SOUTH ALBANIA

Day 1: Arrival Airport – Tepelena 

Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet the local host and transfer at the hotel in Tepelena, with stop en route for refreshments. 

In the evening, we meet at hotel reception and enjoy a Welcome Drink 

Accommodation in Uji i Ftohte Hotel 4*

Day 2: Daily tour to Kelcyre – Permet – Benja Thermal Baths  

Breakfast, and start the day by driving to Kelcyre. Photo stop to Dragot Bridge, an important reference point in the history, which speaks to the creativity and engineering skill of its time on the Vjosa River, one of the largest and most beautiful rivers in the country. Later on, admire magnificent Kelcyra Gorge, with a length of 13 km and a depth up to 1000 meters. Our drive will proceed to “Meshini” Dairy Cheese: Altin Meshini is a successful organic cheese producer. Housed in a large bunker built by Mussolini's in 1939, but for Altin Meshini, passing down wartime memories is an important step towards understanding the preciousness of life and peace. "Look at my dairy," he said: "it was built to take life in an absurd war; I use it to nourish life in peacetime". Testing different productions as: white goat cheese, sheep cheese, mixed sheep and goat cheese, kackavall cheese, cottage cheese, butter. Our tour will continue to Alipostivan Bektashi Tekke, rising above a beautiful hillside, overlooking the village of Alipostivan. The beautiful tekke, in addition to having spiritual value for Bektashi (Sufi) believers, is also viewed as an object of rare cultural value. Head on to Permet town, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and beautiful countryside and lied along the Vjosa River. Famous for delicious recipes (especially sweets like gliko), and rich history, visiting Përmet is like taking a trip into nature's wonders. Meet a local family and know more about the lifestyle in the southeastern part of Albania, mean time that you enjoy testing of Raki (traditional Albanian grape) and Gliko (sweet jam). Lastly for the day, a leisure to thermal baths of Benje. The heated water flows down the river unless it gets diverted into one of the several human-made pools. They're a splendid spot for a hot soak. Drive back to your hotel, relax and prepare for dinner 

Accommodation in Uji i Ftohte Hotel 4*

Day 3: Daily tour to Gjirokaster  

After the breakfast, drive to Gjirokaster, a medieval town listed under UNESCO Heritage, slate-roofed houses, vertiginous streets paved with limestone and a castle assembled from rock hewn from the surrounding mountains. Albania’s ‘Stone City’ is a silvery beauty that shimmers in the rain. Of a great importance and interesting to be visit, are the Castle; typical house, as local architecture of 18 - 19th century, and the old bazaar, with its characteristic shops and great opportunity to interact with local folks. Lunch will be organized in an agritourist restaurant “the Barrels”, bio food, from the land to the table. Drive back to the hotel and time at your disposal 

Accommodation in Uji i Ftohte Hotel 4*

Day 04: Daily tour to Blue Eye Natural Park & Butrint Archaeological and Natural Park  

Breakfast and drive to Blue Eye NP. Take a walk in the beauty of the Blue Eye Park, with a natural spring with vibrant blue waters so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. The lighting in the early morning is particularly magical. The spring is an easy hike from the parking area on paved roads, through lush vegetation along the way. Please note: there are 4 km easy walk both ways. There is no possibility of driving by taxi to the Blue Eye Park  

Proceed driving to Butrint. Afternoon visit of Butrint Archaeological Park, boasting a fascinating blend of freshwater lakes, wetlands, and historical treasures. From the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, Butrint has witnessed a rich history, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological artifacts and structures. Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance, highlighting its significance on multiple levels. Drive back to the hotel. 

Accommodation in Uji i Ftohte Hotel 4*

Day 05: Tepelena – Berat – Tirana 

Today, we’ll check out from the hotel and drive to Tirana, with stop in Berat, UNESCO Heritage Medieval Town. Experience the magnetic charm of Berat, surrounded by rugged mountains and towering hillsides, witness an iconic assemblage of white Ottoman houses which climb to the highest peak of this ‘town of a thousand windows’, before exploring the expansive grounds of Berat Fortress. Visit Onufri Iconographic Museum. Before leaving the town, enjoy wine testing in a local family wine maker. You will have the opportunity to taste four different types of wine, produced from indigenous grapes, carefully selected by the winery. To enhance your wine tasting experience, you will also try a type of raki, a traditional Albanian brandy, and local foods that perfectly complement the wine. Proceed driving to Tirana 

Accommodation in Hilton Garden Inn Hotel 4*

Day 06: Tirana & Cable Car  

After enjoying the breakfast at the hotel, we start this day by visiting the capital city of Albania, a modern metropolitan city full of colors, and mix of buildings from Ottomans, Italians, Communist and Modern skyscapes that make Tirana a unique capital in the heart of Balkans. 

Located just 20 minutes from the center of Tirana, “Dajti Express – Cable Car” offers its visitors an unforgettable experience. Take the 15-minute ride to Dajti Mountain on the longest cable car in the Balkans and enjoy stunning views of the city. Once you reach the 1400 m altitude, relax, take a walk and admire the surrounding views of the Dajti Natural Park! The rest of the day, leisure by your own

Accommodation in Hilton Garden Inn Hotel 4*

Day 07: Daily tour to Kruja  

Breakfast and late departure to Kruja. Exuding an enchanting authentic ambience, wander through the cobblestone streets of this quaint town before browsing a collection of beautiful antiques, hand-crafted rugs and masterfully made copper objects in the Ottoman bazaar. Visit the fortress and Historic Museum dedicated our national hero George Castriota Skanderbeg. Time at the old bazaar for shopping 

Enjoy traditional dishes in a local restaurant (not included) 

Later on, drive back to Tirana. Time at your disposal 

Accommodation in Hilton Garden Inn Hotel 4*

Day 8. Tirana – Airport 

Breakfast, check out of the Hotel and time to say goodbye. Departure to the Airport. End of Service