Fascinating big rental car round trip through Albania - INTI Tours

Arrival at Tirana airport, reception and transfer to the hotel. Today you can visit the National History Museum, the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals and the Et'hem Beu Mosque. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

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

Today your round trip begins in the direction of Shkoder. The place has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is today considered a symbol of deep harmony between the religious ages. In keeping with its history, the town is home to places of worship of all faiths: Muslim, Catholic and Orthodox. Shkoder is considered the capital of northern Albania and has been a city of great importance for the region since ancient times. Legends, different architectural styles, museums and art workshops enliven the city in many ways. You can visit the Rozafa Castle as well as the Marubi Photo Studios. Overnight in Shkoder at Hotel Tradita.

Tirana > Shkoder, approx. 1h ,55 min (102 km)

Today you will have an early start, as you will leave at 5:30 am for the Valbona Valley in the direction of the Albanian Alps. First you will cross Lake Koman by ferry. The journey takes about two and a half to three hours and you will have the opportunity to admire the vast, impressive landscapes similar to the fjords in Scandinavia. Upon arrival in Valbona, you will be able to explore the region and will meet with residents of a village where you will have dinner and eventually stay overnight. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbone.     

Altitude difference: 150+ 150-
Shkoder > Koman, approx. 2h 50 min (136 km)

Your round trip continues towards Prizren through Kosovo. Prizren is a very important city for Albanian history. In 1878, the "League of Prizren" was held in this city, where 300 representatives from Albania stood up against almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. The city's architectural heritage is unique due to Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman influences. Kruje, on the other hand, is very close to the Albanian capital and was the scene of many battles between Ottomans and Albanians in the 15th century. The Albanians resisted the Ottomans for 25 years under the command of Skanderbeg, who was celebrated as a great national hero at the time. If you visit the Skanderbeg Museum, you will learn more about this heroic figure. The old bazaar and the Ethnographic Museum are also worth a visit. Overnight in Kruje at Panorama Hotel.

Valbone > Prizren, approx. 2 h 10 min (102 km)
Prizren > Kruje, approx. 2 h 15 min (172 km)

Besides Gjirokaster, Berat is the second city in Albania to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional architecture. The name "City of a Thousand Windows" refers to Berat's fascinating architecture with its white houses, the many windows, the stone roofs as well as the steep, long alleys. Enjoy this exciting day with a visit to the Mangalemi and Gorica quarters. Furthermore, visit the castle and the Onufri Museum. Overnight in Berat at the Belagrita Palace Hotel.  

Kruje > Berat, approx. 2 h 10 min (134 km)

Today your tour continues and first you will make a stop in the city of Elbasan. This city is known for its handicrafts. Elbasan was a city where the "Via Egnatia" passed by, connecting Rome with Constantinople in ancient times. In Elbasan you have the opportunity to visit the city's castle with its beautiful traditional houses and some of the oldest mosques in the country. Elbasan was once known as "Libasan", which means "mighty city". 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 stay in Tushemisht at the Hotel Millenium.

Berat > Elbasan, approx. 1h 20min (69 km)
Elbasan > Tushemisht, approx. 1h 40 min (90 km)

Today, a visit to the "French" Korce is on the programme. 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 Korce (1917-1939). Korce's population - proud and very open-minded - calls their town "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. After these explorations, continue towards Rehova. It is a special village with stone houses built in the traditional way and known for its special cuisine. Here you have the exceptional opportunity to meet the inhabitants and spend the night in their houses. Overnight stay with the inhabitants in Rehove.

Tushemisht > Korce, approx. 50 min (42 km)
Korce > Rehove, approx. 55 min (43km)

Your journey continues in a southerly direction. You will pass through Benje, which is known for its thermal water as well as for curing numerous diseases. The spring is located in a natural park surrounded by beautiful nature. The park invites you to explore and hike through its canyons. If you wish, you can take a bath in Benje. In Permet you will have the opportunity to experience the regional handicraft and sewing art as well as the production of jam and wine. Overnight in Permet at Hotel Alvero.

Rehove > Benje, approx. 3h 5 min (126 km)
Benje > Permet, approx. 50 min (32 km)

A next real highlight is on your programme. Gjirokaster is one of the most amazing cities in Albania and also known as "the stone city". Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Gjirokaster is the hometown of Albania's greatest writer Ismaïl Kadare. Less literary, it is also the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The city is full of typical neighbourhoods and shady terraces. Gjirokaster has preserved the picturesque and typical architecture of the old Albanian villas. A visit to the castle as well as the Ethnographic Museum are definitely worthwhile! Overnight in Gjirokaster at the Kalemi Hotel.

Permet > Gjirokaster, approx. 1 h 5 min (63 km)

You will get closer and closer to the Ionian coast and finally reach the sea today. But first you will visit the archaeological site of Butrint, which is located directly on the border with Greece. Butrint has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and its archaeological park is a unique and fascinating highlight. In the afternoon, drive to Saranda on the coast, where you can eat typical local food from the sea on the beach. Overnight in Saranda at the Brilant Hotel.

Gjirokaster > Butrint, approx. 1 h 25 min (71 km)
Butrint > Sarande, approx. 25 min (16 km)

Today, a short route shows you the beauties of Albania's coast. During the drive, you will pass through several coastal villages that truly justify the name "Albanian Riviera". Finally, you will arrive in Porto Palermo. There you will visit the fortress of Ali Pasha, located on a peninsula with diverse vegetation. Discover the Albanian Riviera with its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Overnight in Himare at the Dhima Hotel.

Sarande > Himare, approx. 1h 15 min (54 km)

Enjoy a day of relaxation on the coast today and unwind. Day at leisure. Overnight in Himare at the Dhima Hotel.

The magnificent Llogara National Park occupies an area of about 1,000 hectares and consists mainly of coniferous forests, which contrast with the Mediterranean landscape of the surrounding area. Today you can hike in the park and explore the exciting transitions from the mountains of the Karaburun Peninsula to the sea along the Albanian Riviera. On the pass, in good weather, there is an impressive view of the Ionian coast with its crystal clear waters. Cesar is said to have once marched along this pass with his troops. Then continue to Vlore. Albania's independence was declared in this town in 1912. To learn more about this historical event, you can visit the Independence Museum. You can again use the afternoon in Vlore to go to the beach and swim. Overnight in Vlore at the Hotel al Vlora International.

Himare > Llogara, approx. 55 min (37 km)
Llogara > Vlore, approx. 45 min (36 km)

You continue your journey towards Fier and Apollonia, which was a very large and important city in ancient times. Today it is the largest archaeological site in the country. The architectural remains that still exist include, for example, 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. Bunkers from the communist era can be seen on the olive slopes, illustrating the country's great historical contrast. 
After arriving in Albania's capital Tirana, you will have another opportunity to discover the city. It was founded in 1614 and has been the country's capital since 1920. As a cultural centre, it is known for its colourful buildings and the successful coexistence of the most diverse religions. If there was not enough time on the day of your arrival, you can visit the National History Museum today, which is located at Skanderbeg Square, and get acquainted with 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 and the Palace of Culture, as well as the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals. Afterwards, the so-called Pyramid, which houses a museum about the life of the former dictator Enver Hoxha, is inviting. And if the weather is good, you can take a walk through the park with its man-made lake. Overnight in Tirana at the Comfort Hotel.

Vlore > Apolloni, approx. 45 min (38 km)
Apolloni > Tirane, approx. 2 h (122km)

According to your flight schedule transfer to the airport and full of beautiful memories journey home to Germany.

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