Durres-Thessaliniki-Ohrid Day I Arrival in Durres at 7:00 am and drive to Kruja where we will visit the Scandeberg castle and the Old Bazaar. Kruja is a touristic attraction that offers a breathtaking view. Center of Albanian resistance against the Turks. We will visit the Castle with the rich and the old Bazaar restored inside. In the early afternoon departure to Tirana. The capital of Albania will surprise us. We will visit among others the National Historical Museum, the Mosque of Et’em Bey, the Roman Catholic Church of St. Paul, the largest Catholic church in Tirana, the old bazaar etc. At 18:00 return to Durres, dinner in a typical restaurant with music and singers (opsionale). Day II After breakfast in hotel we head towards the city of love, Korca. During the trip there are multiple stops, one in the city of Elbasan in the walls of the city and another longest in the city of Pogradec. We can enjoy the clean air and the freshness that gives us the lake of Pogradec. After lunch in a special place in Pogradec we take again the route for Korca. After accommodation at the hotel we make a visit in the city of Korca, where we can visit the medieval museum, the Orthodox Cathedral of the city of Korca, Market (Pazar) of Korca and the museum of the first Albanian school. Dinner at a local restaurant with traditional dishes of the area. Day III After breakfast in hotel we start our journey to the city of Thessaloniki and we reach the border point of Kapshtica. After crossing procedures we address to town Kastoria. Kastoria is positioned in the north of Greece, on the western shore of Lake Orestiada, a valley surrounded by limestone mountains. Kastoria as an ancient city is known for many Byzantine churches, has an internal architecture dating from the Ottoman period, has also developed fishing (trout). Opportunities for optional lunch in this city. We continue our trip crossing known towns as Kozani, Veria and evening arrival in Thessaloniki. Accommodation at the hotel and then tourist guide of the city. Day IV After breakfast at the hotel we start our sightseeing tour of the city of Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is the second city of Greece in terms of size, economy and political life. Our tour begins with: • Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki where you have the opportunity to get acquainted with archaeological values collected during the Ottoman Empire. • The White Tower in the city’s central square built in the XV century, is a monument and museum. At first built by the Ottoman for the fortification of the city, it became a infamous prison and scene of mass executions during the Ottoman rule. Is essentially remodeled after Greece won the control of the city in 1912 and adopted as the symbol of the city. • Then visit to the church of St. Sophia and the Byzantine church of St. Demetrios and in his grave, and from here the Ancient Agora (central bazaar in the city of Thessaloniki). • Tour will end in Aristotle Square enjoying the beauty of the coastline and the time available for lunch which is optional. After this fascinating city we head to the city of the poem that is on the lakeside of Ohrid, Struga. During the trip there will be short stops before arriving in the afternoon in the hotel. Planned evening with live music. Day V After breakfast in hotel we start our journey to the city of Ohrid to explore: • the old gate of this city • The ancient theater • Samuel’s fortress • the old Christian Basilica • St. Panteleimon • Plaosnik (Church of St. John in Kaneo) • St. Sofia Church • National museum In the end free time to enjoy the beautiful shops, after that direction to the port of Durres where we prepare for imbarcation. End of our service. Durres-Saranda-Corfu Day I Arrival in Durres short break and meeting with the agency guide. We head to Vlora, the southern part of the country. The Riviera of Flowers from Vlora to Saranda, offers one of the most beautiful views in the country. The beautiful south coast of Albania welcome you with its enchanting sea, beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. • the Museum of Independence • The mosque of Muradie • The tomb of Ismail Qemali (father of independence from the Ottoman Empire) • The impressive Independence Square. Later we drive, through the step of Llogara, in Saranda with its nearly 1000 meters above sea level. More to the south of Himare in a small bay lies the castle of Porto Palermo built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina at the dawn of the nineteenth century and still is in excellent condition. In the late afternoon we head to Saranda and visit the center. The city takes its name from ‘ancient monastery situated on the hill of the “40 Saints”. Accommodation in the rooms booked and typical dinner Day II After breakfast at the hotel at about 08:30, we head to the greek border. Before arriving in Argyrokastron is a wonderful source of ice-cold water which is called “Syri i kalter” (blue eye). After a short break we head to the beautiful and little known Ioannina (capital of Epirus). The old town is full of old Ottoman buildings and shops where is worked the silver. The city is also a huge boating lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Late afternoon return to Igoumenitsa and boarding for Corfu. After accommodation in the rooms we prepare for a beautiful evening in one of the most famous clubs in the area. Day III After breakfast at the hotel we prepare to visit the monuments of this island, famous all over the world for its splendor. • Kanoni is a beautiful suburb that you should not miss: elegant villas, ancient ruins characterize this village, located in south of the town, and in the southern part of the peninsula of Kanoni is the small monastery dedicated to Our Lady of Vlaherna. • The palace of Achilleion is most famous because it was the residence of Princess Sissi and is located about ten kilometers in south of the city. It was Sissi who decided to dedicate the building to Achilles because he loved the Greek culture and wanted to pay homage, hence the name Achilleion. • Paleokastritsa : Paleokastritsa Monastery gets its name from the place where it is located and lies for precision on the promontory that characterizes the entire area. The monastery was founded in 1225, then in the eighteenth century was built the main church dedicated to the Holy Virgin and the monks cells. The view from the monastery is charming and, over the sea, you can admire the small island across from the beach that looks the shape of a ship. After the visits we head to the hotel to accommodate and enjoy the dinner. Day IV The city of Corfu, especially in its old part, is perhaps one of the most beautiful jewels of modern Greece. The Esplanade of Corfu is a great area full of green that separates the city from the old fortress; its name is due to the complete absence of the buildings. A significant memory also comes from the time when Corfu was conquered by the French; Entering the old city from the harbor side, before reaching it, is located what is perhaps the most famous religious monument of the island: the church of St. Spyridon. After lunch we prepare to take the ship that leads to the town of Igoumenitsa and after them we head back to Saranda. After dinner a special evening is reserved. Day V After breakfast at the hotel we will head to Butrint. Archaeological site on the borders with Greece facing the island of Corfu, presents of the fortifications, dating from the sixth century . For its beauty Butrint was recently declared a Unesco World Heritage. After the visit back to Durres. Free lunch and in the late evening panoramic view of the city of Durres and from there imbarcation in the ship where we head to Bari and end of our service. Typical dishes • The çonlek (stew meat and onions), • The ferges (a beef stew very rich), • The rosto me salce kosi (roasted with sour cream) and • Tave kosi (mutton with yogurt). Peppers and eggplant stuffed with rice and meat, are delicious • The shishqebap (shish kebab), romsteak (minced meat pie) and qofte (meatballs). Alcoholic beverages as well • Typical wine raki (brandy), • The konjac (cognac), • The ouzo (anise liqueur very similar to the greek) and other fruit liqueurs. • The beer Korca is a Albanian beer really good. CLUBS, RESTAURANTS AND BARS TYPICAL WITH MUSIC, AND IN CORFU BUZUK WILL ENRICH YOUR EVENINGS. Included: • Ferry Bari-Durres-Bari (all cabins with 2 or 4 beds, with services) • Hotel in Saranda 3 * – 2 nights with HB • Guided tour of the City • Ferry Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Igoumenitsa (duration 40min) • Hotel in Corfu 3 * – 2 nights in HB • Museum and Mosque in Saranda • Visit the site of Butrint • Palace Achilleon Corfu • Paleokastritsa Corfu • Bus Grand Tourism for all the tour • Accompanying from Italy • Insurance Coverage Balcani vacanze culturale UNLIMITED Travel Grand Tur è un po ‘come il “best of” della vecchia Jugoslavia adatta a 15 giorni. Questo piccolo tur di gruppo di Croazia, Slovenia, Bosnia e un tocco del Montenegro presenta i evidenti siti turistici ‘hits’ come Dubrovnik, Split e Lago di Bled. E come ogni cosa che facciamo, c’è sempre una buona scelta di luoghi che sono lasciati fuori di molti altri tur ma molto meritevoli a pieno titolo. I sorprendenti villaggi di campagna e di montagna in Bosnia, il vino e il cibo della Slovenia oppure i vicoli tortuosi a Rovinj di solito finiscono i preferiti luoghi del tur degli ospiti.