Here you will find study trips and round trips through the metropolises of Albania
Tirana
Visit Tirana, the capital and at the same time the economic, cultural, academic and political center of the Republic of Albania. Experience the most important highlights of the city on a Tirana city trip, such as the famous Boulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, the Bank of Albania, the National Historical Museum, the Qemal Stafa Stadium, the Parliament building, the clock tower, the Skanderberg statue and not lastly the mausoleum of Enver Hoxha. Enjoy a city break through Tirana and get to know a new world.
Natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region – Albania
Lake Ohrid is the defining feature of the Ohrid region. A third of the lake belongs to Albania, the Albanian coastal strip is 30 kilometers long. The rest of Lake Ohrid is in Macedonia. The lake is 695 meters above sea level and 287 meters deep. It is one of the oldest lakes on earth. Since 1980 it has been part of the natural and cultural heritage of UNESCO.
The main town of the region is the busy town of Pogradec, which is both an administrative center and a seaside resort. Built in a modern style, the place exudes a pleasant charm with its long promenade lined with parks and cafés.
Cultural assets in the Ohrid region
The village of Lin on the peninsula of the same name is located on the west bank of Lake Ohrid, 20 kilometers from Pogradec. The village center presents itself with narrow, cobbled streets and old stone houses. The Byzantine church has beautifully restored frescoes. On a hill above the village are the remains of an ancient basilica, which are the destination of many study trips. Eight colorful floor mosaics from the 5th century AD depict fish, water birds and bees.
The five royal tombs of Selca e Poshtmë, from the 3rd century BC, are hidden in the mountains behind Pogradec. Nearby, the Golik Bridge, an Ottoman bridge from the 17th century, with its three characteristic arches spans the river Shkumbin.
Excursion into the countryside
A nice place to visit is the Drilon Park, near the village of Tushemisht. One of the springs of Lake Ohrid feeds several ponds, which then flow into the lake as a small river. Restaurants and cafes on jetties in the water invite you to rest under shady trees. Rowing boats and numerous water birds contribute to the recreation of the traveler.
Ancient city of Apollonia
Location and importance
The ancient city of Apollonia is located near Fier (55,000 inhabitants) in the middle of Albania. Apollonia was born in 588 BC. Built by colonizers from Corfu on a hill north of the river Vjosa. Since it could be reached by ship, it was considered a port city. A side branch of the later built Via Egnatia, through which the Bosporus was connected with the Balkans and the Adriatic coast, led through Apollonia. The city was of strategic and political importance. Study trips through the country of Albania usually also stop in Apollonia. A visit to the city is worthwhile because of the excavations and the scenic beauty of the region.
History
Originally Apollonia was Greek, from 229 BC onwards. The city was under Roman protectorate. 148 BC The Romans made it part of the province of Macedonia. Cicero visited the city, Emperor Augustus studied in it and Caesar supported it with privileges. This is how the economic and political ascent was achieved. The descent began with an earthquake in the fourth century AD, and the city was finally abandoned in the 6th century. Shën Meri Monastery was later built on the remains.
Attractions
During excavation work, houses and streets as well as the library and the Odeon were uncovered. The Odeon served as a cultural venue. And Shën Meri was built on the site of the ancient theater. Also worth mentioning are the Diana Temple and the Buleuterion, which was the meeting place for the city council. The Prytaneion, on the other hand, was reserved for the leading city councils. The large stoa is extremely well preserved. From here you have an impressive view of the surrounding Myzeqe plain, which is now known primarily for its fertility. When traveling through the country of Albania, a visit to the excavation site can be combined with a stay in the city of Fier. Today it is the center of the region.
