Tour Albania from Theth to Butrint 7 days

*After traditional breakfast, we drive to Shkodra the most important city of north Albania, set in a beautiful plateau in front of the largest lake in the Balkans named after the town itself, and with the Albanian Alps as a backdrop. We will take a walking tour in “Gjuhadol” a newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. Then we will visit Rozafa castle and we will not only experience the supremacy the Illyrians would have feel over their enemies standing in such an imposing Castle, but will also admire breathtaking views 360 degrees. OPTIONAL we can visit the Venice Art Mask Factory, one of the most important mask factories in the world, where they continue making them in the old technique Papier Maché. 

Check in the hotel in Shkodra.

*After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Durres one of the oldest towns in Albania and the first and perhaps the most important of the Greek colonies in the country. It was founded at Eridanus in 627 B.C. by Greeks from Corcyra (present-day Corfu) and Corinth. Greek and Roman authors called it "the Admirable City" for its temple, statues, and other monuments. However, only a few remains remind us of this city’s glory days, mainly due to earthquakes and, also the fact that Durres has been continuously inhabited through the years. Therefore, it has been transformed accordingly. We will visit some of the remains such as the Amphitheatre, the forum, archeological museum, the Venetian tower the outer walls.

After lunch we drive to Vlora for overnight. It is a modern and lively city, which acts as a gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Vlora is also an important port city and several international ferries depart and arrive from here, including those to Italy and Greece. 

In the afternoon you have time to swim and relax on the seaside. 

Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. The Butrint National Park is the most famous attraction in the south of Albania and the UNESCO World Heritage site and is the most visited archaeological park in the country. It is known for its well-preserved ruins from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and the Venetian era. The city is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and Cypress trees, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the Mediterranean atmosphere.

*After the visit we drive to Gjirokaster (UNESCO). Once we get into the city you would understand that this city is not like the others. The historical part starts at one of the main squares of the city under the name of one of the most famous Albanian Patriots of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. Today, restored and nicely presented to the visitor, this side of the city will bring the history in front of you through the souvenirs or interesting tales of the welcoming, local vendors.
Wondering through the Bazaar we will reach the Gjirokastra Fortress. Build on the top of the hill, into a naturally well-protected position, this was the first settlement of life in the early city. Despite the Historical values, it offers a great view of the stone city, lazily settled on the steep parts of the city.

Check in the hotel in Gjirokaster.

*We start in the morning our drive from Gjirokastra to visit the archaeological site of Apollonia, one of the most important historical sites in Albania. The ancient ruins are well preserved in parts and the park is peaceful and surrounded by beautiful nature. Julius Caesar rewarded Apollonia with the title 'free city' for supporting him against Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). He also sent his nephew Octavius, the future Emperor Augustus, to complete his studies there. There is a lot to see on this vast site. So, if you’re into history or nature, this is the place to be. 

After the visit we drive for overnight in Berat.

*Being more than 2400-year-old Berat it is one of the most attractive towns in Albania. Berat is situated at the foot of Tomorri Mountain and on the shores of River Osum. It is famous for its white-washed houses with their many windows which seem to have been built on top of each other, that give it the nickname the town “one thousand and one windows”. It retains a unique style of architecture, with narrow and 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. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. Then, continue to our next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River

Optional lunch and wine tasting in Roshnik. Just a 40 min drive from Berat along a tar road, enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape takes you to Roshnik. East of Berat, located in the hills, the small village mainly consists of the main road passing a tiny restaurant, leading to a roundabout, and at the end of the road, you can find a winery as well as a recently established guesthouse.

On our way back to Tirana we will stop in Belsh, a small town is the center of an area called Dumre plateau, known for more than 80 small karstic origin lakes. We will visit Belsh lake and enjoy a short walk on the town promenade. The whole area is known as the Tuscany of Albania. Drive back to Tirana for overnight.

*In the morning we drive off roading towards the Bovilla canyons, one of the most beautiful panoramic roads around Tirana. When we reach the lake Bovilla, we have a nice stop for a photo opportunity with nice background over the lake and the mountains of rural Tirana. On the safari off road ride, we have some other small stops for photos until we reach the nice caffe restaurant Bovilla that the local family has recently constructed overlooking the lake on top of the mountain. The we take a small hike, around 20 minutes to the top of Gamti mountain were at the view-point we have breathtaking views that can’t be expressed with words, it only can be experienced.
*In the afternoon we drive back to the feet of Dajti Mountain meet the Cable Car. Take the cable car ride 15 minutes up the National Park Dajti Mountain and have a nice relaxing walk in the park. There we have the possibility to play mini golf, have a coffee at the infinity bar overlooking Tirana and the whole valley down to the Adriatic Sea, play at the Dajti Adventure Park etc. Afterwards we drive back to Tirana for overnight.

End of our service.