Top ᑕ㉗ᑐ Things to do in Durres ➡️ and day trip Albania

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(“1. Tirana: 4-Day Albanian Heritage Highlights Trip”)

What to do in Durres

Explore Albania’s high points of interest in the palms of an knowledgeable tour director throughout a 4-day, 3-night sightseeing tour. Sample genuine Albanian meals and go to UNESCO World Heritage Sites similar to Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint.

Day 1: Durres and Berat

Start the tour with a resort or airport pickup in Tirana and head to Durres for a brief guided strolling tour and occasional break. Alternatively, you can begin with a resort pickup in Durres. Transfer to Berat, the “city of a thousand windows.” Get settled in your picturesque resort earlier than having fun with lunch in a restaurant with metropolis views.

In the afternoon, observe your knowledgeable native information on a guided tour of this fascinating metropolis. Visit Berat Castle/Citadel and discover the higher city with church buildings, mosques, and 27 watchtowers packed inside its partitions. Admire the Ottoman homes, the place individuals nonetheless stay as they’ve carried out for hundreds of years.

In the night, your tour director will information you to the most effective eating places to pattern Berat’s typical dishes.

Day 2: Gjirokaster

After breakfast, admire small villages throughout your switch to Gjirokaster. Once you arrive in this “city of a thousand steps,” settle into your resort earlier than heading for lunch in a small native restaurant for a style of town’s genuine dishes.

Next, go to Skenduli House, the best-preserved Ottoman home in the previous metropolis of Gjirokaster. Hear about its previous out of your native information and the home’s proprietor, a descendant of the Skenduli household. Then, take in the fort’s wealthy historical past and benefit from the view of the “city of stone” from above.

Explore the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wood homes earlier than visiting the Gjirokaster Obelisk devoted to the city’s first faculty. Enjoy its 360º views. Spend a calming night in the streets of Gjirokaster.

Day 3: “Blue Eye” and Butrint

Travel to the “Blue Eye” spring. Admire the shades of blue and surrounding nature earlier than heading to Butrint. There, marvel at 2,500 years of historical past on a guided tour with an area information. See the highlights, such because the amphitheater, fort, church buildings, and Lion Gate.

Drive to Ksamil and luxuriate in lunch by the lake on the Mussel House. Spend your afternoon in Ksamil earlier than heading to Saranda by way of Lekursi Castle, which overlooks town.

Day 4: Llogara National Park and Vlore

Transfer to town of Vlore by way of Ali Pasha Castle, which you’ll discover along with your tour director. Marvel on the structure and hear to entertaining legends concerning the man who constructed it, Ali Pasha of Tepelenë.

Head to the Llogara “balcony” for a shocking view of the South Coast seashores earlier than indulging in lunch at Llogara National Park surrounded by pine bushes and a contemporary mountain breeze.

Visit town of Vlore, the hometown of the Albanian nationalist motion, in the afternoon. See sights similar to Flag Square with its Independence Monument proper in the middle, the Muradie Mosque, and Vlore Lungomare. After you’ve got explored Vlore, you’ll get transferred again to Tirana.

(“2. Apollonia and Durres”)

fun things to do in Durres

On your manner to Apollonia, cease in Golem Beach for a beachfront espresso break. Set off on a guided tour in Apollonia, the place an on-site archeologist explains the historical past behind the temple of Artemis, the Odeon, the Triumphal Arch, and extra.

Then, head for lunch in an area restaurant in the countryside round Apollonia.

In the afternoon, you can be transferred to Durrës, for a guided tour of town’s famed ruins. You will wander round its City Walls, Byzantine Forum, roman Thermal Baths, the Venetian Tower, and extra. Visit its Amphitheater after which take a espresso break on high of the Venetian Tower earlier than touring again to Tirana.

(“3. From Tirana: Durres & Lalzi Bay Wine Tasting Tour”)

best things to do in Durres

After being collected out of your lodging, you’ll start your day exploring the port metropolis of Durres. Discover a combination of contemporary and historic options, with this city having many attention-grabbing tales to inform. You will stroll round encountering its metropolis partitions, alongside different well-known landmarks such because the Byzantine Forum, the Roman Thermal Baths, and different historic monuments.

Later, you possibly can take pleasure in Durres’s now-famous street-art, and have a espresso break on high of the Venetian Tower. After your break, you possibly can go to the amphitheater and the Archeological Museum. Towards the top of your tour journey in the direction of Lazli Bay and go to the Duka Winery and Vineyard. Enjoy a scenic setting on the shores of a lake and with the implausible views of the Adriatic as you style wines, cheeses, and native meals. Return to Tirana in the late afternoon.

(“4. Albania: UNESCO Heritage & Local Food Tour with Nature”)

what

Day 1: Travel day
You’ll be picked up from the airport. Welcome to Albania! Get settled in the resort and for these of you not too drained, there’s a guided strolling tour of town heart earlier than dinner in a conventional restaurant in the night.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Berat
Transfer to Berat, passing via hills stuffed with olive bushes. Get settled in the resort and head for lunch in an area restaurant dealing with town. Set out for a strolling information via the UNESCO listed previous city along with your native information, admiring the White Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church and Gorica Bridge.

Enter into the Berat Castle for a guided tour. Enjoy a free night in “town of a thousand and one home windows.”

Day 3: Rural Berat, Bogova Waterfall & Wine Tasting
Transfer to Bogove and take a 30min stroll in the direction of the spectacular waterfall. Head again to Bogove village and have a home made lunch on the river shore, with home made wine and raki (fruit brandy). In the afternoon, go to the city of Polican, well-known for its weapon factories throughout Communist instances. The deserted factories and other people in this distant city are a powerful reminder of the nation’s’ previous. After a brief drive, you will arrive at Nurellari Winery.

Enjoy a wine tasting tour in this family-run vineyard, stroll across the winery and savor 4 styles of wine. Head again to town and luxuriate in free time in the night exploring the traditional neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokaster
Transfer to Gjirokaster to uncover “town of a thousand steps.” Get settled in your resort and head out for lunch in a small, native restaurant for a style of town’s genuine dishes. Step into Skenduli home (an Ottoman tower home) and hear to its historical past and particulars from the tenth era of Skenduli household and your native information. Soak up to the wealthy historical past of the fort and benefit from the views! Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wood homes and go to Gjirokastra’s Obelisk.

Day 5: Typical meals from Rural Gjirokastra
Drive to Saraqinisht and expertise a day in an Albanian countryside cottage. You’ll study concerning the meals, life, and traditions of an Albanian household. Start cooking with three generations of Albanian women or drink Raki with cheese and olives with “Grandpa” and hear to his Commie tales. In the afternoon, you possibly can take a 40-minute hike to go to 400-years previous St. Mary’s Church, constructed on the face of a cliff and with its monastery beneath. In the night, switch again to town, visiting a Communist bunker on the best way again.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of the Blue Eye Spring and Butrint
Travel to the Blue Eye Spring and marvel at this stunning pure space. Then, set off on a guided tour of Butrint National Park the place an area information explains the 2500 years of historical past of the Amphitheater, the fort, the church buildings, and the Lion Gate. Drive to Ksamil and luxuriate in seafood subsequent to turquoise waters. On the best way to Himare, cease for a espresso break at Borsh waterfalls. What a sight! Transfer to Himare and luxuriate in free time in this typical seaside metropolis. Finish the day along with your tour chief and group and luxuriate in a night of raki ingesting.

Day 7: Apollonia by way of Llogara National Park
En route to Apollonia, discover the Ali Pasha Castle. Marvel on the structure and hear to entertaining legends concerning the man who constructed it, Ali Pasha Tepelena. Stop at Llogara balcony for a shocking view of the South Coast seashores after which head for lunch to Llogara National Park freshened by the mountain breeze and pine bushes. Set off a guided tour in Apollonia in the afternoon, the place an on-site archeologist explains the historical past behind the temple of Artemis, the Odeon and the Triumphal Arch. On the best way to Tirana, cease for the scrumptious byrek (pastries) in town of Lushnje.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport on your return flight dwelling.

(“5. Tirana: 8-Day North to South Albania Tour”)

things to do in Durres

Day 1: Travel Day and Tirana

An airport pickup service is on the market all through the day, following which you may get settled in your resort. If you aren’t too drained, there’s a guided strolling tour of town additionally obtainable.

Day 2: Kruja and Shkoder

You’ll start your journey from Tirana immediately to town of Kruja. From there you’ll set off on a guided tour of the fort, the Skanderbeg Museum, and the National Ethnographic Museum. You’ll switch for lunch in Shiroke, with Lake Shkoder well-known for its fish delicacies.

Following lunch, go to the Rozafa Fortress and luxuriate in superb views while studying the fortress’s fascinating historical past. Afterwards, get settled in to your resort in Shkoder and expertise the Old Town, St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral, the Ebu Bekr Mosque, and Marubi Museum all through a guided tour. Later, take pleasure in free time in the night in the Pedonalja space.

Day 3: Koman Lake to Shala River via Koman Lake boat trip

Transfer to Koman in the early morning, the place you’ll take a scenic boat trip passing by rocky mountains and vivid inexperienced hills in the direction of the Shala River. This river is a hidden paradise which can also be referred to as “Albanian Thailand”. Later, take pleasure in lunch with views over the Mirror River while surrounded by the quietness of the mountains and nature. You’ll ultimately depart this idyllic spot in the afternoon, at which level you’ll switch to the seaside metropolis of Durres.

Day 4: Berat and Vlore

On your fourth day you’ll switch to Berat, passing via scenic hills stuffed with olive bushes. You’ll later take a guided tour to admire the citadel/fort of Berat full with a Red Mosque, White Mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the arched bridge of Gorica. Following that, take pleasure in lunch with metropolis views and take some free time to wander the 2 predominant districts of Mangalem and Gorica.

In the afternoon you will go to town of Vlore, which is the hometown to the National Independence Movement. There you possibly can go to Flag Square, the Muradie Mosque, and Vlore’s Lungomare.

Day 5: Saranda by way of Gjirokaster

Transfer to Gjirokaster to uncover this “metropolis of a thousand steps” while driving via small villages. Once arrived, settle into your resort earlier than absorbing the wealthy historical past of the fort and having fun with the view of the “city of stone” from above. Explore the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wood home earlier than stopping for lunch in a small native restaurant for a style of town’s genuine dishes. On the street to Saranda, you’ll later cease on the “Blue Eye” spring.

Day 6: Butrint and Ksamil

Transfer to Butrint for a guided tour of the UNESCO archaeological web site. Following that you should have free time for a seashore day on the Ksamil Islands, earlier than returning to Saranda in the night.

Day 7: Ali Pasha Castle & Llogara National Park

Visit Porto Palermo Castle along with your information, earlier than spending the day on the seashore in the bay of Porto Palermo. Along the best way you will cease by Tirana, in addition to the Llogara “balcony” to strive native merchandise of the world.

Day 8: Departure Day

Following breakfast in your closing day, your tour will conclude.

(“6. From Tirana: Hiking in Qafeshtama National Park”)

things to do in Durres

Discover the most effective of Albanian tradition and nature on this guided tour from Tirana. After getting picked up out of your resort, start the journey to the city of Kruja, some of the essential cities in Albania. Enjoy a stroll across the city and study extra about its historical past as a significant battleground of the Ottoman Empire.

Later, stroll via the Old Bazaar and choose up some souvenirs at one of many many outlets promoting conventional handmade gadgets. Next, go to the fort the place you possibly can select to go to the ethnographic museum and study extra about Albanian traditions and customs.

In the afternoon, start your hike via the Qafeshtama National Park. Along the best way, admire spectacular views of the encompassing mountains and go to the spring the place the Albanian Royal household will get their each day provide from. After your hike, head again to Tirana and get dropped off again at your resort.

(“7. From Durrës: Day Tour to Apollonia & Ardenica Monastery”)

things to do in Durres

Discover the traditional metropolis of Apollonia on this full-day guided tour. Enjoy its particular ambiance, archaeology, and panorama. Then, go to the Ardenica convent, some of the well-known historic and non secular monuments in Albania. Be transported in consolation from Durrës, having fun with the pure panorama on the best way.

Start your guided tour at 9 AM. The Archaeological Park of Apollonia holds about 2 million years of historical past. With the numerous monuments and ruins scattered on the hills of the Archaeological Park, you’ll come in shut contact with the splendor of the Hellenistic and Roman durations.

Identify the ruins of the 8 angular vintage cities with straight streets with the assistance of your information. Hear the legends of the Illyrian tribe out of your knowledgeable information. Visit Greek theaters and Roman temples. Find the Monastery and the Church of St. Mary throughout the partitions of the Park.

Explore the remnants of the Hellenistic historic theatre, the triumphal arch, the agora with its colonnade, the gymnasium, the monument of Agonothetes, the Odeon, the library, and the mosaic villas. After soaking in the legends, historical past, and evolution of this web site, cease for a lunch break.

Continue to the Ardenica Monastery. Visit the Church of Saint Mary and the Chapel of St. Trinity Church. Learn how the monastery gained relevance amongst native inhabitants. In addition to the wealthy historical past and tradition of this web site, the Monastery additionally gives breathtaking views of the hills of Ardenica.

(“8. Tirana and Cape of Rodon Private Tour with Wine Tasting”)

things to do in Durres

Explore the most effective of Tirana on this guided journey. Learn about Albania’s historical past and nationwide heroes. Then, loosen up on the Cape of Rodon and finish the day with a wine tasting. Benefit from non-public round-trip resort transfers.

Meet your information at your resort and be led to the middle of Tirana. Start at Scanderbeg Square to go to the National History Museum and the Opera House. Learn the fascinating tales of the nationwide hero of Skanderbeg.

Continue to the Etemhem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower. Around 500 meters away, see The Pyramid of Tirana, a crumbling image of Albania’s Communist previous.

Pay a go to to the Post Block Memorial devoted to the victims of Albania’s communist regime. The web site contains a piece of the Berlin wall, a struggle bunker, and pillars from the infamous Spaç labor camp. Inside the Post Block space is dictator Enver Hoxha’s home which isn’t open to the general public.

After exploring the highlights of Tirana, set off to Durres. Visit the hidden gem of Cape of Rodon, a rocky peninsula pointing into the Adriatic Sea. See the ruins of Skanderbeg Castle. Stop by the idyllic St. Anthony Church for its historical past in addition to scenic environment.

Make the most effective of your free time by strolling alongside the sandy seashores or swimming in the clear waters. Afterward, depart for the Duka Winery and Vineyard to unwind with some great ambiance and wine. Transfer again to Tirana in the night.

(“9. Durres: Gjirokaster Guided Tour”)

things to do in Durres

Discover an ideal mixture of archaeology, historical past, and pure magnificence on this guided tour of Gjirokastër from Durres. See the previous metropolis heart, fort, and extra.

Visit the previous metropolis heart and bazaar and see the standard artisan outlets and cafes constructed in the previous type. Visit fort, rebuilt in the twelfth century. Learn about Albania’s resistance to the Nazis.

Spend the remainder of the day visiting the previous neighborhoods of Qafe and Bazaar, and studying extra about them. See historic buildings, together with the previous residence of Enver Xoxha; Albania’s Cold War-era chief.

(“10. Durres Day Tour with Local Guide”)

things to do in Durres

Your journey begins at 9:00 AM on the “Liria” Square. Explore town’s 1930’s structure as you stroll alongside the boulevard. Visit the Ethnographic Museum and its artifacts displayed on the second ground of a conventional home from the nineteenth century. It displays genuine objects of hand-crafts in addition to a wealthy assortment of Albanian conventional costumes.

Next, you’ll go to the Roman Amphitheater from the 2nd century AD, constructed in the course of the reign of the Emperor Trajan as one of many greatest amphitheaters in Balkans.The Roman Amphitheater and town of Durres are uncommon for his or her extraordinary diploma of preservation, significantly for its massive stretches of undisturbed stratigraphy. About a 3rd of the amphitheater was not set on artifical helps, however on pure ones, using a precipitous hillside to help its northern seating, or cavea.

On the best way to the archaeological museum you possibly can admire the Byzantine Wall, an engineering masterpiece, constructed in the course of the reign of Emperor Anastasius ( VI cent AD ) whose origin was from Durres, and the seaside promenade having fun with the contemporary air and the view of the most important bay in Albania.The Byzantine Chapel is your subsequent cease. An early Christian chapel constructed into the western aspect of the amphitheater. Its western alcove preserves a singular polychromatic mosaic representing Christian iconography in virtually their pure sizes.

Archaeological Museum, in case you’re in Durres historical past, and even simply interested in it, Durres Archaeological Museum has among the greatest displays. Having a information at your aspect as you discover means you possibly can ask as many questions as you want. The Venetian Tower and the Byzantine stretch of wall, a fifteenth cent intervention carried out to the byzantine fortification of town. A flight of stairs takes you to the roof which supplies you the chance to watch the seaside and the environment of the previous metropolis. This tour will then end at 2:00 PM.