When asked about Albanian food and heritage, most people would not know much but between the all-natural, delicious food, ancient cities bursting with legends and people with unique personalities, falling in love with Albania is assured. On this rustic tour, you’ll cook, eat and drink with old ladies in the countryside, explore thousand-year-old cities like Berat, Gjirokaster and the Archeological park of Butrint (all Unesco World Heritage sites), and discover the untouched nature of the South
Tour pace: During Unesco sites visits, you will walk 2-3 hours across cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Arrival location:
Tirane, Albania
Departure Location:
Tirane, Albania
Included in your experience:
8 nights in historical-traditional hotels
Breakfast daily, 7 three-course meals with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Guided sightseeing and select entrance fees
Ground Transportation, Airport transfers, English Speaking Guide
-
Day1 - 2
Included meals: Dinner
Airport pick-up service available throughout the day (included).
Welcome to Albania! Get settled in the hotel and for those of you not too tired, there is a
guided walking tour of the city center before a welcome cocktail in the evening.
Tirane
-
Day2 - 3
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included entrances: Museum
Transfer to Berat passing through striking hills full of olive trees.
Before lunch, set out for a walking guide through the Unesco - recognized old town, admiring the White Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church and Gorica Bridge.
In the afternoon, enter into the Berat Castle for a guided tour.
In the evening enjoy traditional food in a local restaurant on the hill, facing the lights of the city.
Berat | Breakfast Included
-
Day3 - 4
Included meals: Breakfast ,Lunch
Transfer to the countryside.
Walk through gardens, picking ingredients by yourself, and learn how to cook traditional food like Japrak and Byrek. Home - made wine and “Raki” are pleasant drinks to accompany your food.
Head back to the city and enjoy free time in the evening exploring the ancient neighborhood of Mangalem.
Berat | Breakfast Included
-
Day4 - 5
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included entrances: Museum
Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”, driving through small villages.
Step into Zekate house, the oldest Ottoman tower house.
After lunch, soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above.
Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses and visit the Ethnographic Museum, Albanian Communist dictator’s home.
Gjirokaster | Breakfast Included
-
Day5 - 6
Included meals: Breakfast ,Lunch
Drive to Dhoksat and experience a day in an Albanian countryside cottage.
Step inside and learn about food, life and traditions of an Albanian family.
In the evening, transfer back to the city and celebrate your day with a relaxed walk by Lake Viroi.
Gjirokaster | Breakfast Included
-
Day6 - 7
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included entrances: Archeological Park of Butrint
Travel to the Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it.
Drive to Ksamil and enjoy seafood next to turquoise waters.
In the afternoon, set off a guided tour of Butrint National Park where a local guide explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the castle, the churches and the Lion Gate.
On the way to Himare, stop for coffee-break at Borsh waterfalls and lend an ear to the sound of crystal cold water.
Transfer to Himare and enjoy free time in this typical seaside city.
Himare | Breakfast Included
-
Day7 - 8
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
En route to Apollonia, stop at Llogara “balcony” for a stunning view from above of the South Coast beaches and then head for lunch to Llogara National Park freshened by the mountain breeze and pine trees.
Set off a guided tour in Apollonia in the afternoon, where an on-site archeologist explains the history behind the temple of Artemis, the Odeon and the Triumphal Arch.
On the way to Tirana, stop for the delicious “Byrek” in the city of Lushnje.
Day 8: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Tirane | Breakfast Included