Apollonia & Karavasta Lagoon Full-Day Private Tour
This private full-day Apollonia & Karavasta tour from Tirana combines one of Albania’s most important ancient cities with its most impressive coastal wetland in a single, seamless experience. In Apollonia Archaeological Park, you walk among 2,600-year-old Greek and Roman ruins, temples, forums, a monastery, and the Archaeological Museum, where statues, mosaics, and artifacts bring the ancient Adriatic trade hub to life. In the afternoon, Karavasta Lagoon National Park reveals a different world: peaceful boat rides through a 58 km² lagoon, pine forests, a 360° watchtower, and the chance to spot the rare Dalmatian pelican, one of Europe’s most endangered birds. With private transport, flexible timing, and optional boat and seafood lunch, it is ideal for travelers seeking culture, nature, and light adventure in one day
★ 5.0 · 2 reviews · Tripadvisor ★ 5.0 (2)
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.
This private full-day Apollonia & Karavasta tour from Tirana combines one of Albania’s most important ancient cities with its most impressive coastal wetland in a single, seamless experience. In Apollonia Archaeological Park, you walk among 2,600-year-old Greek and Roman ruins, temples, forums, a monastery, and the Archaeological Museum, where statues, mosaics, and artifacts bring the ancient Adriatic trade hub to life. In the afternoon, Karavasta Lagoon National Park reveals a different world: peaceful boat rides through a 58 km² lagoon, pine forests, a 360° watchtower, and the chance to spot the rare Dalmatian pelican, one of Europe’s most endangered birds. With private transport, flexible timing, and optional boat and seafood lunch, it is ideal for travelers seeking culture, nature, and light adventure in one day
Itinerary
- Apollonia Archaeological Park · 2 h
Apollonia Archaeological Park near Fier is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Albania, founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC and later flourishing under Roman rule. A visit begins at the monumental center, where you walk among atmospheric ruins, standing columns, and the iconic façade of the Bouleuterion (Monument of Agonothetes), overlooking the former agora. Scattered across the hill are remains of the amphitheater, library, stoas, city walls, and residential quarters, letting you picture Apollonia as a bustling Adriatic trade hub. At the heart of the park stands the medieval Monastery of St. Mary, whose church, refectory, and cloisters now house the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, filled with statues, inscriptions, coins, and everyday objects from over a millennium of history. The monastery chapel preserves fragments of frescoes and offers a peaceful contrast to the open-air ruins, making Apollonia a perfect blend of archaeology and landscape.
- Parku Kombetar Divjake-Karavasta · 2 h
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is one of Albania’s top nature escapes, ideal for a day trip from Tirana, Durrës, or Berat. The highlight is the 35–36 m Kulla 360° observation tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree views over Karavasta Lagoon, pine forests, wetlands, dunes, and the Adriatic coastline—perfect for photography and birdwatching. Begin at the modern Visitor and Nature Museum, where interactive displays showcase local flora, fauna, and the famous Dalmatian pelican that nests in the lagoon. Then follow wooden walkways through fragrant pine woods to birdwatching points, sandy Divjakë Beach, and the lagoon shore, where optional boat rides reveal channels, islets, and rich wildlife. After your walk, relax at a traditional fish restaurant in Divjakë or near the lagoon, tasting freshly caught seafood, grilled fish, and local specialties in a laid-back coastal setting. A visit to Divjakë-Karavasta combines nature, views, and gastronomy in one memorable Albanian experience.
What's included
- Private Driver (Not e tour Guide)
- Museum of Nature - Divjaka Park
- Private Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Taxes and Fuel/Petrol surcharges
- Entry ticket Apollonia Archaeological Park
What's not included
- Guide (Extra cost for English speaking guide 150 euro)
- Entry Fees at the 360 degrees watchtower (estimated cost 2 Euros per person)
- Boat ride in Karavasta lagoon, estimated €30 per boat, 1 - 8 people, 30-40 minutes.
- Meals & Drinks (Estimated cost 12-15 Euros per person in a local traditional fish restaurant)
Start time
09:00
Travellers
- Child (0–11)
- Adult (12–90)
Options
- Tour with Car & Driver Onlyfrom €60
Duration: 8 hours
Tirana-Apollonia-Karavasta: Tirana to Apollonia +- 1.5 hrs drive, Apollonia to Karavasta lagoon +- 40 min drive, Karavasta lagoon to Tirana +-1.3 hrs.
Car, SUV, Minibus
Pickup included
Start time: 09:00
- Tour + Professional Guidefrom €100
"Optional" with Private Guide: Tour with a professional Guide, instead of driver only.
Duration: 8 hours
Tirana-Apollonia-Karavasta: Tirana to Apollonia +- 1.5 hrs drive, Apollonia to Karavasta lagoon +- 40 min drive, Karavasta lagoon to Tirana +-1.3 hrs.
Car, SUV, Minibus, Bus
Pickup included
Start time: 09:00
Additional information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Similar experiences
Join the Club to write and create topicsTiered cups, discounts, and surprises every month. Free.
Join the Club