From Corfu to Albania | 6-Day Guided Tour

Meet our Representatives at Corfu Airport, Port or Hotel transfer to Corfu port Arrive in Saranda. And transfer to the Hotel Brilant. After check-in, continue the drive south on the scenic road to the archeological site of Butrint and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to ancient Butrinti, dating back 2500 years. In the ruins, it visits the Amphitheatre from the 3rd century and the temple of Aesculapius. The Baptistery from the 6th century has colorful mosaics and is one of the largest baptisteries east of the Adriatic. Butrints’ ancient acropolis is on the top of the hill overlooking the entire site and affords an impressive view of the area. The old fortress houses the new small archaeological museum, which contains recent finds from the site. Butrint is truly one of the last unspoiled natural and ancient historical areas in the Mediterranean. Return to Saranda. Dinner in the best Local restaurant and overnight in Hotel Brilant.

After breakfast drives Vlora traveling north along the Albanian Riviera. En route, we pass the castle of Porto Palermo, located near Himara, also known as the castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena. Our drive north passes through many beautiful villages like Lukova, Borsh, Qeparo, Himara, Vuno, and Dhermi, which all have very beautiful beaches. Lunch in a local restaurant in Himara or Dhermi Beach. For a dramatic change in scenery, we drive high up into the mountains to Alpine Llogara Pass. After leaving Llogora we return to the coast and arrive in the city of Vlora. Vlora is one of Albania’s largest cities and a major seaport and tourist resort. We visit the Museum of Independence, which commemorates the proclamation of Albanian independence on November 28, 1912. Independence Day is one of Albania’s most significant holidays and marked the end of centuries of Ottoman rule. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Regina city

After breakfast, our tour will continue to Archeological Park of Apollonia. Here during the walking tour, we will visit the ruins of the ancient city, the monastery of Saint Mary, and the archeological museum. The ancient city of Apollonia of Illyria was founded at the beginning of the VII century BC. by Greek colons coming by the cities of Corinth and Corcyra. Apollonia became an emporium of merchandising between Greeks and Illyrians and was taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy due to the distinct and separate Greek and Illyrian communities. The city prospered very much in roman times. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar’s civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history as the resident bishop attended the councils of Ephesus and Chalkis in 431 and 451. The discovered monuments on the site are the fortification wall of the city, the Prytaneon, the Bouleterion, the big and small Stoas, the Odeion, the Theatre, the Nymphaeum, and many more. The museum of Apollonia is hosted in the nearby monastery of the XIV century when can be visited also the Church of St. Mary. After the visit. Continue on to Berati and en-route visit the Ardenica Monastery and a local winery. In the afternoon visit the Old Quarter, the icon museum of Onufri, Albania’s master iconographer, and other highlights of the city. Dinner and overnight at Mangalemi Hotel

After breakfast drive to Durres – the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Dyrrachium. Formerly called Durrazzo, Durres is one of the oldest towns in Albania. See the Byzantine city walls, Roman amphitheater, and the Archaeological Museum. Proceed to Kruja – one of the biggest cities in Northern Albania. Kruja is the “city of history” and best known as the hometown of Albania’s National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Kruja offers many quality restaurants with magnificent views of the countryside below it. Visit the Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum. Continue to Tirana coffee break and drive to Tirana city tour begins at Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian hero, and the main landmark of the city. Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque. We’ll take you to the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, the monument to Mother Albania and the National Historical Museum, In the evening, we’ll have dinner at a traditional restaurant and then explore the nightlife of Tirana, walking in the ex-block area known as “the forbidden town” where the villas of the communists’ leaders are still standing next to trendy boutiques, expensive jewelry shops, and active local pubs. Overnight in Tirana Hotel 4*

In the morning to Gjirokastra taking the inland road, and journey about 3 hours south to the “Museum City” of Gjirokastra. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the fortress, which stands high above the city for a panoramic view of the beautiful mountainous landscape and Ethnographic Museum. We leave Gjirokastra and pass by the “Blue Eye,” a natural spring near an old trout farm and an ideal spot for a picnic by the deep blue natural spring. We arrive in Saranda for dinner. Overnight at Butrinti Hotel in Saranda.

After breakfast, a departure from Saranda port to Corfu.