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Albania: Land of the Eagle Journey
Group Tour
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General Interest
8 Days & 7 Nights
Lead-in price: £1045
Known as the ‘Cradle of the Balkans’, Albania and North Macedonia are home to a wealth of natural and historic sites, from Lake Ohrid and the well-preserved Ottoman town of Gjirokastër to the important but lesser-known Roman ruins at Butrint and Apollonia. Travelling through spectacular mountain and coastal scenery, explore these two countries that are emerging after years of relative isolation.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Explore BunkArt - Europe's must unusual art gallery
- Tour the well-preserved Roman sites of Butrint & Apollonia
- View the world’s largest icon museums in Ohrid & Korca
- Uncover the architectural legacies of the Ottoman empire & Communist era
- Small group size - average 17 people (max 26)
- Stay in 3- & 4-star accommodation
Tour variations
Standard Group Tour in brief
Day 1: Fly to TiranaFly from London (regional connections available) to Tirana with British Airways. Transfer and stay at the Colosseo Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. Enjoy a welcome drink. (N)
Day 2: TiranaThis morning, visit 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. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Apollonia - Vlora - LlogaraEn route to Vlora, visit the most important Roman site in Albania, Apollonia, where the nephew of Julius Caesar once studied. Continue to Vlora to visit Muradie Mosque and the headquarters of Albania’s first independent government. Finish the day at the scenic Llogara National Park. Stay at Llogara Village(or similar) for 1 night. (B)
Day 4: ButrintDepart for the ancient city of Butrint, travelling along the spectacular Albanian Riviera. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the country’s most important archaeological museum. After lunch in a recommended restaurant, transfer to Gjirokastër for check-in at Hotel Fantasy (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)
Day 5: GjirokastërSpend the morning touring Gjirokastër, famous for its Ottoman architecture, grand fortress and being the birthplace of notorious dictator, Enver Hoxha. Visit Hoxha’s place of birth and learn more about Albania’s recent history. In the afternoon, head out into the countryside to a traditional sheep farm for lunch with a local family. Return to Gjirokastër in time for dinner. (B, L)
Day 6: BeratAfter breakfast, depart for Berat – another UNESCO-listed town – where you visit the Onufri Museum and the town castle. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in traditional houses. In the afternoon, meet a local family and learn how to prepare raki and traditional coffee. Stay overnight in Berat at Hotel Onufri (or similar) for 1 night. (B)
Day 7: Durrës - Skanderbeg wineryTransfer to Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest towns and the site of the first and perhaps most important of the country’s Greek colonies. In the afternoon, visit the award-winning Skanderbeg winery and brandy producer, famous throughout the Balkans. After, drive to Kruja, the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. Stay at the Hotel Panorama (or similar) for 1 night. (B)
Day 8: Kruja - Fly to LondonKruja was the centre of Albanian resistance – led by local feudal lord, Skanderbeg – against the Ottomans. Visit the museum dedicated to Skanderbeg’s life, as well as Kruja’s centuries-old Bazaar, before returning to Tirana Airport. Fly to London or continue to your extension destination. (B)
Meal basis:
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Private & tailor-made travel:
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 020 3411 2135.
Standard group tour accommodation
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Hotel Colosseo Tirana
Hotel Colosseo is centrally located in the Albanian capital, Tirana. The hotel is stylish and is just a 10-minute walk from Skanderbed Square. Rooms are modern and well appointed. The restaurant serves fresh, local produce and a European menu. Features: 45 rooms & suites, Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar/cafe. Room amenities: Balcony or patio, air conditioning, television, safe, hairdryer.
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Llogara Tourist Village
Located in the heart of the national park, Llogara Village offers a good standard of accommodation in a beautiful forest setting. The property consists of a main building, with indoor pool, and restaurant, and small cottages which house the bedrooms dotted across the grounds. Features: 34 suites & cottages, restaurant, bar, lounge, indoor swimming pool Room amenities: Wi-Fi throughout, room service during restaurant hours, mini bar, balcony or terrace, TV
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Hotel Fantasy
Hotel Fantasy is a modern, superior hotel in the heart of Gjirokaster, with beautiful views across the historic town and valley beyond. The hotel offers fresh, stylish rooms, and a large terrace bar offering local wines and international beverages. The restaurant serves traditional Albania cuisine with a modern twist. Features: 25 rooms & suites, bar & lounge, restaurant Room amenities: Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning, room service, luxury marble bathrooms, TV, mini bar
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Hotel Onufri
Hotel Onufri offers 4-star accommodation in a beautifully restored mansion in the heat of Berat. Rooms are modern but with touches of traditional Albanian architecture and interior design. There is a pleasant terrace overlooking the pedestrianised street in front of the property, while the restaurant offers a mix of local and international cuisine. Features: 20 rooms & suites, bar, restaurant, lounge Room amenities: Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning, room service, TV, mini bar
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Hotel Panorama Kruje
Located 400 metres from Kruja fortress, the Hotel Panorama offers basic but comfortable accommodation. All guestrooms have a contemporary style, with rooms located at the front of the hotel offering balconies. The restaurant serves a range of Albanian dishes, or enjoy a drink in the bar. Features: 40 rooms & suites, restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, minibar, hairdryer.
Dates & prices
ALE2022
Main Costs
| Status | Tour Code | Tour Name | Departure-Return date | Original Price | Saving | Single Supplement | depdate | returndate | Guaranteed Departures | Click to Book | cpntav | MaxGrpSize | IsSuperOffer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available | ALE2022 | Albania: Land of the Eagle | 3 Jun 2022 - 10 Jun 2022 | £1,075 | £0 | £0 | 6/3/2022 12:00:00 AM | 6/10/2022 12:00:00 AM | Yes | Reserve | Available | 0 | Available | |
| Available | ALE2022 | Albania: Land of the Eagle | 2 Sep 2022 - 9 Sep 2022 | £1,075 | £0 | £0 | 9/2/2022 12:00:00 AM | 9/9/2022 12:00:00 AM | Reserve | Available | 0 | Available |
Vaccination Travel Policy
All clients must be fully vaccinated before travelling with us on a Cox & Kings (C&K)
group tour. This means that a customer must have received their full two doses of the
COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before travelling with us. This does not apply
to our private tours or tailor-made travel. If you have any questions please call us
or visit our FAQs page on our website here
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Guaranteed Departures Where a tour date has ‘yes’ listed, this tour is guaranteed to run.
For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Terms & Conditions Guaranteed departures will run except in the circumstances where travel to the destination is advised against by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or entry restrictions relating to COVID-19 preclude travel.
Additional InformationPlease call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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- What's Included
• International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
• UK departure and overseas airport taxes
• Accommodation, Itinerary & meal basis as described
• Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
• Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
Destinations on this tour
© Cox & Kings 2021