🎈South Albania + Optional Trip to Corfu, Greece: 7 Days Indelible Adventure! I am not responsible if you fall in love with my country!

Day 1 Starting from Tirana early in the morning, our first destination will be Vlore, the biggest and most important city in the southern Albania. It is the city where the independence of the country was declared in 1912. By 10 am we should already be in Vlore, at the port, because that's the time when adventure starts and nature calls. *Boat tour in Sazan* A mysterious military island with secret bunkers and tunnels. It lies in a strategically important location between the Strait of Otranto and the mouth of the Bay of Vlorë, marking the border between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. *Peninsula of Karaburun*, The only maritime park in Albania. Shaped like a finger which points to the breathtaking landscape surrounded by turquoise waters, it is a spectacular natural reserve, famous for the intimate, pristine bays scattered throughout and its thriving nature. At 6 pm we are back in the city of Vlore, and can spend the evening in the vibrant city, at the Lungomare, have a drink or go dancing in the nightclubs by the sea with live traditional music.

Day 2 In Vlore, after breakfast we visit the Museum of Independence and the old town, newly renovated full of history and mystery. Then we depart for Himare. *First stop Vuno*, A village up in the rocky arid mountains with its beautiful white houses facing the deep blue Ionian sea. Charming, authentic, desolate, enchanting. We'll have lunch there and we are just 9 km from Himare away, so we can enjoy it to the fullest. *Arrival in Himare*, Nestled between the spectacular Ionian in the west and a mountain range on the eastern side and surrounded by canyons, while the old town resembles an amphitheater. We accommodate and spend the evening in the main promenade, enjoying the waves and the atmosphere which is incredibly peaceful though it is a summer destination. Day 3 *Castle of Himara* After breakfast, a visit to the castle of Himara. Beautifully surrounded by the Ceraunian Mountains in the north and the spectacular Ionian Sea in the south, the castle, a beautiful medieval fortress built on a hill, offers a rare journey into Albanian history and breathtaking nature. During the 8th century, many churches were built inside and outside of it, some of them still standing and well worth seeing! The most famous one among them is the Episcopal Church, displaying a beautiful sculpture of the Albanian symbol of the two-headed eagle (national flag) on one of its gates. *Next*, free time of swimming in the crystal clear water and lunch time. * Sunset boat tour.* At 5 pm we are heading for an amazing boat tour where we marvel at 9 spots, such as caves and bays with pristine water, enchanting nature and breathtaking scenery. The tour lasts two hours and it is absolutely not to be missed. A real adventure in the wonders of nature, where we can swim and dive or just feel the sea. We will stop at: Aquarium Bay Bay Beach Cave of Pirates Secret Cave Pigeons Cave Potam Beach Llaman Beach Porto Palermo Castle Grama Bay Gjipe Canyon In the evening we have dinner and enjoy the city life by the sea.

Day 4 Early in the morning we depart for Sarande. *First stop* breakfast in Qeparo, a quaint village with beautiful olives and aromatic citruses and the beautiful turquoise sea that stretches to the horizon. *Next stop* Borsh Borsh has the most stunning shades of ultramarine and turquoise that a sea could possibly possess. framed with olive groves. Time for swimming in these crystal waters and having lunch listening to the sounds of waves softly hitting the pebbles on the shore and smelling the calming scent of the salt of the sea. *Arrival in destination* Sarande The town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a fantastic vibrant promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica as well as Intricate floor mosaics still evident. Accomodation *Afternoon* trip to Corfu island, Greece. This is optional, but, obviously, who wouldn't want to visit a new country and culture while being so close. From Saranda to Corfu we will take the ferry, spend the afternoon there, swimming in the sea, strolling the city's main promenade and cobbled streets connected by steps all around the hills, shopping or just enjoying. *Evening at Lekuresi Castle* The best spot for panoramic views of Saranda, the Butrint Lagoon. This fortress dates back to the 16th century and is constructed in the shape of a square with two round towers sitting diagonally to one another. There are bars and restaurants where we can sit, have an aperitif or eat dinner. (optional) Day 5 *Submarine adventure-the only one in Albania* At 10 o'clock we head for a terrific adventure under the sea tailored for exceptional tourist satisfaction. It starts from Limani, Bay of Saranda and lies up to 22 m deep, with underwater visibility up to 15m. The area has light currents that ensure a diversity of flora and fauna, the presence of reefs and shipwrecks. Enjoy the spectacular underwater life that is reserved for divers only in one hour tour. *Next* visit to Ksamil-Butrint Especially clear and brisk waters of the famous islands of Ksamil transport you to a tropical paradise, with the breathtakingly turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and natural tranquility, while its proximity to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO Heritage Site, brings you back to the Antiquity. There are a total of four spectacular islands in Ksamil. The most famous ones are the Twin Islands, which are connected to one another via a narrow sand belt. *Afternoon* depart for Gjirokaster Check in, and there it is! The surprise of this trip! The stone Ottoman style city, also a Unesco World Heritage, an embrace of tradition, authenticity and excellent cuisine that will leave you speechless.

Day 6 After having spent the evening and night in the Old Bazaar, the buzzing area in the midst of the mountains famous for its stone masters, iconic stone roofs of the city, woodworkers, and talented embroiders, charming souvenir shops and lined up restaurants, we enjoy a typical savory Albanian breakfast and freshly brewed and made coffee. *Visit to the Castle of Argjiro* The Castle of Gjirokastra rises majestically over the city. Like a giant ship made of stone, it extends across the 1100-foot-high hillside on which it was built during the 4thcentury. A monument to nearly two thousand years of Albanian history, it witnesses the long and ruthless journey of the Albanian people’s struggle for independence. *Visit to the Entographic Museum* It is housed within the childhood home of the notorious communist leader Enver Hoxha. There is plenty of fascinating material here that unravels the rich history and culture of this city. The three-story construction, built during the 19th century is found in the Palorto neighborhood, near the spookily named street “Sokaku i të Marrëve,” which translates to “Road of the Mad.” *Visit to the Zekate House* Standing on a steep cliffside, it is immediately recognizable due to its hat-shaped roof. Constructed in the early 1800’s, this house is considered to be one of the best exemplars of Ottoman-style tower structures. In the evening we have the farewell dinner with the delicious traditional dishes of Gjirokaster.

Day 7 *Return to Tirana* Happy, relaxed, recharged and with unforgettable memories, it is now time to go back to Tirana Reminder: I am not responsible if any of you falls in love with my country!