Albanian Archaeology 615
Albanian Archaeology 615
Albanian Archaeology 615
8 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Tirana, Sarandë, Butrint, Gjirokastra, Berat, Durrës
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BALB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Albania's rich archaeological heritage with the "Albanian Archaeology 615" tour. This immersive experience takes you to some of the most significant historical sites in the country, including the Roman amphitheatre in Durres, the ancient Greek colony of Apollonia, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Butrint and Berat. Enjoy dramatic views from the remote site of Byllis and explore the medieval charm of Berat. With the guidance of an archaeological expert, you'll delve into Albania's past while enjoying comfortable accommodations and coach travel. The tour includes meals as per the itinerary and entry to all sites, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure. From the vibrant streets of Tirana to the serene landscapes of Llogara National Park, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oxford Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London Gatwick on a direct British Airways flight to Tirana – other regional flight connections and/or overnight accommodation before or after the tour available on request. On arrival we will be met by our coach and transferred to our modern hotel. A light dinner will be served on arrival.
Day 2
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oxford Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast this morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Tirana including visits to the Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’hem Bej and the National Historical Museum.
We continue to Kruje, north of Tirana. The central attraction of this city is the bazaar with many souvenir and antique stalls selling many local arts and crafts. You will have free time to wander around.
At an agreed time we continue to Skanderbeg Castle.
We will return to our hotel where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 3
Location: Sarandë
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Brilant Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we drive along the beautiful coast by the Bay of Vlora, through the Coldwater tunnel, next to the villa of former dictator Enver Hoxha, and alongside the orange plantations of Radhima. As we leave Radhima we will see the landscape change as we climb up to 1100 metres above sea level through the forest of Llogara National Park. We will stop for a photo opportunity at the top of the pass before descending back down to sea level on the recently rebuilt “Strada Bianca” road.
We continue our drive south through the seven villages of the Himara region. The region of Himara is 72 km long and is rich with natural and historical monuments such as Llamani beach and the 18th century panoramic castle of Ali Pasha. After visiting the springs of Borshi we continue our travel towards Saranda arriving late afternoon where we will overnight.
Dinner will be in a local fish restaurant this evening.
Day 4
Location: Butrint
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Brilant Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we will depart for an all day visit to the World Heritage site of Butrint. The ancient city of Butrint was founded in the 7th century BC by the Corkirians, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. What began as a Greek colony became one of the most important towns in the Mediterranean and a Roman colony in the 1st century AD. We will admire the theatre, the temple of Asclepion, the Baptisteries, the Gymnasium, the aqueduct, the largest Basilica in south Albania. We will also visit the Venetian castle situated on top of the town, where a very interesting small museum hosts original artefacts discovered during the excavations.
In the evening just before sunset we will go to Lekuresi Castle located on top of the hill overlooking the bay of Saranda. We will enjoy the sunset with views of the Island of Corfu in the middle of the blue Ionian waters.
We return to our hotel in Saranda. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 5
Location: Gjirokastra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Argjiro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we will drive over the mountains from Saranda to the Gjirokastra valley and the town of Gjirokastra. Our visit starts with the 8th century castle museum which was formerly a prison. After the castle we visit the ethnographic museum, better known as the birthplace of the former dictator, Enver Hoxha. We will have some time to wander through the 18th century bazaar before we end our day with a visit to Antigonea Archaeological Park.
We will overnight in Gjirokastra – dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 6
Location: Berat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mangalemi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after we continue north to visit the remote site of Byllis, which is dramatically situated on a mountain top overlooking the Vjose River valley. We also visit Cobo Winery where we enjoy a tour.
This evening we will overnight at Berat. Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening.
Day 7
Location: Berat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mangalemi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart this morning after breakfast to explore the attractive Mediaeval town of Berat, situated on a hill dominating the River Osum and its gorge. Berat has been a UNESCO World Heritage town since 2008. The lower city, situated by the riverside, was once the exclusive preserve of Muslim inhabitants while, by agreement, the Christians held the citadel. During our time here, we will visit Byzantine churches and mosques before returning to our hotel where dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 8
Location: Durrës
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sadly we must check out of our hotel this morning. We still have time for some visits today before heading back to the airport. Firstly we explore the archaeological site of Apollonia, the second largest Greek colony in Albania, which dates from the 7th century BC. We visit the Odeon, the Pritaneon, the temple of Diana and the monastery next to the site, which is built with marble and stone taken from the temple and the old Greek Theatre.
Later we will drive to Durres on the Adriatic coast, which dates from the 7th century BC and was the historical capital of Albania between 1276 and 1920. Here we will visit one of the largest amphitheatres in the Balkans, located within the walls of the Roman castle. We will wander through the galleries of the amphitheatre and walk through the main gate to the arena where 1800 years ago people would cheer the winning gladiator asking the Emperor for his freedom.
We return to Tirana Airport in time for our return flights.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager
The tour includes the services of an archaeological expert as the tour manager.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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Entry to all sites in the itinerary
Entry to all sites listed in the itinerary is included.
What's Not Included
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout Albania with coach transfers, including a direct British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Tirana, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey as you explore the country's rich archaeological sites and stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in modern and comfortable hotels throughout the tour, including the Oxford Hotel in Tirana, Brilant Hotel in Saranda, Hotel Argjiro in Gjirokastra, and Hotel Mangalemi in Berat, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant experience after each day's exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of expert will accompany the tour?
The tour will be accompanied by an archaeological expert who will serve as the tour manager.
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Will there be any free time during the tour?
Yes, on Day 2, there will be free time to wander around the bazaar in Kruje.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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Will we have the opportunity to visit any UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Butrint and the medieval town of Berat.
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Is there a visit to a winery included in the tour?
Yes, on Day 6, there is a visit to Cobo Winery where a tour is included.
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What historical periods will the tour cover?
The tour covers various historical periods, including ancient Greek and Roman times, as well as medieval history.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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