We Love —
- Admiring the historic architecture of Berat, visiting the Archaeological Park of Illyria and seeing the castle of Porto Palermo on this 7-night tour!
- Tasting the delicious and unique spices of Albania on our different stops through the country!
- Staying comfortably in 4* hotels with breakfast included each morning.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Albania is a country rich in cultural, historical and architectural heritage. Discover all its wonders on this 7-night tour, where you can visit UNESCO World Heritage cities and admire breathtaking natural landscapes.
You will walk through the lands of Northern Macedonia after passing through the Prespa Lakes National Park, where 3 countries with distinct identities meet.
Ancient ruins, lakes or capitals? No need to choose: this trip offers you such a varied panel between seaside, urban cities and luxuriant nature. You won't have a moment to get bored!
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Airport - Berat
Day 2: Berat - Apollonia - Vlora - Saranda
Day 3: Saranda - Butrint - Gjirokaster
Day 4: Gjirokaster - Permet - Koritza
Day 5: Koritza - Bitola - Ohrid
Day 6: Ohrid
Day 7: Ohrid - Tirana
Day 8: Tirana - Airport
Please note that the order of the activities can be changed without affecting the interest of the programme.
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Tirana Airport - Berat (Approximately 114 kilometres)
For this first day, you will arrive at the airport, where you will be met and driven to Berat.
Once you arrive, you will begin your tour, starting with the historic quarters and the National Iconographic Museum.
Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows", Berat is renowned for its historic architecture and its atypical beauty, which has led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the historical Berat, composed of 3 districts. Situated on the slopes of two hills, you can admire the view of the Osum River and the fortification wall dating from the 4th century BC.
Stroll through the streets and see the mosques, Byzantine Orthodox churches and the frescoes of the painter Onufri. A great way to get your fill of culture!
Overnight stay in Berat at the Mangalemi Hotel.
Day 2: Berat - Apollonia - Vlora - Saranda (about 70 kms, 42 kms and 180 kms)
After breakfast, you can visit the lower parts of Berat before heading to Vlora.
Your first stop will be at the Archaeological Park of Apollonia of Illyria. Founded in the 7th century BC, this city was a key trading point between the Greeks and Illyrians. You will be charmed by its ruins, symbols of a splendid era: theatre, nymphaeum, ... You won't have time to get bored and can complete your visit with the museum housed in the neighbouring 14th century monastery.
Then take the road to Llogara National Park, located between the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas. A breath of fresh air, you will enjoy the lush flora and perhaps see some wildlife. After this natural discovery, you will take the road to the castle of Porto Palermo, built in the 19th century. On the way, you will also have the opportunity to admire the beautiful church of Agios Nikolaos, the birthplace of many myths and legends about the castle.
Your day will end in Saranda, a harbour town and seaside resort. Situated opposite the Greek island of Corfu, it is the ideal haunt for honeymooners.
Overnight stay in Saranda at the Brilant Hotel.
Day 3: Saranda - Butrint - Gjirokaster
After a leisurely breakfast, you will continue your journey to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will start your day with a visit to the archaeological ruins. Particularly well-preserved and used by the aristocracy as a holiday resort, this area is full of ruins from antiquity, including those of a Great Basilica whose facades you can still admire.
You will then head towards the "Blue Eye" spring. A real oasis, this deep spring forms a circular basin resembling a bright blue eye. Many myths and stories surround this place: twelve-headed dragons, spectacular depth... You will enjoy listening to them or imagining them as you gaze into its clear waters.
After you have rejuvenated yourself, head for Gjirokaster, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be immediately transferred to the church of Labova e Kryqit dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Here you can admire the frescoes and enjoy the solemn atmosphere.
Your afternoon will end with a visit to the city, known as the "City of Stone" because it is made up of hundreds of Ottoman-style tower houses. Magical and with a tumultuous past, this former feudal stronghold was a true jewel of the Ottoman Empire before becoming an Italian colony, hosting many rulers.
Overnight stay at the Kalemi Hotel.
Day 4: Gjirokaster - Permet - Koritza (about 62 kms and 133 kms)
After your breakfast, you will take the road from Gjirokaster to Koritza along paths with spectacular landscapes. Mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls await you at every turn with their local wildlife. Your first stop will be the small town of Permet where you will visit the church of Leusa (Shen Maria) with its beautiful iconographic paintings.
On arrival in Koritza you will visit the town and experience its highlights. Known as a city of culture and arts, it has a National Museum of Medieval Arts. Historically rich, Koritza is still the cultural and economic heart of the region.
Take some time to wander the streets and alleys and enjoy the features of its boulevards and manor houses.
Overnight stay at the Hani Pazarit Hotel.
Day 5: Koritza - Bitola - Ohrid
After a well-deserved breakfast, you will continue on your way to the Republic of Northern Macedonia. First, you will discover the Prespa Lakes region, a natural park with great biodiversity.
This park is a real meeting point, shared by Greece, Albania and Northern Macedonia. You will be able to contemplate two sumptuous lakes, but also mountains, the last in Europe to welcome brown bears.
After several stops, you will discover Bitola, the second-largest city in Macedonia. It was a bustling city during the Roman period and still bears the historical marks of its former importance. It was even nicknamed the "city of consuls" during its most prosperous period.
After lunch, you will visit the ruins of Heraklea Lyncestis, named after Heracles. Among its ancient monuments you will see a theatre and a funerary basilica with a necropolis.
After your visit, you will head to Ohrid.
Overnight stay at the City Palace Hotel.
Day 6: Ohrid
After breakfast, continue your tour of the city.
Rising above a lake, its uniqueness has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between the 7th and 19th centuries, it became the capital of Macedonia in medieval times.
After visiting it and observing its churches and its Byzantine or post-Byzantine style, you will take a boat ride with a panoramic view from the lake.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the monastery of St. Naum.
Located on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid the monastery was one of the richest and most powerful spiritual centres in the Balkans. Renowned for its miracles and blessings and despite destruction, this place remains special because of the serenity brought by its natural beauty and clear waters.
Overnight stay at the City Palace Hotel in Ohrid.
Day 7: Ohrid - Tirana (approx. 131 kms)
Have breakfast and then embark for Tirana for your last day before the return journey. Capital of Albania, its style is somewhere between Istanbul, Naples with a hint of Minsk. There is plenty to do and plenty of buildings to explore.
Let yourself be charmed by its architecture and surprised by its monument to Mother Albania. The 12-metre-high monument was unveiled in 1971 and honours the nation's heroes.
Dinner and overnight stay in Tirana at the Oxford Boutique Hotel.
Day 8: Tirana - Airport
Enjoy a few more moments of this wonderful place before heading to the airport.
For travellers wishing to depart in the afternoon, a tour of the historic city of Kruja will be offered.
Your Hotels —
Just for you:
- Professional English speaking guide/driver.
- Modern air conditioned coach.
- Included entrance fees.
- Information material (maps, brochures).
- Tax and Vat included.
- All costs for the tour guide are included.
- Included return transfers.
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
Maximum room capacity
Enjoy the comforts of your 4* hotels all throughout your stay.
Your accommodation:
In Berat: Mangalemi Hotel
In Saranda: Brilant Hotel
In Gjirokaster: Hotel Kalemi 2
In Koritza: Hotel Hani i Parazit
In Ohrid: City Palace Hotel
In Tirana: Oxford Boutique Hotel
In case of unavailability of the hotels listed above, you will be accommodated in hotels of similar category.
Your Dining Choices
This offer is based on a Bed and Breakfast stay.
Your Journey to Albania —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Your Destination —
Tirana
The capital city of Albania, Tirana, has been completely transformed since its Communist days, Now, colourful buildings line the streets, with pedestrianised squares dotted across the city, which has a decidedly festive feel.
Hang out drinking raki and rubbing shoulders with the locals in a trendy bar, walk along boulevards featuring relics from Albania's Ottoman, Italian, and communist past, and pop into one of the local museums to truly get a taste for Albania's chaotic historical past.
