Day tour from Tirana to Apollonia Archaeological Park and Karavasta Lagoon

This tour is the perfect combination of history and nature. Apollonia, one of Albania's most interesting historical sites - a visit to the wonderful Byzantine church, the Archaeological Museum, and the imposing ruins. Karavasta is also part of this tour, the land of pelicans and flamingos! Get on board this tour and enjoy a boat trip through the extraordinary surrounding nature of Karavasta.

Apollonia Albania and Karavasta from Tirana

Are you on holiday in Tirana and are you looking for a fun excursion that combines the magic of the historical heritage with the typical natural beauty of the Albanian landscape? With this day tour you will depart from Tirana to visit Apollonia archaeological site and the Karavasta Lagoon, you will surely spend an unforgettable day with the perfect blend of history and nature.

Apollonia: a brief history

The archaeological site of Apollonia Albania is quite large, this place is a must-see for tourists who want to see the best of Albania. In the seventh century BC, Greek colonists from the islands of Corinth and Corfu founded a new settlement in a territory already inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Taulanti. The city was the first in the Mediterranean named in honor of Apollo, the Sun God. Then, the Romans arrived. In Apollonia the young Octavian perfected his studies, who remained always tied to the city and in the following years would become the great emperor Augustus. Cicero passed here and was impressed by the beauty of Apollonia, who called it a "big and important city".

Apollonia Archaeological Area: what to see

Today the ruins of the ancient city are located 12 km west of the city of Fier. The archaeological site extends along two hills, where you can see the roads, shops, theaters and public buildings dating back to the heyday of the site, between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. The city had a 4 km long city wall, which included an area of ​​137 hectares where about 60,.000 people lived. But, today the Apollonia archaeological park is larger and extends for 750 hectares.

You will meet your guide after the pick up at the hotel and then, you will leave to head for Apollonia. From Tirana to Apollonia it will take you about an hour and forty minutes by car. Our tour begins with the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia. Throughout the findings of this ancient site you will discover the history of Apollonia, declared by the Romans a 'free city'. Leaving the museum, we walk towards the church of Santa Maria, a building that dates back to the 16th century AD. which represents one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture in Albania.

The visit continues with the rest of the Apollonia guided tour around the archaeological park. Our walk will take us by the main buildings, such as the Bouleterion, the city council, the library, the agora, the acropolis, the obelisk of Apollo, the triumphal arch, the temple of Artemis and the Odeon theater, a 77 m long double building which could hold up to 10,000 spectators.

Then, you will get back in the car to head for the Karavasta Lagoon which is in about an hour away. Before exploring the Karavasta site, you can enjoy a good lunch based on local specialties. Karavasta is the largest lagoon wetland in Albania and it is one of the largest in Europe. This area is famous for being the home of the Dalmatian pelican and other specimens of extraordinary ornithological interest. 

In the afternoon, you will take a boat trip where you will immerse yourselves in observing the treasures of the flora and fauna of the lagoon. Throughout the boat trip, it will be possible to discover the secrets of this wonderful lagoon, explore its canals and meet its inhabitants. If you wish, there is also the possibility of stopping for a small bike tour of the greenery before 5 pm and then you will return to Tirana.

•Due the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs.

•This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchair. 

•In case of hot weather we suggest you to bring a cap with you.

•Reach the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure time.