Albania holiday, in the land of the Eagles

Arrive in Tirana and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight Hotel De Paris or similar.

Leaving the capital we head first to Kruja, one of the most important historic towns in Albania and intrinsically linked with the national hero Skanderbeg. We explore the citadel and the Ottoman bazaar, having lunch in a traditional restaurant before driving to Shkodra. Take in the main sites which include the Leaden Mosque, the cathedral, the picturesque Mesi bridge and Rozafa castle, the huge fortress which dominates the town and dates back to the time of the Illyrians. Overnight Hotel Tradida or similar.

Drive into the stunning Albanian Alps, a wild land of jagged mountains and picturesque lakes. We stop at Lake Koman and take a local ferry across to the town of Fierze, with truly breathtaking views along the way, then drive north to Bajram Curri and Valbona. The Valbona Valley is characterised by its dramatic gorges and traditional villages, where we can experience the Albania of yesteryear and learn about the time-honoured customs of this untamed region. Overnight local guesthouse. (BLD)

Visit the small town of Rubik in the Fani valley, and visit the 12th century Shelbuemi church, located high on a rock overlooking the town. Overnight Hotel Eko Marub or similar. (BLD)

Drive to Orosh where we first visit the Spaci communist prison, an important reminder of the country’s difficult recent history. Orosh is situated in the region of Mirdita, probably the most ‘authentic’ and traditional region in Albania and never fully occupied by any invaders during the last two millennia. We spend time exploring this region, with its strong clan based culture and ancient codes of honour, and visit a traditional kulla – a fortified house built in the style of a tower. Overnight Hotel Eko Marub or similar. (BLD)

Drive to the coastal city of Durres, Albania’s second largest. Explore its sites including the Roman amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum before continuing to the stunning town of Berat, with its white houses clinging to the hillsides. We visit the citadel which contains numerous churches and an interesting museum, and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We take dinner tonight at a traditional restaurant. Overnight Hotel Mangalemi or similar. (B)

Drive to Ardenice Monastery, a 13th century Byzantine site locally famed for hosting the wedding of the hero Skanderbeg. Continue from here to the ruins of Apollonia, an atmospheric set of Roman remains on a remote hillside and once an important city in the region. After lunch we head to Tepelena and visit the huge castle, still inhabited, then drive to the stunning town of Gjirokastra, known for its distinct and traditional architecture. We have time to explore this UNESCO listed site, one of the highlights of Albania with an imposing citadel and numerous typical houses. Overnight Hotel Cajupi or similar. (B)

Visit Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site dating to the 7th century BC and with numerous buildings including an acropolis, basilica and palace. The location of the site itself is also very attractive surrounded by trees and water. We have lunch at the village of Ksamil, then head to Saranda for the night. Overnight Hotel Il Conte di Montecristo or similar. (B)

We follow a scenic route across the Llogara Pass and through the mountains, along the coast with views of the ocean on our left. At Vlora we stop to visit the monastery of Zverneci before continuing north to Tirana for our final night in Albania, Overnight Hotel De Paris or similar. (B)

Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)