Apollonia & Ardenica Tour Review: Is it Worth it?

So, are you planning a trip to Tirana and perhaps you are searching for some fascinating day trips? A tour combining Apollonia and Ardenica Monastery might be something you are considering. It sounds amazing, but let’s see if the reality truly lives up to the hype.

First Stop: The Ancient City of Apollonia

That said, first on most itineraries is Apollonia, an ancient Greek city that, in a way, was quite important way back when. Founded way back in 588 BC, this place, basically, has witnessed empires rise and fall, that sort of thing. You can, in a way, almost feel the weight of history pressing down as you walk amongst the ruins, a little. It definitely seems to make for some amazing photos, anyway, especially that crumbling facade with the stunning Albanian landscape as your backdrop.

The site itself is, like your old history textbook brought to life, a bit. Forget trying to just read about ancient civilizations – here you actually get to tread where they did. Parts of the city have really held up, too, so it’s rather simple to, in a way, picture what life might have been way back then. The amphitheater is rather awesome; that spot is great for envisioning the performances and public events that took place centuries back.

Actually, the museum at Apollonia, in a way, is super helpful for filling in any gaps in what you understand. The exhibits are pretty well done, anyway, offering some interesting details about the city’s importance and the people who resided there. They feature things recovered from the site, too, which I think are so cool for bringing that history to life.

Ardenica Monastery: A Spiritual Retreat

Next up, most of these tours tend to take you to Ardenica Monastery. After the expansive historical site that you just walked, Ardenica is pretty much its opposite with its more quiet, spiritual feel. Perched atop a hill, the Monastery offers views of the surrounding countryside, and it’s pretty nice. The serene setting makes it a really tranquil spot, like your blood pressure actually drops a bit, is that it?

In a way, this Orthodox monastery has really stood the test of time, I mean we’re talking centuries here, right? But still you wouldn’t notice too much age on it, like. Apparently, it’s also known to be where Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, got married, and that makes the location extra cool. The artwork inside is definitely worth really looking at closely because they have all these beautifully painted murals and iconography that will tell biblical stories, basically.

Actually, walking around the grounds you see these super tended gardens and spaces for reflection, I find those parts kind of neat. It’s easy to almost, sort of, step away and consider things a bit differently with the way the peaceful atmosphere puts things in a new perspective. Whether or not you’re into religion that place might be worth your time due to that atmosphere.

What to Expect on the Tour

So, usually, that tour sets out from Tirana in the morning, getting you back by late afternoon. It’s just a bit easier than dealing with public transportation if you’d be doing the trip solo, honestly. A lot of tour providers will have options for smaller groups, too, making for that more intimate sort of trip.

Generally, the guides know what they are talking about and tell some super interesting stories as you drive from spot to spot, in a way, too. Like you’ll understand way better what you’re actually looking at that way. Actually, usually the price covers the admission costs and any transportation needed; still, lunch is generally on your own. I usually would pack something because time can be short sometimes to sit down properly, in a way.

Is the Apollonia & Ardenica Tour Worth It?

I would tell almost everyone interested in history and culture “Yeah, you should definitely do this” as there’s lots of beautiful stuff that’s so different and awesome for such a trip. It’s rather the sort of day that you consider the beauty and significance of Albania, is that it? It’s great when you actually like learning and appreciate some historical stuff, I really believe it will be rewarding.

Of course, it could not be for some. If spending the whole time in very ancient ruins seems sort of boring or hiking through historic places would make things difficult, so, too, the trip can be skipped. But if the tours can show you stuff around and that sounds amazing, yeah it is pretty cool and worthwhile to check out!

Still it may be essential for anyone doing more than only city sights in Tirana to see what’s around the Albanian countryside. The Apollonia and Ardenica Monastery day tours have cultural background and a chance just to see the world differently as things open to you. Actually for this reason I definitely think anyone in Tirana thinking what more should occur must include things such as those.