Albania individually: on the trail of culture - INTI Tours

Arrival at "Mother Teresa" airport in Tirana, reception and transfer to your hotel. In the capital of Albania you can visit the National History Museum, the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals and the Et'hem Beu Mosque. Overnight stay in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.
Airport >Tirana, approx. 25 min (15 km)

Today you will pick up your rental car and set off from Tirana first westwards to the coast and then further south to Berat. Besides Gjirokaster, Berat is the second city in Albania to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary architecture. The name "City of a Thousand Windows" refers to Berat's fascinating architecture with white houses and their many windows and stone roofs, as well as the steep, long alleys. In Berat you can visit the impressive castle and the Onufri Museum. Overnight in Berat at the Belagrita Hotel.
Tirane > Berat, approx.1h 40min (98 km)

You continue your journey towards Fier and Apollonia. In ancient times, Apollonia was a very large and important city. Today, the largest archaeological site in the country awaits its visitors. Among the architectural remains that can still be admired are the Odeon and the library where Emperor Octavian Augustus once studied. In addition, the Nymphaeum, the restored theatre from antiquity and St. Mary's Church from the 13th century can be visited. On the surrounding olive slopes, on the other hand, bunkers from the communist era can be seen and will make you aware of Albania's great historical contrast. 
Your next "travel stop" can be described as one of the most amazing cities in Albania: Gjirokastra - also known as the "Stone City". Gjirokastër was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and is the hometown of the greatest Albanian writer Ismaïl Kadare. Less literary, it is also the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. A city full of traditional neighbourhoods and shady terraces, it has preserved the picturesque and typical architecture of the old Albanian villas. You can visit the castle and the Ethnographic Museum. Overnight in Gjirokaster at Hotel Kalemi. 
Berat > Apollonia, approx. 1h 20 min (58 km)   
Apollonia > Gjirokaster, approx. 1h 50 min (115 km)

Today you will reach the southernmost point of your tour. Ioannina, the capital of the province of Epiruss, is considered one of the most beautiful cities of ancient Greece. It is named after a monastery dedicated to Saint John and stretches along the shores of Lake Pamvotida. This reflects the surrounding mountains like a picture book. A Greek Uzo tasting at Lake Ioannina awaits you. In Ioannina you can visit the St. John's Monastery. In the afternoon your journey continues towards Meteora. Overnight stay in Meteora at Doupiani House.
Gjirokaster > Ioannina, approx.1h 30 min (90 km)
Ioannina > Meteora, approx. 1h 40 min (103 km)

This day is dedicated to discovering the monasteries and villages in the surrounding area. The monastery of the "Great Meteor", built on a rocky platform, was founded in 1356 by Saint Athanasius and continued by Saint Joasaph. In the centre stands the so-called Katholikon - a cruciform church with shells on the sides. The Varlaam Monastery is the second largest in Albania after the Great Meteor Monastery, which is directly opposite. An ascetic named Varlaam released the rock in 1350, on which he built a small chapel dedicated to the three Church Fathers. Founded in the 11th century and renovated in 1760, the monastery of Agios Nikolaos on Achla beach offers a magnificent view of the valley and the surrounding area. It contains, among other things, a miraculous 15th century icon of Our Lady. Overnight in Meteora at Doupiani House.

Visit to the "French" Korça. Why French? - Because the town was declared an autonomous republic under French protectorate during the First World War - but the protectorate lasted only a few years. The first French school in the country was also opened in Korça (1917-1939). Korça's population, proud and very open-minded, calls their city "Little Paris" because it is romantic and artistic as well as known for its serenades. The National Museum of Medieval Albanian Art with its collection of Orthodox icons (by the famous Onufri brothers) and the huge Orthodox cathedral are of course worth a visit. In Korca you can visit the National Museum and the Orthodox Cathedral. 
After the visit, continue towards Tushemisht (Pogradec) - a small village on Lake Ohrid. Some of the most famous Albanian films were shot here. Because of its rich flora and fauna as well as the beautiful landscape and its historical importance, Lake Ohrid has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition, Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world. Overnight in Tushemisht at the Albania Hotel Millenium.
Meteora > Korçë, approx. 2h 30 min (187 km)
Korçë > Tushemisht, approx. 50 min (42 km)

Today you have only very short driving distances. The monastery of Sveti Naum (Shën Naum in Albanian) is a monastery founded by Saint Naum at the end of the 9th century near Ohrid in Macedonia. Naum is buried in the monastery. The monastery, together with the town of Ohrid, Lake Ohrid and its surroundings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia due to its historical significance and worth seeing location. The journey continues to Ohrid. The city is located on the shore of the eponymous Ohrid Lake and is extremely rich in history and culture. No wonder that the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Ohrid is located in the southwest of the country and is surrounded by high mountains that are at the 3,000-metre mark. The city of Ohrid is considered the jewel of the country and plays an important role in tourism, which still has a long way to go overall. Many archaeological finds in the city indicate that Ohrid is home to one of the oldest civilisations in Europe. In Ohrid you can visit the Sveta Sofia Cathedral. Overnight in Ohrid at the Granit Hotel.
Tushemisht > Sveti Naum, approx.15 min (6 km)
Sveti Naum > Ohrid, approx. 45 min (30km)

Today you can enjoy the beautiful town of Ohrid. Walk through the main street of Bitola with its elegant façades, reminiscent of the wealth of old Monastir. Bitola, at the foot of Mount Baba, is a reflection of its rich, multicultural past. Formerly located on the Via Egnatia, this city in the southwest of present-day Macedonia in the Balkans has an extraordinary economic and cultural influence. A visit to the Treskavec monastery is also a good idea. You can also visit Prilep, which was founded by the kings of ancient Macedonia and was alternately Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian and Ottoman. In addition to all the historical remains, the city is bordered by impressive hills that overlook the plains of Pelagonia and offer unique views. The monastery of St. Archangel is also worth a visit. Overnight in Ohrid at Hotel Granit.
Ohrid > Bitola, approx. 1h 10min (70 km).
Prilev > Ohrid, approx. 1h 35 min (110 km)

Today your round trip comes full circle as you return to Tirane with many impressions. You have enough time to visit the capital of Albania, Tirana. Founded in 1614, the city has been the country's capital since 1920 and is also the cultural centre of the country. Discover a city known for its colourful buildings and successful coexistence between religions. A visit to the National History Museum, located in Skanderbeg Square, can introduce you to Albania's rich history. Also on the square is the Et'hem Beu Mosque, which thanks to its historical value was preserved even during the communist era. Right next door are other sights such as the Opera House, the so-called Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture and the Orthodox and Catholic Cathedrals. Afterwards, you can visit the Pyramid, which houses a museum about the life of the former dictator Enver Hoxha. And if the weather is fine, take a walk through the park with its man-made lake. Overnight in Tirane at the Comfort Hotel.
Ohrid > Tirane, approx. 2 h 20 min (134 km)

Transfer to the airport according to your departure. Full of unforgettable memories you will start your journey home today.
Tiarne > Airport, approx. 25 min (15 km)