Day tour: Visit Apollonia and Ardenica Monastery

Apollonia, founded in 588 BC near the Vjosa River by Greek colonies from Corfu and Corinth, was a vibrant city that thrived alongside the local Illyrian Taulant tribe. Named in honor of Apollo—the god of the sun, poetry, and music—Apollonia quickly became a bustling commercial hub with a port capable of anchoring about 100 ships. The city flourished for centuries, enriched by trade and cultural exchange, until a devastating earthquake nearly destroyed it, leading to its gradual abandonment. Today, Apollonia stands as one of Albania’s most significant archaeological sites, attracting increasing numbers of visitors and serving as a vital cultural tourism destination with great potential to boost the local economy.

Your journey begins at 9 AM from Tirana, with arrival at the Apollonia archaeological site around 11 AM. The visit includes a guided tour through the ruins set amid beautiful natural surroundings, offering a unique atmosphere where ancient history blends with nature. Apollonia is one of the few Mediterranean sites where you can admire a landscape rich in architectural remains, once home to about 60,000 people as noted by Cicero during his visit. With the help of expert guides, you will explore the remains of the eight-angled ancient city layout, including straight streets, the Hellenistic theatre, the triumphal arch, the agora with its colonnade, the gymnasium, the Bouleuterion (council chamber), and the monument of Agonothetes honoring two brothers. You will also see the Odeon, the ancient library, and various mosaic villas. A remarkable historical note is that Apollonia was the place where Emperor Augustus received his education in 47 BC, adding a significant chapter to its storied past.