Syder Travel

Although Albania has only very recently emerged as a European destination for the inquisitive traveller, its friendly people and rich variety of archaeological and historical sites, combined with stunning, wild mountainous scenery is reason enough to warrant a comprehensive visit. With a number of listed UNESCO World Heritage sites and fascinating medieval castles and towns, this detailed 9 day tour is designed to allow for adequate time to fully appreciate the beauty of this lesser visited yet alluring country, known in antiquity as Illyria, the Land of Eagles.

Day 1 : Mother Teresa Airport – Tirana
Pick up at Tirana airport and transfer to Hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the National Historic Museum in Tirana offering an in depth introduction to Albanian history from prehistoric times to the present day. Welcome dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant. Two nights in Tirana.

Day 2: Tirana – Kruja – Shkodra – Tirana (3.5 hours driving time)
After breakfast, we travel to Kruja, a small town perched high on the face of a hill, center of the Albanian resistance against the ottoman Turks under the leadership of our national hero Scanderbeg. Visit the fortress of Kruja, the Scanderbeg Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and the old bazaar full of souvenirs including handmade ones. Afterwards proceed to the northern city of Shkodra with the most important town of north Albania and the Illyrian capital, in the 3rd century BC. We visit the Rozafa castle with spectacular views all around. We pause to visit the Mesi Bridge; an old bridge built in the mid 18th century with beautiful mountain scenery as a backdrop.

Day 3 : Tirana – Ardenica – Apollonia – Vlora (3.5 hours driving time)
After breakfast we travel to Vlora where Albanian Independence was proclaimed. On the way we stop at the Monastery of Ardenica, thought to have been built in the Middle Ages, as claimed by an entrance stone dating back to 1417. It is also supposed that Scanderbeg the Albanian Legendary hero of Middle Ages, was married here at the small chapel of the complex. Icon paintings dating between 1743-1745, by Albanian artists such as Konstandin & Athanos Zografi, as well as Konstandin Shpataraku, adorn the main chapel. After the visits, we will continue our journey to the ancient city of Apollonia situated on the famous Via Egnatia. Apollonia was one of the most important cities in Roman times renowned for its school of oratory. Julius Caesar sent his nephew Augustus Octavian to study here, a clear testimony of the advanced level of learning Apollonia provided at the time. We will visit the vast archaeological remains and the adjacent archaeological museum situated in a adjacent Orthodox monastery from the Middle Ages. Afterwards we reach Vlora, home to the first Independent Albanian Government. Afternoon at leisure to explore the beautifully restored waterfront promenade; Lungo Mare. Two nights in Vlora.

Day 4: Vlora
Founded in the 6th century B.C.E. and known in Antiquity as Aulona, Vlora was built in one of the most beautiful spots in southern Albania. Its shores present a unique mixture of rocky and sand beaches, and the gorgeous vistas of the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Islands stretch in front of the city.
The city is of historical importance for Albania, having hosted its First National Assembly, where Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912. . Another highlight is Muradije Mosque, constructed by famous architect Sinan the Great in 1542. It is the only remaining work by the architect in Albania. The natural terrace of Kuzum Baba, located on top of a hill that overlooks the city, was named after a Bektashi spiritual leader.

Day 5: Vlora – Butrint (UNESCO) – Saranda – Gjirokastra (5 hours driving time)
After an early breakfast we depart to Saranda. While we drive through the spectacular Albanian Riviera, we also observe the the mazing turquoise blue colour of the Ionian Sea. At around 1000 m above the sea level the top of the Llogora pass, offers breath-taking sceneries. We make short stop at Ali Pasha Fort, located at the Porto Palermo bay, a strategic point from where was easily possible to control sea trade routes. Then we continue past Saranda to Butrint National Park. The ancient remains of Butrint are a UNESCO world heritage site and the most important archaeological finds in Albania. Legend associates this city with Trojan settlers who fled Troy under the leadership of Aeneas. In fact the city was first settled by Hellenic colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of several eras of civilization. Apart the beautiful antique ruins it has the added benefit of being situated in a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna. After the visits we proceed to Gjirokastra for two nights.

Day 6: Gjirokastra (UNESCO)
The highlight of this day is Gjirokastra – another UNESCO site with a beautiful and very distinct architecture. Gjirokastra is one of the most important towns of southern Albania, has been declared a “Museum Town”. It is built on the slope of a mountain and is known for its characteristic and narrow stone paved streets. The dwelling houses have the form of medieval towers consisting in a building ensemble with characteristic architecture. Visit the Castle, which stands like a balcony over the town enabling the visitors to enjoy a beautiful view, the Ethnographic Museum which is also the house where the Albanian dictator was born in, and the born house of the famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare who has won many international book prices.

Day 7: Gjirokastra – Berat (UNESCO) (3.5 hours driving time)
Morning drive to Berat, a UNESCO town known for its remarkable architecture, with houses seemingly built upon one another’s backs. Inside the ancient Berat Castle, still inhabited by locals, we’ll find a rich history and a glimpse into Albanian heritage. The castle once boasted over 40 churches, and seven remain, including the Onufri Museum, displaying masterpieces by the 16th-century Albanian Icon painter, Onufri. Afternoon tour of the castle and the old quarter. Overnight in Berat.

Day 8: Berat – Durres – Tirana (2.5 hours driving time)
After breakfast, we depart for Durres, one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in 627 B.C., where we’ll enjoy lunch by the sea (optional). After lunch, we embark on a sightseeing tour of the Amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, located right in the heart of the modern city, and the Archaeological Museum, which showcases a wealth of artifacts from the city and its surroundings. After our visit in Durres, we return to Tirana for the overnight stay.

Day 9: Tirana – Heathrow (UK)
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to Mother Theresa International airport for our return flight with British Airways arriving mid afternoon at Heathrow.

Cost £1995.00 per person sharing a Twin room
£200.00 Single Supplement

Included:

• Escorted by Patrick Syder FRGS
• Transfers from and to Airport
• Transportation with a A/C vehicle
• Accommodation in 4* hotels with breakfast
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide through the whole tour
• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned
• All dinners in traditional restaurants

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