Folk Dance Your Way Through Albania for 12 Days

Duration

12 Days

Starts In

Tirana

Countries

Albania

Theme

Culture & History

Overview

An unforgettable tour of Albania, where you’ll discover a hidden gem rich in history, traditions, and vibrant culture. This unique journey invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of centuries-old folk music and, most importantly, to learn the captivating folk dances of this diverse cultural melting pot. Led by talented dancers from the National Ensemble of Folk and Dance, this experience promises to be both enlightening and entertaining. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the heart and soul of Albania!

Highlights

  • Kruja: Explore the historic castle and Scanderbeg Museum, and enjoy vibrant shopping in the Old Bazaar.
  • Folk Dance Workshops:
    • Korça: Dive into the lively rhythms of traditional dances led by local experts.
    • Gjirokastra: Experience the unique movements and colorful costumes of Gjirokastra’s folk dances.
    • Vlorë: Revel in a captivating folklore program featuring energetic traditional dances and music.
    • Berat: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions through an engaging folk dance workshop.
    • Tirana: Conclude your journey with a dynamic workshop showcasing diverse Albanian dance styles.
  • Sveti Naum: Visit the stunning monastery by Lake Ohrid and enjoy a guided tour of Ohrid’s enchanting Old Town.
  • Gjirokastra: Discover the charm of the historic castle and bustling bazaar.
  • Blue Eye: Marvel at the breathtaking natural spring and visit Butrint National Park.
  • Porto Palermo: Explore the captivating Ali Pasha Castle with scenic Adriatic views.
  • Apollonia: Wander through the fascinating archaeological site and Berat Castle.
  • Pupa Winery: Savor a delightful tour and wine tasting experience.
  • Durres: Visit the impressive Roman amphitheater and Venetian Tower.
  • Bunk’Art Museum: Gain insights into Albania’s Cold War history and enjoy a scenic gondola ride.

Prices

GROUP (MIN) PRICE IN DBL/TWN ROOM (BB BASIS) SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
10 PAX 1450 € 290 €
15 PAX 1250 € 290 €
20 PAX 1150 € 290 €
25 PAX 1100 € 290 €
30+ PAX 1000 € 290 €

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation on standard double occupancy rooms in 4⭐ hotels.
  • Licensed English, French, Italian, German Speaking tour guide throughout the tour.
  • Local Tour guide in Ohrid.
  • Meals (10 Breakfasts, 2Lunchs and 8 Dinners + 1 wine degustation). Bottled water is included with the meal, all other drinks payable by the clients.
  • Transportation with modern AC 50 seater bus with driver during all tour itinerary.
  • (fuel, insurance, toll fees, parking).
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers as per itinerary.
  • Entrance fees to the sites as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Dance workshops.
  • International airfare and airport taxes.
  • Other meals not indicated in the “Inclusions”.
  • Driver/guides tips.
  • Gratuities and individual daily expenses and porterage.
  • Everything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Trip/tour cancellation.

Tour Plan

DAY 1 ARRIVAL AIRPORT - TIRANA

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Tirana – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (D)

DAY 2 TIRANA – KRUJA – TIRANA

Morning transfer to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important towns due to the part it played in resistance against the Ottomans. We will visit the castle and the impressive Scanderbeg Museum, and shopping in Old Bazaar.

Lunch followed with the folk show program performed by a local folk band.

Afternoon transfer to Tirana. Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Tirana – 4⭐ Hotel Meals: (B,L)

DAY 3 TIRANA – KORCA – TIRANA

After a delightful breakfast, the tour will continue to the enchanting city of Korça, known as the "City of Serenades" for its rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy. Upon arrival, guests will check in at the hotel to relax before an exciting afternoon.

Later, participants will join a folk dance workshop led by the talented Bardhi Pojani from the Culture Center “Vangjush Mio.” This engaging experience will immerse you in the rhythms and traditions of Albanian dance.

The day will conclude with a delicious dinner, followed by an overnight stay in Korça, where the city's charming ambiance will provide a perfect setting for rest and reflection.

Overnight in Korca – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 4 KORCA – SVETI NAUM – OHRID – KORCA

After breakfast, transfer to the border crossing into Northern Macedonia, where we’ll visit the serene Sveti Naum Monastery. Nestled by the stunning Lake Ohrid, this peaceful site offers breathtaking views and a rich historical ambiance.

Next, we'll embark on a guided tour of Ohrid's charming Old Town, exploring its ancient churches and beautiful architecture. A short boat ride on the lake will provide a unique perspective of the scenery.

Free time for lunch on your own, allowing you to savor local flavors at your leisure. Afterward, we’ll return to Korça for an engaging Folk Dance Workshop led by the talented Bardhi Pojani, immersing you in Albanian traditions.

The day will conclude with a delectable dinner, followed by a relaxing overnight stay in Korça.

Overnight in Korca – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 5 KORCE – PERMET – GJIROKASTER

Prepare for an exciting day as we drive through the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of southeastern Albania. Along the way, enjoy picturesque views enhanced by the winding Vjosa River, leading us to the charming town of Përmet.

Our final destination is the captivating museum city of Gjirokastra. In the afternoon, a guided city tour will take you through its historic castle and vibrant old bazaar, rich in culture and charm.

The day concludes with a delightful dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in Gjirokastra, where you can soak in the enchanting atmosphere.

Overnight in Gjirokaster – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 6 GJIROKASTER – BLUE EYE – SARANDE

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the enchanting Blue Eye spring, a natural wonder where crystal-clear waters bubble from a stunning, fifty-meter-deep pool. It's a must-see attraction that promises to captivate your senses.

Next, we’ll drive to the breathtaking Natural Park of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich archaeological and historical significance. Here, you’ll visit the impressive Old Amphitheatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, the vibrant Baptistery adorned with colorful mosaics, and the ancient city walls. Overlooking it all is an old fortress that houses a small museum, adding to the site’s allure.

As the day comes to a close, enjoy a delightful dinner at Lekurs Castle, accompanied by an enchanting evening folklore performance by the Zeri I Bilbilit folk band. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the day’s adventures!

Overnight in Saranda – 4⭐ Hotel Meals: (B,D)

DAY 7 SARANDA – PORTO PALERMO BAY – VLORE

Start your day with a scenic coastal drive to the historic Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo, where stunning views of the Adriatic Sea meet rich stories from the past. As we explore the castle, you’ll feel the echoes of history come to life.

Our journey then takes us to the vibrant city of Vlorë, a place steeped in cultural significance and historical importance. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere as we wander through its charming streets.

As evening falls, prepare to be captivated by a lively folklore program featuring talented dancers from Vlorë. Under the guidance of Puen Bajrami, an accomplished folk dance choreographer, the performance promises to showcase the vibrant spirit and traditions of Southern Albanian region culture. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, dance, and celebration!

Overnight in Vlora – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 8 VLORE – APOLLONIA ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK – BERAT

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll head to the fascinating archaeological site of Apollonia, founded in 588 BC, an ancient stronghold in Roman times and early Christian history. We’ll explore the museum, as well as the beautiful Shen Meri Monastery and Church.

After a short lunch break, we’ll continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll visit the impressive Berat Castle and the Onufri Iconography Museum, showcasing stunning religious art.

As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner and a cozy overnight stay in Berat, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere.

Overnight in Berat – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 9 BERAT

After a delightful breakfast, get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating folk workshop led by the talented Genci Kastrati. This hands-on experience will introduce you to the rich traditions and vibrant culture of our region.

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the picturesque Pupa Winery, where you’ll enjoy an insightful tour of the winery. Discover the art of winemaking and the passion behind each bottle. The experience culminates in a delightful wine tasting, paired with a delicious dinner that celebrates local flavors. Join us for an unforgettable day of culture, wine, and culinary delights!

Overnight in Berat – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 10 BERAT – DURRES – TIRANA

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll head to Durres, Albania's second-largest city and one of its oldest towns. With a rich history as the largest port on the Adriatic and the starting point of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople, Durres offers fascinating sights. We’ll explore the impressive Roman amphitheater, the largest in the Balkans, and the charming Venetian Tower.

Next, we’ll continue to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Opera House, where the National Albanian Folk Ensemble performs, followed by a lively folk dance workshop led by Genci Kastrati.

As the day concludes, we’ll gather for dinner at the Taste of the Village restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious local delicacies.

Overnight in Tirana – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 11 TIRANA – BUNKART 2 MUSEUM – CABLE CAR – TIRANA

Our bus will take us to Bunk’Art, a unique museum within the depths of a Cold War-era bunker. This subterranean labyrinth unveils the clandestine history of Albania, offering a glimpse into the country's past through immersive exhibitions and interactive displays. As you wander through the tunnels and chambers, you'll be transported back in time, surrounded by artifacts and stories that shed light on a pivotal era.

Then, to the Gondola up Dajti Mountain. Free ttiome for lunch on your own on this gorgeous views of Tirana.

After lunch return to the hotel.

Farewell dinner along with final performance by Genci Kastrati, the lead choregrapoher of Albanian Folk Ensemble.

Overnight in Tirana – 4⭐ Hotel. Meals: (B,D)

DAY 12 TIRANA – AIRPORT TRANSFER

Transfers in morning to Tiranë Mother Teresa Airport for flight home.

Meals (B)

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