AFT belleairé 8 ALBANIA 2013 A lifetime experienceALBANIA HIGHLIGHTS ONE OF EUROPES HRS CHRISTIAN THE ALBANIANS RE THE CREATORS AND BEARERS OF ONE OF HUMANA’ FUNDA OFTHE MAIN LANGUAGES OF HE WORLD COME DISCOVER ALBANIA! Inthe heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and lonian Seas, Albania is fast becoming one of the world’s most interesting geta ways. tll telatively unspoiled by globalization, tourists will notice an ng mbctute of civilizations and cultures - making this European twuly unique. Explore the heritage of a country influenced by the Groeks, Romans, Italians and Turks. Nestled in between Gre , Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, and actoss the Adriatic from Ital, Albania boasts blue and turquoise seas, beautiful beaches, snow peaked mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, As well as stunning nature, lbanians themselves are famous for their hospitality, and tourists ae wielcomed with heart-warming generosity, INTRIES ALBANA HAS CONSEQUENTLY BEEN THE CRIGNAL SOW OF WES TALLANGUAGES, A LANGUAGE T ROPEAN ZATION. HAST UNSHAKABLE PLACE Population The population of Albania is about three millon (140 inhabitants per square kilometer). Almost as many ethnic Albanians (4 milion) live out side ofthe Republic of Albanta. The capital city of Tirana and other cipal cites have attracted inflows in recent years Albanias population isyou Events Public holidays include New Years Day Uanuary 19, Easter Monday (Mareh/Apai), Independence and Liberation Day (November 28-29 and Christmas Day (Decemiber 2 tant Muslim holidays, are also celebrated. Ramadan and Bajtam, two impor Religion Traditionally, Albania has been 70% Musim, 20% Albanian Orthociox and 10% Roman Catholic (mostly in the north). From 1967 to 1990 it was also the only officially atheist state In the world, all mosques ancchurches were closed and religious observances prohibited. In De 980, che ban on religious observance was ited. The spiritual vacuum left ater the fall of communism has in part been filed by US st new churches and mosques are springing up all over he country, Geography Albania a country in Peninsula, between the geographical coordinates: 39 16 latitude and 42 39'longitudes. Albania is almost midway between Equator and the NorthPole, and covers asurface of 28.748 km2.The overalllength ofthe borderline ofthe Republic of Albania i 1094 km, ou h6s7 km areland-border, 316 km sea-border, 48 km river-border an border. The Republic of Albania, n the North and Northwest borders with Kosovo and Montenegro, an the East with the Former Yugoslav Re outh-Eastem Europ, in the West ofthe Balkan ath-East with the Republi cd Jonian seas vash Albania and sdonia, and inthe South and S nthe West, the Advlatic from aly public of Mi of Greoce When t0.Go The best month to visit ong and the fruit and vegetables are in good supply. The sun and July Is the warmest October ean be pleasant. en it’ still warm, the days September, shines longest from May to Septembe pri and ‘month, but ever Health and Safety Health Tips. In cases ofan a your best transportation. When the tax arrives, say" ident ora medical emergency, tari is kUrgjenca’to he driver. Ths will gt you to the emergency room where you will fen the best treatment possible servicereached by dialing 127. However, least outside the big cities. ine needs there are many pharmacies that can sel ounter Thereis also an ambulan a taxis quicker, For other med you almost anything over the climate Albania is mostly a mountainous country. Ta ide is 708 m Le. two times higher than that of Europe, Albania is included in the hu mid subtropical zone ofthe Northern hemisphere and it belongs tothe hat, while winters 1300 mn, Mediterranean climatle zone, Survmers are dy ate typically coo! and rainy. Average annual anfall Time: GMTIUTC + 1 hou Electricity: 220 volts, 50 He Weights & measures: Metric CCurrency:Lek TEUR= 140 Lek Ifyou are hiking ln the forest you should caver your arms and legs lothing, tucking trousers into socks and boots. You should also ara hat, use tick repellent sprays and check fortcks at the end of your day. Travel Safety Albania is a safe country for visitors, I's traction of hospitality af- fords great respect for foreigners; almost all Albanians will go. out of their way to help you if you are ost orn trouble. Body language Albanians shake their heads to mean yes! and nod (or rather jerkthe head backwards while emitting a old cluck) 1 mean ‘no!Archeological parks Fini Phone) Lezha Uissus) onium Shkodra(Scodra) Butrne Buthrotos) ays Amtigonea Apollonia Amantia Archeological sites Ancient Dures Fortfeation of ovea Fortified hit ot Peshtan FortessofVokopola ‘Alvanopol Zgerdhesh) Auton (ora Cnchsmos Saranda) The Persgop fortes The fortified settlement of Karos near Qeparo Museums National Historic Museum National Museum “GEORGE KASTRIOT SKENDERBEU” Archeological Museum Natural Sciences Museum Gallery of Arts National Ethnographic Museum, Kruja National Museum of Medieval Art, Korsa National Museum “ONUFRI’ Berat National Ethnographic Museum, Viora Indipendence Museum, Vieraer ner Tay on rere } ES FAR AWAY FROM THE BUSTLE OF CIVILISATION. ALBANIA OFFERS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUT-DOOR Ceo eee eee ee ee Ce Te UL ea a dL. Cr ata cae er a Fe ee cc CN eM ea aaAPOLLONIA Situated 12 km from the city of Fer llyrian Apolionian was found at the beginning of the 7th century BC by the Greek colonists coming from Corinth and Corcyra. Apollonian was in Roman times, a large and flourishing city near Aos river (today Vjosa). Of great interest to be visited are; The Encircling Wall the monuments of Agonothetes, the Library, the Odeon, the Portico, the house with mosaics, The ‘Museum of Apolionia, the Church of St. Mary. Unfortunaly, some of the statues and object were appropriated before 1946 by other countries. Those remaining are displayed in the museum, wich is housed in the monastery. The monastery courtyard enclosed a Byz- antine church dating back to the 14th century WHAT TO VISIT. THE MUSEUM OF APOLLONIA ‘THE EXCAVATIONS AND THE MONUMENTS OF APOLLONIA THE ENCIRCILING WALL ‘THE TARRACED WALL WITHTHE ARCHED GATES, ‘THE MONUMENT OF AGONOTHETES ‘THE LIBRARY AND THE ODEON THE PORTICO THE HOUSE WITH MOSAICS THE CHURCH OF St. MARY ‘THE CHURCH OF st. MARY BUTRINTI ‘Archaeological Site, perhaps the most romantic archaeological site in Albania. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity un dler Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Vene~ tians, the ety was abandoned in the late middle Ages after marshes formed inthe area. The present archaeological site a repository of ruins representing each period inthe city’s development, WHAT TO VISIT IN BUTRINTI. TEMPLE OF AESCULAPIUS ‘THE BAPTISERY NYMPHEUM GATE WITH TOWERS: ANTIGONEA Antigonea lies on a ill about 600 meters above sea level The Agoraof the city has been excavated and a Stoa, $9 meters long ‘and 9 m wide has been brought to light Coins from various city states have been found in excavations, a riving fiom Korkyra (modern Corfu), Apollonia, Dyrrachium, Or ‘cum, Ambracia but also the Epirote League, most of them made of bronze and few in sve, ‘Atticonch Palaeo-Chrstian basilica has been found at the sie, dat do the 6th century AD, and decorated with a mosaic oor. The Egyptian ged Anubis is represented on the central panel of the mosaic, and according to one interpretation it may depict Saint Christopher the Dog-head BYLIS Bylis (in today Mallakastra) which is 8 very Important archeological center in Albania, is one of ancient Illyrian citys inhabited by the twibe of Bylliones, Established in the thitd century B.C, Bylis flour ished asa political, economic, and cultural center af the community The city was governed by an annual council of cul servants. In 230 146 BC, it intwoduced bronze coins, which were used throughout this region. The handicrafts from the workshops of Bylis were com peting with the handicrafts of Apolionia, The surrounding wall of Byls, built in the second quarter of the fourth century BC,, is very ‘well-preserved, It is 2250 m long, 3.5 m wicle and 8-9 m high and it surrounds an area of 30 ha, The walls triangular. The city consisted of several quarters and objects, such as the agora, which sheltered the inhabitants of the villages and their wealth in the event of war. Itis very interesting to see: The theatre,which Is larger than that of Butrint and was bull in the riddle ofthe thied century BC The monumental fountain ofthe 3rd century.- Several stadium ele ments. - Medieval cultural objects such as Basilica In the Church of Byls which was build on the IVth century AD, the mosaics have llrian(llyian) motifs which for the church later where ‘known as pagan ones,COASTAL TOURISM Jonian coast The lonian coast starts in Uji Ftohté (Cold Water in Viora and contin Adriatic Coast tues with few intertuptionsall th of Stl, I has a hig isdeep while tiver deltas ar lckinNora Bay Porto Palermo, Saranda Bay et historical facts, cultural and archaeological n Riviera coast high temp tropical flora. TPIU: Vik col] 177) Dee cn aL ee a ee A tao enue Sa aren aa Tar eel Be cer aes ae aa a era aad a ee ss et Oa ann al cea Grr eT a a eae area eT ea me Ga as aALBANIA HAS SEVERAL REGIONS WHERE MOUNTAIN AND RURAL ‘TOURISMIS WELL DEVELOPED. AMONG THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ARE: Albanian Alps. Rugged and imposing, the Alpsin northern Albania ‘offer world class mountaineering opportunities. Some cities with resources include Theth, Vermoshi, Ndediysa, Lugina e Valbones, (Cragobia Setima},Rragam), ~ Mountainous areas of Korga (Voskopoja, Dardha, Vithkua). - Shores of Lake Ohrid, is one of the most popular tourist areas (Lin, Hudenishti, Pogradeci and Tushemishti. ~ Shores of Lake Prespa Tourism has flourished hete recently, and the following towns offer a variety of activities (Pustecl, Gorica eVo ‘Gel, Gorica e Madhe and Gollomboc). NATURAL RESOURCES Albania is notably tecognized for its rich biological and landscape diversity. Almost three quarters of Albania Is densely covered with natural vegetation making it one of the greenest countries in the ‘world. Majority of Albania temitory - about a milion hectares is forested and the country is very rich in flora, About 3.000 cifferent species of plants are grow In Albania, many of which are used for medicinal purposes. The forests are home to a wide range of ant mals such as wolves, bears, wild boars, and chamois. Lynx, wildcat, pine martens and polecats are rarer, but survive insome partsof the ‘country. There are various national parks in Albania that hold a great significance in the wildlife tourism ofthe country There are 13 National Parks, 4 Protected Landscape Areas, 4 Strict Nature Reserves, 26 Managed Nature Reserves, 4 Natural Monu- ments and other protected areas FLORA Albania has a rich flora with over 3,221 types of plants ‘Among them, 489 are specific to the Balkan peninsula and 40 are located only in Albania, Oak forests are typical and comprise 20 per- cent ofthe forested area of the country. In other areas visitors can find Mediterranean shrubs up to 800m above sea level and eucalyp- tus, sea figs and laurels FAUNA Albania enjoysa wide variety of animals, as well. arnivores are rep, resented by wolves, foxes, jackals, and a variety of wild cats. Large mammals such as deer and boar offer opportunities for hunting ‘Many species of birds flourish here, too. From grouse to pelicans, 2 broad array of more than 350 varieties is represented, Fresh and saltwater fish are abundant as wel. Mullet, carp, bass and trout are Just some of the species present here. Lake Ohrid boast several im- portant species, including the endangered Koran Trout, a distinct type of ee, and a variety of snail whose origins can be traced back 30 million years!PUET WTO elt by Vi Bel 0) 10% ee mountain and rural tourism is well-developed. ecm hoe ass ee Cte ee a ne ‘Thethi located 70 km from Stvodra. Before arriving at Thethi you must Ber ee eNotes en eee eee Ce} es ete ee ee ee on ae eget eee eee et ee te tne es ee ee ee ee ae ees ee net ae re ee See eres peer ete ea et ee eee Se eee eee eee en ee et se ean es ene ee Dee ed Re te eed See On eee eo aes Tas ee ee ee eee er one Se eee ete eS Caer er ats ee ee a ee er eee ee en Co ee een oe en ees ee neta i skiing, and during the summer camping, ee eee od od See as ee ee ee ee eet ys Peer ete ere eg tt ee a ee ere re ee a ee es hs part ofthe region of Kelmend name that TRS See Se ee Pee Rapti tee Ge ie a te ey Bae nea Cees ee eeu tee eae fee Cee ee er ee ee en eee ee ed eee ces Ce ee eer ee eee with another cave the Cave of Hush. Dee ee ae i ee ee eg ete ed the traditional cuisine, be sure to tate the diay products ofthe arealer. Seine rere ae Rae yn eg eer Ae reer item aren eto Re ee ea by every foteigner who has visited this place Albania Eastern Alps: Valbona River Valley - Canyon of Shoshan - Dragobia - Selimaj = Rragami Dn acca ona eee ec te) ee eet ee eee ee ee ee eet! Rees ee ete ct source heads tote Valona River-creating a attrsctive canyon 23th eres CS an er SC a au Ge ee eet ee eee Lee ae eee eae teu eee) stream joins Valbona, there is the famous cave where the national hero” CUR Ea Rea ean Peer eee ean Cerne) ene seme ee eemetea ae emi al houses that create Cec) Pee Ac cao he ih a ee ner ee ee ee Pees ee ec er eed cr king, ith speciaties suchas maz, fia, and Ce eee ae Ea Beyond Selima}, the road continues through the valley among marve ee eee ear Se re oe aes eee 7 F Tren Rl tee mA ei ee 2 aenpaipin S F ee reer ners! spartan remiese atria mnpet ine ss Eee ere eiohic eel neon eee Prprecerir trash apnea soepetentate ease = eet i ae 2 aS are ee err nares ete tt. eee eee se bet bY Pere ee hr eee eee anette A ecient IMR eee fai ian er age aE a FF a aR RR Rao Ri Mage deanna ae eth, ca hd a peice pr. aed ne ean peeeer tei leaned. ote pri AnetaETM AUN ie Jogara — Palasa — Dhérmi — Vuno — Himara De TU hae) tee eee oe ees pene een tee nie ees oder eer erro Pee eee ee pacar ee ein ern ers ling along the Vloré-Sarandé National Highway at Qafa ¢ Llogar- pe tse ener eneres See ee ee eee NS eeu eee ee kia en ane a bbe ree Uae Ce ee eet Ley forits clear waters. Pompey andhis army stopped at this beach in See truest ad Cal Cee se a eee Td Pees eee ener ean (o yee et eed Pete ero ee ten ‘Dhiéim/ isthe legendary Cavern ofthe Pirates, De ty eo oa ‘thought to have fist been inhabited in 49-48 .C In Dhérmi there Be en eee meen een eee ane Secure eum SUG ehh ee Ee ae ea Pere test eae eee ec agg Ss aaa SleeHimara our tour towards the south, you h id Himara put on the hillan New Himara inthe gulf of nani, Potam det. They ate all Himara comes to life during the summe courst season, when visitors takeu houses naan clan ewas settled in ntury BC. and itsname i of ian) orig weal religious si of ts, and the House of Lilo Lazar has been tumed into acultur iitona s tectonic gulf of Port pil ke a iangle with aid tha eu Qeparo fstinctive beach, Od Qeparo ne Borsh The village of 8 4 afew hund minutes from Himay bea ofthe Albanian Riviera, almost atet Built long the length of na ubs, discotheques, and aurants The hospitality of the gets and the traditional dish of gril mb are clstinctive features you will in in om Lukeva Thelastseasde vilag vilage further y : th ova and hint stones, a characteMOUNTAINOUS AREAS OF | Word ol LLY DELL MS ol ~ Pe teats LAREN Pee a a tata eee nt re arene tet ert x f eos \ , Fs Y a fem | Cpa een at ee LL at ee ee sine ah end rere nae See nee “IN 1917 TH Cera | Se eas Ce area cen La ara cana a 7 Sia iVOSKOPOJA Yoskopoja was one ofthe most important centers ofthe Balkans. Ithas been known as acity since 1330, but if here was in full bloom by 1734, when the city had 30,000 inhabytants and maintained contacts with Leipzig, Sudepest Venice, an Vienna. The city also had 27 churches, an ‘academy a library, and the frst printing house inthe Balkans, in 1720. ‘You will nat want to miss visting the Monastery of Shén Proshom and the Church of Shén Koll (1721), which is fll of pictures of famous Al banian Iconographers such as David Selenicas and the Zageaf broth rs from Korca, who also worked in the Saint Mountain of Athos, in Halkilki, Greece. Besides the healthy climate andthe ai flled with pine fragrance, Voskopoja offers comfortable hotels and private houses for family tourism as well as antural ski run forall skiing enthusiasts DARDHA Another unforgettable mountain spot isthe village of Dardha, 20 km southeast ofthe city of Korca, at 1,350 m above sea level. There s snow ‘during the thvae months of winter, the ai is crystalline, and the water of the village's many natural fountains is pure and cold. Enjoy the unique {ok women’s costumes dominated by black and red, the colors af the national flag, visit the stone houses that offer hospitality to travelers, and don't forget to taste the traditional plum raki and the lakror né sag (@ traditional pie made with cabbage between two sheets of dough, and baked ina wood fred oven) VITHKUQI The mountain village of Vithkug birthplace ofthe Albanian Renaissance pioneer Naum VeqiTharyh, stands 25 km southwtest ofthe cty of Korea, It has been a population center and a well known economic and cul tual centr since medieval times During your stay, you absolutely must ‘rink the water ofthe Bellovoda and vist the Church of hn Pjetér ana the Church of Shin Pavél.If you have enough time, you also should lim Rungaja (1,750 m above sea level) by foot ar horse. Dorit worry about the accommodation, for the people of the area will surely invite you to thelr comfortable and characteristic houses You will enter the region of Pogradec via the national highway where the road from Macecionia crosses Maja e Qafthanés. This crossroad of fers exceptional views worth photographing of Lake Ohrid, areal pear ‘shelled between Mali Thaté (‘Dry Mountain’) in the east and the high land of Mokra in the west. few meters further down, you might stop at the peninula of Lin and in the vilage with the same name, 25 km aviay from Pogradec. It sald that in ancient tlmes, this was the favorite holiday destination of the parents ofthe Roman emperor Justinian. Be sides the magical view, you can also see the mosaics ofthe Bazika @ Lint that date back tothe 7.6% centuries B.C, which show an amazing ensemble of zoomorphic, foal, and geometric decorations resemioing the mosaics of ancient Durrés.SHORES OF LAKE OHRID: POGRADEC - LIN - DRILON ne road to Pogradec passes close to the shore of the tectonic Lake Ohrid, the deepest lake in the Balkans (285 m), This ever 3 million yea ESCO because ofits unique val which are nat ilanly here and i Lake sm: Pustec val olomborFIR OF DRENOVA NATIONAL PARK LURA NATIONAL PARK Located 10 km from the city of Korea, the park has an area of 1,380 hi ely 1,280 he s f sas well s tourists Many Plaka, Pica a VALBONA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK ‘With an area of 000 he P DIVJAKA PINES NATIONAL PARK Aips, itis tocated 25-3 tof the city of Lushnja ana 5 km ftom D Iv les between high mountain peaks and fee Karavasta Lagoon rats ternational Convention of the Park Is configuration, hydrology, fon to the non ofthe town of Bajan SD hectaresand contains beeing rch in biodiversity Geis the focal point as baen unde the protection of Rama in the country. The Parks ich in etic fauna such as eel andi also home tality of its people make this park an ideal place to vs 105% ofthe global population ofthe threatened Dalmatian TOMORRI MOUNTAIN PARK LLOGARA PARK 40 km southeast of Vlora, this Park marks whALBANIACLASSIC TOUR OF ALBANIA starting from 580 € ALICE DAY 1. TIRANA ‘Anival in“Mother Teresa’ Alrport, meeting with our representative and start the tour ofthe capital ists in Trane: Skanderbeg Square Clock Tower *cnd Mother Theresa Squore Overnight in Tana. DAY 2. TIRANA — KRUJA - DURRES This morning we wl drive to walking tour in the city s Krai sls ofthe capital are et undone fom the previous day we wll havea Then, we'll continue to Kruja -one ofthe biggest cites in 1 Albania is the city ofhistory“and the best known as hometown of Albanians National Hero Gjerg)Kastriot Skanderbeg, Tourist to the Castle, Skanderbeg Museum and Ethnographic Museum. After the vist ofthe caste, wellcontinue by exploring Krujas ole bazaar with authentic and antique shops, ‘The route continues to Durrés-the ancient Greco-Roman part city of Dyrachium, where we wil spend the night. DAY 3. DURRES — ARDENICA — BERAT ‘The moming tour inthe ancient Greco-Roman port city of Durachium includes vis inthe Byzantine lty walls, Ro ‘man amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum. After the visto Durrés well leave for Ardenica where we'll vist monastery builtin 1282 onthe initiative ofthe Byzantine Emperor Andronicus I Paleologus of Byzantium. After the Visit here, wel be headed to Berat. The afternoon isree for you to explore Berat this lovely city. Overnight in Berat.ARCHAELOGICAL TOUR AROUND ALBANIA starting from 480 € uALBANIAN ALPS / VALBONA starting from 310 €BELLEVIEW air( ae