Day 1: Durres, Vlore beach & Zvernec Island with Private Tour Guide / Private Car

Durres - After departing Tirana, we stop for a short coffee break in Durres. Durres is one of the most famous seaside cities in Albania because it is only 45 minutes from the capital city Tirana. We will have a coffee in a cafe with a sea view towards the Adriatic Sea. And we will pass by the Roman Amphitheater of Durres and the Venetian Tower for about 30 minutes.

Durres Amphitheatre - The Roman Amphitheater of Durres was build in the 2nd century AD. At the time, Durres was called “Dyrrachium” and it was a part of the Roman empire. The Roman Emperor Trajan was leading the empire and Rome was flourishing.

The Roman Amphitheater of Durres used to host gladiator spectacles and other events. It was an attraction for the citizens, travellers and merchants. The theatre could seat approximately 15000 to 18000 spectators. The theatre was rediscovered only recently in 1966. We will walk along the pathway above the theatre, from where you can look down onto the arena.

Durres Castle - The Venetian Tower of Durres is a large round tower that remains of the former Durres Castle. The castle was initially built in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. The Venetians extended the castle in the first half of the fifteenth century when Durres was ruled by the Republic of Venice. Today, few structures of the castle remain, only the tower and one ancient wall can be seen.

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Apollonia is an archaeological park in center of Albania. In the ancient times, Apollonia was an important Greek city. The city was founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth. However, it was during the Roman period that the city of Apollonia really flourished.

In the 4th century AD, Apollonia was an important economic city and trade center. The city was known for its famous school of philosophy. Cicero, a famous Roman public speaker, called Apollonia “a great and important city”. And the city was also one of the most important gateways to the Via Egnatia, which was a Roman trade route through the Balkans.

The ruins of Apollonia were re-discovered in the beginning of the 19th century. The park is set of a hilly plateau and it is surrounded by calming nature.

Vlore Beach - After visiting Durres, we drive south towards the large coastal city Vlore. Vlore is a very popular and large beachside city. It is also the starting point of the Albanian Riviera, which leads from Vlore southwards to Saranda. The city is built around a large horseshoe bay in the sea. Along the bay, there is a popular beachside promenade called Lungomare. Along this promenade, you can find many shops, restaurants, clubs, coffee houses and bars.

Zvërnec Islands - After spending some time at Vlore beach, we will make a 30 minute stop at Zvernec Island. Zvernec Island is a little island in the Narta Lagoon. A long bridge leads you from the mainland to Zvernec Island. On the island, you can visit the little Zvernec monastery. The island is a beautiful location to take pictures.

Driving along the Albanian Riviera, including Llogara Pass, Dhermi beach, Jale Borsh, Porto Palermo, Saranda, Ksamil

Llogara Pass - From Vlore, we will start our drive along the coastal road in the direction of Saranda and make a stop at the Llogara Pass. The Llogara Pass is a mountain pass on the coastal road. It is the highest point on the coastal road, at a height of 1027 meters. It has a beautiful viewpoint, where you can make a stop to take pictures. From the pass, you will have a spectacular view of Palase beach, the Dhermi village and the Ionian Sea.

After visiting the Llogara Pass, we will drive down the winding road towards the most beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The riviera has Mediterranean villages, historical castles, Orthodox churches, white beaches, hidden caves and hundreds of olive trees.

Dhermi Beach - Dhermi beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi is a lovely little village with hillside houses and a long stretch of beach. During the summer months, it attracts young people and it has a vibrant atmosphere. We will stop to relax and swim in the sea, before continuing our journey.

Jale Beach - Jale Beach is a little beach village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. The beach of Jale is known for its incredibly clear water. The beach is surrounded by hills on both sides and it is usually one of the quieter spots in the Albanian Riviera. You will have some free time to explore the beach.

Himarë - Himare is a larger village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. There is a traditional village on the hillside, from where you can look down onto the beach and sea. There is a small walking tour of the old village, which is on the hill. You can see some of the traditional houses, which are on the hillside. Moreover, since the village is on the hill it offers a beautiful view towards the Ionian Sea.

The Castle of Porto Palermo - Porto Palermo is a large blue bay in the Albanian Riviera. In the middle of the bay of Porto Palermo, you can visit the Castle of Ali Pasha.

The castle of Ali Pasha is a triangular-shaped fortress on a little island in the Bay of Porto Palermo. The castle is very picturesque and from the rooftop, you have a stunning view of the sea.

Although, many guidebooks state that the castle was built by Ali Pasha, the Albanian governor during the Ottoman empire. It is actually not true, and the castle was built by the Venetians. Because it gave the Venetians easy access by sea and it has the same triangular design as the Venetian castle in Butrint.

It is very likely that the written history was changed during the communist period. The communists wanted to believe that the Albanian Ali Pasha constructed the castle. Because it is more in line with the communist nationalist ideas. During communism, the castle was used as a Soviet submarine base.

Borsh Beach - The beach of Borsh is an impressive sight because the beach is extremely long. You can choose to stay among other people, close to the restaurants. Or you can walk along the beach to be by yourself. The beach has perfect clear blue water and there is a good restaurant at the beach as well.

Saranda - Saranda is a vibrant coastal city in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city is often called “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera”. The large coastal city has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. In the evening, the entire city lights up and you can walk along the promenade by the water. You will have some free time in the evening to explore Saranda.

Ksamil Beach - Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach in the South of Albania. Therefore, the Albanian people describe Ksamil beach as “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera”. Without a doubt, Ksamil beach is the prettiest beach in the country. The beach is set on a little peninsula with perfect white sand. And the water in the bay is a bright green colour and the clearest water you have ever seen.

At Ksamil beach, there are four little islands in the sea close to the beach. The most famous are the twin islands, which are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land. If you have always wanted to visit an uninhabited island, this is your chance. From the beach, you can swim to the nearest island. Or you can rent a boat or kayak to visit the islands, which are further away.

The Blue Eye of Albania & Gjirokaster UNESCO with Private Tour Guide / Private Car

Lekuresi Castle - Lekuresi Castle is a historic hilltop fortress overlooking the coastal town of Saranda in southern Albania. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period, the castle was strategically placed to control the surrounding land and sea routes, including views of Corfu and the Ionian Sea. Today, its stone walls and towers offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset, making it a popular spot for visitors. Although partly in ruins, Lekuresi Castle remains an important symbol of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Butrint National Park - Butrint is the most impressive UNESCO Heritage site in Albania. Throughout history, Butrint was a Greek city, a Roman city and a Biscopic. What makes Butrint special is the unique combination of archaeological ruins, which are surrounded by water and nature. The nature has integrated itself in the historical sight, which makes it a beautiful place to visit.

The Blue Eye - The Blue Eye of Albania is one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. The Blue Eye is a natural freshwater spring. The natural spring pumps bright blue water to the surface of the river. The Blue Eye has become a tourist attraction since the water of the spring is a magical blue colour. The water is so bright, that you won’t believe it is all-natural.

Moreover, the spring resembles a human eye. The dark underwater cave looks like the black pupil of a human eye. And the bright blue water looks like the iris of a human eye. If you dare, you can jump into the Blue Eye spring, which is more than 50 meters deep. But bear in mind that the water is ice cold all year long.

Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobblestone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also known as the “stone city”.

The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a “museum city” because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.

Gjirokaster Castle - The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it, therefore, dominates the city.

The castle was originally built in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Byzantine rule, the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From 1930 onward, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant the government.

Gjirokastra Bazaar - The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the traditional market place in Gjirokaster. The bazaar was originally build in the Middle Ages. There are a variety of craftsmen, souvenir shops and coffee houses along the Bazaar. You can buy handmade wooden pieces, handwoven rugs and delicate lace items. The street of the Bazaar is made of cobblestones and it set on a steep hillside.

• Private transportation
• Private Tour Guide
• Entrance fees
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Meals
• Excluded: Accommodation/Hotels, please book your own hotels

The Albanian Riviera is among Europe’s most stunning coastal regions. Despite its breathtaking beaches along the Ionian Sea, it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, preserving its tranquility and pristine nature.

During the tour, participants will visit the most beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. They will explore popular attractions such as the Blue Eye of Albania and Ksamil Beach, as well as discover hidden treasures like Zvernec Island and Jala Beach. Additionally, the tour guide can tailor the experience to suit individual preferences.

Highlights
⦁ Breathtaking views along the Albanian Riviera coastline
⦁ Ample free time for swimming and sunbathing at the beaches
⦁ Excellent value tour: includes a private tour guide and entrance fees
⦁ Comfortable round-trip transportation from Tirana in a private vehicle

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.