ALBANIA AND MONTENEGRO
Indicative itinerary subject to changes until the departure date
Day 1 Tirana / Dürres
Arrival in Tirana and transfer to Dürres. Arrival, dinner (for flights arriving after 9pm, a cold dinner will be served in your room) and accommodation.
Day 2 Dürres / Tirana / Berat / Dürres
Breakfast. Departure for Tirana and guided tour of the city. Discover Skanderberg Square with its Et'hem Bey Mosque, which was preserved during the communist era due to its historical value. Right next door are other monuments such as the Opera House, the so-called Clock Tower, and the Palace of Culture, as well as the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals. Then, continuation to the Boulevard of National Martyrs. Continuation to the Blloku neighborhood, the most popular among young people, shops, and cafes. Continuation to Berat, also known as “the city of windows,” one of the most beautiful places in Albania, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. Bordered by a gigantic mountain range, the city is surrounded by an ancient wall and has 2000 years of history. Above the well-preserved old town, built in the Ottoman style, stands the castle with its unique view, a Roman cistern, and St. Mary's Cathedral, which is part of the Onufri Museum. Departure for Dürres, dinner, and accommodation.
Day 3 Dürres / Kruja / Ura E Mesit / Shkodër
Breakfast. Departure north towards Ura e Mesit, one of the most outstanding monuments of the Ottoman era. Continue north to Shkodër, the largest city in northern Albania. Italian and Austrian influences can be seen in the buildings we see on a walk through the pedestrian zone. From the impressive Rozafa Castle, we enjoy a breathtaking view of the Albanian Alps and Lake Scutari. We continue to the Mesi Bridge, the largest in Albania from the Ottoman period, making it a cultural monument of great value. Arrival at the hotel in Shköder, dinner, and accommodation.
Day 4 Shkodër / Ulcinj / Petrovac / Sveti Stefan / Budva
Breakfast. Today's route takes us to the Montenegrin border. First, we will visit Montenegro's southernmost city, Ulcinj. Once under Ottoman rule, there was a famous slave market here, where one of the most famous slaves was the Spanish poet Miguel de Cervantes. Next, we will visit the old fishing village of Petrovac, located in a beautiful red sand bay. Once in Budva, we will start with a walk around the city. Optionally, you can take a boat trip around Budva Bay, passing by the islands of Sveti Nikola and Sv. Stefan. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 5 Budva
Breakfast. Day at leisure to enjoy the charm and atmosphere of the Montenegrin port city of Budva. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 6 Budva / Tivat / Risan / Perast / Kotor / Budva
Breakfast. Departure for Tivat, known as “Porto Montenegro.” We will stop in Risan and continue along the impressive coastal road to Perast, where we will enjoy an idyllic view of the small islands of St. George and St. Mary. We will continue to Kotor, where we will take a walking tour of the city, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is considered one of the most beautiful historic cities in the Mediterranean. Optionally, you can take a boat trip around Kotor Bay, which will take us to the monastery island of Mary on the Rock. Return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Day 7 Budva / Lake Skadar / Bar / Durres
Breakfast. Departure for Lake Skadar and the national park of the same name. Upon arrival, board a boat to the former state prison “Montenegrin Alcatraz,” an abandoned prison island. Then departure for the city of Bar. The old town is hidden in the shelter of a castle perched on a rock in the Rumija Mountains. It was only in the XIX century that this abandoned settlement became the new district of Novi Grad. Continuation to Albania. Arrival in Dürres, dinner, and accommodation.
Day 8 Dürres / Tirana
Breakfast. At a time to be arranged locally, transfer to the airport.
