Viamigo

Day 1 To Tirana:

Arrival at Mother Theresa Airport and transfer to Tirana for dinner and overnight at hotel "De Paris.

Day 2

Half day tour of Tirana and excursion to mount Dajti, by cable car. In afternoon departure for Kruja, home of Albania's most important hero, Scanderbeg, who in the 15th century successfully fought off the Turks for over thirty years. Sightseeing at his castle and the impressive Scanderbeg Museum. Shopping in old bazaar. Return back to Tirana for overnight at hotel De Paris (B, L, D)

Day 3 To Lake Ohrid: Travel east to Elbasan, stopping en route at the remains of a Turkish fort. Continue into Macedonia and the town of Ohrid, situated on the east shore of Lake Ohrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the Macedonian Jerusalem due to its large number of churches. The enormous lake is renowned for the clarity of its water. Stay at Hotel Garden for 2 nights. (B)

Day 4 Ohrid: Morning tour of the town. See St Sophia Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Macedonia; the Church of St Clement at Plaoshnik, where the first university in Europe was founded, and the Gallery of Icons, which has the largest collection of icons in the world. Afternoon visit to the Monastery of St Naum by boat. Its position on a rocky overhang provides excellent views over the lake. (B)

Day 5 To Korca: Cross the border back into Albania and continue south to Korca, historically an important trade town. Visit the Museum of Medieval Arts, which displays over 150 icons, and the Korca Mosque. Stay at the Regency Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 6 To Gjirokaster: See the Tumulus at Kamenica, where the biggest ancient burial mound to be excavated in the Balkans is located. Continue to Gjirokaster, the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. Visit his house museum and the city’s fortress, which was formerly a political prison. Stay at the Kalemi Hotel for 1 night. (B)

Day 7 To Saranda: Drive through the mountains to the costal resort of Saranda. Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. Explore the ruins of this Greco Roman town and view the 3rd century BC theatre, bathhouses and the remains of the largest baptistery in the Balkans. Have dinner at Saranda Castle, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Island of Corfu. Stay overnight at the Hotel Butrinti. (B, D)

Day 8 To Vlora: Travel to Vlora, a seaport and the gateway to Italy. Stay overnight at the Hotel Vlora International. (B)

Day 9 To Durres: Morning tour of the Greek and Roman ruins at Apollonia, an important trading port for the Roman Empire until the 3rd century AD. Drive to Berat and visit the Museum of Icons and the castle, which has the remains of 42 churches within its walls. Continue to Durres and stay overnight at the Adriatik Hotel. (B)

Day 10 : Morning tour of Durres to explore the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. Continue to the northern town of Shkoder, located near the largest lake in the region, Lake Shkoder. Explore the fortress and museum. Transfer to the airport and fly Back home

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals