b'CLASSICAL ALBANIA Scan here for the full IN ILLYRIAN LANDS itinerary26 May3 June 2027Historical Background9 days During classical antiquity Albania was inhabited by groups of Indo-European Expert Historian: speaking tribes in an area known later to the Greeks and Romans as Illyria. Oliver GilkesNevertheless there is considerable debate as to whether these peoples recognised themselves as Illyrians in the way later writers framed them. The Activity Level: 2 first known Illyrian king, Bardylis, emerged in what is now Albania around 400 BC and soon came into conflict with Macedon. Greek colonies started to be set Albania is home to some of the Classicalup in what is now Albania from the 7th century BC one of the most prominent worlds most fabulous sites but is frequentlybeing Apollonia, established by Corinth. The greatest known Illyrian kingdom overshadowed by its southerly neighbour.were the Ardiaei who emerged in the 3rd century BC and extended their This is without justification as the countrydominance into northern Albania. The Ardiaei Queen Teuta clashed with the holds a rich panoply of Classical remains. Weexpanding Roman Empire and initiated 60 years of war which resulted in the visit Appollonia, where a youthful Octavianend of Illyrian independence by 168 BC. Rome came to dominate the western on hearing of the assassination of his great- Balkans and the province of Illyricum was created. Rome absorbed Greek uncle Caesar embarked on his bid for powercities and culture and introduced levels of civilization enjoyed in other parts of that ultimately made him emperor. At theher empire. Christianity came to the region in the 3rd to 4th centuries AD and bucolic site of Antigoneia we learn about itsthe new religion was preached from, amongst other places, the huge Durres famous founder Pyrrhus of Epirus (319/318272Amphitheatre. When the Empire divided in 395 AD what is now Albania found BC), whose victories were won at such greatitself in the unusual position of being administered as part of the Eastern cost and at Durres marvel at the splendidEmpire from Constantinople but under the religious jurisdiction of the Pope in Roman amphitheatre. At Butrint we soak upRome until 732 AD. the atmosphere of what is arguably the most beautiful combination of archaeology and nature in the Mediterranean world, whose occupation lasted from 50,000 BC up until the nineteenth century. We enjoy the stone city of Gjirokastr, Albanias best-kept secret, and Berat, the 2,400-year-old city of a thousand windows, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Throughout our stay we are hosted by the wonderful Albanian people, proud of their origins in the 2,500-year-old tribes of Illyria, and eager to share their fine cuisine, 3000-year-old tradition of wine making and lively folk music scene.Day 1Fly from London to Tirana or make your own arrangements to jointhe tour at the hotel Explore Tirana; welcome drinks and introductory talk Hotel in Tirana2 nights (D)Day 2 Tirana: walking tour to include National Museum and EthemBey Mosque (B,D)Day 3Apollonia; continue to Gjirokastra Hotel in Gjirokastra4 nights (B,D)Day 4 Full day at Butrint (B,L,D)Day 5 full day at Gjirokastra, incl museum, castle and konaks (residences) (B,D)Day 6Antigoneia, Labova i Kryqit, Hadrianopolis (B,L,D)Day 7leave Gjirokastra, drive to Byllis and visit site, continue to BeratESSENTIALS Hotel in Berat1 night (B,D)4-star or best available hotels, mealsDay 8Durres - amphitheatre, drive to Kruje Free time to explore townas indicated, drinks with dinner, allHotel in Durres1 night (B,D)entrance fees, tour manager and expertDay 9Drive to Tirana airport for flight to London or extend your stay inhistorian throughout, all internal travel,Albania (B)optional travel from UK.22 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 56205926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 22 22/08/2025 13:35'