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Discover the ancient city of Apollonia and the Bylis Ancient Illyrian city on a 2-day tour from Tirana. Visit the UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster, the Butrint Archeological Park, Blue Eye, and Ksamil Beach.

Highlights

• Explore the ancient city of Apollonia and the Bylis Ancient Illyrian city
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster with its stone house roof-tops
• Visit the Butrint Archeological Park, Blue Eye, and Ksamil Beach
• Enjoy a traditional taverna meal in the old city of Gjirokaster
• See the fortress, the old town, and typical houses of the 18th century

Description

Day 1. Tirana - Apollonia - Bylis - Saranda 260 km (Total 4 Hours drive) 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, 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. Drive towords Saranda with a stop to Cold water of Tepelena. 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 Day 2. Saranda - Ksamil - Butrint - Blue eye - Gjirokaster - Tirane 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.

Includes

Live Guide during the tour Transportation by van One night accommodation in Saranda with breakfast Visits to: Apollonia Archeological Park, Bylis Ancient Ilirian city, Saranda city, Ksamil Beach, Blue Eye, Gjirokaster Castle Entrance tickets: Apollonia Archeological Park, Bylis Archeological Park, Fortress in Gjirokaster, Blue Eye

Important Information

• Departure from a fixed point in Tirana Departure time is between 07:30 to 08:00 depending on the season Small group tour for a more personalized experience Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Bring your passport or ID card for hotel check-in Wear comfortable shoes for walking Be prepared for various weather conditions

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund