Tour of Apollonia Archaeological Ruins, museum, Ardenica Monastery, Optional Wine tasting and transfer to Berat

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Begin your morning with a visit to the 2600-year-old ruins of Apollonia Archaeological Park. Founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and possibly Corcyra, Apollonia was a significant trade hub for the Illyrians and later gained independence under Roman rule. Located on the right bank of the Vjosë River, about 10 km from the Adriatic Sea, Apollonia’s oligarchic system allowed for political independence, with a small Greek elite governing the local Illyrians. The city allied with the Roman Republic from the 2nd century BC and hosted a renowned school of philosophy and military training, where Emperor Augustus himself studied. However, a 3rd-century AD earthquake diverted the Vjosë River, isolating Apollonia from the sea and leading to its eventual abandonment. The Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, situated within the ancient site, displays artifacts from this once-thriving center of learning.

Berat - After lunch, we’ll transfer to Berat City, a 1.5-hour drive. After checking into the hotel, we recommend visiting the city’s main boulevard along the Osumi riverbank. This area is a popular evening spot for locals to walk with friends, hang out in coffee shops, and dine in traditional restaurants. While enjoying a glass of Cobo local wine, you can mingle with the friendly locals.

You’ll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the tour price) based on your budget and preferences. You may also choose to book your own hotel independently.

Ardenica Monastery - The Ardenica Monastery (Albanian: Manastiri i Ardenices) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located 18 kilometers south of Lushnjë, Albania. Built by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 after a victory against the Angevins during the siege of Berat, the monastery gained historical significance as the site of the 1451 marriage between George Kastrioti (Albanian national hero Skanderbeg) and Andronika Arianiti. In 1967, Albania’s communist government declared all religions illegal, leading to the closure and demolition of religious institutions, including monasteries. Fortunately, Ardenica Monastery survived due to the historical significance of Skanderbeg’s marriage. The monastery’s architecture blends Byzantine and Romanesque features, covering an area of 2,500 square meters. Within its Church of Saint Mary, you can find frescoes by brothers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi.

City Tour of Berat, Walking tour of Elbasan castle and transfer to Korca

Berat - Visit Berat Castle and the Mangalemi district. Your morning city tour begins in the marvelous city of Berat, known as “the city of a thousand windows.”

Visit Berat Castle (Kala) and journey through 2400 years of history.
Visit the Onufri Icons Museum, the most beautiful icon museum in Berat.
Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Berat for a taste of local culture.
Visit the King’s Mosque.
Visit the Helveti Tekke.
Visit the Gorica Old District.
Visit the Gorica Stone Bridge.

Elbasan - After lunch, we’ll drive to Korca City. On the way, we’ll stop in Elbasan City for a short tour of the only castle in Albania built on flat land and fully inhabited. Elbasan Castle is a 15th-century fortress in the city center. Initially composed of 26 towers of equal distance at 9 meters high, this castle was part of Via Egnatia and a significant attraction for trade caravans traveling from East to West.

Korca - After arriving in Korca City, check into your hotel. Enjoy a free evening to stroll through the old district, taste local hot wine and coffee, or choose from many traditional restaurants famous for their local recipes of kerrnacka (meatballs), sac byrek (cheese or vegetable and meat-filled pastry), and pickled stuffed peppers and green tomatoes. Don’t forget to try Korca beer, one of the best beers in Albania.

You’ll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the tour price) based on your budget and preferences. You may also choose to book your own hotel independently.

City tour of Korca, Visit of Voskopoja churches, and Ohrid Lake.

Korca - Korca, also known as Albania’s Paris, impresses with its well-preserved residential architecture and is famous for its rich religious culture and hospitality.

Visit the Old Bazaar.
Visit the ABC Museum.
Visit the Korca Orthodox Cathedral.
Visit the Archaeological Museum.
Visit the Museum of Icons.

Voskopoje - After the Korca city tour, we’ll drive for about 30 minutes to Voskopoja village, nestled in the mountains surrounding Korca. Voskopoja sits 1,200 meters above sea level and is perfect for hiking and walking. In the past, Voskopoja had over twenty Orthodox churches; now, only seven remain, complete with well-preserved 18th-century frescoes both inside and out. The landscape of Voskopoja and its surroundings is stunning. After hiking through the stone streets and visiting the old churches, it will be ideal to lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants specializing in meat and slow-cooked dishes.

Pogradec - After lunch, we’ll drive back to Tirana, stopping for a short break to enjoy coffee or a snack by Ohrid Lake, one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes. With a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance and more than 200 endemic species, you can take a short walk to enjoy the nature and fresh lake air, rent a small boat to paddle through the lake’s canal, or just relax with a drink in one of the beach bars with a gorgeous lake view.

After visiting Ohrid Lake, we’ll transfer back to Tirana.

You’ll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the tour price) based on your budget and preferences. You may also choose to book your own hotel independently.

• Private transportation with a dedicated driver.
• All taxes and fuel included.
• Optional hotel accommodation for guests upon booking.
• Driver’s hotel accommodation and per diem covered.

• Hotel Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
• Entry fees in museums and parks