Exploring Albania’s classic sites and undiscovered heritage including the hillside ‘Museum City of Gjirokastra, Ottoman architecture in Berat, Roman Apollonia and modern Tirana
(limited dates/availability)
8 November 2021
Save up to £50
(all 2021 dates)
Kruja - 1 night
Berat - 2 nights
Saranda - 2 nights
Gjirokastra - 1 night
Tirana - 2 nights
Although Albania forms part of the Balkan Peninsula, the attraction is its remoteness and isolation from the rest of the region. The language is tantalising, sounds and words that seem familiar and which indeed reflect Albania's past influences: Greek, Latin, Turkic, Slav, but retaining its own notes, which date back to its distant Illyrian origins.
While the coastal areas are attractively familiar, the mountains of Albania reveal Ottoman fortresses, prehistoric dwellings, ancient citadels, the sites of battles both ancient and recent, monasteries, mosques, tombs cut into the rock side, finds from the Illyrian period, theatres from the ancient world and the fascinating city and museum of Apollonia.
After its unsettled political situation in the past the infrastructure of tourism has improved, but thankfully, the country remains unspoilt, offering an array of treasures to explore.
One thing we promise is that you can be sure to see and visit captivating castles, mountain scenery and some of the best Ottoman architecture examples you'll find anywhere on Earth.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
Local Expert Guide
Group Size: 6 – 25
Visit an Albanian family in Dhoksat and learn about their life and history followed by a home cooked lunch.
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Tirana. Transfer to Kruja, a previous capital during the resistance against the Turks under the national hero Skanderbeg, for overnight at the 3-star Hotel Panorama.
Day 2 Visit the Skanderbeg Museum inside Kruja castle and the Ethnographic Museum. Travel to Durres to visit the amphitheatre and archaeological museum. Continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the best examples of Ottoman architecture outside Turkey, for two nights at the 3-star Hotel Mangalemi or similar. (B, D)
Day 3 Explore Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. (B)
Day 4 Drive to Apollonia, a city which flourished in Roman times. Travel to Vlora, visit the Independence Museum, continue along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera, over the Llogara Pass, and stop at Ali Pasha’s Fort. Spend two nights at the 4-star Hotel Brilant or similar in Saranda. (B)
Day 5 Visit Butrint, a UNESCO site situated amongst dense vegetation. Continue to Lekuresi castle for a spectacular view of the bay of Saranda and the island of Corfu. (B)
Day 6 Drive via the Blue Eye spring to the hillside ‘Museum City’ of Gjirokastra. Visit to the castle and Ethnographic Museum. Lunch at a village home in Dhoksat. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Argjiro. (B, L)
Day 7 Drive via the ancient site of Bylis to Tirana and stay two nights at the 4-star Hotel Opera or Oxford Hotel. (B)
Day 8 Visit the World Headquarters of Bektashi liberal sect of Islam. Ascend Dajti Mountain (1,613 metres) by cable car for a spectacular view of Tirana. Return to Tirana to visit Bunk’Art, a unique anti-nuclear bunker built into a hill. (B)
Day 9 Walking tour of Bllok area, followed by visits to National History Museum and National Gallery of Arts. Farewell dinner at an organic farm. Return flight. (B, D)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Most of the travelling is along a well-established road network but some minor roads may be in poor repair.
The order of sightseeing might change depending on flight schedule.
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Tirana. Transfer to Kruja, a previous capital during the resistance against the Turks under the national hero Skanderbeg, for overnight at the 3-star Hotel Panorama.
Day 2 Visit the Skanderbeg Museum inside Kruja castle and the Ethnographic Museum. Travel to Durres to visit the amphitheatre and archaeological museum. Continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the best examples of Ottoman architecture outside Turkey, for two nights at the 3-star Hotel Mangalemi or similar. (B, D)
Day 3 Explore Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. (B)
Day 4 Drive to Apollonia, a city which flourished in Roman times. Travel to Vlora, visit the Independence Museum, continue along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera, over the Llogara Pass, and stop at Ali Pasha’s Fort. Spend two nights at the 4-star Hotel Brilant or similar in Saranda. (B)
Day 5 Visit Butrint, a UNESCO site situated amongst dense vegetation. Continue to Lekuresi castle for a spectacular view of the bay of Saranda and the island of Corfu. (B)
Day 6 Drive via the Blue Eye spring to the hillside ‘Museum City’ of Gjirokastra. Visit to the castle and Arms Museum. Lunch at a village home in Dhoksat. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Argjiro. (B, L)
Day 7 Drive via the ancient site of Bylis to Tirana and stay two nights at the 4-star Hotel Opera or Oxford Hotel. Visit the National History Museum. (B)
Day 8 Visit the World Headquarters of Bektashi liberal sect of Islam. Ascend Dajti Mountain (1,613 metres) by cable car for a spectacular view of Tirana. Lunch at an organic farm. Return to Tirana to visit Bunk’Art, a unique anti-nuclear bunker built into a hill and walking tour of Bllok area. (B, L)
Day 9 Return flight. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Most of the travelling is along a well-established road network but some minor roads may be in poor repair.
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A traditional 3-star hotel in the centre of Kruja, with great views to the castle. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 75 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-fridge and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel built on the ruins of Turkish mansions in the historic centre of Mangalem Quarter, close to the town centre. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 19 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This 4-star hotel is close to the town's main boulevard. Bar, WiFi (free) and 33 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A modern 4-star hotel in traditional style. It is close to the castle and Ethnographic Museum. Restaurants, bar, WiFi (free) and 30 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and satellite TV.
An elegant 4-star hotel close to Skanderbeg Square. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 52 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Boutique-style 4-star hotel in the heart of Tirana, close to the National Museum. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 24 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Durres Extension
Spend three nights at the seaside town of Durres along the Albanian coast, 30 minutes from Tirana. Stay at the Royal G Hotel and Spa. Breakfast daily.
Day 1 Transfer to 4-star Royal G Hotel and Spa for a three-night stay. (B)
Day 2 At leisure. (B)
Day 3 At leisure. (B)
Day 4 Return flight. (B)
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A modern 4-star hotel close to the seaside with beach access. Restaurant, bar, pools, gym, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 110 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2021
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Mondays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
(limited dates/availability)
8 November 2021
Save up to £50
(all 2021 dates)
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability)
2021: Mar 15, Nov 1
Solo Group Departure
(No Single Supplement)
2021: Nov 8
Single supplement £155
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe from £395
Extension Options
Extension - Durres
Royal G Hotel and Spa (2021)
3 nights £195
(May/Oct £165)
Single supplement £85
Extension available:
May – Oct
Extra Nights - Kruja
Panorama hotel (per night) £30
Single supplement £20
Extra Nights - Tirana
Oxford Hotel (per night) £40
Single supplement £30
Departure transfer add £20
Privately Guided
Add £795 per person
(not available on 8 Nov 2021)
Independent Arrival
Save £225
Arrival transfer add £20
Departure transfer included with group
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 8 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch (2 lunches Mar/Nov 2021) and 2 dinners (1 dinner Mar/Nov 2021), itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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