Cultural Tour 

APT guides will collect you from “Mother Theresa” international airport to continue with our trip to Tirana. We are going to visit the monument of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, several historic buildings such as the Mosque of Et’hem Bej, the Clock Tower which is 35 m high and was built in 1830.

Kruja is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Albania.The town is rich in cultural and ethnographic monuments. It is also archeologically rich.  Of great importance are the historical museum, the old Bazaar’s characteristic road, the ethnographic museum as well as a wide variety of cult objects, which arouse tourist interest. Other specialties of the town are its outfits, the characteristic weaving and the handicrafts in copper, gold and silver etc.

DAY 3
SHKODRA – DURRES
Shkodra is the largest in northern Albania with a history of ancient civilization and culture. We will visit the castle of Shkodra “Rozafa Castle”,
Cathedral of Shkodra, The New Mosque – Ebu Bekr. The Clock Tower of Shkodra is another landmark worth visiting. We cannot leave Shkodra without visiting the Historical Museum, located at a monumental and characteristic house, named “Oso Kuka”. Then we will depart to the coastal city of Durres where we are going to be accommodated.

Durres is a city of an early culture. The city has inherited numerous values of the past, historical and archaeological centers such as the Amphitheatre, the Byzantine fences, the Venetian Tower, the castle’s perimeter wall, but also other cultural and religious centers like Basilica ruins in Arapaj, Rodoni castle etc. During this day we are going to visit the Amphitheatre of Durres, the last construction of the second century BC, one of the greatest of its kind in the Roman Empire. The archaeological museum and the Venetian tower are to be visited as well. We proceed toward Apollonia which are the earliest archaeological traces, typical of Illyrian culture. Later we will be headed in the direction of the National Park of Llogara where we will be accommodated for the night at a hotel.

During this day not only will we enjoy the marvelous scenery that Albanian Riviera offers. The first stop is the coastal town of Himare.  Later Porto Palermo tectonic peninsula will be visited where the famous castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena is situated. Afterwards we set off towards the coastal city Saranda where we will be accommodated.

We will have the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Butrint throughout this day. Butrinti’s archeological national park. This antique city listed as a world heritage site of UNESCO is a gem of archeology.  Ali Pasha castle, the Amphitheatre, the thermal baths, roman style houses, mosaics, masterly carved walls and other constructions are found inside the city. The Blue eye is another destination to be visited and have lunch. It is a magical place whose underground water source is surrounded by forests and it is named after its blue color. It is one of the most beautiful natural curiosities of the country. Our journey continues with the city of Gjirokastra where we will be accommodated.

Gjirokastra town or otherwise known as “The stone town” is one of the most important towns of southern Albania. The town of “Thousand stairs”.  We will be turned back in time by a walk along the bazaar and a visit at the old fortress. The fortress is, without any doubts, one of the most extraordinary construction structures. Situated on a rock, with the town at its foot, it offers a breathtaking view of Drino valley and the surrounding mountains.  Inside the castle the remains of a US Air Force aircraft are found, which is of high interest to visitors. The National Museum of Arms will also be visited. The museum displays all kinds of weapons, from the period of Independence until the end of World War II, but mostly from the partisan war 1939 to 1944. In the afternoon we will depart towards the town of Berat.