Albania: Land of the Eagle

Standard Group Tour in brief

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Tirana with British Airways. Transfer and stay at the Hotel Theatro (or similar) for 2 nights. Welcome drink. (N)

Morning visit to the National Historical Museum, followed by BunkArt, an anti-nuclear bunker built under the city, that is now a museum and modern art gallery. Afterwards visit Bektashi World Centre, a dervish sect that fuses elements of Shia and Sufi Islam. Afternoon at leisure (B)

En route to Vlora visit the most important Roman site in Albania – Apollonia, where the nephew of Julius Caesar once studied. Continue to Vlora and visit the home of the first independent Albania government, and Muradie Mosque. Finish the day in the beautiful Llogara National Park. Stay at Llogara Village (or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Depart for the ancient city of Butrint, travelling along the spectacular Albanian Riviera. The town is a Unesco World Hertiage site and home to the country’s most important archaeological museum. Lunch suggested in a restaurant near Butrint. After the visits we drive for overnight in Gjirokaster at Hotel Fantasy (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Morning tour of the town, famous for its Ottoman architecture, fortress and being the birthplace of the notorious dictator Enver Hoxha. Visit his place of birth and lean more of this country’s recent history. In the afternoon leave the town to learn about rural life in Albania on a traditional sheep farm and have lunch with the family. Return to the town in time for dinner. (B, L)

After breakfast depart for Berat another UNESCO town, where 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. In the afternoon meet with a local family and master the art of making raki and traditional coffee. Overnight in Berat at Hotel Onufri (or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Depart to Durres one of the oldest towns in Albania and the site of the first and perhaps the most important of the Greek colonies in the country. In the afternoon visit the Skanderbeg winery and brandy factory, winner of several international medals and famous throughout the Balkan peninsular. After the visit drive to Kruja the hometown of Scanderbeg Albania’s National Hero. Stay at the Hotel Panorma (or similar) for 1 night (B)

Kruja was the centre of Albanian resistance against the Turks under our national hero Scanderbeg. He kept them from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Champion of Christ” given by the Pope of the time. Visit the museum dedicated to his life as well as the local Bazzar before returning to Tirana Airport. Fly to London. For those wishing to stay longer a transfer to the centre can be arrange. (B)

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.

This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.

Standard Group Tour in brief

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Tirana with British Airways. Transfer and stay at the Hotel Theatro (or similar) for 2 nights. Welcome drink. (N)

Morning visit to the National Historical Museum, followed by BunkArt, an anti-nuclear bunker built under the city, that is now a museum and modern art gallery. Afterwards visit Bektashi World Centre, a dervish sect that fuses elements of Shia and Sufi Islam. Afternoon at leisure (B)

En route to Vlora visit the most important Roman site in Albania – Apollonia, where the nephew of Julius Caesar once studied. Continue to Vlora and visit the home of the first independent Albania government, and Muradie Mosque. Finish the day in the beautiful Llogara National Park. Stay at Llogara Village (or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Depart for the ancient city of Butrint, travelling along the spectacular Albanian Riviera. The town is a Unesco World Hertiage site and home to the country’s most important archaeological museum. Lunch suggested in a restaurant near Butrint. After the visits we drive for overnight in Gjirokaster at Hotel Fantasy (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Morning tour of the town, famous for its Ottoman architecture, fortress and being the birthplace of the notorious dictator Enver Hoxha. Visit his place of birth and lean more of this country’s recent history. In the afternoon leave the town to learn about rural life in Albania on a traditional sheep farm and have lunch with the family. Return to the town in time for dinner. (B, L)

After breakfast depart for Berat another UNESCO town, where 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. In the afternoon meet with a local family and master the art of making raki and traditional coffee. Overnight in Berat at Hotel Onufri (or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Depart to Durres one of the oldest towns in Albania and the site of the first and perhaps the most important of the Greek colonies in the country. In the afternoon visit the Skanderbeg winery and brandy factory, winner of several international medals and famous throughout the Balkan peninsular. After the visit drive to Kruja the hometown of Scanderbeg Albania’s National Hero. Stay at the Hotel Panorma (or similar) for 1 night (B)

Kruja was the centre of Albanian resistance against the Turks under our national hero Scanderbeg. He kept them from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Champion of Christ” given by the Pope of the time. Visit the museum dedicated to his life as well as the local Bazzar before returning to Tirana Airport. Fly to London. For those wishing to stay longer a transfer to the centre can be arrange. (B)

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.

This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.