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Historical Albania – Northern Epirus, October 28, 1926 | 3 days
Where history meets the Ionian Sea… A journey steeped in history, culture, and scenes of authentic beauty. From the sacred lands of Northern Epirus and the Greek-speaking villages that keep memory and tradition alive, to the coastal towns of the Ionian Sea with their turquoise waters and Mediterranean light. We traverse iconic sites of Hellenism, such as the imposing Argyrokastro, walk along ancient cultural trails in Butrint, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Agioi Saranta and Himara. A carefully designed itinerary that combines memory and emotion, knowledge and relaxation, a historical retrospective and contemporary images of escape. A journey that goes beyond simply touring places, offering meaningful experiences where the past harmoniously converses with the present.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
We depart early in the morning from Thessaloniki, traveling via the Egnatia Highway to the Kakavia border crossing. After having our IDs or passports checked and shopping at the duty-free shop, we enter Albanian territory. Our first stop is at Vouliarates, home to the Military Cemetery of the Greek Fallen of 1940–41. We continue on to the Greek-speaking villages of Dropoli and, passing through its main village, Dervitsani, we head toward Argyrokastro, a stronghold of Orthodoxy and Hellenism. The old town has been inscribed on the World Heritage List since 2005 as a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman city. We continue on to the town of Tepeleni, where we’ll see the statue of Ali Pasha, Tepeleni Castle, and Kleisoura. In the afternoon, we arrive in Agioi Saranta. After checking into the hotel, we can take a stroll along the waterfront and through the old harbor. The town is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Onghisma, which flourished during Roman times as a trading post between Epirus and Italy. Return to the hotel; overnight stay.
Right after breakfast, along a route with a view of the sea, we’ll make our first stop in the coastal town of Himara, which consists of the Old Town, the Castle District, located in and around the old castle, and the coastal area of Spilia, which is the region’s tourist and economic hub. We’ll also visit the Orthodox Church of All Saints, built by Saint Kosmas of Aetolia, and the Greek school. Free time for a stroll and coffee in the city center. Return to Agioi Saranta. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, as we cross the Vourko Plain and the Greek-speaking villages toward the Ionian coast opposite Corfu, we pass through Examilí, the beautiful tourist resort with turquoise waters that many refer to as the “Caribbean of the Balkans.” Then we arrive at ancient Butrint, dating from the 7th to 6th centuries B.C. An ancient Greek city and archaeological site located in the Greek region of Epirus. It is built on a peninsula in a clay-bottomed harbor, next to the Vivari Canal, which connects Lake Butrint with the Strait of Corfu. Tour of the archaeological site, including the Roman theater, the Hellenistic agora, the Asclepieion, and the Baptistery with its magnificent mosaics. Arrival at the Mavromati border crossing, passport control, and then on to Igoumenitsa for lunch. Finally, we head back and, via Igoumenitsa, arrive back in our city.
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The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip for operational reasons and/or due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant information will be provided.