Tirana - Elbasan - Korca

Skanderbeg Square - Begin your visit in Tirana at Skanderbeg Square, the largest square in the city. Surrounding the square, you’ll find the Palace of Culture, the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National Museum. Spend about 15 minutes here to gather information from your guide.

Elbasan - In Elbasan, explore the Elbasan Castle, a significant site from Roman times that offers views of Via Egnatia, the ancient road connecting Rome and Constantinople. Inside the fortress, you’ll also find Saint Mary’s Church and the King Mosque. After sightseeing, enjoy some free time within the castle grounds.

Pogradec - Upon arriving in Pogradec, take in the beauty of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, shared between Albania and North Macedonia. While the Macedonian side is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pogradec offers a quieter experience with minimal tourism. Despite the town’s modest appearance and some litter along the lake-shore, it provides a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Enver Hoxha Pyramid - This unattractive building, designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law and completed in 1988, was once a museum dedicated to Hoxha and later a convention center and nightclub. Now covered in graffiti and surrounded by homeless encampments, its future remains undecided. You’ll stop here for a 10-minute explanation during your tour.

Bunk’Art 1 - A small bunker located along your sightseeing route in Tirana.

Blloku - Blloku is a trendy area in Tirana known for its boutiques, shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes. Once a restricted area for the Albanian politburo during the communist era, it has become a popular entertainment district. Spend your free time here for lunch or coffee.

National Gallery of Art - This gallery traces the history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present, featuring both historical and political works, including examples of Albanian socialist realism. The gallery’s entrance may not always be open, so check for current exhibitions during your visit.

Lake Ohrid - Some cities have a special charm that inspires poetry, and Pogradec, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is one of them. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking peace and tranquility in nature. You’ll spend the night near this lake in Pogradec.

Korca – Voskopoja - Permet

Voskopoje - Voskopoja is a destination where nature and history converge. Known as a cultural center since 1330, the town once had over 24 churches and hosted the first printing press outside Istanbul. Despite many buildings being destroyed by fire, war, and earthquakes, you can still visit Saint Athanase, Saint Ilie, and Saint Marie churches. There is also an opportunity for light hiking in the forest.

Korce - In Korca, take a sightseeing tour of key locations such as the Cathedral, the Ottoman Bazaar, Andon Zako Cajupi Theatre, and Hani I Pazarit. Known for its vibrant life and traditional music, Korca offers a pleasant walk through its main pedestrian area.

Tushemisht - Tushemisht is the last village on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid before the Macedonian border. It’s a relaxing place surrounded by mountains, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants offering authentic fish cuisine.

Driloni National Park - Drilon, a small village between Korça and Pogradec, was a favorite retreat of dictator Enver Hoxha during the communist era. Today, it’s a popular summer destination known for its natural beauty, beaches, and national park.

National Museum of Medieval Art - This museum in Korça blends modern and ancient elements, creating a timeless space. Originally built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2016, it houses artworks that survived the communist regime. Located on Fan Noli Boulevard, it is the newest museum in Albania. Note that this attraction is not included in the program.

Ngjallja e Krishtit Cathedral - Built in 1992 on the site of an old Orthodox church destroyed during the communist era, this cathedral is now the largest and most important Orthodox church in Korça and Albania.

Përmet – Gjirokastra

Benja Thermal Baths - The Benja Thermal Pools are known for their smooth, clear waters with high sulfur content. These stone baths attract visitors year-round, especially in winter when the contrast between the cold air and hot water is most enjoyable. Limit your time in the pools to 20-25 minutes to avoid the overwhelming effects of the sulfuric waters. Spend about 2 hours here, with opportunities for swimming in natural pools and walking in the Langarica Canyon.

Permet - In Permet, visit the city and a traditional house to meet locals and sample Gliko, a local delicacy made from various fruits and vegetables. Enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own.

Gjirokastra - Saranda - Gjirokastra

Gjirokaster - With a history spanning 2500 years, Gjirokaster is known for its 600 Ottoman-era houses. The town is also the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha, though he is not memorialized here. After sightseeing, enjoy some free time to discover the city.

Skenduli House - This restored Ottoman-era house has been in the same family for generations, except during the communist period. A family member will likely guide you through its fascinating features, including a room used exclusively for wedding ceremonies with 15 stained glass windows.

Gjirokastra Bazaar - The historic bazaar in Gjirokastra’s Old Town is now mostly filled with tourist souvenir shops, though a few artisanal workshops remain.

Gjirokaster Castle - This hilltop castle, one of the largest in the Balkans, dates back to the 12th century, with much of its current structure from the early 19th century. It was used as a prison during the communist era and now houses a collection of armory, two museums, and offers superb views over the valley.

Saranda - After breakfast, depart for Saranda, located near the Ionian Sea across from Corfu Island. Enjoy panoramic seaside views and visit the archaeological site of Butrint, an ancient Greek and later Roman city. Explore the village of Ksamil, known for its beautiful beaches and three islands. Spend some free time enjoying the beach and visit the Butrint archaeological site.

Gjirokastra – Berat – Tirana

Berat - Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique architecture. The Berati Fortress, where people still live in traditional houses, once had over 40 churches, with 7 remaining, including the Saint Mary Church, now the Onufri Museum. Onufri was a famous icon painter. Enjoy lunch inside the fortress, followed by free time to explore the city center.

• 7 Full days Driver and Guide Fees
• 6-nights accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Fuel for the vehicle
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All Fees and Taxes

• Anythings which is not mentioned in the Inclusions section

Embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure through the vibrant traditional dishes of Southeast and Central Albania. This tour guides you through charming villages, tranquil lakesides, breathtaking coastlines, and UNESCO World Heritage towns, each steeped in historical and cultural importance. Participants will delve into Albania’s culinary heritage while discovering its captivating history.

The tour will focus on exploring the country’s varied ecosystems, including national parks, lakes, mountains, and beaches. Throughout this journey, a knowledgeable tour leader and a dedicated driver will accompany participants, ensuring a truly memorable experience.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.