Meteora (Greece) &Albania; Semi – Private Tour, Tour Leader & Car

Day 1: Pickup in Corfu (Greece) – Meteora (Kalabaka)

1. Corfu Port
   1h
   After having experienced the Greek Island of Corfu (by yourself), you will meet your tour leader at the port of Corfu. After the meet and greet with the tour leader and other fellow travellers, we begin this amazing journey by taking the ferry from Corfu to Igoumenitsa.
2. Igoumenitsa
   30m
   After arriving in Igoumentitsa port we will have a short visit along the sea side
3. Meteora
   1h
   After arriving in Igoumentitsa port we will have a short visit along the sea side before driving towards Meteora, part of UNESCO world heritage and constructed in the 14th – 15th century
4. 1h · Admission ticket included
   The monasteries are built on top of the spectacular rock formations, creating a beautiful and impressive sight. The surrounding rocks are oddly shaped, which makes it a landscape that cannot be found anywhere else.
5. Meteora
   1h
   The town also has lots to offer. Walking through the cobblestone lanes, surrounded by two of Meteora’s rock formations, is an experience in itself. We will visit the Church of Assumptions, dating back to the 11th century. Some marble stones in the church used to be part of an Ancient Greek temple. The local food is also delicious, with mushrooms as the main ingredient but also yoghurt, cheese and honey on the menu.

Day 2: Meteora – Gjirokastra (Albania)

1. Gjirokaster
   1h
   Today we will cross border towards Albania. Our main destination for today will be Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress.
2. Gjirokaster Castle
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes.
3. Gjirokastra Bazaar
   1h
   ight before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.
4. Zekate House
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.
5. 1h
   . A short drive from Gjirokaster brings us to one of the region’s most enchanting vineyards. At The Barrels, a family-run vineyard and restaurant set among rolling hills and greenery, you can soak in the scenery before enjoying some free time for a meal, a glass of wine, or a leisurely stroll.

Day 3: Gjirokaster – Butrint – Ksamil – Corfu

1. Butrint National Park
   1h · Admission ticket included
   From Gjirokastra, we will move towards Butrint, part of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania. It was the first Albanian site that made it to became part of the UNESCO world heritage sites. The ruins combined with the stunning natural surroundings make it worth a visit.
2. Ksamil
   1h
   Ksmail will be our next destination! You will feel like you are exploring some tropical paradise when being on its white sandy beaches with the view of the four islands in-front of the beach. Ksamil is the pearl of the Albanian Riviera and it surely is one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Ksamil is primarily known for its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Albanian Riviera has many pretty beaches; however, this beach gives you that Bora – Bora feeling.
3. 1h · Admission ticket included
   After we will depart towards Saranda Port, where we will get the ferry to Corfu. We say a fond farewell to our newfound friends and tour leader after an unforgettable journey.
4. Corfu Port
   Pass by
   Arriving in Corfu Port remarks the end of this amazing tour.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• * Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in 3 stars hotel accommodation.
• * Single room occupancy is possible on 50Euros extra charge per night per person, in 3 stars hotel accommodation.
• * Choose Balkans reserves the rights to add other participants in and during the tour program. If you are interested in a private tour, please contact us for a quotation.
• *If you have enjoyed your experience, tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for your tour leader / driver efforts and dedication