Europe Private Tour (ALB001): Grand Albania (8 Days 7 Nights)

See You Again welcomes you upon your arrival at Tirana International Airport. Today, enjoy a full-day tour exploring Tirana, the capital of Albania.

Visit Skanderbeg Square, the most important landmark of the city, named after the national hero who resisted Ottoman rule, Skanderbeg.

Here, you can soak in the history of Tirana and admire Saint Paul Cathedral. Nearby stands the National Historical Museum, where you can explore important historical exhibits of Albania. See the Clock Tower Tirana and stroll through Pazari i Ri Fresh Market if you wish.

Immerse yourself in Tirana's history with a visit to the Pyramid of Tirana. Formerly a museum dedicated to leader Enver Hoxha, you can now climb to the top for scenic views. If you wish, you can also see Enver Hoxha's Former Residence.

Visit the Opera House, followed by the Clock Tower near the Ethem Bey Mosque, the National Historical Museum, and the BUNKART museum.

In Albania's capital, you will also have the chance to explore and sample many famous local restaurants.

hotel Overnight Tirana, Albania

After breakfast, we travel to Ohrid (130 km), located in North Macedonia. This town is often referred to as the Jerusalem of the Balkans.

Start the trip with a visit to the Church of St. Sophia, built in the 11th century. Visit the Roman amphitheater and walk to the Church of the Holy Mother of God Most Glorious, where you will find some of the most stunning frescoes. In addition to the church itself, we will also view the basilica adorned with exquisitely crafted mosaic floors.

Head to the village of Kaneo to enjoy magnificent views of Lake Ohrid from the cliffside.

After exploring the town, we continue our journey to Bitola, North Macedonia (70 km).

hotel Overnight Bitola, North Macedonia

Today, explore the second-largest city in North Macedonia, one of the most charming destinations with a rich history, situated in Pelister National Park.

You will visit Heraclea Lyncestis, whose floors are beautifully decorated with mosaics. Enjoy the architectural blend of Ottoman, Neoclassical, and 19th-century Romantic styles.

After lunch, we head toward Kalampaka (260 km), Greece. The town is located on the border between Greece and Albania at the foot of the Meteora rock mountains, where the scenery is superb.

Next, we visit the churches, one of the country's most unique attractions and under UNESCO care. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a hotel in Kalampaka, Greece.

hotel Overnight Kalabaka, Greece

We travel to Butrint, Albania (210 km), the first site in Albania to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover artifacts uncovered around the ancient theater in Butrint, including the statue of Apollo—the deity of Butrint—marble portrait heads of Zeus and Agrippina, a stone portrait head of Livia, and numerous Latin and Greek inscriptions.

Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a hotel in Saranda (a 28 km drive).

hotel Overnight Sarande, Albania

Drive 60 km to visit Gjirokaster, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique character of this town lies in the use of stone as the primary building material for houses that resemble small fortresses, along with stone-paved streets leading toward the Bazaar, where we will visit the Bazaar Mosque. The city's most prominent structure is the castle, the largest in Albania and the second-largest in the Balkans.

Next, we visit the local museum, located in the birthplace of former communist dictator Enver Hoxha in the Palorto neighborhood.

Continue to Vlore (130 km). Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Vlore.

hotel Overnight Vlore, Albania

After breakfast, we travel to Apollonia (Apollonia Archaeological Park, Pojan, Albania), a distance of 41 km.

Visit the UNESCO-listed archaeological park founded by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth in the lands of the local Illyrians, considered one of the most important classical cities. Apollonia was praised by Cicero, the ancient Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and constitutionalist, as a grand and important city.

Afterwards, we travel to the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat (60 km), to visit its famous castle.

Explore Berat Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the local museum. Then enjoy lunch or wine tasting in the historic old town of Berat before returning to Tirana (112 km) via Durres. Have dinner and stay overnight in Tirana.

hotel Overnight Tirana, Albania

On Day 7 of the trip, we take you on an in-depth second day in Tirana. Stroll around the Tanners' Bridge area, visit the House of Leaves museum dedicated to secret surveillance, or enjoy free time shopping at Toptani Shopping Centre.

Art lovers can visit the National Gallery of Arts Tirana, which displays an extensive collection of important national paintings.

Admire fascinating architectural designs like Reja - The Cloud with its unique structure. If you enjoy staying active, take a stroll through Tirana's National Sport Park Resort, a central sports park right in the city.

For open-air art lovers, don't miss Postbllok - Checkpoint Monument park, which features numerous outdoor sculptures on display.

Take the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car up to Mount Dajti, and don't miss the lovely cafes, rich history, and opera performances when visiting here.

hotel Overnight Tirana, Albania

Today, we provide airport transfer according to your scheduled time, wishing you a safe, smooth, and memorable flight back to Thailand.