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Albania

9 days from $4,740

Departing: April 2027 - October 2027

Discover Albania’s extraordinary archaeological heritage, where more than 2,000 years of history lie waiting to be uncovered amid dramatic mountains, deep valleys and the spectacular Albanian Riviera. At the heart of this journey is archaeologist Oliver Gilkes, who has spent more than 30 years excavating and studying the country. Having worked here since the fall of the communist regime and trained generations of Albanian archaeology students at Butrint, Oliver brings fascinating personal insight to the sites we explore. Spend a full day discovering the World Heritage Site of Butrint, alongside a wealth of ancient remains that reveal Albania’s Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Illyrian past. With Oliver’s expert knowledge bringing these places to life, uncover the remarkable story of a country whose archaeological treasures are only now being fully understood.

Included

Explore Butrint & Tirana's National Historical Museum, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Expert Guide Lecturer & professional Tour Manager
2 nights at the Hotel Opera, Tirana, 2 nights at the Hotel Brilant, Saranda, 1 night at the Hotel Fantasy, Gjirokaster, 1 night at the Hotel Mangalemi, Berat & 2 nights at the Hotel Panorama, Krujë
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 8 dinners
Tea or coffee with dinner
Private air-conditioned coach travel
Field notes, taxes & gratuities for local staff

Highlights

Uncover a story of the discovery of 2,000 years of untouched archaeological heritage
Spend a full day at the World Heritage Site of Butrint
Enjoy fantastic scenery, mountains, valleys and the dramatic Albanian Riviera

Tony O'Connor

Graduated in Ancient History and Archaeology, specialising in the Roman Empire and the Phoenicians. He spent several years excavating as a field archaeologist in the Mediterranean, UK and North Africa before becoming a Museum Curator and subsequently Museum Service Director.

Tour Itinerary

Arrive into Tirana and meet your expert Guide Lecturer and fellow travellers at your hotel.

Meals: Dinner

We spend the morning in Albania’s lively capital, Tirana, and explore the city centre, a microcosm of Albania’s modern history. We visit the Ethen Bay Mosque and the National Historical Museum, which contains a large section on prehistory, including Neolithic painted pottery, weapons and jewellery from Bronze and Iron Age and Illyrian tombs, some of the best finds of sculpture, mosaics, pottery and figurines from Illyrian and classical sites. In the afternoon, we head to the outskirts of the city to explore Bunkart 1, an enormous bunker intended as a nuclear shelter for Enver Hoxha and his inner circle. Now a converted into a museum and art centre, exhibits explore aspects of life under communist rule.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive to Apollonia Archaeological Park, site of the colony founded by the Corinthians in 588 BCE and one of the most important Greek cities on the Adriatic, the ruins of which cover an enormous area. Today the excavated remains are surrounded by olive and oak trees with grassy banks hinting at what may still lie buried underneath, while the evocative Byzantine monastery is now a museum. This afternoon, we drive along the ‘Mountains of Thunder’ down the beautiful Ionian coast, stopping for lunch in Vlora. We arrive in Saranda early this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our entire day is spent at Butrint, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992 and remains Albania’s best-known site. It is one of the most striking in the Mediterranean and our guide lecturer Oliver Gilkes has directed excavations here for many years. The city lies in suggestive woodlands and contains remarkable monuments of all periods. After a picnic lunch at Butrint Castle, we visit the museum before walking down to catch the ferry across the Vivari Channel. Here we explore the Venetian Triangular Fortress.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we leave the Ionian and cross the mountains to arrive in Gjirokastra. This amazing Ottoman city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we have the chance to visit the Gjirokastra Museum, the medieval Fortress and the National Museum of Arms. This afternoon, we enjoy a special visit to the late Ottoman mansion, Zekate House. Built in 1812, Zekate is widely considered to be one of the grandest examples of its kind, providing us with amazing an insight into the upper echelons of Ottoman life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We head northwards and along the valley of the mighty River Vjosa, round to the ruins of Byllis. According to legend, the city was founded by warriors led by Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, returning from the Trojan wars. Archaeologists have yet to find evidence of Homeric heroes but have uncovered a Hellenistic-era stadium, theatre and fortifications as well as numerous later Roman churches. After lunch, we visit the excavated Byllis Cathedral before continuing onwards to Berat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we shift from classical to medieval times and focus on the attractive town of Berat, which is brimming with traditional architecture. The lower city along the riversides was the preserve of the Muslim inhabitants, while by agreement the Christians held the citadel. Here we explore Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and the Onufri Museum, home to a spectacular collection of 16th-century religious artwork.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We visit Durres, Albania’s chief port and the starting point of the Via Egnatia. This was ancient Dyrrachium a great imperial port on the Adriatic. Here we visit the 2nd-century amphitheatre, the largest in the Balkans, as well as sections of the mighty walls. After lunch, we continue to Kruja, the mountain fortress of the Kastrioti family, and home of the National hero George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. We visit the Skanderbeg Museum and wander through the Ottoman bazaar. An eclectic last day to truly represent the many ages and influences of Albania.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart for the airport or continue your trip at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

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Availability & Booking

2027

8th April from $4,740

17th April from $4,740

9th October from $4,740

from $4,740

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