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You have selected : Europe : Albania: Landscapes of Illyria
Albania: Landscapes of Illyria
9 days, 1 to 9 September 2012, 31 May to 8 June 2013,
Limited
 Specialist Lecturer, Carolyn Perry Carolyn Perry lectured in Greek History and Mythology at the University of London and has excavated widely in Italy. Formerly Education Officer of the British Museum’s Arab World programme, Carolyn led one of the first British tours to Saudi Arabia and is now Director of Development... Read more |
TOUR ITINERARY
- London/ Tirana- On arrival transfer to Durres, established in the 7th-century BC but originally settled by the native Illyrian Taulant tribe. Afternoon exploring the Archaeological Museum, the Roman amphitheatre and baths and 6th-century walls with 14th-century Venetian towers.
- Shkoder, Lezhe- Visit the historic Illyrian settlement of Shkoder with views of Rozafa Castle and the medieval town. On to Lezhe to the Illyrian walls and the burial site of Skanderbeg within the cathedral.
- Kruja, Zgerdhesh, Berat- Travel to Kruja, birthplace of Skanderbeg. At Zgerdhesh (Albanopolis) there are Illyrian walls and good views across the Adriatic. On to Berat, a fine example of an Ottoman town, to visit the citadel and Church of St Mary with its icon collection.
- Byllis, Gjirokaster- Drive to the remarkable ancient Illyrian archaeological site at Byllis, followed by Gjirokaster, a picturesque town dominated by a mighty citadel.
- Antigoneia, Saranda- Visit Antigoneia, an excavation near the site of the battle between Philip V of Macedon and the Roman Consul which handed Illyria to Rome. Then to the ‘Blue Eye’ cold water spring and Saranda, ancient Onchesmos, now named for Agioi Saranta, or ‘forty saints’.
- Butrint- To impressive Butrint, ancient Buthrotum, described by Virgil as ‘Troy in miniature’. This spectacular location is originally thought to have been settled in the 8th century BC by Corfiot traders and is the town most frequently associated with the legend of Aeneas. It fell under the influence of both Epirus and Rome and its 4th-century theatre has remarkably well preserved seating. Free time in Saranda.
- Dhermi, Vlora, Fier- Scenic drive along the coast through the ‘Albanian Riviera’ via Lai Pasha Castle at Puerto Palermo. Onward via Dhermi village and the Independence Museum at Vlora. Overnight Fier.
- Apollonia, Tirana- Drive to Apollonia, founded in 588 BC and taken by Aristotle as a model in his analysis of oligarchy due to the distinct and separate Greek and Illyrian communities. It was a vital stronghold in Caesar’s civil war with Pompey and also important in early Christian history as the resident bishop attended the councils of Ephesus and Chalkis in 431 and 451. Continue to Tirana.
- Tirana/ London- Time to explore the capital with an optional visit to the National Museum before your return flight to London.
For a more detailed itinerary or to discuss this tour please
Telephone: 020 7269 2770 or Email: info@the-traveller.co.uk
