destinationalbania

Touring with Destination Albania

AboutDA

destinationalbania

Design: Heldi PEMA

Photography: Bledar HASIMI

Director: Besnik AJAZI

Technical Director: Helian VEJUKA

Shkodra

Apollonia

Butrinti

Durres

KrujaTirana

Berati

Gjirokastra

Destination Albania is specialised in providingtourist services in Albania. The company is focusedin promoting natural attractions and cultural heritageof this beautiful and unique Mediterranean pieceof land.

Destination Albania was founded by a group of tourism and value promotion experts willing toperform in compliance with international service standards. The services we provide are fully in accordance with EU package travel directives. We offer a range of tours that blend Albaniansunique culture and historic heritage with it`s natural attractions providing the visitor with an un-forgetable Albanian experience. We claim to have become the best opportunity gateway to this intriguing part of Europe. Our main office is located in Tirana.

AboutDA

The company’s mission is

Promotion of tourism and visitor`s interest on Albania.

Within a few miles Albania encompasses a strikingly beautiful and diverse landscape with snow capped peaks and high massifs towering in front of the blue sea, 460 km of Adriatic and Ionian coastline, two of Balkan’s largest lakes, forests, historic monuments and urban settlements dating 10 centuries BC.

Why Albania ?

A flight to Tirana, Albania’s capital city, takes less than 2-3 hours from Europe’s main cities. Once you arrive in Albania you feel the atmosphere of a rapidly changing country.

In this little country you will discover the ancient town of Apollonia, -where Cicero and Emperor Augustus were educated, Butrint – where Enea stopped on his way to the city that would one day become Rome, and Dyrrachium, the city that inherited the largest Theatre in the Balkans.

Albania is the European country with the highest density of natural and cultural monuments found within an area of 10 square km.

Albania boasts the youngest population in Europe and a mythical hospitality deriving from the earliest codes of this Ancient European nation `s ethics.

You will always have the opportunity to experience Albania through a comfortable journey and accommodation, while you are provided with a full range of communication services at any corner of the country.

Albania has already become part of the in-tegration process to the European Union. The country has played a relevant role in man-aging inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe and is close to joining NATO.

Come to The Land of Eagles, and you will find extraordinary natural treasures, authentic monuments, long-lasting hospitality and open-minded people!

This would be enough in order to share with you a unique expe-rience that professionally obliges us to provide these values, which are the same as the standards provided by well-known partners worldwide

Touring through national parks to numerous ancient and Byzantine churches and monasteries.

Tour 1

TiranaDurres

Ardenica

Apollonia

Elbasani

Voskopoja

Pogradeci

PrespaDardha

We `ll take through the impressive ancient sites of Apollonia and the Illyrian Harbour of Epidamnus, national parks of Ohrid and Prespa Lakes and four of country’s largest towns. An extensive sightseeing experience, that allows you to view traces of antiquity dating 5-6th Century BC at Pogradec, to visit the national parks and experience the colorful city of Tirana.

This one week discovery tour is a brilliant combination of cultural and historical heritage, nature treasures and countrywide known tradi-tional values of the south eastern Albania.

Arrival at Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana, where you will meet Destination Albania representative. Transfer from the airport to International Tirana Hotel or Chateau Linza Hotel. Depending on the arrival time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey built on 1921, the clock tower, the National History Museum, National Art Gallery, Skanderbeg Square and Government Build-ings. Stroll south of Scanderbeg Square on Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard and look at communist relicts and the trendy ‘Bllok’ zone.

A short distance from the city (15km) on a steep slope overlooking a river raises Petrela Castle. Dat-ing back to 500 AD with the surrounding walls built under Byzantine period today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a cof-fee break.

Day 1

Prespa

Tirana

After breakfast leave Tirana and drive to Elbasan. Visit the ruins of the ancient town of Scampa dating first half of the 4th Century A D. Clear traces of Via Egnatia can be viewed here including an ancient bridge over Shkumbin River.

Day 2

Tirana

ElbasanPogradec

During the visit we pass through the Bazaar Gate and the Clock Tower, part of the Orthodox Church Building with beautiful stone arcades on its walls. Elbasan is famous for the remark-able coexistence between different beliefs and the support that the community has provided over the times to Education Matters.

We travel to Pogradec, known as ‘the town of Flowers’. It is situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known by its ancient name as Lychnidas. Pogradec and the basin of Lake Ochrid have been settled since Neolithic Era (6000 yrs BC). During our visit to village Lyn, situated in the only peninsula of the lake (22 km from town) you will view remains of Illyrian Settlements and the famous mosaics of the Christian Basilica built by V C AD. Ohrid is one of deepest fresh-water lakes in Europe and has received a worldwide reputation for its unique natural values. Here you will find Lake `s fish such as famous Koran. During summer, after a day with an active sightseeing and the baths in the marvellous waters of the lake you will enjoy a walk along the promenade which will provide the relaxation needed.

We leave Pogradec and travel to Korca. After arriving, we have a walking tour through the town. Your sightseeing in Ko-rca includes visit in the Museum of Medieval Arts, established in 1980, which includes periods from V - XIX centuries. Here you can admire works by Albanian’s most famous painters of the Middle Age, visit the Museum of Oriental Art as well as the Art Gallery of the great Albanian painter Vangjush Mio, located in his house.

Day 3 Korça

KorçaGreat

PrespaLake

After lunch we travel to the Greater Prespa Lake, part of the Prespa National Park covering an area of out-standing natural beauty. The centre of the Lake marks the borders between Albania from the West, Republic of Macedonia to the East and Greece to the South.

In the Albanian water is the tiny island of Maligrad, with a 14 Cen-tury Church built into the rock. It may be possible to hire a boat to visit the island. You can wander through the villages near the lake and see centuries old farming methods. Early evening return to the hotel. Overnight in Korca

Tir

KorçaVoskopoja

This one day tour we’ll consist in

Korca region, by visiting the villages

of Voskopoja and Dardha. You will

see the traditional way of life and

some outstanding examples of

Orthodox Christian Churches which

escaped the destruction of the

communist regime.

Vos.

DardhaDay 4Korça

The Churches of XVIII C and mon-

astery of XVI Century in Voskopoja with

their original murals and artefacts are

worth visiting. Returned to Korca via

Mborje you ` ll visit a XIII Century church,

allegedly the oldest in Albania. Overnight

spent in Korca.

After breakfast you will drive to Apollonia (Fier), founded in 558 BC. Before the changes in land formation by III Century AD, the ancient site of Apollonia was an important port along the route between Rome and Byzantium that ac-commodated up to 100 ships. Emperor Augus-tus studied there and Aristotle mentioned the town in his book on politics. After the tour we proceed to Karavasta Lagoon via the Monastery of Ardenica. Karavasta is the biggest lagoon in Albania and an ecological important complex.

Apoll

ArdenicaDay 5Durres

Embraced by two rivers, witnessing the sunset for just a few minutes in the west of Divjaka hills, is sufficient to recognise that life is beautiful. Your travel will continue to Adriatic coast, Durres, on the main commercial port of Albania. You will spend overnight at Adriatic Hotel, situated on Durres Beach.

After breakfast the tour will proceed to Durres, Albania’s second largest city. The city was

founded as Epidamnos in 627 BC, noted for its politically advanced society. For centuries it

was the largest Adriatic port, and the west end of Via Egnatia.

Main sights included in our city tour are Roman Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum,

situated near the sea and Aleksander Moisiu Museum. We will visit Roman Baths situated

behind “Alexander Moisiu” Theatre and, if time permits, the King `S Zog Palace.

DurresDay 6

Tirana

Return to Tirana. Check in the hotel and drive to Petrela Castle. One of Albania’s

best-preserved castles sites picturesquely on a step slope, 15 km from Tirana, along

the road to Elbasan. Its tower dates back to 500 AD and its surrounding walls date

from Byzantine period. Emperor Justinian fortified this place to defend the settlement

of Dyrrah. The castle was used later on by Skanderbeg during the war against the

Turks. Today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a cof-

fee break. Lunch in Petrela Castle and drive back for a free afternoon in Tirana. Over-

night in Tirana.

Airport

Tirana

Depending on the departure time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Transfer to Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana

Day 7

Heading South to the Ionian Coastline is the best way to explore the fascinating landscape of the charming Riviera, as well as Albania’s World Heritage Sites of Gjirokaster and Butrint. From the National Park of Llogara to Butrint.

Explore the Fascinating Ionian Coast and the World Heritage Sites of Albania.

Tour 2

Arrival at Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana, where you will meet Destination Albania representative. Transfer from the airport to International Tirana Hotel or Chateau Linza Hotel. Depending on the arrival time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey builted on 1921, the clock tower, the National History Museum, National Art Gal-lery, Skanderbeg Square and Government Buildings. Stroll south of Scanderbeg Square on Deshmoret e Kombit Bou-levard and look at communist relicts and the trendy ‘Bllok’ zone. A short distance from the city (15km) on a steep slope overlooking a river raises Petrela Castle. Dating back to 500 AD with the surrounding walls built under Byzantine period today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break.

Day 1Tirana

Tirana

Saranda

GjirokastraVlora

Fieri

Ardenica

Day 2Gjirokastra

Tirana

After breakfast we travel to the medieval town of Gjirokaster. Following the archeologi-cal site of Butrint, Gjirokastër old town was the second site in Albania inscribed on the World Heritage List as “a rare example of a well-preserved town. “ (by UNESCO). Gjiro-kastër, or “The Silver Fortress” is one of the most venerable towns of Albania.

The city beside being the birthplace of prominent contemporary Albanians such as the novelist Kadare, is worth visiting for the unique pattern of Ottoman Buildings, par-ticularly the citadel, mosques and the 19th C merchant’s house, the sweeping moun-tain views from the citadel and the atmosphere in which it seems to represent the visitors the very essence of Albania, severe, beautiful and uncompromising in spirit. We take the cobble street that leads us to the charming bazaar area, the citadel that houses a National Arms Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.

Saranda

After arrival in Saranda we accommodate at Butrint Hotel overlooking Saranda Bay. Saranda is an optimistic and lively little coastal town, situated in a small steep horseshoe bay with fine views across the straits to Corfu, a base for visiting Butrint and exploring the wider region. The first visit to Butrint National Park, a World Heritage Site (by UNESCO) which is internationally recognized for the survival and quality of its archaeological sites. Its best known monuments dating from the 4th century BC include the acropolis and the lower city containing a fine theatre, bath houses, palaces and a sanctuary. From the early Byzantine period we see the basilica and Baptistry with its spectacular mosaic floor. Butrint serves as a valuable evidence of ancient and medieval civilizations on the territory of modern Albania. From Neolithic tribes, Illyrians, Greeks, Trojans, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Ottomans and Venetians, Butrint in short is ……a microcosm of three thousand years of Mediterranean History ….John Julius Norwich.

Day 3Saranda

Out of the rich surrounding area of Saranda we have chosen a group of monuments that make the highlights of your stay in Saranda including: The prehistoric Dema Wall IV-III C. The Saint George Monastery contains a reconstructed 14thC typical single nave Byzantine type church inside the ruins of a monastic compound. The site of the structures on the top of Mon-astery Hill affords magnificent views west to the Ionian Sea and east across the Butrint Lake. Saranda town has a very long and interesting history. Established as a sea port in the Illyrian district of Chaonia by 3rd C BC, known by the ancient Greek name Onchesmus, it was built to serve the nearby ancient site of Phoinike (12km to NE of Saranda), which was then the prosper-ous capital of Epirus. Although the modern town is built directly on top of the ancient settlement there are still some remains to view including the Ancient Onchesmus and the Synagogue with a fine mosaic floor of Menorah later converted into an Early Christian Basilica. Overnight in Sa-randa.

This day we will visit the Monastery of St Nicholas at Mesopo-tam which sits on a low hill between two branches of the Bistrice River. It is near ancient Finiqi and the large white blocks at the base of the Church structure are from the pre Christian era. The remains of the compound wall are earlier than the church and included several towers. One remaining 10 meter high section of a tower is a belfry still in use today.

Day 4Saranda

The journey will continue visiting the 40 Saints Monastery 6thC AD, a pre-Christian structure with frescoes from the later Byzantine era that gave the town its modern name (Santa Quaranta), built, modified and rebuilt over several hundred years. The remains of the upper level Church are from the 15th Century and significant pieces of the walls were still standing until World War II, when the structure was bombed from the air. Most of the crypt area remains intact today.

The last station for this day will be the Lekuresi Castle and village built on the hilltop opposite the monastery today houses a restaurant and cof-fee shop wherefrom we enjoy mag-nificent views of the surrounding. Overnight in Saranda.

This day we drive along the coastal strip ex-periencing the historic costal villages of Himara and Lukova, walking the ancient olive groves and citrus trees. This trip along the coast takes in a visit to Ali Pasha’s Castle situated at Porto Palermo Bay. We ascend at 1027m to Llogara National Park. The special protected park includes pine forests and is home to wildlife. Reaching Llogara pass the scenery becomes dramatic. We enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline with snow-capped mountain peaks and massifs towering in front of the blue Ionian.

Day 5

Saranda

Llogara

Vlora

Our journey continues towards the Historic City of Vlora, known also by its ancient name Avlon. A Mediterranean port city and naval base situated in a curving bay sheltered by towering mountains overlooking the Adriatic, Avlon minted its own coins by 400 BC and held territory in the hinterland as far as Vjosa River. It supported Caesar and grew in im-portance after the decline of Apollonia. Vlora’s main claim to fame is that it was the place where Albanian Independence was proclaimed in November 1912. Overnight in Vlora.

After breakfast, we check out and drive to Apollonia (Fier). The ruined Ancient city, found-ed in 558 BC, is situated on rolling hills among olive groves, near what was then the course of Vjosa River overlooking the lagoon towards the sea. Julius Caesar rewarded Apollonia with the title “Free City”. Visiting the Theatre 2nd BC, the Church of St. Mary and the Museum we ad-mire the evidence of 1200 years of civilization of what Cicero described as a…..“Great and Important City”……

Ardenica

Vlora

FierApollonia

Tirana

Day 6

Transfer to Ardenica, a medieval monastery, surrounded by stonewalls is situated. Over-night in Tirana.

Depending on the departure time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day explor-ing Tirana. Transfer to Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana.

Day 7Airport

Tirana

Following the traces of great Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albanians.

Tirana

Lezha

Shkodra

Ulqin (M.N.)

Kruja

Tour 3

Arrival at Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana, where you will meet Destination Alba-nia representative. Transfer from the airport to International Tirana Hotel or Chateau Linza Hotel. Depending on the arrival time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey builted on 1921, the clock tower, the National History Mu-seum, National Art Gallery, Skanderbeg Square and Government Buildings. Stroll south of Scan-derbeg Square on Deshmoret e Kombit Boule-vard and look at communist relicts and the trendy ‘Bllok’ zone. A short distance from the city (15km) on a steep slope overlooking a river raises Petrela Castle. Dating back to 500 AD with the surround-ing walls built under Byzantine period today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break.

Tirana

Lezha

Shkodra

Ulqin (M.N.)

Kruja

Day 1Tirana

Kruja

Lezha

This day we will travel to Kruja, a small town perched high on the face of a hill. Kruja was the center of 15 th century Albanian resistance to the Turks under the national hero, Skanderbeg. We visit the unique Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum inside the restored castle. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a Turkish bazaar; we can stroll along the old bazaar which has a wonderful selection of authen-tic antiques and souvenirs.

Day 2 VainiLagoon

The journey continues to Lezha, known as the Illyrian city of Lisus in antiquity. Lezha’s main claim to fame is that it was the place where in March of 1444, under the leadership of Skanderbeg, the assembly of Lezha was held. This event marked the beginning of a 25 year resistance against the Turkish invaders began. We pay a short visit to the memo-rial of our National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Travel back to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Shkoder

Day 3 UlqiniMontenegro

After breakfast, we take a day trip to Ulqin, Montenegro. On our way, we take a short walking tour around Vaini Lagoon, a protected area. The rich coastal vegetation, colors, Mediterranean plants and pine forests create wonderful landscapes. We cross the border at Muriqan, visit Ulqini castle and return to Shkodra. The city is located on Lake Scutari, the larg-est lake in the Balkans. Founded around the 4th century BC Shkoder is one of the oldest and most historic towns in Albania, as well as an important cultural centre. Dinner at local restau-rant with traditional food and music. Overnight in Shkodra.

Shkoder

After breakfast we take a walking tour of the city and visit the Museum of the city. The archeological and the ethno-graphic section display important relicts that provide evidence of the city’s historic importance. We visit the Mosque of Plum-bit and Rozafa castle situated over Shkodra lake providing the most impressive panoramas of Drini and Buna Rivers. In the afternoon we head towards Durres, the ancient port city of Dyrrachium. Visit the Byzantine city walls. Dinner and overnight in Durres.

Day 4Durres

Durres

This morning we continue visiting Durres, Albania’s second largest city. The city was founded as Epidamnos in 627 BC noted for its politically advanced society. It was for centuries the largest Adriatic port, and the west end of Via Egnatia.

Day 5Tirane

Main sights included in our city tour are Roman Am-phitheatre and Archaeological Museum, situated near the sea and Aleksander Moisiu Museum. We will visit Roman Baths situated behind “Alexander Moisiu” Theatre and, if time permits, the King`s Zog Palace.

Return to Tirana. Check in the hotel and drive to Petrela Castle. One of Albania’s best-preserved castles sits picturesquely on a step slope, 15 km from Tirana, along the road to Elbasan. Its tower dates back to 500 AD and the surrounding walls are from the Byzantine period. Em-peror Justinian fortified this place to defend the settlement of Dyrrah. The castle was used later on by Skanderbeg during the war against the Turks. Today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break. Lunch in Petrela Castle and drive back for a free afternoon in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Depending on the departure time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Transfer to Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana.

Day 6 Tirane

The White City Tour

Tour 4

Day 1 Tirane

Arrival at Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana, where you will meet Destination Albania representative. Transfer from the airport to International Tirana Hotel or Chateau Linza Hotel. Depending on the arrival time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey builted on 1921, the clock tower, the National History Museum, National Art Gallery, Skanderbeg Square and Government Buildings. Stroll south of Scanderbeg Square on Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard and look at communist relicts and the trendy ‘Bllok’ zone. A short distance from the city (15km) on a steep slope overlooking a river raises Petrela Castle. Dating back to 500 AD with the sur-rounding walls built under Byzantine period today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break.

Kruja

This day we will travel to Kruja, a small town perched high on the face of a hill. Kruja was the center of 15 th century Albanian resistance to the Turks under the national hero, Skanderbeg. We visit the unique Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum inside the restored castle. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a Turkish bazaar; we can stroll along the old bazaar which has a wonderful selection of authentic an-tiques and souvenirs.

Day 2 Berat

4

Our travel will continue towards Berat known to Albanians as ‘The City of a Thou-sand Windows’ is a remarkable Ottoman town, with a wealth of beautiful buildings of the highest architectural and historical interest. It is located in south-central Alba-nia. The town is thought to be one of the oldest in Albania, with a settlement having existed there since at least the 6th century BC, when it was a fortress-settlement of the Illyrian tribe. Our in-depth sightseeing city tour include the fortress of Berat and the buildings inside the fortress built in 13th C preserved as cultural monuments.The most interesting building is the cathedral of St. Nicholas, which has been well restored and is now a museum dedicated to Onufri. Onufri was the greatest of the 16th century painters in Albania. Not only was he a master of the techniques of fresco and icons, but he was the first to introduce a new colour in painting, pink, which the French called “Onufri’s Red”. In addition, Onufri introduced certain realism and a degree of individuality in facial expression. Our tour of the Magical White City continues the next day. Overnight in Berat

BeratDay 3 Vlore

After breakfast we will visit the wonderful churches starting from the Church of St. Mary of Vllacherna dating from the 13th century, has 16th century mural paintings by Nikolla, son of Onufri.In a small tree - planted square, on a hillside inside the walls of the fortress, stands the fourteenth century Church of the Holy Trinity Near the street running down from the for-tress is the Bachelors’ Mosque built in 1827. This has a handsome portico and an interesting external decoration of flowers, plants, houses, etc. The Sultan’s Mosque, the oldest in the town built on 1481 - 1512, is notable for its fine ceiling.The Leaden Mosque built in 1555 and so called from the covering of its cupola. The Tekke of the Helveti of 1790, with a handsome porch and a carved and gilded ceiling. the grave of Shabbatai Zvi nearby, a Turkish Jew liv-ing in Berat. Our journey continues towards the Historic City of Vlora, known also by its ancient name Avlon. A Mediterranean port city and naval base situated in a curving bay sheltered by tow-ering mountains overlooking the Adriatic, Avlon minted its own coins by 400 BC and held territory in the hinterland as far as Vjosa River. It supported Caesar and grew in importance after the decline of Apollonia. Vlora’s main claim to fame is that it was the place where Albanian Independence was proclaimed in November 1912. Overnight in Vlora

After breakfast, we check out and drive to Apollonia (Fier). The ruined Ancient city, founded in 558 BC, is situated on rolling hills among olive groves, near what was then the course of Vjosa River overlooking the lagoon towards the sea. Julius Caesar rewarded Apollonia with the title “Free City”. Visiting the Theatre 2nd BC, the Church of St. Mary and the Museum we admire the evidence of 1200 years of civilization of what Cicero described as a…..“Great and Important City”……

Vlora

Day 4 FierApollonia

Ardenica

Tirana

Transfer to Ardenica, a medi-eval monastery, surrounded by stonewalls is situated. Continue towards the Durres. Overnight in Durres.

After breakfast the tour will proceed visiting Durres, Albania’s second largest city. The city was founded as Epidam-nos in 627 BC noted for its politically advanced society. It was for centuries the largest Adriatic port, and the west end of Via Egnatia.

Return to Tirana. Check in the hotel and drive to Petrela Castle. One of Albania’s best-preserved castles sits picturesquely on a step slope, 15 km from Tirana, along the road to Elbasan. Its tower dates back to 500 AD and the surrounding walls are from the Byzantine period. Emperor Justinian forti-fied this place to defend the settlement of Dyrrah. The castle was used later on by Skanderbeg during the war against the Turks. Today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break. Lunch in Petrela Castle and drive back for a free afternoon in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 5

Main sights included in our city tour are Roman Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum, situated near the sea and Aleksander Moi-siu Museum. We will visit Roman Baths situated behind “Alexander Moisiu” Theatre and, if time permits, the King Zog Palace.

Durres

Depending on the departure time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day ex-ploring Tirana. Transfer to Mother Theresa Inter-national Airport of Tirana

Day 6

Tirane

Central Tour in AlbaniaTour 5

Arrival at Mother Theresa International Airport of Tirana, where you will meet Des-tination Albania representative. Transfer from the airport to International Tirana Hotel or Chateau Linza Hotel. Depending on the arrival time: stay for lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey builted on 1921, the clock tower, the National History Museum, National Art Gallery, Skanderbeg Square and Government Buildings. Stroll south of Scanderbeg Square on Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard and look at communist relicts and the trendy ‘Bllok’ zone. A short distance from the city (15km) on a steep slope overlooking a river raises Petrela Castle. Dating back to 500 AD with the sur-rounding walls built under Byzantine period today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break.

Day 1 Tirane

After breakfast leave Tirana and drive to Elbasan. Visit the ruins of the ancient town of Scampa dating first half of the 4th Century A D. Clear traces of Via Egnatia can be viewed here including an ancient bridge over Shkumbin River.

Day 2 Tirana

Elbasan

Durres

During the visit we pass through the Bazaar Gate and the Clock Tower part of the Orthodox Church Building with beautiful stone arcades on its walls. Elbasan is famous for the remark-able coexistence between different beliefs and the support that the community has provided over the times to Education Matters. Overnight in Durres.

After breakfast we take an in-depth city tour of Durres. Albania’s second largest city. The city was founded as Epidamnos in 627 BC noted for its politically advanced society. It was for centuries the largest Adriatic port, and the west end of Via Egnatia.

Day 3 Durres

Main sights included in our city tour are Roman Amphitheatre and Ar-chaeological Museum, situated near the sea and Aleksander Moisiu Mu-seum. We will visit Roman Baths situated behind “Alexander Moisiu” The-atre and, if time permits, the King Zog Palace. Overnight in Durres.

This day we will travel to Kruja, a small town perched high on the face of a hill. Kruja was the center of 15 th century Albanian resistance to the Turks under the national hero, Skanderbeg. We visit the unique Skanderbeg Mu-seum and the Ethnographic Mu-seum inside the restored castle. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a Turkish bazaar; we can stroll along the old bazaar which has a wonder-ful selection of authentic antiques and souvenirs.

Day 4 Durres

Kruje

Tirana

Return to Tirana. Check in the hotel and drive to Petrela Castle. One of Albania’s best-preserved cas-tles sits picturesquely on a step slope, 15 km from Tirana, along the road to Elbasan. Its tower dates back to 500 AD and the surrounding walls are from the Byzantine period. Emperor Justinian fortified this place to defend the settlement of Dyrrah. The castle was used later on by Skanderbeg during the war against the Turks. Today it houses a restaurant and offers a perfect spot for a short walk and a coffee break. Lunch in Petrela Castle and drive back for a free afternoon in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 5 Tirana Depending on the departure time: stay for

lunch in the city and afterwards spend the day exploring Tirana. Transfer to Mother The-resa International Airport of Tirana.

What`s included

HotelsAccommodation: Five and four-star hotels in Tirana and other

cities, provide air conditioning, TV, breakfast and favourable

locations within city centres.

Excursion & SightsGuided City tours

• In-depth sightseeing tours in important cities, led by professional guides.

• Orientation tours in small cities led by professional guides.

DA Quality Services • Escorted by a professional Tour Director

• Luxury air conditioned 40 seat coach and mini buses

Quality meals, lunch and dinner included. Travel health insurance

destinationalbania

Blvd. Dëshmorët e Kombit, Twin Towers, II nd floor, Tirana Albania

Tel/fax +355 4 280331, Mob: +355 69 20 75 480

e-mail: info@destinationalbania.com

www.destinationalbania.com