3 DAYS TOUR FROM TIRANA TO MONTENEGRO

DAY 1: TIRANA – KRUJA – BUDVA (200 KM)

We will drive to Budva, Montenegro but first we will stop to a small town called, Kruja. Rich in history and tradition, Kruja is home of the patriots and the epicenter of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. It was here that Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, Albania’s greatest national hero, defended the country from the invasion of the Ottomans. The National Museum dedicated to the hero is housed in the famous Kruja Castle and shows both the legendary hero’s history and the traditional way of life of the city’s population. The city’s famous bazaar serves as a bridge between this glorious past and the present, offering a rich array of traditional products made from local artisans. We drive to Budva for about 3 hours and we pass through the pretty town of Petrovac, visiting the old town, and see the famous island of Sveti Stefan. Budva’s old town is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea. At around 2,500 years old it’s a beautiful and historical site. A wander through the town reveals ancient churches and palaces, all crafted from local grey stone. In front of Budva Citadel is the remains of the original settlement that were uncovered in an earthquake are on display. The Citadel itself and the museum in the old town are excellent places to learn about the history of Budva. We will visit the square in front of Santa Maria del Punta church, with its gorgeous view of the ancient church overlooking Ričardova Glava Beach. Overnight in Budva

DAY 2: BUDVA – CETINJE – KOTOR (85 KM)

After breakfast we will drive to Budva but first we will stop to the city of Cetinje. One of the most important monasteries in Montenegro, Monastery of Cetinje keeps relicks of St.Peter of Cetinje. Cetinje, Old Royal Capital of Montenegro today is well known as city-museum. Peaceful town and old architecture with Montenegrins as the mayor’s residence. From here we start a scenic drive that will bring us to one of the true highlights of the Adriatic coast -the Bay of Kotor. The bare mountains plunging into the dark water have caused it to be compared with a Norwegian fjord and then we drive to Kotor. Our walking tour here will include visits to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, St. Luka Church, and the St. Mihail Church. Our tour will take us through some of Kotor’s spacious squares, lined with beautiful palaces, various impressive religious buildings and the fortifications, for a glimpse of the city from above. Overnight in Kotor.

DAY 3: KOTOR – PODGORICA – SHKODRA – TIRANA (250 KM)

After breakfast we will drive to Podgorica. In Podgorica we will visit the Sastavci or the Skalines – the oldest bridge in Podgorica, according to the historical facts that was established during the Roman rule. We will visit the Clock Tower and the Old Town located in the very heart of Podgorica which preserves rich historical and cultural heritage. The most beautiful example of architecture remaining from the Turkish period is the Clock Tower, which is a symbol of Podgorica. Then we will continue towards Centre of Contemporary Art – Kruševac – the former winter mansion of King Nikola I Petrović. Then we continue our walk to the Temple of the Resurrections of Christ, the third largest Orthodox temple in the world. In the end we visit St. George Church which dates from the IX-XI century; belongs to the oldest active worship of the Christian chapel in the area of Montenegro. Known for its culture, tradition, and natural beauty, this city offers a diversity that is rarely found in any other city in Albania. Built on a rocky hill overlooking the city by the rivers of Buna and Drini, you will find the most important monument of Shkoder, The Castle of Rozafa. After visiting the Castle area, you will have the chance to explore the Leaden Mosque and Catholic Church and notice the diverse religious elements and architecture. Then we will visit the famous Viennese mask factory which is located near the city of Shkodra. The Venetian masks made in Shkodra are all crafted by hand. They combine traditional techniques with new contemporary decoration. The masks have intricate details, bright colors, fancy feathers, gold leaf, and crystals that make them unique pieces of art. The masks are exported all over the world and sold in six shops in Venice. Volto, Colombina, Bauta, Arlecchino, Zanni, Cruise Mask, and many other ornamental mask models can be found at the workshop. Return to Tirana.