Corfu to Tirana - 3UNESCO Sites; Semi – Private Tour Leader & Car

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Corfu (Greece) – Butrint National Park (Albania) – Saranda – Blue Eye – Gjirokaster⌄

   After having experienced the Greek Island of Corfu (by yourself), meet with other fellow travellers and begin this amazing journey by taking the ferry (prepaid) from Corfu to Albania. Our professional tour leader will come and pick you up at the port at the moment your ferry arrives from Corfu

   Our tour continues to the National Park of Butrint. Part of the UNESCO world heritage. Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania, and the first Albanian site that became part of the UNESCO list. The ruins combined with the stunning natural surroundings make it worth a visit.

   From Butrint we will drive towards Sarande, considered to be the pearl of the Albanian Riviera, especially during the summer period, when many refer to it as the unofficial capital of Albania. Located in a perfect natural bay of the Ionian Sea with an amazing view of Corfu Island. The city is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine during a year, making it a favourite destination for both local and international tourists. Saranda is known for its rocky beaches, numerous bays, rich flora and fauna, citrus plantations, olive groves and vineyards

   After we will drive towards Gjirokaster but not before making a stop at the natural wonder of the Blue Eye, a source of fresh water surrounded by evergreen trees. The source comes from "Mali i Gjere" and reaches a depth that has not yet been discovered, so far divers have gone deep to 50 meters. The water temperature does not go above 10 degrees. The Blue Eye looks like it come straight out of fairy tale but you can actually visit it. You will not be able to keep your eyes off the mesmerizing crystal-clear blue water.

   Overnight: Overnight in Gjirokastra.

2. 2Gjirokastra – Berat⌄

   Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress.

   . The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes

   Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.

   We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Berat.

3. 3Berat – Tirana⌄

   Berat is known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls

   Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania.

   Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate.

   We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood.

   After the city tour of Berat we will drive towards Tirana. This marks the end of this amazing experience through history and culture.

   Meals: Breakfast