Dori – My Guide Albania

Korca, “The little Paris” & Prespa Lake

Dori — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:12:44 +0000

During this day trip we will visit Korca city considered the largest in the southeast of the country and a very important cultural center. Due to the French cultural influence during the ww1, it has been called often as “the little Paris”. As the home of National Museum of Education and more museums, it offers a lot to the visitors. It’s not known only for the history and the culture, but also for a diverse culinary which makes it a special destination.
Prespa lake is divided between the three countries. A local rumor says that always you have to carry a passport with you while you are swimming, you never know on which country shore you will be driven by the waves

Stone Girl

ABC museum Korce

Museum in Korce

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:11 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach Korca city center with a few stops along the way. We will start with our walking tour of the city, visiting the New Bazaar area and the Mirahori Mosque, continue further with the great Cathedral and the nice promenade just in front of it. Of course there is time for museums.
Later, just after a good meal we will drive towards Prespa lake, where we may have a boat trip to the Maligrad island to visit one the oldest church in the country. Swimming is possible, but as the locals say, carry your passport with you…. Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Above the village

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Cathedral korce

Important information:
Museums are closed on Mondays, except of any specific agreement in advance for visits of big groups, cruise ship visitors etc.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair due to hilly terrain.

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Highlights of Albania in 8 days

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 23:48:08 +0000

During this tour we will visit the most beautiful places of Albania in just 8 days. Cities with churches & mosques next to each other, old bazaars & fresh fruits markets, pure nature& high mountains, waterfalls, river sand lakes, castles and old towns, people and their hospitality.
Will start with the Castle of Kruje and its old bazaar, the city of Shkoder with its peaceful coexisting of the religions. Will continue with Thethi valley and village, the heart of the Albanian Alps, Durres the city built in different layers, Berat & Gjirokaster the two UNESCO Heritage sites. Will continue with Korce, the “city of Serenades” and the lovely farms in the vicinity of the city. And will finish our tour with Tirana, the capital of Albania, the city of 1001 opportunities. Join me to explore Albania…

Insect of bue eye

Horse riding

Butrint park

The Farm

Mosaic in Butrint

8 Days Tour
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:8 Days

Itinerary of the Trip:

Day 1. Meet with Dorian. Depart from the hotel, port, airport or your specified meeting place to reach the town of Kruje. We will visit the Castle of Skanderbeg, the Albanian National Hero, the museums of the castle and will enjoy some free time along the Antique old bazaar. Drive to Shkoder, the largest city in the north of the country. This is where another impressive castle will make us to admire more the city which lies on the shore of the largest lake in the Balkans. Rozafa Castle, Mesi Bridge, Marubi photo museum and many more to see and explore during our tour. Overnight in Shkoder

Day 2. Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will explore the Alps of Albania, the beautiful Thethi village situated in the valley of Shala river. Visit of the blood feud tower and learning about “Kanun”. …The great waterfall and the Blue Eye spring water are placed to explore and admire during our day in the Alps. Overnight in Theth.

Day 3. Breakfast at the hotel. We start the day with a drive to Patoku Lagoon to admire the wild birds and pelicans of the lagoon. Later the day, we will drive towards the Adriatic beaches to explore and enjoy our staying in the seashore of Durres. Of course the old ruins and the Roman Amphitheater are part of our visits. Overnight in Durres

Day 4. Breakfast at the hotel. No time to loose till we reach Berat, UNESCO heritage site to visit its old neighborhoods, old churches and mosques, meeting the locals, tasting their delicious food and deserts, drinking the Albanian spirit “Raki” which will make us feel “happy”, very happy. Overnight in Berat

Day 5. Breakfast at the hotel. Our day today will be filled with more lovely places to be visited, more people to meet, the “cradle of education” Elbasan city with its long history and new name, Ohrid lake and a few settlements on the shore of it, Korca with its fresh Korca beer listening the “Serenades” songs. And to finish the day with a local farm in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees and the tweets of the birds. Overnight in Farma Sotira.

Day 6. Breakfast at the hotel. We will start the day milking the cows or horse riding around the farm before we head towards some unique natural hot springs. Where better to warm up with this hot waters or rafting with adrenaline in Vjosa river. Permet, the town of the roses it will be on our plan to be visited just before we reach Gjirokaster, another UNESCO site. Overnight in Gjirokaster

Day 7. Breakfast at the hotel. Let’s explore the “stone city” of Gjirokaster, its own castle on the top of the hill, visit one of the most beautiful characteristics old houses of the old town, listening to the stories and the legends… Local food its always in our agenda, l give you my word… Drive towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 8. Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting and exploring the vibrant Tirana, with hundreds of colors, and thousands of opportunities, with museums, art galleries, old and modern buildings, cozy bars and very fine restaurants, which make Tirana special and unique. Have you ever heard about “The United Colors of Tirana”? Let’s take a glimpse of it, just before l transfer you at your place, port or airport.

Blue Eye

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc
All surcharges for the car including fuels, parking &road taxes
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver
Accommodation and meals for your guide/driver

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Your accommodation, l can suggest and advise good hotels
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Sotira Farm

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3 Capitals, 3 Countries in 3 Days

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 23:32:29 +0000

During this day trip we will visit the Capital city of Albania, Tirana. The modern Capital of 1001 opportunities. Plenty of things to visit and see in the city including a visit of the Check Point Block (Blloku), The Martyrs Avenue, Scanderbeg Square and one of the oldest mosque in the town, the Et-hem Beg Mosque. Have you ever heard about “The United Colors of Tirana”? More to explore on the tour.
Prizren, our next city to be visited in Kosovo. Prizren, a city with mixed ethnic people, living together peacefully. It is located on the banks of the Lumebardhi River between the foothills of the Sharr Mountains in southern Kosovo. The old town of Prizren has a very nice atmosphere where the Ottoman architecture style has been mixed with the modern one and makes each visitor to fall in love with it. The cobbled streets of the old town where you can hear the knocking of horses, the cold water sounds from the fountain of the main square are the best sounds of a magic town.
Prishtina, the largest city by area and population of Kosovo is predominantly populated by Albanians of which it forms the second-largest Albanian-inhabited capital after Tirana.
Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia, is in the north of the country, in the center of the Balkan peninsula, and halfway between Belgrade and Athens. The city was built in the Skopje valley, oriented on a west–east axis, along the course of the Vardar river, which flows into the Aegean Sea in Greece.
Ohrid, the UNESCO Heritage old town. Situated on the shore of the lake with the same name is considered the largest town around the lake. The city was known under the ancient name Lychnidos probably meaning “city of light”,
According to a local legend, Ohrid used to have 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Due to this has received the nickname “Jerusalem of the Balkans” The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments which offers a very warm atmosphere.
Elbasan is one of the largest cities in Albania. In fact, though it has an early Ottoman name, it was definitely an Illyrian settlement since the 4th century BC. Settled on the valley of Shkumbini river, it developed and expanded as a station along the famous Via Egnatia Roman road. The Romans called it ‘Ad-Quintummansio’.
Often it is mentioned as “The Cradle of Education” in Albania due to the first teacher training college, or “Town of Music” related to the home of the greatest composer and musician of central Albania, Master Isuf Myzyri . The city is well-known for its special traditional desert (Ballakume), and also for its delicious soft drink “Boza”.

Tirana

Flag of Kosova

From above

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:3 Days

Itinerary of the Trip:

Day 1. Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach the capital of Albania, Tirana. Sightseeing of the city and walking around the Scanderbeg square, Martyrs Boulevard, and The Block Quarter etc. Drive towards the border with Kosovo and after the border procedure we continue driving to Prizren. We will start walking through the cobbled streets of the old town admiring the beauty and the atmosphere in the air. We may visit Sinan Pasha Mosque, The League of Prizren, The Fortress situated above the city and enjoying the “the symphony of the mosques” at the praying time. Visit the Filigree workshop and deal with them about their handmade work. Plenty of delicious local food just on the side of the Lumebardhi river….
Overning in Prizren

Day 2. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo. We start with a walking tour of the city which includes Mother Teresa Cathedral, The Unique Library, the Old Town with its mosques with decorated minarets. National Museum of Prishtina is on our plan during the visit of the town.
Later drive south to cross the border to North Macedonia. Just after the border procedure we drive for a short time to Skopje. We start with a walking tour of the city, Samuel fortress, Old Carshija, the new part of the city, so called the “Little Vienna”. Continue with the rest of the city tour after we have tasted some local Baklava.
Overnight in Skopje

Day 3. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Matka canyon to enjoy a boat trip at the lake and visiting Vrelo cave wit stalagmites a stalactite. Continue driving towards Ohrid where we start with a walking tour of the old town. To be visited: the workshop for handmade paper, Saint Sofia Basilica, The ancient theatre, Samuel Fortress and Saint Clement Basilica and the roman ruins. Walking around the hill where spectacular views of the lake will be mixed with the beauty of Kaneo church. Drive to Struga to admire the Black Drini River spring. Continue our drive towards Albania with a stop and visit Elbasan city center. Late evening, we’ll head back to the hotel or your specified place.

Prishtina

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc
All surcharges for the car including International car insurance, parking & road taxes
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver
Accommodation and meals for your guide/driver

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Your accommodation, l can suggest and advise good hotels
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Tirana city center

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Permet, the town of Roses & Rafting in Vjosa River

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 23:21:15 +0000

During this day trip we will visit the little town of Permet known as “The Roses’ town”. Its old neighborhood has a nice atmosphere and a very pleasant smell which comes from the roses and other flowers that the locals grow on their gardens. Well-known for delicious deserts it makes the visit even sweet.
Vjosa River is the one of the longest rivers in the country with a very beautiful valley and plenty of natural sources to be visited. The highlight in this river is Rafting along the river stream. It’s such a unique experience full of adrenaline and emotions.
Swimming in the thermal water of Benje near Permet is another nice experience which gives more fun to our day trip.

Rafting experience

Old house Permet

Family trip Permet

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:10 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reachPermet town. A short break along the way before we take the upper stream of Vjosa river. A few villages along the way will be the place where we stop for taking pictures. Visit the town of Permet, its old neighborhood with the stone roof top houses.
Drive to the place where we get dressed properly for such a unique experience, rafting in Vjosa river.
Later the day we will have the chance to warm up at the thermal water of Benje springs. Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Big Rock Permet

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Old church Permet

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Visit the lovely Puka & Mrizi Zanave Farm

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 23:03:26 +0000

During this day trip we will visit the little town of Puka, situated on a plateau, surrounded by high mountains. A little lake formed recently, has given a warmer atmosphere to this little town situated over 800 meters above the sea level. The settlement is inhabited by the tribe of Puka one of the “seven tribes of Puka”. Later the town was called Picaria…
Today we will enjoy the visit to Mrizi I Zanave Farm, where we may have the chance to taste delicious local organic food cooked with love and care from the locals. More to taste & explore at the farm.

Decoration Puke

Drying tomatoes

Rabbit of Mrizi

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:10 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach the town of Puka. We will start a walking tour of the town and visit the little museum where the Albanian poet Migjeni worked there during the 1936s. A nice walk around the lake, an optional boat trip and visiting the homemade workshop of the dry fruits and cornel juice. We will meet the local woodcarver who’s still carving the wood and making the Ciftelia instrument.
Later we drive to Mrizi I Zanave Farm to experience a nice visit and to enjoy a very delicious organic meal .Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Lake of Puke

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Lake of Puka

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The Little “Amsterdam” of Albania, the beautiful city of Shkoder

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 22:48:01 +0000

During this day trip we will visit the largest northern city of Shkoder. Surrounded by the water, sea, lake and rivers, full of history, culture, tradition and hospitality people, right in the vicinity of the Albanian Alps, Shkodra has a lot to offer to the visitors. Shkodër was founded under the name Scodra upon the traditional lands of the Illyrian tribes of the Ardianet and Labeatet in the 4th century BC.
Rozafa Castle, The Leaden Mosque, The Great Cathedral, Mesi Bridge, are among the places and sites to be explored during our day trip. We may hire a bicycle and do as the locals do, explore the city by bike. We may enjoy one of the most unique local way of cooking the fish of the lake, the so called “Tava e Krapit “.
The Lagoon of Patok situate din the central coast of Albania, will be our “stretching legs” time on the way back home.

Plumbi mosque, Shkoder

Pedestrian Shkoder

Venice masks

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania.
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:9 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach the city of Shkoder. We will start with a quick visit of The Leaden Mosque before we walk up the hill to reach Rozafa Castle. The legends says….
From the highest point of the castle we may admire great views and the confluence of the Buna river with Drini river.
Continue our tour with the visit of Mesi Bridge, The Great Cathedral and the rest of the city. A very unique workshop making Venice masks is on our plan to be visited. There are so many other optional visits that we will sort out together during the day. Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Bridge at Shkoder

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Patoku lagoon

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Rafting in Osumi River Canyon & exploring Bogova Waterfall

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 12:56:40 +0000

During this day trip we will hike to Bogova waterfall. The water of this fall comes from the high mountain of Tomorr. During the spring and early summer, it has a lot of cold water and the base of it forms a big pool at the feet of the fall with turquoise water.
The River Osum flows through the canyon with the same name. The river Gorge about 26 km long, is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Albania. During the spring, high water from melting snow makes it possible to explore the whole length of the gorge from the river. Spring is also the best time to view the many waterfalls in the gorges.The locals like to tell many nice legends about the canyons and the events happened there such as the Legend of the Bride…

Bogove waterfall

Bogove park

Flag of the canyon

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:11 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach first Berat, where we do our first stop on the way to the Canyons. At Bogove village we get ready for a nice light walk to the park and the waterfall of Bogove.
Later continue towards the base where we get ready for the most exciting experience, Rafting and explore the canyons. Back to the place to get dressed and drive towards the town of Corovode for a nice lunch.
Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Canyon

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Rafting team

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Vlora,home of Albanian Independence

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 12:03:47 +0000

During this day trip we will visit the city of Vlore, which has been the center of the Albanian resistance against the Ottomans which culminated with the declaration of the Independence at the same place. The city lies on the sea shore, in front of the Sazan Island and the Peninsula of Karaburun where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. As the center of the Albanian Independence has a lot of historical interest, but also plenty of natural beauty and crystal water beaches along the seaside. Zvernec Island surrounded by salt marshes hosts a unique ecosystem and a unique Byzantine Monastery. Kanina village with its strategic castle which was built by the Illyrian tribes and was expanded by Justinian the Great in the 6th century, will offer a lot of beautiful views of the bay of Vlore.

Church in Zvernec

Zvernec monastery

Sazani island

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:10 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reachVlore. The first stop will be the Narta Lagoon where we do a visit of Zvernec Island and the Saint Mary Church and Monastery. Continue driving to the Castle of Kanina where we enjoy fantastic views of the bay from the top of the hill. Later we drive to the city center of Vlore, right at the Flag Square to listen about the story of the Albanian Independence. Strolling along the sea avenue you will feel like visiting San Tropes. More to explore in Vlore together…
Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Sunset vlore

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Kanina castle

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The Albanian Riviera in 5 days

Dori — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 11:26:42 +0000

During this trip we will visit the Albania Riviera in 5 days. Crystal water beaches with sand and pebbles, old villages with olives & lemon trees, parks and archeological park, cold spring waters, castles with fantastic views, summer resorts and towns.
Will start with the beaches of Durres, Vlore city and Llogora National Park, continue with the old villages of the Riviera, like Dhermi, Himare, Qeparo, Pilur, Porto Palermo. Continue with Sarande and its crystal water beaches in Ksamil, Butrint archeological park of UNESCO, the Blue Eye and the “Stone city” of Gjirokaster
And will finish our tour with Tirana, the capital of Albania, the city of 1001 opportunities. Join me to explore Albania…

Ksamil

Himare old castle

Mosaic in butrint

5 Days trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:5 Days

Itinerary of the Trip:

Day 1. Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach Durres. We will visit for a while the Roman ruins before we head south where the sandy beaches invite you to spend time there. Continue further to Vlore

Day 2. Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo. We start with a walking tour of the city which includes Mother Teresa Cathedral, The Unique Library, the Old Town with its mosques with decorated minarets. National Museum of Prishtina is on our plan during the visit of the town.
Later drive south to cross the border to North Macedonia. Just after the border procedure we drive for a short time to Skopje. We start with a walking tour of the city, Samuel fortress, Old Carshija, the new part of the city, so called the “Little Vienna”. Continue with the rest of the city tour after we have tasted some local Baklava.
Overnight in Skopje

Dhermi village

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car, minivan or van A/C etc.
All surcharges for the car including International car insurance, parking & road taxes.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Accommodation and meals for your guide/driver.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Your accommodation, l can suggest and advise good hotels
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Blue Eye

Important information:

Museums are closed on Mondays, except of any specific agreement in advance for visits of big groups, cruise ship visitors etc.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair due to hilly terrain.

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Apollonia of Illyria &Divjake-Karavasta Lagoon/Park

Dori — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 23:48:55 +0000

During this day trip we will visit the ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia which is located on the right bank of Vjosa river. An Illyrian settlement which later got more new inhabitants from Greek islands and the mainland. Apollonia flourished in the Roman period. It was home to a renowned school of philosophy, acquiring fame as a cultural center…. The city began to decline in the 3rd century AD when its harbor started silting up as a result of an earthquake. More to explore on the site…
Another interesting place that we will visit today is the National Park & Lagoon Divjake-Karavasta. The park spans in a huge territory and contains remarkable features such as wetlands, salt marshes, coastal meadows, floodplains, woodlands, reed beds, forests and estuaries. Because of the park’s important and great availability of birds and plant species, it has been identified as an important Bird and Plant Area of international importance.

Apollonia

Boat trip Divjake

Xhoni the pelican

Day trip
Starting from Tirana, Durres Pier, Elbasan or anywhere else in Central Albania.
Ending at the same point where we started.
Duration:8 hours

Itinerary of the Trip:

Meet with Dorian. Depart from the pier/ hotel or your specified meeting place to reach the archeological park of Apollonia. We will start from the heart of the old town, where we will visit the Monument of Agonothetes, the Oden, the Roman Forum once a Agora, Ruins of a Temple, Nymphaeum etc. Later we will visit the little museum of the site situated inside the Monastery of Saint Mary. Continue driving towards the Divjake-Karavasta park where we may have a nice boat trip inside the channels of the lagoon where we may see plenty of wild birds and other species. Meeting Jonny, the Albanian Curley Pelican is a mission we have to accomplish.
A special place with delicious sea food and fresh fish cooked by great people, is the “cherry on top” of the day. Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the pier or your specified place.

Apollonia

INCLUDES:
Transport with a very comfortable car,minivan or van A/C etc.
Professional, Licensed-Certified Tourist Guide/Driver.
Hotel or Pier pick-up and drop off.

EXCLUDES:
Entrance fees wherever needed
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

Photo from the boat

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