The Golden Triangle

Kruje, Shkoder

Drive to Kruja the center of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans led by our national hero Scanderbeg who defeated them in 25 battles including one of the most warrior like sultans Mehmet the Conqueror and resisted the Ottoman occupation for 25 years, mid-15th century. We visit the Castle with two great Museums as Ethnographic and Historical. Also visit the Dollma Bektashi Tekke built on 18th century. Some free time exploring the Old Ottoman style bazaar. Continuing to Shkoder, the largest city in Northern Albania visiting Rozafa Fortress from 4th century B.C. Spectacular 360 degrees view over Albanian Alps, three rivers and Shkoder Lake, the largest in Balkans. Then in historical center of the city visit Franciscans Church, Catholic Cathedral and pedestrian area known as the Golden Triangle. Last visit in Marubi Photo Archive. Overnight in Shkoder.

Transfer information:
Distance: 125 km
Duration: 3 hours

Durres, Berat
First stop in Durres, main port and the oldest city in the country, founded at 8th century B.C. Sightseen and visit the largest Roman Amphitheater in Balkans, built at 2 century A.D. Inside we can admire the original wall mosaic and the rest of first paleo Christian church in the country. Depart for Berat, one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania under the protection of UNESCO as a patronage of humanity for its architectural uniqueness. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors have done for centuries. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain including St. Mary’s church turned into Onufri Museum. We visit the Castle and the Onufri Museum. Accommodation in characteristic house turned hotel in the old quartier. Overnight in Berat.

Transfer information:
Distance: 225 km
Duration: 3.5 hrs

Elbasan -Korce
First stop in Elbasan, ancient Scampini found by Romans at 2 century A.D. next to Via Egnatia. Second part of famous Via Apia linking Rome and Constantinople, two centers of Roman Empire and later of Christianity. Visit the fortress and Paleo Christian Basilica Mosaic. Continue for the town of Pogradec, situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the deepest and most beautiful lake in the Balkans. In the picturesque city of Korça will visit the Museum of Medieval Art in and the Mirahori mosque, one of the oldest in the country from 1497. A nice walk through the old Market area from 18th century. Last visit in the Resurrection Cathedral, rebuilt on 1995. Overnight in Korça.

Hike information:
Distance: 195 km
Duration: 4.5 hrs

Voskopoja -Gjirokaster
Drive to Voskopoja, where Nature meets art and history, making it a favorite destination for tourists year-round. The town of Voskopoja is renowned for having been a cultural center since 1330 and, over the centuries, more than 24 orthodox churches were built there. The city hosted the first printing press outside Istanbul along other important institutions, such as the New Academy. Unfortunately, many of these buildings were eventually destroyed by fires, wars, or earthquakes. From that glorious past, now the visitor may admire The Monastery of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Mary, the Church of Saint Athanasius, the Church of Saint Nicholas, among other churches or buildings which are now considered culturally, historically or aesthetically significant. Then will continue through spectacular landscapes and nature with gorges, mountains and river valleys offering a truly fulfilling experience, national park of Germenji, Valley of Vjosa River. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Hike information:
Distance: 250 km
Duration: 5.5 hrs

Gjirokastra- Labova e Kryqit
The “city of stone” offers a number of authentically rich culinary delights and memorable panoramas of the surrounding mountainous. UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, this gorgeous, carefully preserved, peculiar-looking city is built on steep slopes where stone-roofed houses seem to be built on top of one another. Alongside Albania’s most beautiful traditional houses and the city’s famous limestone and shale paved roads, the city houses the Castle of Gjirokastra, one of the oldest in the Balkans dates back from 12th century. Part of visit will be Ethnographic Museum, the house where was born Enver Hoxha, former communist leader and Skenduli’s house built in late 17th century. Driving to the village Labova e Kryqit, visit the orthodox Saint Mary Church, dates back from 6th century. It is one of the most representative examples of Byzantine architecture in Albania. Return and visit Bektashi Tekke e Zallit. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Travel information:
Distance: 75 km
Duration: 1.5 hrs

Gjirokastra – Saranda – Vlora
Visit the ancient city of Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city was found at 7th century B.C. and was continuously inhabited for centuries till beginning of 20th century. It is considered the most important archeological site in Albania situated in a beautiful peninsula among dense vegetation. One of highlights the floor polychrome mosaic of Baptistery, from 6th century A.D. The largest in east of Rome, apart from Hagie Sofia in Constantinople, nowadays Istanbul. In the city of Saranda short visit in the center where we can admire the ruins and mosaics of oldest synagogue in Albania from 5th century A.D. Drive through the spectacular Albanian Riviera with its traditional villages. At the Llogara National Park we stop at around 1100 meters where spectacular views of the Ionian Sea can be admired. Overnight in Vlora

Travel information:
Distance: 195km
Duration: 6.5 hours

Vlora-Tirana-Airport
Visit the Independence Square and Monument, a perfect example of communist art style. Then visit the Muradie Mosque from 16th century, typical illustration of Ottoman architecture style. Then walk in Jewish Street, where the members of Albanian Jewish families used to live. Learning many facts about this period of Albanian history. We are the only country in Europe occupied by Nazi during the Second World War where not even one Jewish was taken by them. All the members where hidden and protected by Albanian people and local authorities. Leaving Vlora in direction of Airport. End of our service.

Transfer information:
Distance: 165 km
Duration: 2.5 hrs.