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Albania’s Historic Gems: Castles, Ruins and UNESCO Sites

  • Albania
  • 0 booked
    • Gallery
  • Duration: 6 nights
  • Language: English

Overview

This 6-day journey takes you through Albania’s most historic and scenic destinations, blending cultural heritage with natural wonders. Explore ancient castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant streets of Tirana to the serene shores of Lake Shkodër, the archaeological marvels of Butrint and the stunning Blue Eye spring, this tour offers a perfect mix of history, adventure and local traditions.

Highlights of this tour

  • Shkodër & Rozafa Castle – Discover Albania’s cultural hub and enjoy panoramic views from its iconic fortress.
  • Krujë & Skanderbeg Museum – Step into Albania’s past in the town of its national hero.
  • Tirana & Bunk’Art 2 – Experience the capital’s lively atmosphere and delve into its communist history.
  • Durrës Amphitheater – Visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans.
  • Berat (UNESCO) – Wander through the “City of a Thousand Windows” and its well-preserved Ottoman quarters.
  • Apollonia Archaeological Park – Explore an ancient Greek and Roman city.
  • Gjirokastër (UNESCO) – Stroll through the “Stone City” with its castle and charming bazaar.
  • Blue Eye Spring – Marvel at this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
  • Butrint National Park (UNESCO) – Walk through the ruins of an ancient city with Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences.
  • Sarandë & the Ionian Coast – Enjoy the beauty of Albania’s southern Riviera before departure.

 

Price

Group of 14 pax: 650€/person

NOTE: For group inquiries with a different number of travelers, please contact us directly via email to receive a personalised offer tailored to your needs.

 

What’s Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • All land transfers in a fully air-conditioned coach
  • 6 nights in hotels in different villages/cities in Albania (rooms upon request with private bathrooms)
  • All breakfasts
  • All entrance fees
  • All day tours as per programme
  • City Tour in Shkoder, Kruje, Tirana, Durres, Berat, Gjirokaster, Sarande
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Professional Certified Guide
  • All Admission Fees + Taxes

 

Check dates & Availability

This tour is available year-round, offering you the flexibility to start on any day of your choice. We kindly recommend booking in advance to ensure availability and the best possible experience, as last-minute reservations may be limited.

Available dates for 2026 are open for booking!

 

Group Size

Minimum 14 – Maximum 40

 

Additional Information

  • Pricing Adjustments: The price per person varies based on the number of participants.
  • Group Discounts:

    Group & Family Discounts

    • Booking as a full group of 20 people qualifies you for a 10% discount.

    • When booking a group of 20 guests, the tour leader travels free of charge.

    • Booking as a family qualifies you for a 15% discount.

  • Custom Itineraries: We can modify the itinerary to include specific attractions or experiences based on your preferences.
  • Booking Confirmation: Your booking is confirmed only after the payment is made. A deposit may be required to secure your spot.
  • Early Booking Recommended: Spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred dates.
  • Multiple Languages Available: The tour is available in different languages upon request. Please inform us in advance for language preferences.
  • Accommodation: Participants will stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels, offering comfort, cleanliness, and quality service throughout the journey.
  • Travel Insurance & Requirements: Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended. Participants should check visa and entry requirements before booking.

 

Cancellation & Return Policy

  • Cancellations made more than 45 days prior to departure: full refund minus a 5% administrative fee.
  • Cancellations made between 30–44 days prior to departure: 50% of the total tour cost will be charged.
  • Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to departure: no refund.
  • No refund will be provided for unused services or voluntary withdrawal during the tour.
  • Any changes made less than 7 days before the experience start date may not be accepted.
  • Certain tours require a minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not met, clients will be offered an alternative date/experience or a full refund
  • If an experience is canceled due to unsafe weather conditions, clients will be offered an alternative date or an appropriate refund.

What To Expect

1

Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana & City Discovery

Please note: The activities planned for this day will take place depending on your arrival time at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you will have more time to explore the city. For later arrivals, the program will be adjusted accordingly.

  • Arrival at Tirana International Airport
    Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you will be greeted by our company representative in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Tirana.
  • Hotel check-in & time to rest
    Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to relax after your journey. This free time allows you to settle in, refresh, and prepare for the first experiences of the tour.
  • Afternoon: Tirana city introduction
    Later in the afternoon, meet your guide and fellow travelers to begin an easy introductory exploration of Albania’s vibrant capital, Tirana. This relaxed walk offers a first glimpse into the city’s fascinating mix of history, culture, and colorful architecture.
  • During the visit you will discover some of Tirana’s most iconic landmarks:
    Skanderbeg Square – the heart of the city, surrounded by important cultural institutions and named after Albania’s national hero.
    Et’hem Bey Mosque – a beautiful 18th-century mosque famous for its detailed frescoes and historical importance.
    Tirana Pyramid – one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, representing an interesting chapter of Albania’s modern history.
  • (Optional) – Cable car ride to Dajti Mountain
    Ascend by cable car to Dajti Mountain, located within Dajti National Park. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding countryside. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take time to relax or enjoy a coffee with a view.
  • Evening: Welcome dinner with the group
    In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together with the rest of the group at a traditional local restaurant. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and begin the journey together while tasting some of Albania’s most delicious traditional dishes.
  • You will have the chance to try a variety of Albanian specialties, prepared with fresh local ingredients, while your guide introduces the exciting experiences planned for the upcoming days.
  • Overnight in Tirana.
2

Day 2 - Exploring the Charm of Shkodër and Shiroka

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Departure for Shkodra
    Begin your journey northward toward the historic city of Shkodra. Enjoy scenic views of the Albanian countryside as your guide provides insights into the region’s culture, history, and traditions.
  •  Arrival in Shkodra & hotel check-in
    Arrive in Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Proceed with check-in at your selected hotel. Take approximately one hour to refresh, relax, and prepare for the day activities.
  • After being relaxed, we start the journey with a visit to Rozafa Castle, an ancient Illyrian fortress perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the city and Lake Shkodër. Delve into the castle’s legendary tale of sacrifice and resilience while exploring its well-preserved ruins.
  • Next, immerse yourself in Albania’s visual history at the Marubi National Museum of Photography, home to one of the richest photographic archives in the Balkans. Discover a stunning collection that captures Albania’s transformation over the centuries.
  • Continue your exploration with a leisurely stroll along Gjuhadol Pedestrian Street, a charming avenue lined with Ottoman-era buildings, quaint cafés, and cultural landmarks, perfect for soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
  • In the afternoon, visit Shiroka Village, a peaceful lakeside retreat near Shkodër. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring fresh fish while admiring the serene beauty of Lake Shkodër.
  • Overnight in Shkoder: Conclude the day with an overnight stay in a boutique hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
3

Day 3 - From Skanderbeg’s City to the Capital

  • Breakfast & hotel check-out
    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Start the day with a morning transfer to Krujë, a historic city that played a pivotal role in Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
  • Begin your exploration at Krujë Castle, the former stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Within the castle walls, visit the Skanderbeg Museum, where you’ll learn about his legendary battles and enduring legacy. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum, housed in a traditional Ottoman-style residence, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that offer insight into Albanian culture and daily life.
  • Afterward, take a stroll through the Old Bazaar, a charming marketplace with cobblestone streets lined with stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and unique souvenirs.
  • In the afternoon, transfer to Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Begin your tour at Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central hub, surrounded by key landmarks, including the National History Museum. Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of Tirana’s oldest and most beautifully adorned mosques, known for its intricate frescoes.
  • End the day with a visit to Bunk’Art 2, an underground museum set in a former nuclear bunker. This immersive exhibit provides a deep dive into Albania’s communist-era history through compelling stories and artifacts.
  • Overnight in Tirana. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at a centrally located hotel in Tirana, where you can unwind and reflect on the rich history and culture explored throughout the day.
4

Day 4 - From Coastal Durrës to Historic Berat

  • Breakfast & hotel check-out
    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Start the day with a transfer from Tirana to Durrës, Albania’s main port city, rich in Roman and Byzantine history. Begin your exploration at the Durrës Amphitheater, the largest of its kind in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century.
  • Continue to the Venetian Tower, a medieval fortress that once played a key role in the city’s defense. Wrap up your visit at the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from the Illyrian, Greek, and Roman periods provide insight into the city’s long and fascinating past.
  • Berat transfer: In the afternoon, travel to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Visit the Berat Castle, a hilltop fortress offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Osum River. Within the castle walls, explore centuries-old churches and mosques, including the Onufri Museum, which houses the vibrant religious iconography of Albania’s most renowned medieval painter, Onufri.
  • End the day with a stroll through the Mangalem and Gorica Quarters, famous for their Ottoman-era houses and picturesque cobblestone streets.
  • Overnight in Berat: Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional hotel in Berat, soaking in the charm and history of this remarkable city.
5

Day 5 - Ancient Apollonia & Historic Gjirokastër

  • Breakfast & hotel check-out
    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Depart from Berat in the morning and head to Apollonia, one of Albania’s most significant archaeological sites. Once a thriving center of learning and trade in antiquity, this ancient Greek city offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Explore the Apollonia Archaeological Park, where highlights include the Odeon, the Temple of Artemis, and impressive Roman-era mosaics that showcase the artistry of the time.
  • In the afternoon, continue to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed city known for its distinctive stone architecture. Begin your visit at the Gjirokastër Castle, a hilltop fortress that houses a military museum and offers breathtaking views of the city and Drino Valley. Next, step into the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former home of Enver Hoxha, to gain insight into traditional Albanian life and customs.
  • Wrap up the day with a leisurely walk along Bazaar Street, where shops display handcrafted goods, antiques, and souvenirs reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Overnight in Gjirokaster: Settle in for an overnight stay at a traditional guesthouse, immersing yourself in the charm of this historic city.
6

Day 6 - Syri i Kaltër, Sarandë, Mesopotam Monastery and Butrint national Park

  • Breakfast & hotel check-out
    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Begin the day with a scenic morning transfer to Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye), one of Albania’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This stunning spring, with its deep turquoise waters and lush surroundings, creates a mesmerizing sight. Take a leisurely walk along the trails, capture stunning photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem.
  • In the afternoon, continue to Sarandë, a vibrant coastal city along the Ionian Sea. Start by visiting the Monastery of Mesopotam, a remarkable Byzantine site known for its distinctive architectural design and ancient frescoes.
  • Then, explore the legendary Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases centuries of history through its Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. Wander through the ancient city, stopping at key landmarks such as the theater, baptistery, and the iconic Lion Gate, each telling a unique story of the past.
  • Farewell dinner
    In the evening, we gather together for a special farewell dinner, where we will once again enjoy delicious Albanian cuisine while remembering the wonderful experiences and unforgettable moments shared during this journey through Albania.
  • Overnight in Saranda.
7

Day 7 - Return

Breakfast at hotel & check-out
Private transfer to Tirana International Airport for departure flight.

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