12 Days Albania & Montenegro - IBMWAN3
Mountaings & Coast, History & Culinary
Day 1 - Arrival Day
Tirana to Berat
Upon your arrival at Mother Teresa Airport, we will move directly towards Berat. There you will visit the castle, the various splendid churches, and the Onufri museum with a local, professional guide. After the visit, you will have dinner and rest in Berat. If available, you can stay in an accommodation inside the citadel, better to absorb the magical atmosphere of this 3,000-year-old town, which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lady of the guesthouse will cook and serve traditional dishes of the area accompanied by homemade raki and wine.(D)
Day 2
Ardenica, Apollonia, Llogara
After a hearty breakfast, we will start the transfer to the Llogara pass, which is 910 meters above sea level. We will stop at the famous Ardenica monastery and the archaeological site of Apollonia. If you are interested, next to the Ardenica Monastery, you can visit the Prifti Family Winery, where you can taste wine while sitting on the balcony with a unique view. For dinner and rest, we will stop in Llogora, where you can sample the local delicacies. Before dinner, you can take a short walk through the so-called Caesar Path. It is believed that he used this path to lead his army to get by surprise the Pompey army during the power struggle in the early 50 BC. His victory led to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. (B, D)
Day 3
Albania Riviera
After breakfast, prepare to visit the entire Albanian Riviera from Dhermi to Saranda with stops in a few highlights like Porto Palermo, a beautiful and unspoiled bay, we will visit the Ali Pascha Castle and the Himara old village. Please make sure to have enough memory and battery in your devices for this day. Dinner will be served at Limani, Saranda’s most famous and liveliest restaurant. You will have accommodation in the enchanting seaside city. (B, D)
Day 4
Butrint, Blue Eye and Gjirokastra
After a filling breakfast, we will visit the archaeological site of Butrinti Park, the biggest in the country. It is a unique chance to look at the different layers of human history. For lunch, we will go to the House of Mussels, located in the narrow strip that divides the Butrinti Lagoon from the sea. Mussels are grown in the friendly environment of the lagoon and cooked in many ways besides being served also raw. After lunch, you will have time for a dip in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea (Ksamil Beach). On the drive towards Gjirokastra, we will stop at the Blue Eye Source, a protected national monument, and a testimony to Nature’s enduring beauty. Dinner & Overnight in Gjirokaster. (B,D)
Day 5
Gjirokastra to Tirana
In the morning, we will visit the old town, the castle, and the bazaar pass (the ancient route between the city’s market and the neighboring hills). By noon, we will start moving in Tirana direction. Before dinner in the interesting traditional ODA restaurant, you will have some time to visit the center and Bunkart 2 (a testimony of the sufferings under the communist regime). (B,D)
Day 6
Shkodra
Today we will go towards the town of Lezha to visit the Scanderbeg Memorial, the grave, and the castle. You will have a refreshing pause for lunch or coffee in the famed traditional restaurant Mrizi i Zanave (history of the two brothers who returned from emigration to the land of their ancestors). In the afternoon we will arrive in Shkodra and visit the to Rozafa Castle and Museum, Pedestrian Street in the historic center, and Marubi Studio. For dinner and rest, you will stay in Shkodra, in a 300-year-old house turned into an attractive traditional hotel. (B,D)
Day 7
Shkodra Lake by boat to Virpazar in Montenegro
After a delicious breakfast we will take a short drive to Virpazar and from there begin our adventure in the lake. We'll cruise the lake for 3 hours in a boat modeled on a traditional fishing boat that once traded across the lake. Our route will take us via small channels, the 'birds' paradise spots, and truly breathtaking landscapes. An option can also be a tour of 5 hours with lunch in a fishermen village. You will have accommodation in the Skadar Lake area. (B)
Day 8
Founding Stone of Montenegro
Today we will discover the old Cetinje Monastery, the symbol of freedom in the centuries-long fight of Montenegrins, learn the story of the Billiard House, marvel at former foreign embassies, from the time Montenegro was a kingdom. The highlight of the tour is a look inside King Nikola's palace, seat of the Petrovic royal family, a dynasty that ruled Montenegro for over 200 years. Then we will take you to see the honey making techniques and traditions of our hosts and taste some homemade liqueurs followed by traditional Montenegrin lunch.
You will have accommodation in Podgorica 4*. (B,L)
Day 9
Wine Tasting, Ostrog Monastery - Herceg Novi
Another special treat is ON for today. The winners of the International Agricultural Fair 2015, open the doors of their award-winning winery and allow us to bring exclusive guests to their elegant estate. You will learn about organic wine making from our wonderful host and listen to his passionate story about the family tradition in his astonishing wine cellar. Get a chance to try delicious red and white wines, homemade grappa, and honey. At the end of the winery visit, you will enjoy the degustation of some local delicacies. You will visit the greatest pilgrimage site in the Balkans, the Ostrog Monastery carved high into the cliffside. Visit the small cave chapel, admire the frescos in the upper-level chamber, and marvel at the views from this perfect vantage point high above the valley, an imposing natural barrier that kept its relics safe through years of Ottoman occupation. You will have accommodation in Herceg Novi 4* hotel (B)
Day 10
Herzeg Novi
Spend the day exploring by foot the sites of this remarkable town: the Savina Monastery surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation, is one of the most beautiful parts of the northern Montenegrin coast. Don't miss the charming Bellavista square in the old town, with the church of St Michael and Koraca fountain, one of the last remaining examples of Turkish rule. Stroll along Njegoseva Street with 19th-century villas on one side and sweeping views of the bay on the other. Keep following around the bay till you come to Vila "Galeb" One-time residence of the founder of Yugoslavia - Josip Broz Tito. Today it's a 70’s-time capsule. You will have accommodation in the Herceg Novi area (B)
Day 11
Best of Boka Bay
Visit one of the most beautiful bay-side towns on the coast - Perast and the remarkable old town of Kotor for a personalized walking tour with your guide. Perast's beautiful palaces echo songs of the sea, stories of captains, past, and old noble families. Enjoy the architecture and one of the best views of the Bay and islands. Take a short boat cruise to Our Lady of the Rock Island with its distinctive baroque church and museum. Listen to the story of this amazing island, enjoy the 17th-century frescos, and other works of art by famous local artists. Established by Benedictine monks, the Abbey dates from around the 9th century and has suffered from constant attacks both by invaders and earthquakes. In Kotor, our licensed guide will lead you through the Sea Gate and the winding cobblestone streets to hear the secrets of the Square of Weapons. Learn about medieval Kotor craftsmanship, St Tryphon's tragic story, as well as the power of prayers of the Blessed Mary of the River. Overnight in Kotor area 4* (B)
Day 12
Farewell and Departure
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and depending on your flight schedule take a free day sightseeing on your own in Budva or Stari bar town before transferring to the Tivat or Podgorica international airport for your departure back home. (B)
Services Included:
- Transfers from/to the airport
- 11 nights in 4* accommodation
- Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners included
- Air-conditioned deluxe motor-coach
- English speaking Tour Director and local guides in Albania and Montenegro
- All transports the sites visited as per itinerary
- Boat tickets for Shkodra Lake
- Services charges & hotel taxes
Services Not Included:
- Airfare & Departure taxes
- Tips to guide/drivers & hotel staff
- Travel Insurance
- Entrance Tickets
- Personal extras on meals not mentioned above