Visit Albania - Montenegro - Greece

Visit Albania - Montenegro - Greece

This tour is aimed to be an exploration of the Balkan countries Albania, Montenegro, Corfu (Grecce). Explore the past history of Meteora Greece and Montenegro and “Be Prepared” for the hospitality of Albania

Itinerary

Day 1: TIRANA AIRPORT - BUDVA

Stop At: Budva City Walls, Old Town, Budva, Budva Municipality 85310 Montenegro
After arrival, we proceed to Montenegro through Shkodra. Arrival at the border between Albania and Montegro. Continue to the city of Budva. Accommodation at the hotel. After the hotel accommodation, we visit the old town of Budva. The Old town lies on a small peninsula and represents a treasure chest of culture heritage. Crossed with narrow streets and squares are famous buildings, the Church Sv. Trojica, housing the tomb of the exquisite writer Stjepan Mitrov Ljubisa, the Churches of Sv. Ivan, Sv. Bogorodica and Sv. Sava. During the summer months it turns into a City Theatre with numerous local performances and shows from abroad. Overnight in Budva.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Budva

Day 2: BUDVA – KOTOR (Unesco) – CETINJE – BUDVA

Stop At: Kotor Old City, Stari grad, Kotor, Kotor Municipality 85330 Montenegro
According day trip from Budva to Kotor – a visit to the old town of Kotor, Cetinje then travel through Njegushi. Kotor has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is home to numerous sights, such as the Cathedral of Saint Typhoon in the old town (built in 1166), and the ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km directly above the city. Sveti Đorđe and Gospa od ˆkrpijela islets off the coast of Perast are also among the more popular destinations in the vicinity of Kotor. Stop at a local restaurant to try the famous ham and cheese. Later continue to the old capital Cetinje. Visit at the National Museum and visit the city of Cetinje. Later, transfer to the hotel in Budva. Overnight in Budva.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Budva

Day 3: BUDVA – TIRANA

Stop At: Skanderbeg Square, At the center of Tirana, Tirana Albania
After breakfast we travel to the border of Albania (Muriqan) towards Shkodra. On the way to Shkodra, it is possible to visit Panorama Drive through the town of Bar (Montenegro) and later, to visit the old town of Bar and after we precede towards the Albanian border. Continue to TIRANA. In Tirana (Capital City of Albania) we will visit the Museum of History, Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, on the southeast corner of Skanderbeg Square, The Clock Tower, Government Buildings, The Palace of Culture (Pallati Kulturës). In the afternoon we will visit the area of Blloku, the restricted area during the Communist time. Today, in this area you will find the best restaurants, coffie bars and pubs. Dinner in a typical restaurant. Overnight in Tirana.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Tirana

Day 4: TIRANA – APOLLONIA – VLORA

Stop At: Apollonia Archaeological Park, Pojan Albania
After breakfast, depart for the ancient city of Apollonia situated on the famous Via Egnatia – one of the most important cities in Roman times. The Roman Emperor Augustus Octavian studied. Lunch in Apollonia (optional). Afterwards we continue to Vlora. Before arriving to Vlora stop for a short visit to the Monastery of Zvernec situated in a beautiful island. In Vlora visit the Independence Museum, situated in the original house where the first Independent Albanian Government had its offices. Overnight in Vlora.
Duration: 8 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Vlora

Day 5: VLORA – BUTRINT (Unesco) – SARANDA

Stop At: Butrint National Park, SH81, Butrint Albania
After breakfast we proceed we to Saranda. Drive on the spectacular Albanian Riviera looking down at the Ionian Sea. Breathtaking sceneries await us at the Llogara pass – 1000 m above sea level. Stop for coffee and refreshment at the top of Llogara. On the way stop in Porto Palermo for a visit of Ali Pasha Castle, one of the most picturesque fortress of the 18th century, built by Ali Pasha the famous ruler of southern part of Albania. Lunch at Lekuresi Castle (optional) with marvelous view of Corfu Island and Saranda. After lunch proceeds for the visit to the ancient city of Butrint a world heritage site. The city was first settled by Greeks and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of passing civilizations. Check in at the hotel and afternoon free to walk around. Overnight in Saranda.
Duration: 8 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Saranda

Day 6: SARANDA – CORFU

Stop At: Corfu Old Town, Agias Sofias 24, Corfu Town Greece
After breakfast proceed to Corfu (on the ferry). Corfu Town is an important Orthodox pilgrimage destination because it is home to the Church of Agios Spiridon. The church is located only a few blocks west of Corfu Town’s main square, the Spianada, and dates back to the 16th century. It’s the final resting place of the island’s patron saint, Ag. Spiridon. If you find yourself facing a rainy day, Corfu Town is home to numerous top-notch museums. The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George — sitting a few blocks from the Church of Agios Spiridon — was constructed during the British occupation of the island and now houses the Museum of Asian Art. Others recommend visiting the Byzantine and Archaeological museums located on the northeastern edge of town. Overnight in Corfu.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Corfu

Day 7: CORFU – ( 9:00 ) GJIROKASTA (Unesco) – BERAT (Unesco)

Stop At: Gjirokaster Castle, Gjirokaster Albania
After breakfast we return to Albania and departure to Gjirokastra a UNESCO world cultural heritage. After arrival in Gjirokastra city tour and visit the museum town with beautiful and very distinct architecture. Visit the Fortress which is used as the venue for the National Festival of Folk Song and Dance.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Berat Castle, Rruga Mihal Komnena, Berat 5001 Albania
Next we visit the Ethnographic Museum the house where the Albanian dictator was born in and a traditional house of Gjirokastra. Lunch in local restaurant in Gjirokastra. After departure from Gjirokastra to Berat. Overnight in Berat.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Berat

Day 8: BERAT (Unesco) – DURRES

Stop At: Durres Amphitheatre, Rruga Kalase, Durres Albania
Berat, City known as the “city of a thousand windows”. After we visit the Castle and the Onufri Museum. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors for centuries. The castle used to have over many churches of which 7 still remain including one turned into Onufri Museum. Onufri was an Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. Afterward depart for Durres one of the oldest (founded in 627 B.C.) and most important cities in Albania. After lunch we take a sightseeing tour of the Amphitheatre situated in the middle of the modern city in an inhabited area and then visit the old part of the town. Overnight in Durres.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3-4* hotel in Durres

Day 9: DURRES – “Mother Theresa” AIRPORT

Stop At: Durres Castle, Durres Albania
After breakfast, free to explore until time to transfer to Airport. End of our service.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.