GJIROKASTRA Albania

One of the most important cities of southern Albania has been declared a “Museum City”. It is built on the slope of a mountain and is known for its characteristic and narrow stone paved streets. The dwelling houses have the form of medieval towers consisting a building ensemble with characteristic architecture. The castle of the city stands like a balcony over the city. It enables the visitors to enjoy a very beautiful landscape. The National Museum of Weapons is housed in the interior of the castle. Weapons are produced and used by the Albanian since the ancient times are displayed there.

What to see:
- The Museum of Weapons is situated inside the Castle of Gjirokastra. It shows the development of weapons in Albania, from antiquity to the present.)
- The Ethnographic Museum. It is otherwise known as the birth-house of the former dictator Enver Hoxha. It is currently visited by many tourists interested in Albanian tradition, culture, and ethnography.
- The Castle of Gjirokastra is a grand fortress with a fantastic location, dominating the whole valley of the Drino. Its construction continued for several centuries and only in the twelfth century did take the shape of a castle. When exiting the castle, visitors walk along a road on both sides of which are 200 stone houses;
- The Mosque of Pajazut Khan is within the castle as well. To the north there is the old market, called the Castle Market.
- The Church of Labova e Kryqit, in the village with same name;
- The archaeological site of Antigonea, in the village of Saraqinisht;
- The ruins of archaeological site of Adrianapol, in the village of Sofratike.

SARANDA Albania

Saranda is most southern city of Albania. Situated opposite of Corfu Island, Saranda is now mostly visited by day trippers who come to enjoy this previously inaccessible resort. It is one of the most tourist sites in Albania and is very preferable by “honeymooners”. Near Saranda there are the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint and the spring of “Blue Eye”.


What to see: 
- Ethnographic Museum;
- The Archaeological Museum of Butrint; 
- The ruins of ancient town of Onhezmi in Saranda;
- The monastery of Mesopotam is located to the South of Finiq. In earlier times, this was a pagan temple. It is one of the largest and oldest churches of its period. Its icons depict mostly quadruped and mammal motifs. In its main hall, a mosaic depicts a dragon with spread-out wings.  Visitors can see the ruins of the old surrounding walls of the monastery with seven quadrangular towers. These walls predate the church.
- The Quadrangular Castle of Butrint. This small castle of Ali Pasha Tepelena built on 1807-1808 is located on a cape jetting out into the sea. It was built to prevent the French from taking Butrint from their base in Corfu.

KORCA Albania

Is the largest city of south eastern part of Albania. It is situated at the foot of Morava Mountain on a plateau 800 m above sea level. It became an important trading and handicraft centre in the 18th century due to the development of trade with neighbouring regions. The museum for Medieval Art is in Korça. It presents the spiritual and material culture of the Albanian people. There are also the Museum of Education, where the first Albanian School were opened in 1878 and the new museum of “Bratko Collections” with antiquaries from the Far East.

What to see:
- The Museum of Medieval Arts 
- The Gallery “ Guri Madhi”
- The “Bratko” Museum of antiquaries and collections from Far East
- National Museum of Education 
- The Archaeological Museum 
- Watering Greensward (a suite place for emigrants, where young ladies use to shed tears).

KRUJA Albania

Kruja is a medieval town near Tirana. The name of Kruja is closely connected with the name of the National Hero, George Kastriot Scanderbeg, who fought against the Ottomans for 25 years in succession, defending European civilization from their threat in the 15th century. At a prominent and strategic place near the city, there is a castle, within is housed the Scanderbeg Museum (National Museum). On the way to the castle there is a medieval bazaar.



What to see:
- Museum of Gjergj Kastrioti Scanderbeg
- Ethnographic Museum
- Archaeological site of Albanopoli, in village of Zgerdhesh
- Traditional Bazaar.

Europe on a Shoestring - Montenegro & Kosovo (Chapter)

                                                  Europe on a Shoestring - Montenegro & Kosovo (Chapter)

This is the Montenegro chapter from Lonely Planet's Europe on a Shoestring guidebook.

Imagine a place with sapphire beaches as inviting as Croatia’s, rugged peaks as dramatic as Switzerland’s, canyons nearly as deep as Colorado’s, palazzi as elegant as Venice’s and towns as old as Greece’s, and you start to get a picture of Montenegro.

• marvel at the majesty of the Bay of Kotor and explore the historic towns hemmed in by the limestone cliffs
• maps
• enjoy the iconic island views while lazing on the sands of Sveti Stefan
• transport
• Float through paradise, rafting between the kilometre-plus walls of the Tara Canyon
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Understand Montenegro, History, People, Directory A–Z and Transport, Morinj, Perast, Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Ulcinj, Cetinje, Lake Skadar National Park, Biogradska Gora National Park and Durmitor National Park.

Lonely Planet PDF eBooks are PDF versions of our guides. They are available from the Lonely Planet Shop as either individual chapters or complete guides. PDF files can be printed and are viewable on eReaders, tablets, smart-phones and PCs.

Adriatic Adventure—Dubrovnik to Athens

HIGHLIGHTS

Laze on Corfu’s beaches, discover enigmatic Albania, make new friends over drinks in the Dalmatian Islands, connect with the culture in charming old villages, walk through historic Athens

TOUR DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY G ADVENTURES

You could see Europe the same as everyone else, or you could live it like you mean it. With magnificent Dubrovnik as a launching pad, you’ll head south through Montenegro and undiscovered Albania, hit Corfu and its fabulous beaches en route to a history fix in ancient Athens. Along the way, you’ll climb the lanes of walled towns and get down in exclusive clubs. In the company of other young, fun travellers this trip is utterly unique—just like you.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Arrive at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. Known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, Dubrovnik is rich in history and an attractive city to explore filled with stunning architecture, museums and fountains. The best starting point for exploration is the Old Town, passing by Roland's Column, the Bell Tower and Sponza Palace. Stroll the Placa Stradun to get a feel for cosmopolitan life in the city. Make a stop at Big Onofrio´s Fountain where locals and tourists gather together at the well-known city meeting spot. A trip to Dubrovnik isn't complete without walking the city walls, 2km long, you can choose to take a tour or explore on your own. HIghlights along the city walls include Fort Minceta, Fort St. John, Fort Lawrence, Fort Revelin, and St. Luke’s Tower. There are 3 main entrances to the city walls, the principal one is located by the Inner Pile Gates. Escape the city on a ferry ride to Lopud Island, part of the Elafiti Islands and home to one of Croatia's most stunning beaches, Plaza Sunj. For some hedonism, relaxation and great music, check out the East/West Beach Club. It's one of the best nighttime party spots by night and attracts a good crowd during the day as well.

Day 2-3 Bay of Kotor

Spend the morning in Dubrovnik, then travel in the afternoon to Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor, a region that is listed as a World Heritage Site. On your free day opt to visit to the city of Kotor, a picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. The city has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for the budding photographer. The bay is one of the finest natural harbors in Europe and therefore a fitting area to explore by sea kayak. If relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape. There are also local mud therapy spas nearby to test the natural healing properties of the area's sand. Estimated travel time: 3 hours

Day 4 Tirana

Check out all that the capital of Albania has to offer on an included orientation walk. Opt to visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower in the city centre, or learn about Albania's rich history at the National Historic Museum. Consider travelling up to Mount Dajti by cable car to get a nice panoramic view of Tirana. By night, be sure to check out the lively nightlife. Estimated travel time: 7 hours

Day 5 Saranda

Travel to the Albanian Riviera town of Saranda, located close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint and also the Blue Eye Spring.

Day 6-7 Corfu

Cross the border into Greece. Orientation walk to get your bearings then catch the sunset from Pelekas on your last night. Be sure to hit the beach and the clubs. in your free time, explore the island by horseback, visit some of the older churches and historic buildings found on the island or relax on one of its many beautiful beaches. If walking is more your pace, the Corfu Trail to discover the area by foot. Approximate travel time: 3 hours

Day 8 Athens

Enjoy a leisurely day on Corfu before an evening flight to Athens.

Day 9 Athens

Depart at any time. Please note that there are many things to do around Athens and booking extra accommodation after your tour is recommended to take in the sites, as this tour only spends one night and no additional time in the city.