Albania: Self-Guided Tour

Your Albanian adventure begins with your arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza. A Co-Travel representative will welcome you at the airport, assist you with collecting your rental car, and make sure you have everything you need before setting off on your journey.

Drive to your hotel in Tirana and take some time to settle in. Once you are ready, start exploring the capital independently, following your self-guided itinerary. Discover Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Tirana Pyramid, and the lively streets surrounding the city center.

If your arrival time allows, you can also take the cable car to Dajti Mountain and enjoy panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding landscape.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant and experience some of Albania’s authentic flavors at your own pace.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before continuing your self-drive adventure through northern Albania.

Self-drive to Shkodra

Drive north toward Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Enjoy scenic views of countryside landscapes, villages, and rural life along the way.

Arrival in Shkodra & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Shkodra, check in at your hotel, and take some time to relax before exploring the city.

Explore Shkodra Old Town

Discover the historic centre of Shkodra at your own pace, walking through charming streets filled with traditional architecture, cafés, and local artisan shops.

Optional Visits

*Marubi National Museum of Photography – Explore one of the Balkans’ most important photography collections, documenting over a century of Albanian history.

*Shiroka Village & Lake Shkodra – Drive to this peaceful lakeside village and enjoy beautiful views over Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans.

Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Shkodra

Enjoy a private boat cruise across the lake as the sun sets, creating unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

Evening at leisure

Enjoy free time to explore the city.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before beginning today’s adventure to one of Albania’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

Excursion to Lake Koman

Please note: This experience can be arranged as a shared excursion or as a self-drive activity. Transportation by van and the boat journey will be shared with other travellers.

Boat Journey to Shala River

Travel to Lake Koman, often known as the “Albanian Fjords,” and board a boat for a scenic ride through dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and untouched mountain scenery.

Free Time at Shala River

Arrive at the stunning Shala River and enjoy time to relax, swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the surroundings, or try optional activities such as kayaking and ziplining.

Boat Ride to 5 Stinet Resort

Continue across Lake Koman to 5 Stinet Resort, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Optional Traditional Lunch

Enjoy a local meal featuring homemade Albanian specialties while taking in the peaceful views of the lake and mountains.

Return to Shkodra

Travel back by boat to Koman and continue by van to Shkodra.

Evening at Leisure

Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before setting out for a full-day adventure in the Albanian Alps.

Private Tour to Theth National Park

Please note: Today’s exploration of Theth National Park will be arranged as a private tour with a professional driver and local guide. Due to the challenging mountain roads and remote hiking trails, local expertise ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience while discovering the region’s natural and cultural highlights.

Scenic Drive to Theth

Begin your journey toward Theth National Park, one of Albania’s most spectacular alpine destinations.

Qafë Thore Pass Stop

Make a short stop at Qafë Thore Pass (1,700 m), a famous viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Albanian Alps.

Arrival in Theth & Transfer to Nderlysaj

Continue to the traditional mountain village of Theth, known for its stone houses, dramatic peaks, and untouched natural beauty. From here, transfer to Nderlysaj, the starting point of your hike.

Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth

Begin a moderate hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning turquoise natural spring surrounded by forests and mountains.

Free Time at the Blue Eye

Relax by the crystal-clear waters, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take photos, or, if conditions allow, experience a refreshing swim.

Return Hike to Nderlysaj

Follow the scenic trail back to Nderlysaj.

Optional Traditional Lunch

Enjoy a local meal featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh ingredients.

Cultural Visits in Theth

Discover two of Theth’s most important landmarks:

Theth Church (1892) – a beautiful alpine church set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Lock-in Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit) – a historic stone tower connected to the traditional Kanun code of Albania.

Return to Shkodra

Travel back to Shkodra in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast before continuing your self-drive journey toward central Albania.

Self-drive to Krujë

Travel to Krujë, a historic town located on the slopes of Mount Krujë and closely connected to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.

Krujë Castle & Skanderbeg Museum

Explore the historic castle complex overlooking the surrounding plains and Adriatic coastline. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, discovering the story of Albania’s medieval resistance and national identity.

Continue with a walk through the charming Old Bazaar, where traditional handicrafts, handmade carpets, silver jewellery, and local souvenirs create an authentic atmosphere.

Continue to Durrës

Drive to Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest coastal cities and an important historical port of the Adriatic.

Visit Durrës Amphitheatre

Explore the impressive Roman Amphitheatre of Durrës, built during the reign of Emperor Trajan and once among the largest amphitheatres in the Balkans.

Hotel Check-in & Evening at Leisure

Arrive at your seaside hotel in Durrës or Mali i Robit. Relax by the coast, enjoy a walk along the beach, or spend the evening at your own pace.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast before continuing your self-drive journey toward southern Albania.

Self-drive to Berat – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Travel to Berat, the famous “City of a Thousand Windows,” known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and historic charm.

Berat Castle & Historic Quarters

Explore Berat Castle, a unique living fortress where residents still live within the ancient walls. Discover its historic churches, traditional houses, and panoramic views over the Osum River valley.

Continue through the charming Mangalem and Gorica quarters, admiring the characteristic white Ottoman houses and crossing the iconic Gorica Bridge.

Optional Traditional Lunch (Own Expense)

Enjoy authentic Albanian cuisine at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialities and fresh ingredients.

Visit Apollonia Archaeological Park

Continue to Apollonia, one of Albania’s most important ancient sites, founded by Greek settlers in the 6th century BC and once a major cultural and philosophical centre of the Roman world.

Self-drive to Vlorë

Continue toward Vlorë, the coastal city where Albania’s independence was declared in 1912.

Hotel Check-in & Evening at Leisure

Arrive at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the seaside promenade or resting after the day’s discoveries.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing your self-drive journey along the spectacular Albanian Riviera.

Llogara Pass Scenic Drive

Drive through the impressive Llogara Pass, one of the most scenic mountain roads in Albania. Enjoy breathtaking viewpoints where the rugged mountains meet the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.

Visit Himarë

Continue to Himarë, a charming coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere, traditional character, and beautiful beaches. Take time to explore the seaside promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the Ionian coastline.

Porto Palermo Castle

Stop at Porto Palermo Castle, a historic triangular fortress located on a small peninsula. Discover this unique landmark, associated with Ali Pasha of Tepelena, and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery surrounding the castle.

Self-Drive to Sarandë

Continue south along the Albanian Riviera toward Sarandë, a lively seaside town overlooking the island of Corfu. Enjoy the scenic coastal road with views of hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters along the way.

Hotel check-in & evening at leisure

Arrive in Sarandë and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at your own pace — relax by the sea, explore the waterfront promenade, or enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before beginning your day of exploration through the natural and cultural highlights of southern Albania.

Butrint National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Drive to Butrint National Park, one of the most important archaeological and cultural sites in the Mediterranean. Explore this ancient city surrounded by beautiful landscapes, discovering the remains of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations, including the Greek Theatre, Roman Baths, Early Christian Basilica, Venetian Tower, and historic fortifications.

The Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër)

Continue to the Blue Eye, one of Albania’s most famous natural wonders. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the surrounding forest and admire the extraordinary deep-blue waters of this powerful natural spring, known for its unique color and tranquil atmosphere.

Return to Sarandë

Return to Sarandë in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free to relax, enjoy the seaside promenade, or explore the town at your own pace.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing your self-drive journey along the Albanian Riviera.

Self-Drive to Himarë

Travel north along one of Albania’s most scenic coastal roads toward Himarë. Enjoy spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, hidden beaches, and dramatic mountain landscapes along the way.

Boat Tour to Grama Bay

Upon arrival in Himarë, head to the marina and begin a spectacular boat tour along the Albanian Riviera coastline. Cruise through crystal-clear waters, explore hidden bays, and discover some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Albania.

During the boat tour, stops may include

Livadhi Beach

Aquarium Beach

Jale Beach

Goats Beach

Couples Bay

Marble Beach

Saint Theodore Cave

Pirates Cave

Dhërmi

Palasë

Saint Andrew Beach

Enjoy opportunities for swimming, photography, and relaxation while exploring the untouched beauty of the Ionian coastline.

Grama Bay

Spend approximately 1.5 hours at Grama Bay, one of the most spectacular and remote beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, this hidden paradise offers the perfect setting to swim, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Return to Sarandë

After the boat tour, return to Himarë and continue your self-drive journey back to Sarandë. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and beginning your journey inland toward the cultural heart of southern Albania.

Self-Drive to Gjirokastër – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Travel to Gjirokastër, one of Albania’s most remarkable historic towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Stone City,” Gjirokastër is famous for its preserved Ottoman architecture, slate-roofed houses, and unique mountain setting.

Old Town Exploration

Discover the charming old town at your own pace. Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the traditional stone tower houses (kullas), and explore local artisan shops offering handmade crafts and regional products.

Gjirokastër Castle

Visit the impressive hilltop fortress that dominates the city. Explore its ancient walls, historical exhibits, and enjoy panoramic views over the Drino Valley and surrounding mountains.

Return to Tirana

Continue your journey back to Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel from the southern mountains toward central Albania.

Hotel check-in & evening at leisure

Arrive in Tirana and check in at your hotel. Spend your final evening at leisure — explore the city center, enjoy a local restaurant, or relax after your journey through Albania.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Enjoy your final breakfast in Albania before checking out of the hotel. Make your way to Tirana International Airport, where you will return the rental car at the designated drop-off point before proceeding to the airport for your departure flight.

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

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again!