Classic car rental tour through Albania to UNESCO sites - INTI Tours

Arrival in Tirana, reception and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Airport > Tirana, approx. 25 min (15 km)

From Tirana you start your exciting journey today. First you will go to Ardenica, where you will visit the only still functioning monastery in Albania. The exceptionally high quality of the monastery's frescoes attracts more visitors every year. From the monastery you have magnificent views - both of the sea and the Myzeqe plain. You will then continue your journey towards Fier and Apollonia. In ancient times, Apollonia was a very large and important city - today it is the largest archaeological site in the country. Among the architectural remains are the Odeon and the library where Emperor Octavian Augustus studied. You can also visit the Nymphaeum, the restored theatre from antiquity and the 13th-century Church of St Mary. Bunkers from the communist era can be seen on the olive slopes, showing the great historical contrast of the country. The last leg of the journey takes you to Vlora. Vlora is the city where Albania's independence was declared in 1912. To learn more about this historical event, the Independence Museum is at your disposal. You can also use the rest of the afternoon in Vlora to go to the beach and swim. Overnight in Vlore at the Hotel al Vlora International.

Tirane > Ardenice, approx. 1h 35 min (108 km)
Ardenice > Apolloni, approx. 35 min (23 km)
Apolloni > Vlore, approx. 45 min (39 km)

Today you approach the Ionian coast. After about three hours of driving, you will visit the archaeological site of Butrint, which is located right on the border with Greece. Butrint has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and its archaeological park is a fascinating highlight for any visitor to Albania. In the afternoon, drive a short distance further to Saranda. Here you will be able to enjoy typical local dishes from the sea on the beach in the evening. Overnight in Saranda at the Brilant Hotel. 

Vlore > Butrint, approx. 3h (196 km)
Butrint > Saranda, approx. 25 min (16 km)

Today, the next cultural highlight is on the programme. Gjirokastra is one of the most amazing cities in Albania - 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, Gjirokastra is also the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. You will find many typical quarters with narrow streets and shady terraces that invite you to stroll and linger. Gjirokastër has managed to preserve the picturesque and typical architecture of the old Albanian villas. Overnight in Gjirokaster at the Kalemi Hotel.

Sarande > Gjirokaster, approx. 1h 10 min (56 km)

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 its countless white houses with their many windows and stone roofs, as well as the steep, long alleys. In Berat you can visit the famous castle as well as the Onufri Museum. Overnight in Berat at the Belagrita Hotel.

Gjirokaster > Berat, approx. 2h 35 min (160km)

Today you will travel to the city of Durres, the second largest city in Albania. Durres also has a great historical and cultural heritage dating back to antiquity. The city's Roman amphitheatre was once the largest in the Balkan region. What was once called the "Adriatic Tavern" was nothing less than the starting point after crossing the Adriatic from the Via Egnatia - the caravan route that once connected great Rome with Byzantium. Of course, you will visit the Roman amphitheatre and the archaeological museum. Less than an hour's drive separates you from Kruje, which is very close to the Albanian capital. In the 15th century, Kruje was the scene of many battles between the Ottomans and the Albanians. The Albanians resisted the Ottomans for 25 years under the command of Skanderbeg, who was the national hero of the Albanians at that time. You can learn more about this when you visit the Skanderbeg Museum. The old bazaar is also worth a visit. Overnight stay in Kruje at the Panorama Hotel. 

Berat > Durres, approx. 1h 20 min (90km)
Durres > Kruje, approx. 50 min (43km)

Only an hour's drive separates you from the Albanian capital Tirana, where your round trip comes full circle. Founded in 1614, the city has been the country's capital since 1920 and is considered the cultural centre of Albania. Discover a city known for its colourful buildings and the successful coexistence between the different religions. A visit to the National History Museum, located in Skanderbeg Square, will introduce you to Albania's rich history. In the square you will also visit the Et'hem Beu Mosque, which was preserved during the communist era thanks to its historical value. Right next door are other sights such as the Opera House, the so-called Clock Tower and the Palace of Culture, as well as the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals. Afterwards you will visit the Pyramid, which houses a museum about the life of the former dictator Enver Hoxha. And if the weather is good, you can take a walk through the park of Tirana's man-made lake. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Kruje > Tirana, approx. 1h (30 km)

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule and return home full of unforgettable memories of the surprisingly beautiful Albania.

Tirane > Airport, approx. 25 min (15 km)