If you are truly looking for an affordable vacation that encompasses all of the best Albania has to offer… then we have the tour for you!
This Tea Tours exclusive ten day tour will take you throughout Albania to experience the best sites, the culture and history of this country. In addition, the beautiful beaches and the amazing traditional food!
This journey begins in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Tirana is known for its colorful Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture and Skanderbeg Square, named for Albania’s national hero.
Next up, Krujë & Durres!
Krujë, once was inhabited by an ancient Illyrian tribe, later became the capital of the first Albanian State, in the middle ages. But in the early 15th century Krujë was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, and recaptured in 1443 by Skanderbeg, the Albanian Hero.
Krujë is home to the Skanderberg Museum and the Krujë Castle.
Durrës is the second most populated city of Albania, located on the sea. It is home to the Amphitheatre of Durrës, the Venetian Tower of Durrës, the Church of Apostle Paul, the Ancient Walls of Durrës, and Iliria Square.
Now, off to Pogradec & Korçë…
Pogradec is located in central Albania, on the shores of Ohrid Lake. The lake is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes with North Macedonia on the other side.
Korçë, which for centuries has been an important religious center for both Orthodox Christians and Muslims, is home to the Resurrection Cathedral. Historically, Korçë is also known as a commercial and agricultural center. Local industries include knitwear, rugs, textiles, flour-milling, brewing, and sugar-refining. The city is home to the nationally famous Korçë Beer.
If you are interested in a two day tour of only Pogradec & Korçë, feel free to check out our tour offering here.
Next up, Berat.
A truly beautiful destination, Berat is known as the city of the THOUSAND AND ONE WINDOWS due to the many white Ottoman houses of this city.
It is home to the Berat Castle, a huge compound now inhabited by townspeople. Within the compound you will discover Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum. Also in Berat, is the Ethnographic Museum, which is an 18th-century house that showcases traditional crafts and a reconstructed medieval bazaar. \
Berat is truly rich with history, culture and Albanian goods to enjoy.
Then we’re off to Përmet & Gjirokaster…
Përmet is known as «The City of Roses.» Known throughout Albania for its excellent hospitality, cooking and natural beauty with sites such as the Bridge of Kati, the thermal baths of Benja (that have curative effects) and the Langarica Canyon.
If you are interested in a day tour, of only Përmet, you can find this tour offering here.
Gjirokastra, known as the stone city, has been protected by UNESCO since 2005 and is one of the last Ottomans -style cities left in the Balkans.
The city has over 500 historic buildings. Much of the architecture included protective structures, because Albanians occasionally fought against each other; and also rebelled against the High Gate in Istanbul. Today’s city of Gjirokastra includes the Old Town, the castle (the first settlement nucleus) and the Ottoman-style quarters — built on crests, coming from the castle to the valley basin, where there are contemporary buildings and university complex.
Gjirokastra also has a beautiful Bazaar!
If you are interested in a five hour tour, of just Gjirokastra, you can find this tour offering here.
Now, we’re off to Saranda and it’s vicinity. Saranda is home to Tea Tours…
Saranda is a city with more than 2000 years of history, known as Onhezmi, located on the sea. It is rich in cultural and archaeological heritage.
In Saranda you will find the Monument The Incoming Gate of Onhezmi, The V-VI Synagogue Complex, an Archaeological Museum, The Museum of Heritage, an Art Gallery, an Orthodox Church…
and The Castle of Lekures, with an incredible view overlooking Saranda and Ksamil.
If you would prefer only a day tour of Saranda, rather than this extensive ten day tour, you can find this tour offering here.
The Blue Eye National Park is a water spring (and natural phenomenon) that is often a favorite of tourists.
It holds an oval shape similar to the shape of an eye, emerging from the dark underground in the middle and deep blue at the sides. The spring has great depth, which goes up to 50m, and is surrounded by dense and lush vegetation. All in all, the area offers a great time out for adults, as well as for children.
If you would like a tour of only The Blue Eye National Park, you can view this tour offering here.
The Ancient Site of Butrint declared a museum town in 1961, is on the National Heritage list of protected monuments, under protection of UNESCO.
At Butrint you will see the well-preserved Greek / Roman theater in honor of Asclepius (God of Medicine), the Byzantine Basilica, the museum within the Castle, and many other antique objects.
If you would like a tour of only Butrint, you can view this tour offering here.
Then… the beaches of Ksamil…
Ksamil is one of the most attractive areas of southern Albania! Blessed with its small little islands, in a distance not too far off shore, Ksamil is truly the pearl of the Ionian Sea, and a destination that everyone dreams of as a vacation place.
Then we’re off to Qeparo, Himarë and Vlorë.
Qeparo village is filled with fascinating views and beautiful traditional architecture.
Its cobbled alleys and old churches make magnificent subjects. Also, in the village, sits the Castle of Ali Pasha Tepelena, which was designed by the French army architect.
The Himarë region is characterized by its mountainous surroundings and hills which descend directly into the crystal -clear sea. The region has a Mediterranean climate and it is well known as a most attractive point of tourism.
If you are interested in only taking a tour of Qeparo & Himarë, you can find that tour here.
Vlorë is one of the most significant cities of southern Albania, know for its traditions, folklore and expansive beaches.
Then we’re off to Appolonia & Fier!
Apollonia, founded in 588 BC, was perhaps the most important of the several classical towns. Apollonia was home to a renowned school of philosophy, but began to decline in the 3rd century AD after an earthquake. These are the ruins of the Monument of Agonothetes.
If you have interest in learning more about this tour, you are welcome to do so here.
Happy travels and all the best from us all at Tea Tours.