Grand Ionian; Saranda & Ksamil 3 Nights – Departing November 14 with Turkish Airlines
Day 1 Istanbul – Tirana – Vlora – Saranda
Meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before the flight. Following baggage, ticket and passport procedures, departure for Tirana at 08.00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1073. Upon our arrival in Tirana at 08.45 local time, during the panoramic Tirana city tour by our vehicle waiting for us at the airport; Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, National History Museum and Parliament Building are among the sights to be seen. After the city tour, we depart towards the Ionian Sea coast, famous for its turquoise waters. En route, we stop in Vlora, one of Albania’s important coastal cities. In Vlora, known as the city where Albania’s independence was declared, we take a panoramic city tour. Independence Square, Flag Square and the coastline are among the sights to be seen. Following our visit to Vlora, we depart for Saranda, the pearl of the Albanian Riviera, famous for its turquoise sea. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay at our hotel in Saranda.
Day 2: Saranda – Gjirokastër – Saranda
After having breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the additionally organized Magnificent Gjirokastër (65 Euros). On our full-day tour departing from Saranda, we will discover Albania’s most important natural and historical sites. We will head to the city of Gjirokastër, which bears traces of the Ottoman period and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Gjirokastër, one of the Balkans’ most special cities with its stone houses and historical texture, the places to be seen include Gjirokastër Castle (panoramic), the historic bazaar, and characteristic stone houses. During our castle visit, we will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the city accompanied by views of the valley. We will take a pleasant journey into the past as we walk through the narrow streets. After our tour, we will return to Saranda and stay overnight at our hotel.
Day 3: Saranda – Blue Eye – Ksamil – Saranda
Following breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join our additionally organized Magnificent Ksamil Tour (65 Euros). Our first stop is the Blue Eye, famous for its turquoise waters and impressive natural formation. A photo and exploration break will be given at the Blue Eye, one of the region’s most remarkable sites with its natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Afterwards, we depart for the town of Ksamil, known as the pearl of the Albanian Riviera. Free time will be provided in Ksamil, famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise sea, and islets located just offshore. During this time, our guests may take a walk along the coast, enjoy the sea and the unique scenery, or spend time in the cafés and restaurants in the area. Following the free time, we return to Saranda. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 Saranda – Berat – Tirana – Istanbul
After checking out of the rooms and having breakfast, we depart from Saranda at 09:00. Accompanied by Albania’s unique mountain and rural landscapes, we begin our journey to Berat, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has earned the title of the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Upon arrival in Berat, we take a panoramic city tour. With its historical texture dating back to the Ottoman period, white stone houses, and windows lined along the hillside, the city has a fascinating atmosphere; the Osum River, the historic Gorica and Mangalem neighborhoods, and an exterior view of Berat Castle are among the main sights to see. During the free time, guests who wish may walk through the historic streets, visit shops selling local products, and enjoy the city’s unique scenery. At the time designated by our guide, we depart from Berat and head to Tirana Airport. After arriving at the airport, we complete our baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, then depart for Istanbul at 19:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1078. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 22:35 local time and the end of our tour.
What's Included
- Flight tickets between Istanbul – Tirana // Tirana – Istanbul with Turkish Airlines
- Airport taxes
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers and intercity transfers
- 3 nights – 4 days bed and breakfast accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels
- Vlora and Tirana city tours,
- Professional Turkish-speaking guide service
Not Included
- International departure tax,
- Travel Health Insurance,
- Any service not explicitly stated as included in the package price,
- Museum and archaeological site entrance fees,
- Optional tours and personal expenses,
- Tourist City Taxes + Guide and Driver Tips: 50 Euros (To be paid to the guide on the first day of the tour.)
- A passport valid for 6 months, covering the minimum duration of the tour, is required for this tour.
- LİDYA TOUR acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the 28.09.1955 Hague Protocol.
- During registration, the name as written in the passport, date of birth, and passport number must be entered into the system. Airline tickets are issued according to this information. No-show fees arising from the cancellation or changes of airline tickets due to incorrect information will be charged to the guests.
- The city where the aircraft will land may vary. LİDYA TOUR cannot be held responsible for schedule changes or possible delays by the airlines.
- Airline rules apply to group tickets, and under the group ticket rule, if the outbound flight is not used, the return flight cannot be used either.
- For most flights departing from Türkiye, the baggage allowance is 20 kg. This weight may vary depending on the airline and the destination country. This allowance may decrease to 15 kg on domestic flights in the countries visited. Excess baggage weight and pricing rules are determined by the airlines and are not the responsibility of LİDYA TOUR.
- If the number of participants required for the package tour is not reached, the tour cancellation will be notified to the consumer 20 days in advance.
- The tour route specified in the tour program is an example route, and changes may be made to the tour itinerary. City sightseeing tours may be conducted on the following day/days depending on the arrival time in the city. The excursions specified in the programs may, at the guide’s discretion and for any reason, be conducted on another day instead of the specified day/days.
- City sightseeing tours may be conducted on the following day/days depending on the arrival time in the city.
- The excursions specified in the programs may, at the guide’s discretion and for any reason, be conducted on another day instead of the specified day/days.
- Optional tours can be operated provided that there are at least 20 participants; if there are fewer participants, they may be operated at the guide’s discretion and, if necessary, with price changes. LİDYA TOUR cannot be held responsible if these excursions or tours cannot be conducted.
- Optional tours along the route take place provided that at least 10 people from the group participate. Guests who do not wish to participate will be asked to wait at the rest stop.
- Excursions or tours that local authorities do not permit for any reason will not be conducted. LİDYA TOUR cannot be held responsible if these excursions or tours cannot be conducted.
- Museum and archaeological site entrance fees are not included in the prices.
- LİDYA TOUR reserves the right to change hotel names, provided that the star category remains the same.
- All hotel names specified in the programs, etc. (and similar) are provided as examples in terms of star category and distance. They do not mean that accommodation will be provided at the hotel with the specified name.
- Triple rooms have an additional bed; the third bed is smaller than a standard bed and / or is an additional foldable bed.
- When children under the age of 18, who are not legally adults, do not participate in the tour with one or both of their parents, the required consent forms must be carried by the individuals during the trip.
- In the event of cancellation or changes, the “LİDYA TOUR Sales Agreement” applies.