2 days tour from Tirana: Sarande-Ksamil-Butrint and Gjirokaster
Departure from a fixed point in Tirana.
Time of Departure: 07.30 to 08.00 (Depending on the season)
One Overnignt in Saranda: 3, 4 star hotel, with breakfast.
Visits: Apollonia Archeological Park, Bylis Anciant Ilirian city, Saranda city, Ksamil Beach, Butrinti Archeological Park, Blue Eye, Gjirokaster Castle.
Transportation: Van 8 to 17 Seats. Small group Tour
Gjirokaster with its stone house roof-tops or “Stone city” with the main highlits the fortress, the old town, typical house of 18th century and delicious food in the traditional tavernas of the old city. This uniqueness of architectural style listed it among the world cultural heritage sites under UNESCO from 2005
In Saranda will visit Butrint Archeological park, Blue Eye and Ksamil Beach erea.
Tirana Unless otherwise agreed.
06.30 or 07.00
We will leave Tirana at 07. 30 and drive towards Fier.
First stop will be Apollonia Archeological Park. 120 km from Tirana, Aprox 2 hours.
Apollonia, was a Greek colony founded in the 6th century BC. It had a strong Illyrian element and was built in the lands of the Illyrian, Taulantii tribe. The city took its name from the god Apollo. The city grew due to its strategically important harbor, and deposits of asphalt which was valuable for caulking ships. Apollonia continued to flourish under Roman rule and was noted by Cicero as a great and important city. The site is approximately 1 km from the Via Egnatia. The city began to decline in the 3rd century AD when its harbor started to silt up. Among the ruins of Apollonia can be found the portico of a temple, an Odeon theater, a Library, Nimfeu (a large and decorated fountain), surrounding Wall, villa with a impluvium (a square basin in the center of the atrium of an ancient Roman house, which received rainwater from an opening in the roof), a Roman Villa with mosaics and temple.
Second stop will be Bylis 43 km fro Apollonia Aprox 50 min driving
Bylis Archaeological Park, or the ancient city of Bylis, is one of the oldest Illyrian civilization. The Theater of Bylis, built at the beginning of the 3rd century BC with a capacity of 5000 seats, one of the greatest works of the time. Bylisi is located on the right side of the Ballsh-Tepelen road, only 35 km from Fieri, and 1.5 km from the center of Hekal village.
Driving to Saranda from Apollonia Park will be 145 km Aprox. 2.30 min.
Saranda takes its name from the Forty Saints Monastery a 6th century Byzantine monastery. It is thought that the Monastery was a major Byzantine pilgrimage site.
Overnight in Saranda
After Breakfast drive to Ksamil for a short Photo stop in the beatifull beaches
15 min drive from Ksamil is located Butrinti archeological Park. Guided visit inside the park and museum. The Butrint National Park is the most famous attraction in the south of Albania and the UNESCO World Heritage site is the most visited archaeological park in the country.
Continue our tour towrds Blue Eye. The Blue Eye Albania is a natural spring with a magical blue color. The spring has become a touristic attraction, because of its beauty. Located 35 km from Butrint driving time 1 hour.
Further we drive to Gjirokaster the city of Stones.
The city of Gjirokastra is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most attractive tourist sites of the country. Perched on the eastern side of the Wide Mountain (Mali i Gjërë), the city began as a fourth century castle, which is today the greatest castle in the whole country. Inside the fortress is the Museum of Weapons, where weapons of different periods up until the Second World War are displayed. Gjirokastra is known as “The City of Stone”
Free time and Lunch in Gjirokaster old town.
Depart for Tirana.
