Mini UNESCO Food Tour
Highlights
- Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who build it, Ali Pashe Tepelena.
- Visit the Flag Square with its Independence Monument right in the center, the Muradie Mosque and Vlore Lungomare.
- Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above.
- Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses and visit Gjirokastra Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokastra.
- Step in the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, built in 1986
Overview
Don’t have much time to visit Albania? You want something short but intensive? Come along!
Spend an afternoon wandering in the cobbled streets of Berat, with its Ottoman homes earning it the name “The city of thousand windows”. Venture down to Gjirokastra where a massive oval fortress guards over the steep, narrow streets and stone – roofed houses. Explore the 8th century BC city of Butrint and head back to Tirana through the southern coastland drive.
At least 2 people required to be guaranteed.
- Day 1 - Sightseeing tour of Berat via Durres
Included Entrance: Amphiteater, Castle, Onufri National Iconographic Museum
We travel to Berat, stopping for a short walking tour and coffee break in Durres.
Get settled in the hotel and head out for a guided tour with the local guide admiring the citadel / castle of Berat with the Red Mosque, recognized by its solitary minaret. The White Mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity and the arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780 are the other attractions that await you after the Castle.
Step in the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, built in 1986. The Museum’s name honours the Albanian master painter of the 16th century, Onufri, who is responsible for a rich legacy of iconography in the country. The museum contains an immense collection of one-hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries.
Head for lunch in a local restaurant facing the city.
Enjoy the rest of the day to wander in the two main districts of Mangalem and Gorica.
- Day 2 - Sightseeing tour of Gjirokastra
Included Entrance: Castle of Gjirokaster – Local Guide, Skenduli House
Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”, driving through small villages.
Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above.
Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses and visit Gjirokastra Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokastra and enjoy the 360º view from there.
Stop for lunch in a small, local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes.
Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family.
Enjoy a relaxing evening in the streets of Gjirokast
- Day 3 - Sightseeing tour of Butrint & the Blue Eye spring
Included Entrance: Blue Eye Spring, Archaeological Park of Butrint, On-site expert guide
Transfer to the Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it.
Drive to Butrint and set off on a guided tour with a local guide. Marvel at 2500 year of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the Castle, the Churches and the Lion Gate.
Drive to Ksamil and enjoy a treat of a lunch at The Mussel House.
Spend your afternoon in Ksamil and on the way back to Saranda visit the Lekursi Castle overseeing the city.
- Day 4 - Vlore via Llogara National Park
Included Entrance: Museums , On-site guide
En route to the city of Vlore, explore the Ali Pasha Castle with your Tour Director.
Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who build it, Ali Pashe Tepelena.
Stop at Llogara “balcony” for a stunning view from above of the South Coast beaches and then head for lunch to Llogara National Park freshened by the mountain breeze and pine trees.
Visit the city of Vlore in the afternoon. Hometown to the National Independence movement, visit the Flag Square with its Independence Monument right in the center, the Muradie Mosque and Vlore Lungomare.
Transfer to Tirana. (Hotel accommodation in Tirana is not included on tour)
- Accommodation- 3 nights in historical & traditional hotels
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- 4 Lunches three course meals with beer or wine, Breakfasts
- Private deluxe motor coach transportation
- Gratuities