From Durres: visit Apollonia and Ardenica Monastery

You will depart from Tirana at 9 am and arrive in Apollonia around 11 am. Your day begins with a guided tour of the archaeological site, where history and nature blend into a unique atmosphere. As you walk among the ruins of this once-thriving ancient city, you'll discover a rare combination of stunning architecture and landscape, unmatched in the Mediterranean region.

Apollonia was a major center during Roman times—Cicero himself visited and noted its population of 60,000. With your guide, you’ll explore the remnants of straight Roman streets, the Hellenistic theatre, triumphal arch, colonnaded agora, gymnasium, Odeon, library, and beautifully preserved mosaic villas. Key highlights include the Bouleuterion, also known as the Monument of Agonothetes, and the city’s significance as the place where Emperor Augustus trained in 47 BC.

After a lunch break, the tour continues with a visit to Ardenica Monastery, founded in 1282 by Byzantine Emperor Andronicus. Here, you'll see the Church of Saint Mary, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, ancient stables, and a traditional mill. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and impressive murals, the monastery holds historical importance as the site of Skanderbeg’s wedding on April 21, 1451. This visit offers a spiritual and cultural end to a day rich in history and heritage.