Vlora Daily Tours

Day Trip from Vlora to Gjirokaster: Exploring the Stone City

Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers round trip.

Morning:

1. Depart Vlora: Start your day early and drive to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.

Distance: Approximately 100 kilometers from Vlora to Gjirokaster.

Mid-Morning: 2. Gjirokaster Old Town: Explore the cobbled streets of Gjirokaster’s Old Town. Visit the Gjirokaster Castle, also known as the Fortress of Gjirokaster, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Distance: Within Gjirokaster.

Lunch: 3. Traditional Albanian Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant in Gjirokaster. Try dishes like qofte (meatballs), tave kosi (yogurt and lamb casserole), and baklava for dessert.

Distance: Within Gjirokaster.

Afternoon: 4. Gjirokaster Bazaar: Stroll through the Gjirokaster Bazaar, where you can shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade products.

Distance: Within Gjirokaster.

Late Afternoon: 5. Return to Vlora: Begin your journey back to Vlora in the late afternoon, making sure to take in the scenic views along the way.

Distance: Approximately 100 kilometers from Gjirokaster to Vlora.

Day Trip from Vlora to Apollonia: Exploring Ancient Ruins

Distance: Approximately 80 kilometers round trip.

Morning:

1. Depart Vlora: Start your day by driving to Apollonia, an ancient Greek city known for its archaeological site.

Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers from Vlora to Apollonia.

Mid-Morning: 2. Apollonia Archaeological Site: Explore the Apollonia Archaeological Park, which includes well-preserved ancient ruins, a theater, and a museum showcasing artifacts from the area’s rich history.

Distance: Within Apollonia.

Lunch: 3. Local Restaurant: Enjoy a picnic amidst the ancient ruins or dine at a local restaurant in the vicinity.

Distance: Within Apollonia.

Late Afternoon: 3. Return to Vlora: Head back to Vlora, taking a different route to enjoy more of the Albanian countryside.

Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers from the Vjosa River to Vlora.

Day Trip from Vlora to Berat: Exploring the “City of a Thousand Windows”

Distance: Approximately 180 kilometers round trip.

Morning:

1. Depart Vlora: Early departure for Berat, also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” due to its unique Ottoman architecture.

Distance: Approximately 130 kilometers from Vlora to Berat.

Mid-Morning: 2. Berat Castle: Visit Berat Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the castle grounds, and enjoy panoramic views of the town and surrounding area.

Distance: Within Berat.

Lunch: 3. Mangalemi Quarter: Head to the Mangalemi Quarter, a charming area with well-preserved Ottoman-era houses. Have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like tave dheu (lamb and rice baked in a clay pot).

Distance: Within Berat.

Afternoon: 4. Onufri Museum: Visit the Onufri Museum, which houses a rich collection of religious icons and artifacts, including the works of the famous Albanian iconographer Onufri.

Distance: Within Berat.

Late Afternoon: 5. Return to Vlora: Begin your return journey to Vlora in the late afternoon, taking in the scenic drive.

Distance: Approximately 130 kilometers from Berat to Vlora.

Boat Trip from Vlora to Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island: Discovering Natural Wonders and History

Distance: Varies depending on the specific route, but the boat trip typically covers a significant distance.

Morning:

1. Depart Vlora: Begin your boat trip from the Vlora port. Many local operators offer guided tours to Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island.

Distance: Departure from Vlora Port.

Mid-Morning: 2. Karaburun Peninsula: Sail to Karaburun Peninsula, a protected marine park known for its crystal-clear waters, underwater caves, and rugged coastline. Your boat may make stops along the coast for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Lunch: 3. Onboard or at the restaurant on the beach: Enjoy lunch onboard the boat with freshly prepared seafood or meat (chicken, pork) or at the restaurant in one of the pristine beaches of Karaburun Peninsula.

After lunch: 4. Sazan Island: Continue your boat trip by visiting the Cave of Haxhi Aliu, a famous pirate from Ulcin. Last destination is Sazan Island, which has a rich history as a military base during the Cold War. Explore the abandoned bunkers, tunnels, and historic sites on the island. Guided tours are often available to provide insights into the island’s past.

Afternon: 5. Sazan Island Wildlife: Other than enjoying a swim at the beach, you can take some time to appreciate the unique wildlife on Sazan Island, including various bird species and marine life. The island’s natural beauty is protected and offers an opportunity for birdwatching and photography, as well as the old buildings from Communist area.

Afternoon: 6. Return to Vlora: Sail back to Vlora in the early evening, enjoying the sunset over the Ionian Sea.