Albania

Though finally emerging from decades of isolation, Albania is still one of Europe’s most mysterious countries and remains, as yet, largely undiscovered. Our tour encompasses not only its remarkable archaeological sites and architectural jewels, but also its spectacular natural beauty, so beloved of Edward Lear and Lord Byron. We will be met and shown around by local experts who are working heroically to preserve the fragile Albanian heritage.

Beginning in the capital, Tirana, with the Mosque of Ethem Bey and the National Museum, followed by an excursion to Kruja to visit the old bazaar and the Skanderbeg Museum – he was Albania’s national hero. We then drive to the charming town of Berat to see the Sultan’s Mosque, the Tekke, the medieval citadel, museums and churches. After visiting the evocative Greco-Roman site of Apollonia, we drive along the beautiful Ionian coastline, via the old town of Himara and Porto Palermo with its small fortress, to Saranda. The focus here is on Butrint, which is set on a wooded peninsula, and is one of the most important yet little known classical archaeological sites of the Mediterranean. From here we drive into the mountains, via the village of Mesopotam with its Byzantine church, to the well-preserved Ottoman city of Gjirokastra, a haunt of Lord Byron. After exploring the hammam area, the castle and Ottoman houses we continue, via the breathtaking Kelycyre Valley and the little church at Mborje, to Korca. Our journey ends with the remarkable frescoed churches in the village of Voskopoje, and a panoramic drive along Lake Ohrid – perhaps one of Albania’s most beautiful sights. Email us for more information.