Albania: Mini UNESCO Food Tour – 4 Days

Experience Albanian culinary tradition and Unesco heritage cultural sites. Most people would not know much but between the all-natural, delicious food, ancient cities bursting with legends and people with unique personalities, falling in love with Albania is assured. On this rustic tour, you’ll cook, eat and drink with old ladies in the countryside, explore thousand-year-old cities like Berat, Gjirokaster and the Archaeological park of Butrint (all Unesco World Heritage sites), and discover the untouched nature of the South.

HIGHLIGHTS

– The narrow alleys and castle of the city of “a thousand windows” of Berat

– Durrës’s City Walls, street – art and the Ampthitheatre

– The Albania Riviera

– The Bazaar built of stone of Gjirokastra

– A hypnotic spring and a coffee break in the middle of waterfalls

– A stroll through Albanian history in Butrint and Lekursi Castle

– The fresh seafood in the Southern Coast and mind-relaxing sight in Llogara National Park

Itinerary

Sightseeing tour of Berat UNESCO via Durres

1. Durres · 2 h

   Today, we travel to Durrës. Set off on a guided tour of the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, the Venetian Tower and the Amphitheater and enjoy the city’s street art around the ancient ruins.

2. Berat Castle · 4 h

   Transfer to Berat passing through suggestive hills full of olive trees. Head for lunch in a local restaurant facing the city. Get settled in the hotel and head out for a guided tour admiring the citadel / castle of Berat with the Red Mosque, recognized by its solitary minaret, and the many Byzantine Churches like the Holy Trinity Church and the St. George Church. Step inside a local home inside the castle of Berat for a coffee, raki and dessert break. The King Mosque, the Halveti Tekke and the arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780 are the other attractions that await you in the Medieval Center of Berat after the Castle visit. Enjoy the rest of the day to wander in the two main districts of Mangalem and Gorica.

Sightseeing tour of Gjirokastra UNESCO

1. Gjirokaster · 4 h

   Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”. 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 Gjirokastra.

Sightseeing tour of Butrint & the Blue Eye spring

1. The Blue Eye · 30 min

   Transfer to the Blue Eye and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it.

2. Butrint National Park · 2 h

   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.

3. Ksamil Beach · 2 h

   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.

Tirana via Vlore & Riviera Road

1. Ali Pasha Castle · 2 h

   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 for lunch at a rustic local restaurant along Shushica river.

2. Vlore · 1 h 30 min

   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) Transfer to Tirana in late afternoon.

What's included

• Expert Tour Director & local guides
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Guided sightseeing tours and select entrance fees x 3
• 3 nights in handpicked hotels
• Private deluxe motor coach

What's not included

• Anything else not mentioned in inclusions
• Gratuities (optional)
• Single supplement € 80

Start time

09:00

Languages

In-person guide: English, Italian

Travellers

• Adult (16–99)

Options

• Double Room Occupancyfrom €925

  3 nights in handpicked hotels

  3 guided sightseeing tours and

  Group Tour

  Duration: 4 days

  Private deluxe motor coach

  Pickup included

  Start time: 09:00

  In-person guide: Italian, English

Additional information

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.

If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.

If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.