Explore The Best of Albania Tour
Explore The Best of Albania Tour
From
999 €
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Day 1: Tirana Airport -Theth (approx. 4hour drive)
We welcome you at Tirana Airport, and transfer to Theth for overnight. We will stop along the way at Qafe Thore for a short break to admire the panoramic view. You will be headed to Theth, and reach it after 3-4 hours travel from the airport. You will be welcomed in a “bujtine” a guesthouse with very high standard. After we arrive in Theth you will visit the attractions of the village: the old church, the tower “kulla e ngujimit”and the Gerla bridge if time permit. If time permits, if not these visits will be made in the following day. Then it is time to enjoy a traditional dinner based on local products, and overnight in Theth.
Day 2: Theth, Albania (B)
After breakfast hike to the blue eye of Theth one of the most popular highlights in Theth National Park. It got its name from its beautiful, turquoise water, which is very cold. An, 8,5 km long (one way). When you return, you will have to go back the same way that you came. When you reach the blue eye there’s a viewing platform with a small restaurant so you can easily grab a light lunch here. (It is optional to pick up some 4x4s that can take you most of the way from Theth to the Blue Eye so if you’re not super fit or don’t feel like an extra day hiking this could be a good option. Also there are horse riding options that are not included in our offer). A traditional dinner based on local products, and overnight in Theth.
Day 3: Theth - Valbona / Hiking (B)
Today we start incredible hike with a mountain guide from Theth to Valbona. It’s a beautiful and challenging route which starts in the mountain village of Theth and heads over a mountain pass and into Valbona National Park. Distance: 17km - Time: 6-8 hours hiking. Difficulty: Medium (moderate level of fitness required) Water: Streams and small stalls/cafes available every 2-3 hours The luggage will be transfer with mules or horses. Accommodation: Guesthouses in Valbona.
Day 4: Valbona- Fierza Ferry terminal – Komani Lake - Kruja-Tirana (4hour drive 2 hours’ ferry ride) (B)
After an early breakfast we drive to Fierza ferry terminal where will take the ferry to Koman on the lake with the same name. A magnificent two hour ride where the beauty of the high pointed mountains falling sharply into the waters of the artificial lake of opal green waters, forms a natural panorama which will leave you gasping for air. After this spectacular experience drive to Kruja - the center of Albanian resistance against the Turks under Albanian 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. We visit the Skanderbeg Museum, and the Old Bazaar where the best handmade souvenirs can be purchased. Afterwards, we drive to Albania’s vibrant capital Tirana where we take a driven tour of the major monuments and overnight.
Day 5: Tirana – Berat (UNESCO) (1.5-hour drive) (B)
After breakfast we drive to Berat, one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania under the protection of UNESCO as a patronage of humanity for its architectural uniqueness. We visit the Castle people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors for centuries. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain including. We visit St. Mary’s church turned into Onufri Museum - Onufri was a famous Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece, using a special red colour. Also visit Ethnographic museum. Overnight in Berat.
Day 6: Berat – Apollonia Archaeological Park – Vlora – Dhërmi (3-hour drive for all day) (B)
After breakfast drive through picturesque villages to visit the ancient city of Apollonia one of the most important ancient centers in Roman times on the famous Via Egnatia. Octavian Augustus studied philosophy there until he heard news of Caesar’s murder in the Senate and went on to become the next emperor. Visit the city and an Orthodox monastery turned into archaeological museum. After this interesting experience we drive to Vlora stop for a late lunch and visit the center of Vlora, from here we drive to the coast of the Ionian Sea, to reach Dhermi, where we will be staying for two nights. Accommodation in Dhermi.
Day 7: Dhërmi (B)
Today after breakfast you will have some different options to choose as a group: Walk to Dhermi Beach that is known for its clear waters surrounded by craggy mountainside. A walkway lined with restaurants and cafes stretches across the length of the beach. Boats that double as water taxis sit beneath Cliffside bars, and sun umbrellas cover every inch they can. Or Drymades Beach is said to be the most beautiful beach in all of Albania. It’s less developed than Dhermi Beach, but that’s rapidly changing. Resorts are springing up, however there are still areas free of umbrellas. You’ll also find far fewer restaurants at the edge of the beach. It’s still crazy beautiful though, with sea arches stretching out into the turquoise Mediterranean waters, and secret places to escape the crowds of beachgoers if you travel in summer time. You can explore hidden beaches, or hike above an extensive canyon, and wander around picturesque Mediterranean town. There is an abundance of fun things to do in this charming coastal area. One of the most underrated things to do in Dhermi is the short hike known as The Mills Trail. It leads from the bottom of the village down towards the sea, and vice versa. The hike is very easy and takes you on the same path that the locals used to walk back in the day. There are plenty of cool things to see, including a waterfall, signposts with historical tidbits about famous people from Dhermi, and of course old mills. It will be your choice, to have a free time or to explore by your own or joining our guide in this beautiful day at Dhermi. Accommodation in Dhermi.
Day 8: Dhermi - Porto Palermo - Blue Eye – Saranda (2.4hour drive) (B)
After breakfast drive to Porto Palermo Castle is a castle near Himarë in southern Albanian Riviera. Huffington Post ranked Porto Palermo first among 15 Undiscovered European Destinations. it is possible to swim also if you travel in summer or beginning of autumn. After spending some time here, we will continue driving with a spectacular view until we reach the blue eye. The "Blue Eye" is a water spring and natural phenomenon. After this wonderful day that only nature knows how to offer, we continue to Saranda, where the accommodation will be for tonight.
Day 9: Saranda -Ksamil- Butrint Archaeological Park(UNESCO) - Gjirokastra (UNESCO) (2-hour drive) (B)
After breakfast drive to the ancient city of Butrint a UNESCO world heritage site and the most important archaeological discovery in Albania. The city is thought to have been continuously inhabited for centuries, influenced by the most important civilizations of the Mediterranean region. Apart the beautiful antique ruins it is situated in lush peninsula, rich in flora and fauna. After a thorough visit we make a quick stop at Ksamil Beach one of the most beautiful in this region, locally known as the Bahamas of Albania or Maldives of Southern Albania due to its white sand and beautiful turquoise sea color. After visits depart to Gjirokastra another town protected by UNESCO distinct for its stone architecture. Everything is built of stone, roads, houses even their roofs. Here we visit the Ethnographic Museum which is also the house the Albanian dictator was born in. Dinner on your own and overnight in Gjirokastra, in traditional houses turned boutique style hotel.
Day 10: Gjirokaster - Tirana International Airport (3.1-hour drive) (B)
Today is departure day. End of our services, after transfer to Tirana International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Prices
999 Euro per person sharing a double or twin room for 9-10 participants
1199 Euro per person sharing a double or twin room for 7 - 8 participants
1420 Euro per person sharing a double or twin room for 5- 6 participants
1470 Euro per person sharing a double or twin room for 3 - 4 participants
2285 Euro per person sharing a double or twin room for 2 participants
3990 Euro for one person using a double room for single use
Single supplement = 310 Euro.
Please note: Single rooms will always be double or twin for single use.
Included:
- Transfers from and to Tirana International Airport with A/C vehicle / Minibus / Bus, depending on the size of the group
- All Transportation with good condition a/c vehicle depending on the size of the group as per program
- Accommodation in very good standard: Guesthouses, hotels, traditional houses turned to boutique hotels with breakfast.
- Experienced English speaking tour guide for the whole tour (for less than 6 people in the group or private departures will be only one person as guide/driver)
- Luggage transfer on day 2 with mules or horses
- Toll road payments
- Entrance fees
- Koman ferry ticket for the clients and vehicle
- Local guides (Only on the places that are mandatory by law)
- Bottle of water per person per day while driving
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Flight Tickets
- Lunches and dinners
- Gratuities/Tip to Driver, Guide, hotel, and restaurant staff.
- Everything else not mentioned in the included section
Best months for tours
We recommend you booking this tour for one of the months: After 15 May, June, September or October. However, this tour can be booked also in other months as per your request.
This tour cannot be implemented as written in daily description in these months: January, February, March, April, November and December, because there is snow and there is no access to some parts of the Mountains in North of Albania.
This tour is a private tour. If you have a group of more than 10 people, please do not hesitate to contact us for lower price.
Cancellation Policy
Payment Conditions for Group Departure dates, for clients that book directly at our website.
1.1. THE CLIENT is required to pay Balkan Destination a deposit of 30% of the total amount at the moment he/she book the tour as per departure dates or Private tour (FIT) at our website.
1.2. The remaining 70% of the total amount must be paid to Balkan Destination LTD, no later than 30 days prior to start date of services of this tour group departure or Private (FIT) tour.
1.3. If you book this tour within 30 days before the tour starts according to the group departure dates or as per your departure date as a private (FIT) tour, we will require from you to pay 100% whole amount before the tour starts.
Cancellation Policy for Group Departure dates and Private Tours
For group tours of 6 people or more, the following cancellation policy will apply:
a. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 45 days or more, prior to the arrival date, then a full refund will be given, minus a bank transaction charges.
b. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 44 to 30 days, prior to the arrival date, a 10 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
c. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 29 to 21 days, prior to the arrival date, a 30 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
d. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 20 to 15 days, prior to the arrival date, a 50 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
e. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 14 to 7 days, prior to the arrival date, a 70 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
f. If the reservation is cancelled/amended less than 7 days prior to the arrival date a non-refund will apply.
g. In case of no shows or early interruption of services a strict non-refund rule will apply.
Cancellation for FIT/Individuals private bookings. FIT tours of 5 participants or less which have been confirmed paid and Invoice settled, can be cancelled without penalty up to 10 days prior to arrival date. Cancellations after this deadline will be charged 100% in full. Bank transfer for refunds will be the recipients’ responsibility.
Balkan Destination reserve the right to cancel any of the published tours on our site only according to fixed dates that are published for groups. When there are not enough participants on the relevant dates, in such cases, we may cancel the departure date by notifying the clients that already booked in a written notice, no later than 30 days prior to the start of the tour departure date. In such cases when we cancel a departure due to insufficient participants on the due date, the clients will be refunded all the money 100 % they have paid to us in total.
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