UNESCO heritage tour in Albania – 4 Days

-We first meet at the airport and then transfer to the hotel.
-After that we will visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, clock tower, Scanderbeg Square, Orthodox Church, National Historic Museum
-Finally pass the night in Tirana

– After breakfast, we depart to the Durres Amphitheatre .

First let’s do some history about the Amphitheatre:

The amphitheater was built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. This amphitheater was used for performances until the 4th century AD.

Unfortunately the earthquake of 345/346 likely damaged the monument and closed the so called ‘ludii gladiatorii’. After this episode An early Christian chapel was constructed on the amphitheater in the second half of the 4th century.

– Then we depart in Berat.

On the way to Berat.

This City is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania. It is under the protection of UNESCO and it is considered as a “world heritage”, because it has an unique architecture.

When in Berat, we visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. The Berat castle is of particular interest because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses. Same as their ancestors for centuries.

The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain nowdays, including: St. Mary’s church.
The later was after converted into Onufri Museum. Onufri was a famous Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century, who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece, using a special red color.

– In the end, we finish the night in Berat.

In the 3-rd day we first visit Gjirokastra.

Otherwise the “city of stones” because of its unique Albanian architecture.

First we’ll visit the castle, walking through the city. And then we visit the historical and the ethnographic museum.

In this city were born, Enver Hoxha and Ismail Kadare.

The first was the dictator for 50 years in the communist era.

The second, Ismail Kadare was the famous contemporary writer. He was candidate for “Nobel” Prize and winner of many other prizes. He is wellknown because of his special storytelling technique.

After Girokastra we proceed in Saranda City, with accommodation in a Hotel near the sea.

– Finally we end the night in Saranda.

– After breakfast, we’ll drive to Butrint. First, we will visit the Roman-Byzantine ruins, which are considered “UNESCO World Heritage Site”. After that, we visit the museum, which is famous because it has a very rare combination of archaeology and nature.

The property has its earliest evidence starting from 50 000 BC, up to the 19th century AD. Prehistoric sites have been identified within the nucleus of Butrint, which is a small hill surrounded by the waters of the Lake of Butrint and Vivari Channel.

From 800 BC, until the arrival of the Romans, Butrint was influenced by Greek culture. Holding elements of a “polis” and being settled by Chaonian tribes. In 44 BC Butrint became a Roman colony and then expanded considerably.

In the 5th century AD, Butrint became an Episcopal center. Then it was fortified and after that christian structures were built. Butrint was later reconstructed under the Byzantine rule in the 9th century.

Later, Butrint and its territory were put under Angevin and then Venetian control in the 14th century. Several attacks by despots of Epirus and then later by Ottomans led to the strengthening and extension of the defensive works of Butrint.

At the beginning of the 19th century, a new fortress was added to the defensive system of Butrint.

– Then we go back to Tirana through the Riviera, enjoying the sea cost view of the Ionian sea.

– After that, we make a short stop in Llogara National Park.

– Finally, we end the night in Tirana