Tour of Apollonia Archaeological Ruins, museum, Ardenica Monastery, Optional Wine tasting and transfer to Berat

• Apollonia Archaeological Park

  3 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  Start the morning with a transfer to the 2600 years old ruins of Apollonia Archaeological Park, Apollonia, an important hub of trade for Illyrians, was founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and possibly Corcyra, and turned independent later during Roman rule. it stood on the right bank of the Vjosë river, about 10 km from the Adriatic Sea. Apollonia’s oligarchic system allowed political independence, with a small Greek elite ruling over local Illyrians. The city allied with the Roman Republic from the 2nd century BC, hosting a renowned school of philosophy and military training. Emperor Augustus himself studied here. However, a 3rd-century AD earthquake diverted the Vjosë River, isolating Apollonia from the sea and leading to its eventual abandonment. The Archaeological Museum of Apolonia, located within the ancient site, showcases artifacts from this once-thriving center of learning.

• Berat

  3 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  After lunch we'll transfer Berat City, 1.5 hours drive. After checking in the hotel, we advise you visit the city’s main boulevard alongside Osumi riverbank. It’s a main attraction for local residents during evening hours, for walking with friends, hang out on coffee shops, and dine in traditional restaurants. While enjoying a glass of Cobo local wine, you can mingle with the locals that are very welcoming to visitors. You'll have your choice of accommodations (not included in the price of this tour) sent to you based on budget and preferences. You may also choose to book you own hotel independently.

• Ardenica Monastery

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  The Ardenica Monastery (Albanian: Manastiri i Ardenices) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located 18 kilometers south of Lushnjë, Albania. It was built by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 after a victory against the Angevins during the siege of Berat. The monastery gained historical significance as the site of the 1451 marriage between George Kastrioti (Albanian symbol hero Skanderbeg) and Andronika Arianiti. In 1967, Albania’s communist government declared all religions illegal, leading to the closure and demolition of religious institutions, including monasteries. Fortunately Ardenica Monastery survived this rage due the historical significance of Skanderbeg getting married there. The monastery’s architecture blends Byzantine and Romanesque features, covering an area of 2,500 square meters. Within its Church of Saint Mary, you can find frescoes by brothers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi.