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Grand Albania - 10 Days Tour
Grand Albania tour is the longest tour we offer for Albania and it is for people who are interested to discover the culture, the history and the hospitality of Albania more in-depth. This tour provides access to all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, old towns, beautiful beaches dramatic mountains, the Albanian Riviera and hospitable small villages and interaction with the local community. This is a unique opportunity to explore the history and the tradition of Albania while traveling in a breathtaking nature and enjoying local food and hospitality. This tour lasts 10 days and the visits may include Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Saranda, Butrint, Blue Eye Spring, Gjirokaster, Berat, Kruje, Shkoder, Himare, Dhermi, Borsh, Cold Water Tepelene, Llogora National Park, Porto Palermo.
Tour Details
Grand Albania Itinerary
Total traveling time - 14 hours 31 minutes
Total traveling distance - 430 miles - 693 km
Day 1: Welcome to Albania.
Depending on your arrival time the first day will continue with visiting the center of Tirana and the Main Boulevard. We will have several short walks around the magnificent Skanderbeg Square and will enjoy this new and modern build square and admire all the buildings surrounding it. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tirane.
Day 2: From Ancient to Modern
This day will start by driving to Apollonia Archaeological Park. The site of Apollonia lay on the territory of the Taulanti, a cluster of Illyrian tribes that remained closely involved with the settlement for centuries. The city was said to have originally been named Gylakeia after its founder, Gylax, but the name was later changed to honor the god Apollon. Our day will continue with a walk around the main promenade in Vlore and a coffee break close to the sea. Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Vlore.
Day 3: Scenic drive to the Albanian coast
Today we will hit the road towards South Albania via the Albanian Coastal road which many believe to be the most beautiful coastal road of the Mediterranean. Have the first stop on top of Llogora Pass and enjoy the most unique view of the Ionian sea from more than 1,700 feet above the sea level along with the breathtaking view that this Park has to offer. The next visit is in Porto Palermo, where the Ali Pasha Castle stands like a barrier in front of the blue rocky sea as a protection for the country. The bay of Porto Palermo once served as an important secret military submarine base and the tunnel is still visible.
Overnight in Sarande.
Day 4: Two of UNESCO's
This day will start with visiting Butrint Archaeological Park, a World-Class Unesco World Heritage site. Founded in the VII century bc by the Kaons of Epirus, it became one of the most important cities in the Ionian sea and nowadays. We will visit it is the best-preserved Archaeological site in Albania and a World Class UNESCO Site. This day will continue with a drive to another UNESCO site, Gjirokaster city, and the Argjiro Castle, the biggest castle in the Balkans and the second biggest in Europe.
Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Day 5: Berat, the White Crown
Berat is a UNESCO world heritage town and known also as "The White City". It is the oldest and the most visited place in Albania. Even those who come to Albania to enjoy the seaside get the opportunity to jump and see this gem-like city. After arrival, our day will continue with visiting the "Kala" neighborhood and the "Onufri" museum.
Overnight in Berat.
Day 6: Visiting Kruje, the Ottoman Nightmare
Today we will hit the road towards Kruje, the Gjergj Kastrioti stronghold during the war with the Ottomans in the 16th century. This day will continue with visiting the Castle, the Nation Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Old Bazaar. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Kruje.
Day 7: Visiting the 'Rozafa Castle' and Marubi Museum
This day will start with driving to Shkoder, Albania where we will visit the "Rozafa" castle, have lunch by the Shkoder Lake and visit the ' Marubi' Museum. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Shkoder
Day 8: An Amphitheatre and a Bunker
This day will start with visiting the Ethnographic Museum and have a walk around the Mangalemi neighborhood. Our day will continue with driving to Durres to visit the Ancient Amphitheatre and in Tirana to visit 'BUNKART 2', a museum built inside an anti-nuclear bunker under the ground in a network of tunnels just meters from the Ministry of Interior.
Overnight in Tirane.
Day 9. At Leisure
Today will be a day at leisure. Visit the Bllok area for a coffee or tea at the most vibrant part of Tirana. Have a long walk at the Park of Tirana and enjoy the views of the lake of Tirana. In the afternoon enjoy a beer or drink at the promenade very close to the main square.
Overnight in Tirane.
Day 10: Tour over after breakfast
There are no activities today and this is the end of the Tour and services.
Breakfast is provided. If you have booked for a post-tour transfer you will be escorted to your destination or airport.
Faleminderit and have a safe flight back home! Back to Details
Activity Level
Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of Apollon Tours experience.
On our tours — among other things — you'll need to happily…
1. Carry/roll your luggage. If you cannot our staff will help you carry your luggage.
2. Be on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in good weather conditions. No activities in heavy rain/snow or high temperatures.
3. Sleep in centrally located hotels.
4. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own
Weather
Tirane
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Sarande
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Accommodation in centrally located hotels with breakfast - 6 Nights
Private transport during the entire Itinerary
Private transport from and to the Airport if requested
Full time Certified English speaking Guide and Experts
Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment of deposit payment
Guided tour of Durres Amphitheater
Guided tour of the walls in Durres
Guided tour of Apollonia Archaeological Park
Driving tour of the coastal road and Llogora pass
Guided tour of Ali Pasha castle in Porto Palermo
Guided tour of Butrint Archaeological Park (Unesco)
Guided tour of Gjirokaster Fortress (Unesco)
Guided tour of the city of Gjirokaster (Unesco)
Guided tour of the Onufri Museum in Berat (Unesco)
Guided walking tour of the city of Berat (Unesco)
Guided half day walking tour of Tirana
All entrance tickets to museums and sites as per itinerary
50$ coupon to use on your next tour with us (transferable)
Transfers prior to and after the tour at an extra cost Back to Details
Hotels
You will receive the list of the Hotels and the cont