Albania: A Balkan Pearl

Your Albanian adventure begins with your arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, where our representative will welcome you in the arrivals hall and accompany you by private vehicle to your hotel in Tirana. After check-in, you will have some time to rest and settle in.

Depending on your arrival time, you will later meet your guide for a relaxed introduction to Tirana. Stroll through the city center and discover Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the iconic Tirana Pyramid, while getting your first impressions of Albania’s vibrant capital.

If time allows, you may also enjoy an optional cable car ride to Dajti Mountain, where you can relax and take in panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding landscape.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant, where you can taste a selection of Albanian specialties.

Breakfast & check-out

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel.

Departure for Berat

Travel south through the Albanian countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." Along the way, your guide will share stories about Albania's history, culture, and traditions.

Approx. drive: 2 hours

Arrival in Berat

Check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax.

Guided tour of Berat

Discover the highlights of this historic city with a guided visit to Berat Castle, one of Albania's oldest fortresses, offering spectacular views over the Osum River and surrounding hills. Continue through the charming Mangalem and Gorica quarters, famous for their cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman houses.

Free time exploring the city.

Breakfast & check-out

Enjoy an early packed breakfast before departing for the Osumi Canyons.

Departure for the Osumi Canyons

Travel to one of Albania's most spectacular natural attractions, renowned for its towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking scenery.

Explore the Osumi Canyons

Discover the beauty of the canyons with time to admire the landscape, swim in the natural pools, and explore the area's unique rock formations. Optional activities such as river trekking or canyoning are available for those seeking extra adventure.

Lunch (own expense)

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or in a scenic setting near the canyon.

Departure for Gjirokastra

Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastra, known as the "Stone City."

Arrival in Gjirokastra

Check in to your hotel before beginning your guided tour.

Guided tour of Gjirokastra

Visit Gjirokastra Castle, offering panoramic views over the Drino Valley, explore the Ethnographic Museum, and stroll through the charming Old Bazaar, famous for its traditional stone houses and artisan shops.

Evening at leisure

Enjoy free time to explore the city or have dinner at a traditional local restaurant (own expense).

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with breakfast before setting off for an unforgettable adventure.

Vjosa River Rafting

Experience an exciting rafting adventure on the Vjosa River, Europe's last wild river. Paddle through crystal-clear waters surrounded by spectacular gorges, lush hills, and untouched nature.

Benja Thermal Baths

After rafting, relax in the natural sulfur-rich thermal pools of Benja, located within Hotova-Dangëlli National Park. Take time to enjoy the warm waters and visit the picturesque Ottoman Bridge of Benja, one of southern Albania's most iconic landmarks.

Lunch (own expense)

Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Gjirokastra

Drive back to Gjirokastra and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Evening at leisure

Spend the evening exploring the city or relaxing at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and continuing your journey along the Albanian Riviera.

Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër)

Visit the famous Blue Eye, a spectacular natural spring renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and peaceful forest surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing walk and admire one of Albania's most remarkable natural attractions.

Butrint National Park

Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, where you'll explore the impressive ruins of this ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine city, including its amphitheatre, basilica, and Venetian fortress.

Lunch in Himarë (own expense)

Enjoy free time for lunch at a seaside restaurant overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Drive to Vlorë

Continue north to the coastal city of Vlorë, known as the birthplace of Albanian independence.

Arrival in Vlorë

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and departing for Tirana.

Zvërnec Island & St. Mary's Monastery

Visit the peaceful Zvërnec Island, connected to the mainland by a picturesque wooden bridge. Explore the 13th-century Monastery of St. Mary and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding Narta Lagoon.

Lunch (own expense)

Enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Albanian cuisine prepared with fresh regional ingredients.

Departure for Tirana

Travel back to Albania's vibrant capital, passing through the scenic countryside.

Arrival in Tirana

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with breakfast before setting off for an exciting adventure.

4×4 Jeep Safari to Cape of Rodon

Travel off the beaten path on a thrilling jeep safari through pine forests and rugged coastal trails to the spectacular Cape of Rodon, one of Albania's hidden gems.

Explore Cape of Rodon

Visit the historic Skanderbeg Castle, the Church of St. Anthony, and the remains of the communist-era bunkers while learning about the area's fascinating history. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and take time to relax on the unspoiled coastline.

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Cape of Rodon.

Return to Tirana

Drive back to Tirana and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Packed breakfast & check-out

Early packed breakfast before departing for the Albanian Alps.

Departure for Theth National Park

Travel through spectacular mountain scenery toward Theth, one of Albania's most beautiful alpine villages.

Qafë Thorë Pass

Stop at the famous Qafë Thorë Pass (1,700 m) to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Albanian Alps.

Theth & Blue Eye Hike

Arrive in Theth and continue to Ndërlysaj, where you'll begin a guided hike to the Blue Eye of Theth. Follow a scenic mountain trail through forests and crystal-clear streams before reaching the famous turquoise spring. Enjoy free time to relax, take photos, or, for the adventurous, a refreshing swim.

Traditional Lunch (Own Expense)

Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Explore Theth

Visit two of the village's most iconic landmarks: the historic Church of Theth and the Lock-in Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), where you'll learn about the ancient Albanian code of the Kanun.

Return to Shkodra

Drive back to Shkodra, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast & hotel check-out

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel.

Rozafa Castle

Begin the day with a visit to Rozafa Castle, one of Albania's most important fortresses, offering spectacular panoramic views over Shkodra, Lake Shkodra, and the surrounding mountains.

Visit Krujë

Continue to the historic town of Krujë, where you'll explore Krujë Castle, home to the Skanderbeg Museum, and stroll through the traditional Old Bazaar, renowned for its handicrafts and local souvenirs.

Shëngjergj Waterfall

Travel to the peaceful village of Shëngjergj and enjoy a short hike to the beautiful Shëngjergj Waterfall, surrounded by lush nature.

Return to Tirana

Travel back to Tirana and check in to your hotel.

Farewell Dinner

Celebrate the end of your Albanian adventure with a farewell dinner at a carefully selected restaurant, enjoying traditional cuisine while reflecting on the memorable experiences shared throughout the journey.

Breakfast at hotel & check-out

As our journey comes to an end, we hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Albania. With cherished memories and new adventures to look back on, we bid you farewell.

Transfer to Tirana International Airport for your departure flight.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again!