipendence then we continue with Albanian Riviera with a great view and we can enjoy the trip along Ioanian Sea. Then we visit: Mesopotamian Monastery, Saint Nichola Church which belongs to Byzantine Period. Lunch break, and after lunch we go to visit Zverneci. Will visit the Monastery of Zvernec After this we go to Lepenica village. Pictures found in this cave represent post-Paleolithic art, which is known as the oldest in all of Europe. Haxhi Ali Cave in Karaburun is situated on the peninsula. Located in a cliff, it is the biggest cave in Albania Then we go back to the city of Vlora for dinner. 
Overnight in Vlora.

DAY 4 - Sarande

Wake up at eight o’clock and have lunch. After this we departure to Saranda City. Saranda is located in southern Albania. It is one of the most important tourist attractions of the Albanian Riviera. Saranda's current name derives from the name of the Byzantine monastery of the Agioi Saranda, meaning the "Forty Saints" and honoring the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. We will go to see Butrinti which is situated 15 km away from the city of Saranda, reachable through whatever way. It is a world's archeological richness of UNESCO declared as such after the 90`. The most precious pieces that were found here were: the statue of Apollo, the Goddess of Butrinti, some heads of marble of Zeus, it was also found a portray of Agrippa, and some Latin and Greek writings. In the V century part of the city was rebuilt. After that we visit the Blue eye. It is the greatest fountain and the most interesting one from the 18 fountains coming from the edge of the wide mountain. It is a natural monument. The way in which the water bubbles up to the surface helps create the illusion of an eye, with the dark-colored center as the pupil, and the surrounding blue water appearing as the iris. Lunch Break. After that we go back to Saranda and visit the Castle of Lekuresi from the 14th century Byzantine period. The castle is situated in the meddle of the ruins of the Lekures village on the top of a high hill rising over the city of Saranda. A very special strategical position allows the contemplation of the city and the street that goes to Butrint, and a rare view of the islands of Ksamil. In the evening will enjoy a walk through the coastal line of Saranda. 
Overnight in Saranda.

DAY 5 - Gjirokaster

Today we walk through history, and what better way then to traverse Gjirokastra. Historic Gjirokaster is one of Albania's three UNESCO sites. Gjirokastër can be divided into roughly two halves, the old town up on the hill, and the new town in the valley below. One of the most important cities of southern Albania has been declared a “Museum City”. It is built on the slope of a mountain and is known for its characteristic and narrow stone paved streets. Known as the City of Stone, it comprises hundreds of Ottoman-style tower houses with distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies and whitewashed stone walls. Just outside Gjirokastra we visit the ruins of ancient Hadrianopolis at Sofratike. It was built in the middle of a field without protective walls, at the time of emperor Hadrian whose name it took, at a time known as Pax Romana which translates as Roman Peace, hence surrounded by vast Roman territories the city had no need for fortifications.Then, after entering in Gjirokastra we will visit the castle, the Zekate House, the old bazaar and the ethnographic museum (which is the birth house of the Albanian dictator). There are several 18th-century mosques and churches and an old citadel (rebuilt in the 19th cent.) in the town. What strikes the visitors most in Gjirokastra are its typical and characteristic houses which resemble little fortresses, clustered one above the other. Once Gjirokastra has been called the "city of one thousand steps" or "the stone city". Then we will be headed to the Seven Fountains, Mechite Mosque Remains, and the Hamams. The fountains and the exterior of the Hamams have been recently restored. One can observe the dedicatory inscriptions on the fountains and the cone shaped traditional roofs of the Hamams. After this we will be headed to the village of Saraqanisht where we can see The archaeological site of Antigonea. We will close the day by visiting the Lake cave under Skotinise which is located 200 meters deep cave Skotinise in Vanistër of Gjirokastra. 
Overnight in Gjirokastra.

DAY 6 - Permet

After breakfast we drive towards Permeti. Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” Pёrmet is located in the Vjosa River Valley, approximately 30 kilometers from the Greek border. The city is known for its clean environment and tradition of wine and raki making. Old Permet is worth a look.Permet is a Town in Albania known for its hospitability, good food, and the beautiful nature surrounding it. Our drive through the mountains today is truly spectacular as we enjoy sweeping views across the Gramos and Nemercka Mountains. Along the winding route, we enjoy a short stop in Ersekë which at 1050m is the highest town in Albania. This 17th century town is surrounded by beautiful green pastures of the Gramos Mountains. Continuing onwards, we make a quick stop-off at the old bridge of Benje village en route to beautiful Permet. After we arrive into Permet, situated in the heart of the white mountains on the Vjosë River. A short walk (about half an hour) will familiarise us with this traditional village and we stop to see the nearby St. Mary's Church of Leusa, one of the best preserved in the country with wonderful frescoes. This evening you're sure to be in for a treat as Permet is famous for its food and wines, including 'gliko' sweets and raki. 
Overnight in Permet.

DAY 7 - Korce

After breakfast we drive to Korca one of the most important towns of South East Albania and a well known culinary town. The path takes us through spectacular landscapes with spectacular nature with gorges, mountains and river valleys offering a truly fulfilling experience. Lunch in the traditional family restaurant in Boboshtica just before reaching Korca. Arrival in Korca and visit of the National Museum of Medieval Arts, which holds some of greatest iconographic works in Europe and further. The first Albanian language school, opened in 1887 and today it houses the National Education Museum.Spend the day exploring the Korca region including a visit to the village of Voskopoja - one of the most important towns in the European part of the Ottoman Empire during the beginning of the 18th century. It is here that the first printing house in the Balkans was established in 1720. There are also some outstanding examples of Orthodox Christian Churches, which escaped the destruction of the communist regime. 
Overnight in Korca.

DAY 8 -Ohrid

Ohrid's history runs as deep as the fabled lake beside which it rests. This beautiful region of Macedonia was first settled over 8000 years ago, and successive civilizations have etched their mark on its cobbled streets, stone walls and churchesOn this tour, you will cast your eyes on magnificent traditional Macedonian architecture, monuments, museums, churches and monasteries where life seems to move in a different rhythm. Wake up early and have breakfast, after this we drive to Ohrid. Upon arrival in Ohrid you"ll start the a tour with a visit to the church of St. Sophia, which dates back to the 11th century. The you'll go up to the Roman amphitheater, which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. Afterwards you will continue walking to the Icon Gallery, home to a range of some of the most famous and valuable icons in the world, right after the ones on Athos and in Russia. In the vicinity of the gallery is the Church of St. Clement’s, or the Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious, which dates back to the 13th century and possesses some of the most beautiful and valuable frescoes from the 13th century not only in this country but in the whole of the Balkans. After that you will carry on walking to Tsar Samoil’s Fortress, named after the first tsar of the Macedonian Slavs, who, having conquered Byzantium. Then you will walk to Plaoshnik, where you will visit the newly built St. Clement’s Monastery Church. Dedicated to St. Clement - the patron of Ohrid - and St. Panteleimon, it stands beside the original site of St. Clement’s University, the first university of the Macedonian Slavs, founded in the 9th century A.D. Inside the church you can also see the tomb with St. Clement’s relics. Beside the church you can see the foundations of the 5th-century basilica with beautifully preserved mosaic floors and some swastikas also discovered on the floors. From here you will head towards the Church of St. Jovan at Kaneo. Another option is to return to the town by boat and at the same time to make a tour of the lake providing you with a great view of the town. 
Overnight in Ohrid.

DAY 9 -Skopje

Wake up early and have breakfast, after this we drive to Skopje. The drive from Ohrid to skopje takes about 2 hours. If you simply want to see the best and most important of Skopje, the highlights of the city and it’s surrounding, then this is your tour! During this all day, all-encompassing tour, our friendly and knowledgeable guide will lead you through the story of Skopje, beginning with the new “Skopje 2014th”, across the Stone Bridge, through the Old Town, up to the fortress Kale where the earliest evidence of human existence are. It will raise you to the Millennium Cross on the top of Mount Vodno for a spectacular panoramic view on Skopje, the tour will also take you to the nearby village of Gorno Nerezi, at St. Pantelejmon church, to witness the frescoes that are among the highest achievements in existing Byzantine art, and last but not least – the canyon Matka, one of the most popular outdoors destinations in the surrounding of Skopje, authentic nature, presented by the many endemic species of plants and animals. The first part of this tour is walking. From fortress Kale the tour continues by a vehicle to the middle of mount Vodno and then by cable-car system to the Millennium Cross and back to middle Vodno. Once back at middle Vodno, you continue by organized transport to the village Gorno Nerezi to see the church St. Pantelejmon. After Nerezi you continue by the organized transport to the canyon Matka, about 17 km from Skopje. Once finished the visit of canyon Matka, transfer back to Skopje at drop-off point, Gate Macedonia. 
Overnight in Skopje.

DAY 10 -Prishtine

Begin with a walking tour of Prishtina, which will include visits to Prishtina’s famous monuments and museums and have a coffee at Bistro Rings, one of Pristina’s best cafes. Continue your guided tour through the beautiful Gërmia Park, considered the “lung” of Prishtina, and enjoy lunch in the park at the Restaurant Vila Gërmia. After lunch, visit the Monument of the Kosovo Battle at Gazimestan, commemorating the defeat of the Ottoman Empire over 600 years ago, and the Mausoleum of Sultan Murat. Return to the hotel and enjoy a leisurely dinner. 
Overnight in Prishtine.

DAY 11 -Shkoder

A diamond-shaped city wedged between the Rozafa Citadel, the magnificent Albanian Alps, deep blue Lake Shkodra, a 30-kilometre sand beach and the serene Buna river delta reservation. Shkodra is a diamond in the rough with plenty of potential. Shkodra was once the largest and most flourishing town in the country. Even today it remains the cradle of northern Albanian culture. Its mighty fortress, Rozafa, still rises proudly over the Drini and Buna Rivers as a symbol of Shkoder's will to survive. Our guide will wait you at the airport. We’ll drive from Tirana to Shkodra and arrive there in about two hours. Introduction to Shkodra’s old history as one of the oldest cities of Balkan and the capital of Illyrian Empire.City tour of Shkodra, Old Bazaar, Centrum, cathedral and mosque and the photo Gallery “Marubian “. Visit to Vila e Zogut (ex king of Albania). Visit to the Castle of Rosafa and the museum inside the castle. from where spectacular views all around can be admired and the feel of supremacy the Illyrians would have had over their enemies standing in such an imposing castle. Dinner at Shiroka with a nice view of Shkodra’s Lake. 
Overnight in Shkodra.

DAY 12 -Tirane

After breakfast drive towards Kruja, the historical city which lays on a panoramic view on the top of a hill, 600 km above sea level, centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans under our National Hero Scanderbeg. With a combination of nature, history, archeology, traditional food and lifestyle, Kruja is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Albania. We will visit the Kruja Castle. The surrounding walls are reinforced by nine towers, which served as an observation and signaling post during times of war. Within the walls of the castle there can still be found the remains of a few houses. Then we’ll see the Skanderbeg Museum and a rich Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 19th century. Designed by Enver Hoxha's daughter and son-in-law, this museum opened in 1982, and its spacious seven-level interior displays replicas of armour and paintings depicting Skanderbeg's struggle against the Ottomans. The museum is something of a secular shrine, and takes itself very seriously indeed, with giant statues and dramatic battle murals. Then we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar, on the way to the castle, a medieval - type bazaar with traditional handicrafts such as filigree, alabaster, silver, copper, wooden made objects, wool carpets, etc. Its main pecularities are that all the shops are made of wood. And after shopping we go to Tirana. 
Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 13 -Departure

Breakfast, morning coffee, and then free time to prepare for airport.