Albania Fly & Drive

Durres – Vlore
Possible visits:
1. Monastery of Ardenica – A 13th Century Christian Orthodox Monastery Complex with stone buildings, frescoes and icons. Thought to be the church where Albanian National Hero Scanderbeg took his wedding vows in mid-15th century.
2. Apollonia – The remains of the ancient city of Apollonia which was founded by Greek colonists 6th century B.C. and flourished in the time of Julius Caesar. First Roman Emperor, Octavian studied here. Make sure to visit both the ancient site and the Orthodox monastery next to it where the archaeological museum of the site is located.
3. Monastery of Zvernec – Built in the 13th century the monastery is situated just a few kilometers from Vlore on the Island of Zvernec. Its access is through a wooden bridge built on the shallow waters of the Narta Lagoon, a protected area due to its rich flora and fauna. Overnight in Vlora, the most important and beautiful city in south western part.

Travel information:
Distance: 120 km
Duration: 2 hours

Vlora – Saranda
Possible visits:
1. Albanian Riviera – A spectacular drive through one of the most beautiful sceneries the country offers. From Llogara Pass over1000m above sea level you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree view over range of mountains up to 2000m high and amazing colors of Ionian Sea on rocky coast line. Dotted with characteristic little villages and deserted beaches where one can stop for visits and photo.
2. Himara town together with the fortress and old village.
3. Ali Pasha’s Castle at Porto Palermo.-A fortress on the sea constructed by Ai Pasha Tepelena, the powerful Albanian ruler of the south at beginning of 19th century. Overnight in Saranda.

Travel information:
Distance: 130 km
Duration 3 hours

Saranda (UNESCO)–Gjirokastra (UNESCO)
Possible visits:
1. Butrint Ancient site- Considered the best ancient site of Albania and beyond it is UNESCO protected for its archaeological importance. Situated in a wonderful peninsula it is great for both history and nature lovers.
2. Blue Eye Spring – A natural spring of fresh water in the shape of a human eye can be found only 15 km from Saranda on the way to Gjirokastra. Unique in Europe, able to deliver from underground 6meters cubic per second fresh water all the year around. Great for refreshment stop.
3. Gjirokastra – Under protection of UNESCO for its unique stone architecture offers an imposing castle from 5th century A.D. which was turned political prison during different periods. Inside is organized a army museum. Ethnographic museum is located inside the house where the ex-dictator Enver Hoxha was born. Skenduli and Zekate Family stone houses are the best representatives of the architectural style of Gjirokastra. Well preserved and dates back from end of 17th century. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Travel information:
Distance: 60 km
Drive: 1 hour

Gjirokastra (UNESCO)-Berat (UNESCO)
Possible visit:
1. Byllis Ancient city. – Byllis was the major center of the Illyrian tribe of the Bylliones and is situated on top hill above the Vjosa river valley with stunning views towards Vlora, Apollonia and the Adriatic Sea. Found at the 5th century B.C. Many important buildings and mosaics from paleo Christian basilicas well preserved.
Possible visits:
1. Berat – One of the most attractive towns of Albania considered a living museum it is under the protection of UNESCO for its architecture and cultural heritage.
Possible visit include the citadel with several medieval Orthodox churches, including the largest and best preserved St. Mary’s Cathedral turned into Onufri Icons Museum. Old quartiers of Mangalemi and Gorica with their wonderful and distinct architecture style, Kings Mosque, Helveti Tekke, Lead Mosque, Ethnographic museum are some of the other possible visits. Overnight in Berat.

Travel information:
Distance: 155 km
Duration: 3.5 hours

Berat (UNESCO)-Tirana
2. Tirana – The capital of Albania is relatively modern but looks and feels Mediterranean. Places to visit include: National History Museum, Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, Tirana Castle, The Main Boulevard, The Bllok with the ex-Communist villas now transformed in entertainment and fashion district, National Art Gallery, The colored apartment blocks, the famous underground anti-nuclear bunkers from communist era known as museums, Bunkart 1 and Bunkart 2. Visiting Dajti national park on the mountain by the same name which stands above Tirana and offer spectacular views. Can be reach by car or panoramic cable cart, the longest in Balkans. Overnight in Tirana.

Transfer information:
Distance: 120 km
Duration: 2.5 hours