Sipa Tours Logo
   
 
 
Home
Tours
Walking Tour
Places
Gallery
Prices
Book A Tour
Comments
Contact Us
 

Articles On Us

London Times (2003) Jerusalem Post (2005) London Times (2005) London Times (2006)
 
 
Places We Visit
The itinerary of our currently offered tours, has been carefully chosen so that it unveils Albania's beauty to the full.
 
The route of our currently offered tours is outlined by the following main locations.
We give you the opportunity to be mystically seduced by the natural charm of this magical journey to the past, just like we were.
 
Hotels we stay at Book A Tour Now
Saranda

Saranda - click to enlargeThe pearl of the Albanian riviera at the Ionian sea.The sea panorama and the variety of flora, favoured by the soft climate, make Saranda the preferred centre for rest and recreation.

It is the ancient city of Onchesmus, one of the principle cities of the 6th century AD, province of Epirus Vetus.

The monuments of the city include sections of the 4th century city walls, a basilica with a mosaic pavement, the remains of a large Roman cistern. On the hills above Saranda stands the basilica of Santa Quaranta - an early Byzantine church with its catacombs still intact - the medieval castle as well as the deserted village of Likurski.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures

Blue Eye

Blue Eye Spring -click to enlargeWords are just not enough to describe the natural beauty of Mesopotam, and the sensational spiritual harmony it conveys.

It is the home of many of Albania's nature reserves and natural monuments.

There are twelve natural springs in this area!

The Blue Eye spring is known to be the most beautiful and exotic.
It is located amidst the mountains and presents visitors with an extraordinary captivating contrast of scenery.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures

Butrinti

Butrinti - click to enlargeOne the greatest cities of the ancient world.

A special archaeological site, a microcosm of Mediterranean history, from the age of the ancient Greeks to the Venetians.

The small Troy as described by Virgil.
After drawing the attention of many important archaeological teams, the majestic ancient city of Butrint was revealed.

Innumerous archaic, classical and Byzantine monuments include: the city walls, gates, theatre and bath houses, the temple of Asklepios – a palace complex, a basilica and an early 6th century baptistery with startling mosaics.

Outside the city walls is the wonderfully unspoiled landscape, home to a rich diversity of rare and endangered wildlife.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures

Gjirokastro

Gjirokastra - click to enlargeGjirokastro is a strikingly picturesque museum town, perched on the side of a mountain above the Drino River.

Its high architectural and artistic value make it one of the most attractive cities in Albania.

The town was well established in the 13th century, but the arrival of the Turks in 1417 initiated a slow decline. By the 17th century, however, the town was thriving again, with a flourishing bazaar where embroidery, silk and the still famous white cheese were traded.

Above the Bazaar Mosque in the centre of town is the Mëmëdheu ABC Monument, commemorating the Renaissance of Albanian education around the turn of the 20th century. Dominating the town is the 14th century citadel, now a museum of armaments.
Enver Hoxha's childhood home houses the Ethnographic Museum, and the old Turkish Baths are in the lower town.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures

Ardenica

Gjirokastra - click to enlargeA 12th century monastery converted into an inn, it occupies the whole of a rocky outcrop amid pine and cypress trees

and is a landmark visible for miles across the plain. The church, dedicated to the Virgin, is characteristically Greek, and has a magnificent iconostasis and high-quality wall-paintings.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures

Fier, Apollonia

Gjirokastra - click to enlargeFier is the capital of the Fier district and is situated between the Seman River to the north and the Vjose River to the south.
Just northwest of the city are the ruins of ancient Apolonia, possibly the most important archaeological site in Albania.
Founded in 588 BC by Greeks from Corinth, it rose to become a renowned cultural center in the Roman period. Memorable are the elegant facade of the Bouleuterion and the great Stoa.

Below stands the beautiful 13th century church of Shenmari, built out of the antique stone.

Visit our photo gallery for more pictures

Vlore

Vlore has a natural beauty of a port less than 50 km from Italy. .

The beaches are beautiful, the cafes great fun, there are several great seafood restaurants along the coast and a great 'xhiro' ( or stroll ) along the beaches, full of people and excitement.

Himara

Himara Is a typical coastal area with a beach in the lower part of the town and olive- and citrus- clad hills around it.It has borne that name since the 6th century.

 

Back To Top Of Page

   
 
Home - Tours - Places - Gallery - Prices - Book A Tour - Useful Words - Culture - History - Geography - Maps - Contact Us
Copyright 2002-5 Sipa Tours - All rights reserved.