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Albania: Self-Guided Tour

  • Albania
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 10 nights
  • Language: English

Overview

Discover the beauty, culture, and diversity of Albania on this immersive 11-day self-guided journey. From the vibrant streets of Tirana to the untouched alpine landscapes of Theth, and from UNESCO World Heritage cities like Berat and Gjirokastër to the crystal-clear waters of the Albanian Riviera, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of history, nature, and relaxation. Travel at your own pace with the comfort of a rental car, while benefiting from carefully curated experiences, including a boat journey through the spectacular Komani Lake, a visit to the remote Blue Eye of Theth, and a coastal adventure along some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning beaches.

This tour is designed for travelers seeking independence without sacrificing comfort, combining scenic drives, cultural exploration, and authentic local experiences.

Highlights of this tour

  • Explore Tirana, Albania’s lively capital, rich in history, culture, and colorful architecture
  • Visit Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, and enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Shkodra
  • Experience Komani Lake, often called the “Albanian Fjords,” with a scenic boat trip to the Shala River
  • Discover Theth National Park, including the famous Blue Eye, Grunas Waterfall, and traditional alpine villages
  • Step back in time in Kruja, home of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg
  • Walk through ancient history in Durres, featuring one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans
  • Visit Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows”
  • Explore Apollonia, an important ancient Greek and Roman archaeological site
  • Drive along the Albanian Riviera, including Llogara Pass, Himarë, and Porto Palermo Castle
  • Visit Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site showcasing layers of ancient civilizations
  • Discover the Blue Eye Spring, one of Albania’s most mesmerizing natural wonders
  • Enjoy a boat tour to Grama Bay, with stops at hidden beaches and sea caves
  • Explore Gjirokastër, the “Stone City,” known for its preserved Ottoman architecture

Price

2 pax min: 1290€/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 rental car pick-up and drop-off at Tirana International Airport
  • A fully air-conditioned private car, for the entire duration of the tour
  • Full CASCO insurance
  • Professional guide available 24/7 for online assistance
  • 10 nights in hotels in different villages/cities in Albania (rooms upon request with private bathrooms)
  • All breakfasts
  • Food Tasting at a Traditional Home Garden
  • Private Boat tour in Shkodra Lake
  • Private Boat Tour in Koman Lake
  • Private tour in Theth National Park
  • Lock-in Tower entrance fee
  • Kruje Castle & Skanderbeg Museum entrance fee
  • Durres Amphitheatre entrance fee
  • Apollonia Archaeological Park entrance fee
  • Butrint National Park entrance fee
  • Blue Eye, Sarande entrance fee
  • Private Boat Tour at Grama Bay
  • Cable car ride to Dajti Mountain
  • A professionally curated digital travel dossier (PDF), including detailed day-by-day itinerary information, driving distances, recommended routes, hotel details, key attractions, museums, and practical travel tips to ensure a seamless and well-informed self-guided experience
  • 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

Maximum 8


Additional Information

  • Pricing Adjustments: The price per person may vary depending on the number of participants.
  • Group Discounts:

    Group & Family Discounts

    • Booking as a full group of 8 people qualifies you for a 10% discount.

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

  • Custom Itineraries: The itinerary can be modified to include specific attractions or experiences according to your interests.
  • Booking Confirmation: Your reservation is confirmed only after payment is received. A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
  • Early Booking Recommended: Availability is limited, especially during peak seasons. We strongly advise booking in advance to guarantee your preferred dates.
  • Self-Drive Experience: Travel at your own pace with a comfortable rental vehicle, including full CASCO insurance, ensuring a safe and relaxed journey throughout Albania.
  • Travel Support: Benefit from 24/7 online assistance and a professionally curated digital travel dossier (PDF) containing detailed itinerary information, routes, distances, hotel details, and key attractions.
  • Driving Conditions: Roads are generally in good condition; extra care is required in mountain areas. Total driving distance is approximately 900–1,200 km.
  • Accommodation & Meals: Carefully selected hotels with daily breakfast included. Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing flexibility to explore local cuisine.
  • Guided Experiences: Includes a shared Komani Lake & Shala River excursion and a private guided tour in Theth National Park.
  • Best Travel Period: April to October, ideal for both cultural exploration and coastal experiences.
  • Physical Requirements: Moderate physical fitness is recommended. Some days include walking tours, light hiking, and outdoor activities on uneven terrain.
  • Boat Excursions: All boat trips are operated by licensed providers and follow safety regulations. Safety equipment is available on board, and activities are conducted under professional supervision.
  • Travel Insurance & Requirements: Travel insurance is not included but highly recommended. Participants should verify visa and entry requirements prior to booking.

Cancellation & Refund 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 depend 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 can be adjusted accordingly.

  • Arrival at Tirana International Airport
    Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you will be greeted in the arrivals hall by our company representative holding a sign with the name of the person who made the reservation.
    You will receive the keys and documents for your rental vehicle, which you will use throughout the entire journey. After a brief introduction and travel instructions, you will begin your self-drive journey to your hotel in Tirana.
  • Hotel check-in & time to rest
    Arrive at your hotel in Tirana and proceed with check-in. Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey before beginning your first exploration of Albania’s vibrant capital.
  • Afternoon: Tirana city discovery
    Spend the afternoon discovering Tirana at your own pace. The city offers a fascinating mix of history, colorful architecture, lively cafés, and cultural landmarks.
  • During your visit you may explore:
    *
    Skanderbeg Square – the heart of Tirana, surrounded by important cultural institutions and named after Albania’s national hero.
    *
    Et’hem Bey Mosque – an elegant 18th-century mosque known for its rare fresco paintings.
    *
    Tirana Pyramid – one of the most recognizable monuments in the city and an interesting symbol of Albania’s modern history.
  • Optional – Cable car ride to Dajti Mountain
    You may choose to take the cable car to Dajti Mountain, located within Dajti National Park. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding countryside. Relax with a coffee while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
  • Overnight in Tirana.
2

Day 2 – Shkodër Visit & Boat Tour on Lake Shkodra

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Self-drive to Shkodra
    Begin your journey north toward the historic city of Shkodra. The drive offers scenic views of the Albanian countryside, passing through small villages and agricultural landscapes.
  • Arrival in Shkodra & hotel check-in
    Upon arrival in Shkodra, proceed with check-in at your hotel. Take some time to refresh and relax before exploring the city.
  • Explore Shkodra Old Town
    Discover the charming streets of Shkodra’s historic center at your own pace. Walk along the lively pedestrian areas known for their traditional architecture, cafés, and artisan shops.
  • Optional visit:
    *Marubi National Museum of Photography, home to one of the most important photographic archives in the Balkans.
    *Visit Shiroka Village & Lake Shkodra
    Drive to the lakeside village of Shiroka, a peaceful destination known for its beautiful views over Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the lakeshore and explore the village.
    *Sunset – Private boat ride on Lake Shkodra (1 hour)
    In the evening, experience a peaceful private boat ride on Lake Shkodra. As the sun sets, the changing colors of the sky reflecting over the water create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
    *Dinner & traditional food tasting
    Enjoy dinner in a local family garden where homemade traditional dishes are prepared using fresh regional ingredients, offering an authentic taste of northern Albanian cuisine.
  • Overnight in Shkodra.
3

Day 3 – Komani Lake & Shala River Excursion

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Depart to Lake Koman
    Note: Since part of the road from Shkodra to Koman is currently under reconstruction, it may not be suitable for self-driving. For this reason, we have arranged for this activity to be carried out as a shared excursion, with transportation organized by us. The van transfer and the boat ride across Lake Koman will be shared with other travelers.
    Start the journey toward Lake Koman, often called the “Albanian Fjords” due to its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
  • Boat transfer to Shala River (shared boat trip)
    Upon arrival, board a boat for a scenic journey across the lake to the beautiful Shala River, one of Albania’s most pristine natural destinations.
  • Free time at Shala River (approx. 2 hours)
    Enjoy free time for swimming, kayaking, relaxing, or exploring the surrounding nature. There is also the possibility of experiencing a zip line across the river.
    Afterward, continue by boat across Lake Koman to 5 Stinet Resort.
  • Optional traditional lunch
    At the resort you may enjoy a traditional lunch featuring homemade local specialties while surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
  • Return boat transfer to Koman
    Return by boat to Koman and then back to Shkodra.
  • Free evening and overnight in Shkodra.
4

Day 4 – Theth Exploration

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Private tour to Theth National Park
    Note: For the day dedicated to exploring Theth National Park, we have planned to offer you a private tour with a vehicle, professional driver, and local guide. The terrain in Theth can be challenging to navigate, and not all roads are easily accessible for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Additionally, hikes to natural attractions such as the Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall may require local knowledge and experience.
    For these reasons, we believe it is most appropriate for this activity to be carried out with the assistance of a professional guide, ensuring both a safer and more enjoyable experience while exploring this remarkable alpine region.
  • Begin your alpine adventure with a scenic drive toward Theth National Park, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
  • Qafë Thore Pass Stop
    Stop briefly at Qafë Thore Pass (1,700 m), one of the most famous viewpoints in the Albanian Alps, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Arrival in Theth & transfer to Nderlysaj
    Continue to the village of Theth, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and traditional stone houses. From here drive to Nderlysaj, the starting point of your hike.
  • Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth
    Begin a moderate hike (approx. 3.5 km / 1.5 hours) toward the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning natural turquoise pool formed by underground springs.
  • Free time at the Blue Eye
    Enjoy time to relax, take photographs, or even take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Return hike to Nderlysaj
    Hike back along the same scenic trail.
  • Optional traditional lunch
    Enjoy lunch featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients.
  • Cultural visits in Theth
    Visit two of the village’s most important landmarks:
  • Theth Church (1892) – a charming alpine church surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
  • Lock-in Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit) – a historical tower linked to Albania’s traditional Kanun law.
  • Return to Shkodra
    Return back to Shkodra in the afternoon.
  • Overnight in Shkodra.
5

Day 5 – Kruja & Durres

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
  • Self-Drive to Kruja
    Travel toward Kruja, a historic town located on the slopes of Mount Kruja and strongly connected to Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg.
  • Kruja Castle & Skanderbeg Museum
    Explore Kruja Castle, which overlooks the surrounding plains and the Adriatic coast.
    Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s medieval resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
  • Walk through the Old Bazaar, where you can find traditional handicrafts, handmade carpets, silver jewelry, and local souvenirs.
  • Continue to Durres
    Drive to Durres, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast.
  • Durres Amphitheatre
    Visit the impressive Durres Amphitheatre, built during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan and once capable of hosting up to 20,000 spectators.
  • Hotel check-in
    Check in at your seaside hotel in Durres or Mali i Robit.
  • Evening at leisure along the Adriatic coast.
  • Overnight in Durres / Mali i Robit.
6

Day 6 – Discovering Berat & Ancient Apollonia

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
  • Self-Drive to Berat – UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Arrive in Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”
  • Berat Castle & Historic Quarters
    Explore the remarkable Berat Castle, where families still live within the ancient walls.
    Continue to the historic neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, connected by the elegant Gorica Bridge.
  • Optional traditional lunch
    Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine in one of Berat’s local restaurants.
  • Apollonia Archaeological Park
    Continue to Apollonia, an ancient Greek city founded in the 6th century BC and once an important cultural center of the Roman world.
  • Self-Drive to Vlore
    Continue toward the coastal city of Vlore, where Albania declared independence in 1912.
  • Hotel check-in and evening at leisure.
  • Overnight in Vlore.
7

Day 7 – Coastal Beauty: Himarë & Porto Palermo

  • Breakfast and check-out.
  • Llogara Pass Scenic Drive
    Drive through the spectacular Llogara Pass, where mountains dramatically meet the turquoise Ionian Sea.
  • Visit Himarë
    Explore the charming seaside town of Himare, known for its relaxed atmosphere and crystal-clear beaches.
  • Porto Palermo Castle
    Stop at Porto Palermo Castle, a triangular fortress associated with Ali Pasha of Tepelena.
  • Self-Drive to Sarande
    Continue south along the Albanian Riviera to Sarande, overlooking the Greek island of Corfu.
  • Hotel check-in and evening at leisure.
  • Overnight in Sarande.
8

Day 8 – Butrint & the Blue Eye

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Butrint National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Visit Butrint, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Discover the ancient Greek theater, Roman baths, early Christian basilica, and Venetian fortifications.
  • Blue Eye Spring
    Continue to the natural phenomenon known as the Blue Eye, a deep natural spring with mesmerizing blue waters surrounded by forest.
  • Return to Sarande.
  • Overnight in Sarande.
9

Day 9 – Grama Bay Boat Tour

  • Breakfast and check-out.
  • Self-Drive to Himarë
    Travel along the scenic Riviera road toward Himare.
  • Boat tour to Grama Bay
    From the marina, begin a 5-hour boat tour along the spectacular Albanian Riviera coastline.
  • Stops may include:
    *Livadhi Beach
    *Aquarium Beach
    *Jale Beach
    *Goats Beach
    *Couples Bay
    *Marble Beach
    *Saint Theodore Cave
    *Pirates Cave
    *Dhermi
    *Palasë
    *Saint Andrew Beach
  • Grama Bay
    Spend approximately 1.5 hours at Grama Bay, one of Albania’s most breathtaking beaches known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
  • Return to Sarande.
  • Overnight in Sarande.
10

Day 10 – Gjirokastër: The Stone City

  • Breakfast and check-out.
  • Self-Drive to Gjirokaster
    Travel inland to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stone architecture.
  • Old Town exploration
    Walk through the historic cobblestone streets and explore traditional Ottoman tower houses.
  • Gjirokaster Castle
    Visit the impressive hilltop castle overlooking the Drino Valley.
  • Return to Tirana
  • Drive back to Tirana.
  • Hotel check-in and evening at leisure.
  • Overnight in Tirana.
11

Day 11 – Return

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
  • Drive to Tirana International Airport where you will return your rental vehicle before your departure flight

Map

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