From the Port of Vlora to Apollonia Archeological Park

Duration: 5.5 hours

Highlights: Visit the fascinating ancient city of Apollonia, once learning and cultural center of the Roman Empire

Description

Meet with the local guide at your cruise ship in Durres and drive towards the Archeological Park of Apollonia, one of the most well-known archeological sites in Albania and recently a National Archaeological Park. You will have a guided visit of the Odeon, and the courtyard of the Monastery where there is a Byzantine style church believed to have been built in the 14th century. Here you can see some monuments like the Encircling Wall, the Bouleterion, the Mosaics House and the Nymphaioum.

Cicero, the famed Roman Orator, was captivated by the beauty of Apollonia and in his Philippics, referred to it as “magna urbs et gravis,” or “great and important city.” Archaeological excavations have shown that Apollonia achieved its zenith around the 4th-3rd centuries BC.

Optional lunch can be organized on Apollonia, in a local restaurant located right at the park.

Return to the port of Vlora.