Overview

Morning starts with the visit of Shkodra, which is the traditional center of the Gheg cultural region, is one of the oldest cities in Europe founded in the 4th century B.C. as the center of the Labeat tribe of Illyrians known with the name Shkodra. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, otherwise known as the Northern Capital the city of Albania. The ancient Rozafa Fortress has stunning views over Lake Shkodra, while the pastel-painted buildings in the Old Town have a distinct Italian ambience. Shkodra is a city that truly has it all: a rich cultural life, art and history, beautiful nature, bazaars, and much more. His wonderful restaurants along the promenade and its legendary cafes make this traditional Albanian. Firstly, we will start with the visit of Shkodra, the typical Italian-Austrian architecture of the city center, among others we will see Ebu-bekr mosque Big Catholic Cathedral and Venetian art mask factory.  After that, you will visit Rozafa castle with fantastic views of all the surrounding area. Next transfer to Fisht village to enjoy a fantastic meal in one of the best restaurants of Albania also first slow- food convivium one. After lunch transfer to Kruja.

You will have free time in Kruja and especially to the famous bazaar which is one of the oldest in Albania. Whether you need a traditionally crafted rug, or masterfully made copper products from the renowned craftsmen who work here, you can find every object of interest you might need. Other items in the fascinating bazaar include genuine handcrafted items, and silver jewelry that is known to last a lifetime. After the bazaar we will visit the castle of Kruja, Albanian’s National hero Scanderbeg Museum as well as the ethnographic museum where you will learn how people used to live and work during the 18^th century. Late afternoon transfer to the coastal town Durres for dinner and overnight.

The morning starts with the visit of Durres, Albania’s first capital just for a short period of time. Where we will explore the amazing monuments of classical antiquity in a depth and learn how the city was considered the “Tavern of the Adriatic”. We will visit the Roman Amphitheater from the 2nd century AD, built during the reign of the emperor Trajan as one of the biggest amphitheaters in Balkans. The Roman Amphitheater and the city of Durrës are unusual for their extraordinary degree of preservation, particularly for its large stretches of undisturbed stratigraphy. Our last visit is the Archeological Museum with artifacts as old as the 7^th century b.c

After this unforgettable journey we will transfer to Karavasta lagoon. After lunch, accompanied by the local park ranger, will enjoy a bird watching experience to see many species among others, the only nesting place in Albania of the Dalmatian pelican. After this wonderful natural experience, we will transfer to the old town of Berat for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we will visit Berat. Berat’s most striking feature is the collection of white Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to its castle, earning it the title of 'city of a thousand windows' by joining the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, in 2008. The city is cascading steeply to the banks of the Osum River, this Ottoman-era town is a veritable labyrinth of timeworn, white-washed streets, uneven cobblestones and of course the captivating mosaic of window frames that stare out from every wall. It is divided into three large neighborhoods, capturing Berat’s 3 parts, Gorica, Mangalem and Castle, in an eternal, unblinking staring match across the water, those of Mangalem and Gorica, split by Osum River, and the medieval castle, still inhabited. After visiting the city of a thousand windows' we will have free time in the antique neighborhoods of Berat. Next transfer to Cobo winery for wine tasting. You will taste some of the best wine in Albania including white and red wines and of course the local spirit Raki. Afternoon transfer to apollonian archeological site for a visit of the ancient ruins of one of the most known roman universities in the Balkans where many roman emperors used to study. Next transfer to Gjirokastra for dinner and overnight.

In Gjirokastra we will see Defined by its castle, roads paved with chunky limestone and shale, imposing slate-roofed houses and views out to the Drino Valley, Gjirokastra is a magical hillside town described beautifully by Albania's most famous author, Ismail Kadare, in Chronicle in Stone. There has been a settlement here for 2500 years, though these days it's the 600 'monumental' Ottoman-era houses in town that attract visitors. The former dictator Enver Hoxha, who was born here and ensured the town was relatively well preserved under his rule, though he is not memorialized in any way here today. This beautiful city is part of UNESCO World Heritage site. After visiting the legendary castle and the unique bazaar of Gjirokastra, we will enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. Transfer toward Saranda with a stop in the natural spring of the blue eye for some relaxing moments. Your afternoon will be free to enjoy a walk in the promenade of Saranda on the Ionian Sea shore. Overnight in Saranda

Morning transfer to Butrint, Archeological Park declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Which is in-between the beautiful lake of the same name and Ionian Sea. Aside from archaeological values, Butrint offers a wide natural complex and a special ecosystem. The ancient city is „placed‟ beautifully in a middle of a greenery land, near the lake that holds the same name, only 3 km away from the sea, which is connected by the canal of Vivari. After the visit of Butrint you will be transferred back to Saranda for free time for lunch. Dinner organized in the Lekursi castle where also the Polyphonic Group of Saranda invited for your pleasure to sing and dance Albanian folk music. After this wonderful experience return at your hotel for overnight in Saranda

Morning transfer to Himara where we will see the castle of Ali Pash Tepelena built on 16^th century. After, we will continue driving towards National Park of Llogara for lunch while admiring the scenery of Ionian Sea shore from the top. After lunch in Llogara we will continue towards Vlora, the city of independence. The city carries historical importance to Albania as it hosted the First National Assembly, on which Albania declared the country’s independence from Ottoman rule on November 28th, 1912. It is the starting point of the Albanian Riviera and is one of the most frequented areas of Albanian “Sun and Sea” tourism. Dinner and overnight in Vlore.

Morning transfer to Belesh for a short stop for a coffee on the lake, then drive toward Elbasan. Elbasan’s first name was Skampis, two centuries later it was mentioned by the name of

Skampa, a city living off the cereal and leather trade. First sight in Elbasan will be te Castle right on the city center. The castle walls built on the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine fortifications by the sovereign Ottoman Mehmet II. In the old quarter “Kala” we will visit ruins of the Basilica, St. Mary Church, King Mosque. After the visit we will have lunch at Restaurant Real Scampis, inside of the ancient castle. Afternoon we will continue driving toward capital of Albania, Tirana and have free time for leisure and dinner. Overnight in Tirana

After Breakfast we will visit the Capital of Albania. Tirana is known for its colorful Soviet-era architecture. Pastel buildings surround the city's focal point, Skanderbeg Square, which is named for its equestrian statue of a national hero. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s. Tirana is beautiful to be visited by both day and night, with its clubs, bars, cafes, and taverns. After the visit of Tirana and its city center, we will drive towards Uka farm for lunch where we will enjoy some traditional Albanian dishes before the transfer to the Airport for your onward flight.