CULTURAL & SCENIC ALBANIA – 5 DAYS

Distance / Transfer: 20 km – approx. 35–45 min Flight Arrival: Meet your local host at Tirana International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the local host during your stay and transfer to hotel in Tirana : 35 to maximum 45 minutes transfer (considering traffic) Our tour explores the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana, which features a dynamic and rich history as it moved from a small rural and trade center in the 17th century into the main capital of Albania, the cultural hub with traces of ancient ruins, Ottoman, Italian, communist and modern buildings and traditions Discover Tirana’s history and architecture on a walking tour including: o Skanderbeg Square o Ethem Bey Mosque o Clock Tower o National Historical Museum (mosaic “Albanians”) o Italian Boulevard and City Hall Your coffee experience awaits at the Komiteti Coffee Museum. Step into a charming space where everything— from the furniture and décor to the music and staff uniforms—celebrates Albania’s communist era. Carefully recreated by a young generation, this unique café offers a playful and immersive journey into the past, complete with a selection of traditional beverages to enjoy. 20:00 – Welcome Dinner • Enjoy a typical Albanian dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Hotel Opera (or similar)

Distance / Transfer: 240 km – approx. 5 hrs 07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel 08:00 – Transfer to Shkodra (2 hrs) Our journey will take you to the captivating legendary castle of Rozafa, overlooking Shkoder (Skadar) lake and Adriatic Sea, once the stronghold of the brave Adrian Illyrian tribe. Join us to explore the mix of the ancient and modern trail of history and traditions of locals in the northwestern Albania. The walk up the coble stone pathway takes you through the main ancient gate, reconstructed in the 20th century. Enjoy the panoramic views from here of Adriatic Sea, Southwest, Skadar Lake Northwest, Albanian Alps in the North and East. The surrounding walls and watch towers still stand strong, despite heavy wind blowing through centuries from all corners. Proceed to Shkoder for sightseeing. • Discover the city’s mix of Ottoman, Venetian, and modern architecture. 13:00: On your way back, stop for lunch on an amazing agritourist farm: Mrizi i Zanave in the village of Fishte. A farm-to-table experience showcasing traditional Albanian cuisine. (30 min) 14:30 – Drive to Krujë (1 hr) • Stroll through the Ottoman bazaar, cobblestone streets, and castle walls. Optional visit to the Ethnographic Museum. 16:00 – Return to Tirana (1 hr) 19:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant

Distance / Transfer: 270 km – approx. 5 hrs 07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Berat (2h30min) Walking tour of Berat Fortress (UNESCO Heritage Site) Berat (description tour) – Known as the “City of windows” and is declared a Museum City”. Berat, overshadowed to the east by Tomorr Mountain 2415 m, and is an ancient Illyrian settlement founded in the 4th & 5th centuries B.C. on the territory of the Illyrian tribe of Desarettes. The town is composed of 3 parts; Gorica, situated on the far side of the river; Mangalem, situated on the fortress side of the river and the Residential quarter within the fortress known as Kalaja. Notice the presence of different religious cultures as an example of peaceful coexistence between them. Visit the Fortress of Berat and Onufri’s Museum within the Cathedral of St. Mary . Time for lunch in a local restaurant. On the way back to Tirana, we’ll stop en route to visit COBO winery. Our local host will take us on a tour of the winery, a family business, in their efforts to reinvent the old tradition of the locals for growing wine yards and wine making. We conclude the tour with a sample wine tasting of 2 red, one white and a special raki, mixture of grape distillation, with strong flavor of walnut. Of course, we shall not miss the homemade cheeses and locally grown olives, known as the delicious Berati Olives. Transfer back to your hotel. Prepare for your dinner at a local restaurant 16:30 – Return to Tirana (2.5 hrs) 19:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant

Distance / Transfer: 370 km – approx. 5.5 hrs 07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel 08:00 – Following breakfast, we’ll drive to Vlora, with stop en route to visit Apollonia Archaeologic Park (2hrs) Guided tour including: o Encircling Walls o Agonothetes Monument o Library, Odeon, and Portico o House with Mosaics o Archaeological Museum and Church of St. Mary 12:00 – Transfer to Vlora for lunch and stroll (30 min). Enjoy lunch and a short walk along the seaside promenade. We then depart to Tirana and En route to Tirana, we’ll have nice drive through the forest to get to Monastery of Zvernec, walking on beautiful little bridge to the island and then you may visit the St. Mary between the great views that Narta Lagoon offers. 16:30 – Return to Tirana (2.5 hrs) 19:30 – Farewell Dinner with Folk Music • Celebrate Albanian traditions with a live folk performance during dinner.

07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel Optional Cable Car Ride to Dajti Mountain (extra cost). Take a 15-minute cable lift over Tirana’s scenic landscapes to reach the Dajti Belvedere. From the mountaintop, enjoy panoramic views of the city, surrounding mountains, and lush forests, making for a truly memorable experience. 10:30 – Transfer to Tirana International Airport (45 min) • End of Our Service!