MARITIME HERITAGE TOURS

​Itinerary

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Day 1 UK to Tirana

Depart on your scheduled flight to Tirana. Upon arrival, you will be met by your representatives and transferred to your hotel.

Transfer Times: Drive thirty minutes from airport to Tirana.

 

Day 2 Tirana

Includes Breakfast & Dinner

The cultural, entertainment and political heart of Albania lies in the lively city of Tirana, proclaimed as the capital in 1920. Shrouded by its difficult past, Tirana has in recent years reinvented itself as a city of historic and cultural significance; flourishing with its vast array of museums and fascinating monuments, amidst a metropolis peppered with vibrant buildings. Unearth Albania's past struggles as you enter the underground bunker known as Bunk Art 1, built in the 1970s under the strict instructions of Enver Hoxha - Albania's former head of State. Constructed as a protective refuge in the event of a nuclear attack, this five-storey shelter now houses a history museum and contemporary art gallery abounding an assortment of vibrant artwork. Wander through a selection of 24 rooms and be transported to a bygone era, as you witness the living quarters and meeting rooms which replicate its original design. This afternoon, bask in natural splendour as you journey towards Dajti Mountain, a tranquil and refreshing contrast to Tirana. Immersed in an idyllic display of verdant fields and shady beech trees, board a cable car and glide towards the summit of Mount Dajti, absorbing spellbinding vistas along the route. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with traditional dishes.

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Day 3 Tirana to Ohrid, North Macedonia

Includes Breakfast

Following breakfast, journey to the picturesque resort which teeters on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Radiating natural extravagance and exuding old-world charm, indulge in an area of outstanding beauty during an afternoon at leisure, delighting in the opportunity to explore the atmospheric old town of Ohrid, where a scattering of medieval churches, crumbling monasteries and ancient ruins lay adjacent to traditional houses, crowned by their iconic red-tiled roofs. Why not soak up the atmosphere and glorious lakeside views from the comfort of a quaint cafe or take a stroll along the sprawling embankment boardwalk.

Transfer Times: Drive two and a half hours from Tirana to Ohrid.

 

Day 4 Ohrid to Bitola

Includes Breakfast

Framed by the towering mountainsides of Baba and Nidze, travel to the city of Bitola, a relatively quiet town which boasts an intriguing blend of architecture and captivating archaeological sites. The town has become synonymous with its hospitable coffee-shop culture. Teeming with vibrant 18th-century townhouses, neoclassical buildings and prehistoric monuments, meander through the winding streets of this charming city during a morning tour, before exploring one of North Macedonia's best-regarded archaeological sites. Regally assembled amidst the former city bounds of Macedonia, wander through the excellently preserved monuments of Heraclea Lynecestis which astoundingly dates back to the 4th century; marvel at the ancient Roman baths, open-aired portico and Christian Basilica, before standing upon the striking stage of the Roman Amphitheatre that was, for a short time, the epicentre for Gladiator fights. In the shadows of its ancient past, these mesmerising ruins now serve as a backdrop for concerts and theatre performances, held here during the summer months. From here, spend some time at leisure navigating the market stalls and narrow avenues of the Old Bazaar, before returning to Ohrid this evening.

 

Day 5 Ohrid to Vlore via Berat, Albania

Includes Breakfast

Return to Albania today and experience the magnetic charm of Berat during a morning city tour. Surrounded by rugged mountains and towering hillsides, witness an iconic assemblage of white Ottoman houses which climb to the highest peak of this 'town of a thousand windows', before exploring the expansive grounds of Berat Castle. Perched atop a steep mountainside, delight in incredible vistas of the city, where the Osum river spectacularly cuts through the verdant valley below. Breaking custom and tradition, this beguiling fortress is unlike any other citadels of its time owing to the fact that it has almost continuously remained a habitable community, where restaurants, markets and Byzantine churches thrive at the heart of local life. Behind the imposing walls of this fortified city, wander through the twisting streets before gaining an insight into one of Albania's most distinctive religious artists at the Onufri Museum. Combining vivid crimson and golden colours in a dazzling spectacle of religious extravagance, witness Onufri's elaborate work before travelling towards the former capital of Albania, idyllically situated on the bay where the Adriatic and Ionian seas harmoniously unite. Spend the rest of the day at leisure basking in the warm Mediterranean sun or relishing in the lively ambience of this picture-perfect seaside metropolis.

Transfer Times: Drive four and a half hours from Ohrid to Vlore with excursion en route.

 

Day 6 Vlore

Includes Breakfast

Located atop a windswept plateau and set amongst a backdrop teeming with rolling hillsides and verdant olive groves, explore the ancient Greek colonial city of Apollonia. Whilst several ruins remain buried underground, wander around a number of spellbinding archaeological highlights, including the amphitheatre and dominating pillars that marked the city's administrative centre, before returning to the atmospheric centre of Vlore for an afternoon at leisure.

 

Day 7 Vlore to Durres

Includes Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, journey towards the charming medieval village of Kruja, blissfully situated at the foothills of Mount Kruja and its surrounding green valleys, which stretch to the shores of the glistening Adriatic. Exuding an enchanting authentic ambience, wander through the cobblestone streets of this quaint town before browsing a collection of beautiful antiques, hand-crafted rugs and masterfully made copper objects which are sold in the ancient Ottoman bazaar, known as one of the oldest market streets in Albania. Later, travel to Durres and arrive in time for your farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer Times: Drive three hours to Durres with excursion en route.

 

Day 8 Durres to UK or extension

Includes Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or chosen extension.

Transfer Times: Drive thirty minutes from Durres to airport.

 

Itinerary Notes

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

 

Accommodation Details

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Albania.

 

All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and airconditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. A triple room is available but please note that this will be a twin room with a fold away bed for the 3rd passenger.