Highlights of Albania

Experience Overview

Albania has a history to rival its better-known (and busier) neighbours and an equally impressive wild landscape. Past civilisations have left their mark here, mainly the Romans and Byzantines, which we see throughout the tour, including at the ancient Greek colony of Butrint and the 13th-century Berat Castle, both UNESCO listed. We also discover modern Albania, visiting the cities of Tirana, Korçë, Durrës and foodie-favourite Përmet. Expect a warm welcome wherever we go.
Profile
— Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 8 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by air-conditioned private bus — Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 8 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by air-conditioned private bus — Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate).For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. Travelling: There will be some long drives (maximum: five hours). The road surfaces in Albania have improved drastically in the last decade; however, many stretches (especially in the south) are winding and have poor signage, making for slower travelling times. Prepare for some bumpy journeys where roads have not been resurfaced. Tourism: Albania is an emerging tourist destination, one of the many reasons to visit now. However, that does mean service can be a little slow, while transactions are still mainly done in cash.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and one lunch are included. Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from Turkey, Greece and Italy. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced. Under dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania was isolated from the world and therefore became a self-sustaining country. The fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate means it is still very much a subsistence culture and shows very little sign of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to be very locally sourced. Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey and coffee. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb, with fish dishes such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in meze form, complimented with a variety of vegetables and salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. In the coastal cities, there are several restaurants with an array of Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood available. We recommend you always drink bottled water. The most environmentally friendly method is to share the larger reusable glass bottles served in most restaurants.
Transportation
We use a private bus for this trip, the size of which will depend on the group size, with a local driver.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Hotel La Favorita or Sky 2 Hotel Recommended arrival time: There's a welcome briefing at 4.30pm, followed by the orientation tour Airport: Tirana Airport (TIA) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Albania generally experiences a Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures at 25C-30C (77F-86F) on average in the day. The warmest months are July and August, when temperatures can rise to 35C (95F) or above. It’s cooler further inland towards Pogradec and Korçë during these months, especially in the evenings, with high temperatures around 25C (77F). There is always a small chance of rain in the mountains; however, we do not to travel in the coldest, wettest months, November to January. Berat also experiences a Mediterranean climate but thanks to its location in the shadow of Mount Tomorr, summers are much warmer than expected for the Mediterranean.
Spending Money
Allow about 25,000-30,000 lek (€250-€300) for lunches, evening meals and drinks. You will notice that prices in the mountains and along the coast are very different. In the mountains, prices are generally much cheaper. In the mountains, expect to pay approximately: — 800-1,000 lek (€7.95-€10) for a meal — 200-250 lek (€2-€2.50) for a local beer or glass of local wine — 65 lek (€0.65) for a large bottle of water in the markets and 120-150 lek (€1.20-€1.50) in restaurants In the coastal cities, expect to pay approximately: — 1,500-2,000 lek (€14.90-€19.90) for a meal — 300-500 lek (€3-€4) for a beer — 2,500-3,000 lek (€24.85-€29.80) for a bottle of wine — 130 lek (US$1.20) for a large bottle of water in the markets and 200-250 lek (€2-€2.50) in restaurants
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work; however, most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This is not compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guideline we would suggest a total of approximately 5,000 lek (about €50) per person in total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows: 3,000 lek for the leader2,000 lek for the driver Your leader will advise about tipping in restaurants. Usually, the bill is rounded up to include a tip.

Highlights

— Visit Unesco World Heritage sites: Pogradec, Butrint, Berat and Gjirokaster — Journey through the beautiful Albanian Riviera — Discover historic monuments, including Durres Amphitheatre and Korce Museum of Medieval Arts — Explore Llogora National Park

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Trip Details

Product Code: 4246

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport: l driver.

Guide Language: English

Tour Operator: Exodus Travel

Supplier Code: AVL

Starts: Tirana, Albania

Finishes: Tirana, Albania

Duration: 10 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Average

Includes

— All breakfasts and one lunch included — All accommodation

Accommodation

Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines. Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book. Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,065 ($206 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Start Tirana

The tour starts at our hotel in Tirana, the capital of Albania. There will be a welcome briefing at 4.30pm, followed by an orientation tour of the renovated New Bazaar, very close to our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel La Favorita/Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)

2

Day 2: Visit Elbasan Fortress en route to Pogradec

After an early breakfast, we take a walking tour of Tirana, which was made the capital of Albania in 1920, visiting the remains of an old castle; the modern Pyramid of Tirana, which was opened as a museum and served as a NATO base during the Kosovo War; and the Prime Minister’s Office. We will also visit Bunk Art 2 or 1 (depending on seasonality), which is an Albanian history museum inside a preserved, Communist-era nuclear pit bunker. Afterwards we reach the Blloku neighbourhood, where villas were once occupied by members of the Politburo, a former leading group of the Albanian Labour party. It is now the nightlife hub of Tirana, home to trendy bars, cafes and clubs. We then drive to Pogradec (approximately 2hr 30min), making a short stop at the 15th-century fortress of Elbasan. Pogradec is one of the most charming resort cities in Albania, next to beautiful Lake Ohrid and surrounded by mountains. On the way we will stop in Lin to walk through the village and have a coffee in one of their bars. Accommodation: Hotel Pogradeci (or similar)

3

Day 3: Transfer to the artists village of Voskopojë; continue to Korçë

This morning, we drive for about an hour to Voskopojë Village (formerly known as Moscopole), an important and well-known centre for the arts, where many talented Albanian icon painters worked. The village has suffered over the years, with many treasures stolen during the second half of the 18th century and this continued during the world wars. We take a 40-minute walk to visit one of the oldest churches representing Voskopoja religious art. Another drive (approximately 30 minutes) takes us to Korçë, the largest city in southeast Albania, which sits at the foot of Moravia Mountain, 2,625ft (800m) above sea level. This city became an important trading and handicraft centre in the 18th century and has also been referred to as the City of Museums. Make sure to try the renowned local beer. *Please note during March, April, October and November, the visits to the Medieval Arts Museum in Korcë and the visit to Voskopoja will be done in reverse order due to opening times of the museum. Accommodation: Hotel Christi Borova/Hotel Kocibelli (or similar)

4

Day 4: Drive via the mountain village of Ersekë to the gastronomic city of Përmet

Our drive through the mountains today is truly spectacular, with sweeping views across the Gramos and Nemercka mountains. Along the winding route, we enjoy a short stop in Ersekë, which at 3,445ft (1,050m) is the highest town in Albania. This 17th-century town is surrounded by the beautiful green pastures of the Gramos Mountains. Continuing to beautiful Përmet, we make a stop at the hot springs, where we have time to relax and swim. After quite a long day (approximately five hours' drive in total), we arrive in Përmet, in the heart of the white mountains on the Vjosë River. This evening you’re in for a treat: Përmet is celebrated for its food and wine, including gliko sweets and raki. Accommodation: Hotel Alvero (or similar)

5

Day 5: To Gjirokastër via the characterful village of Dhoksat

We drive (approximately two hours) to the beautiful town of Gjirokastër, pausing at the traditional village of Dhoksat for a homecooked lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided visit around mountainside Gjirokastër, where cobbled streets wind between old houses with interesting architectural features including medieval towers. The castle is the standout landmark here, with panoramic views of the landscape. We also visit Skenduli House, a centuries-old building and magnificent example of the local architectural style. Please note: Lunch with the local family can sometimes be changed to dinner dependent on their availability. Accommodation: Argjiro Hotel/Hotel Bineri (or similar)

6

Day 6: Visit Butrint, continue to Llogora National Park

After an early breakfast, we travel to Unesco-listed Butrint National Park, an area that rose to fame in the fourth century BCE when it became home to a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine. The sanctuary was located on the south slope of the acropolis (hill) and was visited by worshippers to be healed. The city developed during the Roman period, but fell into decline after an earthquake and was abandoned towards the end of the Middle Ages. After our visit, we drive to Llogora National Park stopping along the coast on the way. Accommodation: Llogora Tourist Village Hotel (or similar)

7

Day 7: Llogora National Park walk and visit Apollonia

After breakfast, we take a walk in Llogora National Park, possibly reaching Caesar’s Field. Yes, Julius Caesar crossed into today’s Albania in his battle against Pompey, which was won in this territory. Next, we stop at the wonderful ruins of Apollonia (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours' drive). Originally occupied by Illyrian tribes and then colonists from Corfu and Corinth around 600 BCE, Apollonia flourished in the Roman period and was home to a renowned school of philosophy (emperor Augustus studied here) but began to decline in the third century CE when its harbour started silting up as a result of an earthquake. After Apollonia, we transfer for just over an hour further inland to the Unesco-listed town of Berat, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)

8

Day 8: Day in Berat

Today is dedicated to Berat, the gem of Albania. This morning, we enjoy a guided tour around the old district, with pretty white buildings perched on the hill amid pine forests. We walk through the narrow cobbled streets and reach Berat Castle on the slopes of Mount Tomorr, where we are rewarded with breath-taking views (and we find out why Berat is known to Albanians as the City of a Thousand Windows). Within the castle walls are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum (Museum of Iconography), which we have time to visit. On the way back to the hotel, we also visit the House of Cac Dollani. The rest of the day is free to explore the town. Accommodation: Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)

9

Day 9: Drive to amphitheatre and port of Durrës; continue to Krujë

From Berat, we drive to the port of Durrës (approximately two hours), the second-largest city in Albania and home to the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. The amphitheatre dates to the second century CE, seats 15,000 people and contains an early Christian crypt with rare wall mosaics. The city was colonised by people from Corinth and Korkyra in 627 BCE and was named Epidamnus, but later became Dyrrachium. We then drive to the medieval citadel of Krujë (approximately 45 minutes), where the national hero, Skanderbeg, led the resistance against the Ottomans. He kept them from crossing into western Europe for 25 years, earning the title Champion of Christ. We check in at the hotel and in the afternoon visit the Skanderbeg Museum, from which you can enjoy inspirational views to the Adriatic Coast. Accommodation: Hotel Panorama (or similar)

10

Day 10: Tour of the Kruja Bazaar; transfer to Tirana

After breakfast, we have time to wander through the medieval bazaar of Krujë, which is stocked full of souvenirs and handicrafts. After, we begin our return journey home (check the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information about catching your return flight).

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

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