Albania From Thessaloniki

Discover southern Albania from Thessaloniki, its history, its gastronomy, its people and their habits, its secrets and legends with our Albania From Thessaloniki Tour.

Overview

Day 01: Thessaloniki - Korca

Day 02: Korca - Kamenica - Voskopoja - Korca

Day 03: Korca - Tirana

Day 04: Tirana - Kruja - Apollonia – Vlora

Day 05: Vlora – Saranda

Day 06: Saranda - Butrint – Gjirokastra

Day 07: Gjirokastra- Permet – Korca

Day 08: Korca - Thessaloniki

Day 01: Thessaloniki – Korca (297 Km, 4 hours driving time)

Arrival at the Thessaloniki airport, meet with our representative and transfer to Korca. Accommodation at the hotel. Group then left at leisure, exploring the city. Dinner served in a traditional tavern, Overnight in Korca.
Day 2 Korca - Kamenica - Voskopoja – Korca (106 Km, 2 hours driving time)

After the breakfast we start a walking tour in Korca, by visiting the notable and historic sites.

To visit:

• Museum of Medieval Art
  • Archeological Museum
  • Cathedral “Christ Resurrection”
  • Mosque of Ilyaz Bey Mirahori
  • The first School of Albania

We proceed to Kamenica village; to visit prehistoric Tomb of Kamenica, before we head to Village of Voskopoje where we will be having a lovely traditional lunch. Afterwards we visit St. Nicolas Church and the Monastery of St. John the Baptist. Afternoon return to Korca for the night.

Day 03: Korca-Tirana (202 Km, 3.5 hours driving time)

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, meet with the guide and drive to Tirana. En route we stop for a coffee break in Pogradec by Lake Ohrid. Our trip continues to Petrela Castle, built in the 5th century, the castle was the former residence of Scanderbeg’s sister, Mamica. Today, it’s a lovely restaurant where we will enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch, and then proceed to Tirana; enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Overnight in Tirana.
Day 04: Tirana - Kruja - Apollonia – Vlora (197 Km, 3 hours driving time)

This morning begins with a city tour of main sight of Tirana from Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque and National Historical Museum. We then depart to Kruja, where we visit the Kruja fortress, the Skanderbeg museum, the Ethnographic museum and the famous old Bazaar. From Kruja we continue to the ancient site Apollonia, where we will have lunch. After lunch we continue our trip to Vlora, where we will visit the Independence Museum which is situated in the original house where the first independent Albanian Government had its seat. Afternoon at leisure.  Dinner at a fish restaurant by the sea. Overnight in Vlora.
Day 05: Vlora – Saranda (125 Km, 2 hours driving time)

Today we will drive along the Albanian Riviera on the Ioninan seaside. On the way will go up to 1100 meters above sea level, through the forest of Llogara National Park, from where we can admire the whole coast line and the Greek islands in the Ionian sea. After a visit in Ali Pasha’s castle in Porto Palermo,we will continue towards Himare where we will have lunch by the sea, before continuing towards Saranda. In the afternoon we will check in at the hotel near the sea in Saranda.
Day 06: Saranda - Butrint – Gjirokastra (104 Km, 2 hours driving time)

In the morning we visit the ancient city of Butrint-UNESCO World Heritage considered the best archaeological site in Albania. The present archeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city’s development.

To visit:

• Roman  Amphitheater
  • Lions Gate
  • Basilica
  • The Baptistery

After lunch, we head to Gjirokastra, known by many as the “City of Stone”.  What strikes the visitor most in Gjirokastra are typical and characteristic houses which resemble little fortresses, clustered on above the other.

To visit:

• Blue Eye Spring
  • The Fortress
  • The National Weapons Museum
  • The Ethnographic Museum
  • The characteristic house Zekati

After the tour accommodation at the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Day 07: Gjirokastra- Permet – Korca (193 Km, 4 hours driving time)

After breakfast we drive towards Korca. En route we stop for a short break in Permet, called the “City of Roses” due to its many gardens. Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Germenj, and then we proceed to Korca.

To visit

• Museum of Medieval Art
• The Mirahori mosque
• The first Albanian School

Afternoon group left at leisure exploring city on their own. Dinner at the hotel, overnight in Korca.

Day 8 Korca-Thessaloniki (297 Km, 4 hours driving time)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with the guide and departure toward Thessaloniki airport in Greece. End of tour.

Km traveled: 1521