Albania Travel

Southern Coastal Albania

4 days/3 nights

2008 Tour Dates:
Anytime. Contact us and let us know when you'd like to go.

One of the most pleasant ways to visit Albania is from Corfu. The scenery is dramatic as you approach a country once off limits for a half a century. Think of the visitors to Corfu who for years could only gaze at the distant mountains and wonder what lay "over there." Visitors to Corfu can now have an opportunity to actually see what is in Albania and enjoy the beauty of the unspoiled coast. On this program you can really get a feel for scenic southern Albania north up along the coast to Vlora and then south inland to Gjirocastra. Visit Albania's most important archeological site, Butrint. According to legend, the city was founded by ancient Trojans who fled Troy when it was destroyed by the Greeks. After your visit, sample the fresh seafood of Saranda and enjoy the beaches on the pristine Ionian Sea

Please note: Kutrubes Travel can arrange for hotels packages in Corfu and the round trip ferry tickets to Albania for your convenience. We can also arrange all other types of programs in Greece.

Day 1: Corfu - Saranda
Arrival Saranda from Corfu at approximately 12:00 PM where you will be met by your English-speaking guide and taken to the Hotel Butrint. After check-in, continue the drive south on the scenic road to the archeological site of ancient Butrint dating back 2500 years. In the ruins itself visit the Amphitheatre from the 3rd century and the temple of Aesculapius. The Baptistery from the 6th century has colorful mosaics and is one of the largest baptisteries east of the Adriatic. Bustint's ancient acropolis is on the top of the hill overlooking the entire site and affords an impressive view of the area. The old fortress houses the new small archaeological museum which contains recent finds from the site. Butrint is truly one of the last unspoiled natural and ancient historical areas in the Mediterranean. Return to Hotel Butrint.

Day 2: Saranda - Vlora
Depart for Vlora traveling north along Albanian Riviera. En route we pass the castle of Porto Palermo located near Himara also known as the castle of Ali Pashe Tepelena, a local lord who ruled the region for the Ottomans. Our drive north passes through many beautiful villages like Lukova, Borsh, and Qeparo which all have very beautiful large beaches. For a dramatic change in scenery we drive high up into the mountains to Alpine Llogara Pass for coffee or lunch. After leaving Llogora we return to the coast and arrive in the city of Vlora. Vlora is one of Albania's largest cities and a major seaport and tourist resort. We visit the Museum of Independence which commemorates the proclamation of Albanian independence on November 28, 1912. The rooms and furnishings have not been altered from that time which makes it interesting. Independence Day is one of Albania's most significant holidays and marked the end of centuries of Ottoman rule. Overnight In Paradise Hotel in Vlora.

Day 3: Vlora - Gjirokastra - Saranda
In the morning depart Vlora taking the inland road and journey about 4 hours south to the "Museum City" of Gjirokastra. The characteristic stone houses are built one above the other resembling towers. The present town dates back to medieval times. Visit the fortress and castle which stands high above the city for a panoramic view of the beautiful mountainous landscape. Within the castle is the National Museum of Weaponry which preserves all the kinds of weapons used and produced by the Albanians from antiquity. We leave Gjirokastra and pass by the "Blue Eye" a natural spring near an old trout farm and an ideal spot for a picnic by the deep blue natural spring. We arrive in Saranda for Dinner. Overnight in Butrinti Hotel in Saranda.

Day 4: Saranda - Corfu
After breakfast in the morning and departure from Saranda's port to Corfu.

TOUR PRICE: (per person)

8 travelers: $568
6 travelers: $608
4 travelers: $690
2 travelers: $813
1 traveler: $1273

Single Supplement: $110

Half-board Supplement in Hotel: $21

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Accommodation in Deluxe Hotel Butrint
Accommodation in Hotel Paradise in Vlora
Professional English speaking guide
Traveling by taxi or minibus, as per the group size
Entrance fees at Butrint Archeological site, Independence Museum of Vlora, Gjirokastra Castle, House of the dictator Enver Hoxha, Blue Eye Spring

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

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