North to South Cultural Tour (Early Bird Discount)

The beginning of the tour and meeting point with the guide takes place at the hotel in Tirana around 17:00 o’clock, we will do a Tirana walking tour which will last for 2 hours where you will discuss the program for the coming week also have the chance to see Tirana by locals. After the walking tour, we will offer dinner in a traditional restaurant and after that if you want to enjoy the nightlife of Albania we will bring you to our center point of nightlife ‘The Bllok’. 

Accommodation in Tirana

Included meals: Dinner 

Leave the Capital and head for the Medieval Capital of Albania and enjoy the afternoon in Thethi village.

• Set off on a guided tour of Dollma Bektashi Tekke, the Castle itself and the Skanderbeg Museum 
• Enjoy Lunch in one of the best Albanian agrotourism restaurants in our way to Thethi

Included meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation in Thethi guest-house.

After breakfast with local products we will prepare our packed lunch to head for the hike. The evening will be free to explore the village by yourself and enjoy the views of Thethi. 

• Visit Thethi’s church, lock-in tower and learn more about ‘Lek Dukagjini Kanun’ or first Albanian Constitution.
• During our hike we will first visit Grunas Waterfall and continue to walk near the river bed that will lead us to the hidden gem, ‘Blue Eye Thethi’. 
• Explore the flora and fauna that the forest has to offer.
• Be ready to swim if you don’t mind the crystal cold water. 

Hike information:
Gradient:  450m
Distance:  12km
Duration:  5h total

Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch, dinner.

Return via local transportation at the guesthouse included.

Accommodation in Thethi guest-house.

This day we will head to Durres where on our way we will have a stop in Shkodra. In Shkodra we will have the chance to visit the marvelous castle and enjoy the promenade of the city. Later we will head to Durres where we will visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the city.

• Stop in Shkodra Castle and visiting the promenade of the city. 
• Visit the city of Durres and the amphitheater. 
• Free evening in Durres.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation in Durres.

On this day we will begin our trip after breakfast to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Museum city, Gjirokaster also known as ‘Stone City’.  Being the birthplace of ‘Kadare’ one of the most known writers in Albania and also of the notorious communist leader Enver Hoxha, the city is intriguing and controversial as it preserves well all phases of history.

• In Gjirokastra we will make the tour of the city visiting the Old Bazaar and the Castle where you will also have free time. 
• Visit Skenduli House, a 300 years old house well maintained where you will learn more about the culture of Gjirokastra and everyday life of 18-th century. 
• Free evening to explore on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast,lunch,

Accommodation in Gjirokaster.

This day after breakfast we will continue our trip driving to Butrint city which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. On the strength of the immense wealth of cultural, historical and natural value with a considerable history, Butrint was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. In our way to butrit our first stop will be in the ‘Blue eye’ of Saranda a hypnotic pool of deep blue water surrounded by electric-blue edges like the iris of an eye that seems as a tropical paradise.

• Visit Butrint Archaeological site
• Visit the beautiful Islands of Ksamil
• Free afternoon in Saranda and visit Lekurasi Castle for a magnificent sunset

Meals included: Breakfast,. 

Accommodation in Saranda

This day of our tour we will drive along Ionian coast to visit picturesque bays where our first stop is Porto Palermo bay with it’s 19th-century fortress, also known as the Castle of Ali Pasha. After Ali Pasha Castle we will continue for some more km to arrive at Gjipe beach one of the wildest beaches of Albanian Riviera. Arriving to Vlora in Afternoon.

• Visit mighty Ali Pasha castle and learn it’s secrets
• Hike to Gjipe and have the chance to enjoy swimming in crystal deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea and explore the canyon with 100 or more climbing routes. 
• Visit the coastal city of Vlora for a guided tour of the city’s old town and independence square.

Hike information:
Gradient:  300m
Distance:  5km
Duration:  2-2.5 h total

Meals included: Breakfast, packed-lunch. 

Accommodation in Vlora

On this day we will visit the city of 1000 windows (window above window). Berat, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, comprises a unique style of architecture with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries throughout the history.

• Visit the old fortified city filled with churches and mosques painted with grandiose wealth of visible muralsand frescos where you will also have the chance to step  inside one of the traditional houses in Berat.
• Visit Gorica and Mangalem neighbourhoods.
• Visit one of the most marvellous mosques in Albania, The King’s Mosque together with Helveti Tekke located at the side of the mosque.
• Enjoy lunch in a traditional agro-tourism & winery restaurant in a beautiful village near Berat.

Accommodation in Tirana

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Free day in Tirana (Optional).

Airport transfer included on this day.