Albaniandaytrips

Tirana Trip – Dajti Mountain
Tirana Castles & more
Historical Albania – Kruja and Durres
Antique and Byzantine Albania – Apollonia and Berat
Northwestern Albania – Kruja and Shkodra

Tirana Trip – Dajti Mountain – (Approx. 9hours)

 

TIRANA is located in a very favorable position, right in the centre of the country, which is one of the main reasons of it being the capital of Albania.
Meeting at your hotel early in the morning (8.30 am).

Large size

 

1. Visit the Historical National Museum (approx.1h)
2. Mosque of Haxhi Et’hem Bey (1794 – 1821) (approx. 30min)
3. Sahati (Clock) Tower (approx. 30min)
4. Transfer to Dajti Express. Take the lift that brings on top of Dajti Mountain (approx. 1h)
5. Traditional Albanian lunch in one of the restaurants of the National Park of Dajti (Optional) (approx. 2h)
6. Lift back in Tirana (approx. 1h)
7. Sightseeing tour of the city historical centre (approx. 1h)
8. A drink in the Sky Tower Roof Bar (18 floors building) with wonderful views of Tirana. downtown (approx. 1h)
9. After the tour back to the Hotel
   
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Tirana Trip – Petrela Castle – (Approx. 9hours)

 

Petrela Castle rises on the slope of a rock on the southeast of Tirana and was built in the 5th century AD. Historically the castle is known as the residence of Scanderbeg’s sister - Mamica.  Today the castle is a restaurant where you can enjoy Albanian traditional lunch while enjoying the gorgeous views.

Meeting at your hotel early in the morning (8.30 am).

Visit the Historical National Museum (approx.1h30’)

1. Mosque of Haxhi Et’hem Bey (1794 – 1821) (approx. 20min)
2. Sahati (Clock) Tower (approx. 20min)
3. Visit the Archeological Museum (approx. 1h)
4. Drive to Petrela Castle (approx. 1h)
5. Traditional Albanian lunch in the castle’s restaurant (Optional) (approx. 1h30’)
6. Drive back in  Tirana (approx. 1h)
7. Sightseeing tour of the city (approx. 1h)
8. A drink in the Vodafone Roof Bar (18 floors building) with wonderful views of Tirana (Optional) (approx. 1h)
9. After the tour back to the Hotel.
   
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Historical Albania – Kruja and Durres (Approx. 11hours)

KRUJA is located only 32 km away from the capital and is one of the cities with the richest history in Albania. It was Skanderbeg’s capital, the Albanian national hero’s, and its castle turned into an invincible stronghold of resistance against the Ottoman threat. Today the town lies on the side of the Kruja Mountain, about 600 meters above the sea level, commanding a panoramic view.

 

DURRES, one of Albania's oldest cities, lies on a small peninsula on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. From the Venetian Tower at the harbor the Medieval Town Wall leads to the amphitheater (capacity 15,000 spectators) dating back to the 2nd century AD. Today the city is well known for the nearby beach resort of Durres Plazh, its wonderful sand and warm sea water.
Meeting at your hotel early in the morning (7h30).

 

1. Drive to Kruja (Albanian medieval capital) (approx. 1h)
2. Visit the Castle - Skanderbeg Museum (Albanian National Hero) (approx. 1h)
3. Visit the Ethnographic Museum (approx.40min)
4. Coffee break in one of the bars of the castle enjoying the panoramic view of the city (Optional) (approx. 30min)
5. Visit and shopping in the Old Bazaar – the best place to buy souvenirs and handcraft (approx.45min)
6. Drive to Durres city (approx.1h)
7. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre (approx. 1h)
8. Drive to Durres beach (approx. 15min)
9. Launch in one of the best fish restaurants (Optional) (approx. 2h)
10. Visit the Archeological Museum (approx. 45min)
11. Coffee break in the Kaiser roof bar at the Hill of the City enjoying the panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and Durres bay. (Optional) (approx. 45min)
12. Drive back to Hotel in Tirana (approx. 1h).
    
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Antique and Byzantine Albania – Apollonia and Berat (Approx. 13hours)

Large size

Apollonia - Established in the 7th century B.C., by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corcyra, the ancient city is located 11 km to the west of the modern city of Fier. Archaeological excavations have revealed that Apollonia achieved its zenith in the 4th - 3rd centuries B.C. The city had a 4 km long surrounding wall. It has been estimated that during the developed stages of the city, 60000 inhabitants lived inside its imposing walls. Among the most interesting monuments worth visiting are the Bouleterion (city council), the library, the triumphal arch, the temple of Artemis, the Odeon built in the 2nd century B.C., the two-storey 77 mlongStoa, a theater with a capacity of 10000 spectators, and the Nymphaeum, a monumental water fountain. The statues and objects are displayed in the museum, which is housed in the monastery. Monastery courtyard is enclosed a Byzantine church dating back to the 14th century.

Berat - If specially interested in architecture, you should absolutely visit Berat, "City of one thousand windows", stone structures built on steep hills. Berat has been considered as the centre of Southern Albania. Ruins of a citadel, several mosques and Byzantine churches make the town fascinating to stay. The old name of the city was Antipatrea. In 1961 it was declared a Museum City of Albania and is anticipated to be named a UNESCO World Heritage City, attracting many tourists throughout the entire year.Meeting at your hotel early in the morning (7h30)

 

1. Drive Southeast Albania (approx. 1h)
2. Stop in Durres beach for a short wake up coffee (Optional) (approx.15min)
3. Drive to Apollonia (approx. 1h30m)
4. Visit the Museum of Apollonia (approx. 45min)
5. Visit the excavations and the monuments of Apollonia (approx. 45min)
6. Drive to Berat(approx. 1h15min)
7. Visit the Fortress and the Onufri Museum (45 min)
8. Traditional Albanian lunch in one of the characteristic restaurants of the town (Optional) (approx. 1h30m)
9. Visit the Medieval Centre (approx. 1h)
10. Visit the Mangalem and Goritsa neighborhoods (Muslim and Orthodox neighborhoods) (approx. 1h)
11. Refreshment and coffee on the road back (Optional) (approx. 30 min)
12. Drive back to Hotel in Tirana (approx. 2h30min).
    
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Northwestern Albania – Kruja and Shkodra (Approx. 12hours)

KRUJA is located only 32 km away from the capital and is one of the cities with the richest history in Albania. It was Skanderbeg’s capital, the Albanian national hero. The Kruja fortress turned into an invincible stronghold of resistance against the Ottoman threat. Today the city lies on the side of the Kruja Mountain, about 600 meters above the sea level, commanding a panoramic view.

Shkodra is the most important urban center of Northern Albania. Do not miss the Castle of Rozafa, let us tell you the legend that goes along with it and enjoy the amazing panorama. Specially recommended for photo passionate, visit the museum of Lumiere’s students The Marubis, one of the first European families of photographers, excellent ethnographic and historical testimony.
Meeting at your hotel early in the morning (7h30).