Depart to Vlora where Albanian Independence was proclaimed. On the way we visits at the Monastery of Ardenica, supposed to have been built in the middle ages, in whose church chapel you can admire icon paintings of 1743-1745, and the ancient city of Apollonia situated on the famous Via Egnatia - one of the most important cities in Roman times. Julius Caesar chose to send his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory in Apollonia revealing the importance of this ancient city. Overnight in Vlora where Albania’s Independence was proclaimed in a small house, today the Independence Museum. Stroll through the beautiful seaside promenade with palm trees and plenty of caffes.
The next day a beautiful drive through the spectacular Albanian Riviera awaits, with breath-taking sceneries appearing at the Llogara pass - 1000 m above sea level. Saranda, the most southern town is nested in a small bay just across Corfu island. It gives access to the ancient remains of Butrint a UNESCO world heritage site and the most important archaeological discovery in Albania.
Situated in a beautiful natural peninsula it offers a spectacular mixture of history and nature appealing to anyone.

On day 5 after breakfast, we dedicate the day to visits of Gjirokastra, a UNESCO site and museum town with beautiful and very distinctive architecture. Visit the medieval Castle which used to be a political prison during the communist dictatorship and a 300-year-old house which showcases the skills of the Gjirokastra masons and builders as well as the traditions of living in an extended family. In the afternoon after the visits, we transfer to Berat for 2 overnights. Next day fully dedicated to the visit of Berat, its citadel which is still lived inside its walls. It houses also the small but very interesting Onufri Icon Museum inside St. Mary’s church. Onufri was an Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches and became famous for the use of a particular red colour. The chapel of the church also housed under its altar until the 1970-s two of the oldest codices in the world. The Mangalem and Gorica districts are truly beautiful and give Berat its postcard appeal, with thousands of house windows positions above each other. A free afternoon to explore on your own time and pace.

Today returning to the capital we will take a cable lift to 1100m above sea level to enjoy the clean air of Dajti Mountain and the spectacular panoramas of Tirana and the surrounding hills and fields stretching like a blanket all the way to the Adriatic sea. A free last afternoon in the capital.

After breakfast transfer to the airport based on your flights schedule where we say goodbye.