Albanian Authenticity

Please note that today’s activities depend on your arrival time at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza. Guests arriving earlier will have more time to explore the city, while later arrivals can adjust the program accordingly.

Arrival at Tirana International Airport

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour leader and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Tirana.

Hotel Check-in & Time to Refresh

Check in at the hotel and take some time to relax and prepare for your first experiences in Albania.

Guided City Tour – Discovering Tirana’s History & Culture

Begin your journey with a guided exploration of Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Discover the city’s fascinating mix of Ottoman heritage, Italian architecture, and communist-era history.

Highlights include

• *Skanderbeg Square – the symbolic heart of Tirana.
• *Et’hem Bey Mosque & Clock Tower – important landmarks reflecting the city’s historical heritage.
• *Blloku District – once reserved for communist leaders, today one of Tirana’s most lively areas.
• Through local stories and insights, discover how Tirana has transformed into a city of creativity, resilience, and modern energy.

Authentic Albanian Cooking Experience – From Kitchen to Table

In the evening, enjoy a unique culinary experience hosted in a local Albanian home. Learn about traditional recipes, prepare authentic dishes together with your hosts, and discover the cultural importance of food and hospitality in Albanian life.

Together you will prepare traditional specialties such as byrek, tavë tradicionale, seasonal salads, and homemade desserts, before sitting down to enjoy the meal accompanied by local wine and raki.

Evening at Leisure

After dinner, return to the hotel and enjoy free time to experience Tirana’s lively evening atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing from Tirana. As we leave the capital behind, the landscape gradually transforms from city life into peaceful countryside, with rolling hills, farmland, and traditional villages along the way.

Stop in Elbasan – Echoes of the Ottoman Era

Make a short stop in Elbasan, a historic city once located along important trade routes during the Ottoman period. Explore its old fortified center and discover traces of its rich cultural heritage.

Arrival at Lake Ohrid & Visit to Lin Village

Continue toward Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, recognized as a UNESCO-protected natural and cultural area.

Visit the charming village of Lin, known for its

Traditional stone houses and narrow cobbled streets

Peaceful lakeside atmosphere

Beautiful views over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid

Experience the authentic rhythm of village life and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this hidden gem.

Arrival in Pogradec & Hotel Check-in

Continue to Pogradec, a lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. After check-in, enjoy free time for a relaxing walk along the promenade and admire the sunset views over the lake.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before continuing the journey southeast toward Korçë, one of Albania’s most charming and culturally important cities.

Korçë – Elegance & Cultural Heritage

Explore Korçë, known for its elegant architecture, traditional atmosphere, and lively café culture. During the visit, discover:

The Old Bazaar – a beautifully restored area with stone buildings, artisan shops, and local crafts.

Traditional streets and historic neighborhoods – reflecting the city’s rich cultural and Orthodox heritage.

Korçë’s intellectual legacy – a city that played an important role in Albania’s cultural and educational development.

Journey to Përmet – The City of Roses

Continue through scenic mountain landscapes toward Përmet, a peaceful town surrounded by rivers, forests, and dramatic natural scenery.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Afternoon at Leisure – Nature & Relaxation

Enjoy free time to explore Përmet and its beautiful surroundings. Take a relaxing walk along the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers.

Optional experience

Bënjë Thermal Baths – visit the natural hot springs surrounded by mountains and the historic Ottoman Bridge of Bënjë.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before continuing the journey south through dramatic mountain landscapes, scenic valleys, and breathtaking views of southern Albania.

Gjirokastër – The City of Stone (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Arrive in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed city famous for its unique Ottoman architecture and traditional stone houses built along the hillside.

During the visit, explore

The Old Bazaar – a charming area with cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and traditional cafés.

Traditional tower houses – showcasing the distinctive architecture of the region.

Gjirokastër Castle – the city’s most iconic landmark, offering panoramic views over the Drino Valley.

Enjoy a traditional coffee experience in the Old Bazaar while taking in the authentic atmosphere of this historic city.

Arrival in Sarandë & Hotel Check-in

Continue toward the Ionian coast, where the mountain scenery gradually gives way to turquoise waters and coastal landscapes.

Upon arrival in Sarandë, check in at the hotel and take some time to relax.

Dinner at Lëkurësi Castle

In the evening, visit Lëkurësi Castle, located on a hill overlooking Sarandë and the Ionian Sea. Enjoy dinner with spectacular panoramic views of the Albanian Riviera, especially magical during sunset.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before setting out to explore some of southern Albania’s most remarkable cultural and natural attractions.

Butrint – A Living Timeline of Mediterranean History (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Visit Butrint, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. This UNESCO-listed city preserves layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history within a beautiful natural landscape.

During the visit, explore

*The ancient theater

*Roman baths

*Early Christian basilica

*Ancient city walls and fortifications

Discover the fascinating history of this ancient city while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of forests and lagoons.

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – A Natural Wonder

Continue inland to the famous Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring known for its deep turquoise waters and crystal-clear beauty.

Take time to enjoy the peaceful forest setting, capture photos, and admire this unique natural phenomenon.

Return to Sarandë

Return to Sarandë in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax by the sea, explore the promenade, or enjoy the lively coastal atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing from Sarandë and traveling inland through scenic valleys and countryside landscapes toward central Albania.

Arrival in Berat & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” The city’s traditional white Ottoman houses, built along the hillside above the Osum River, create one of Albania’s most iconic landscapes.

After arrival, check in at the hotel and take some time to refresh.

Guided Exploration of Berat

Discover the highlights of this historic city, including:

Berat Castle – a unique living fortress where families still reside within its ancient walls.

Mangalem & Gorica Quarters – charming historic neighborhoods known for their traditional Ottoman architecture.

Byzantine churches and Ottoman monuments – reflecting Berat’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Through its architecture and history, Berat reveals Albania’s long tradition of coexistence and cultural harmony.

Traditional Dinner with Folk Performance

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner accompanied by a folk performance featuring local music, traditional costumes, and dances that celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for a scenic drive through central Albania, passing gentle hills, farmland, and traditional rural villages.

Stop in Belsh – Farm-to-Table Experience

Visit Belsh, a peaceful countryside area known for its lakes and agricultural traditions. Enjoy an authentic farm experience with a local family, including:

Tasting fresh organic products produced on the farm

Learning about traditional farming practices and rural life

Observing a short animal care demonstration

This experience offers a genuine connection with Albanian gastronomy and everyday village traditions.

Arrival in Durrës & Hotel Check-in

Continue to Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest coastal cities, known for its combination of seaside charm and ancient history.

After check-in, enjoy a guided walk through the city, including

*Roman Amphitheater – one of the largest Roman monuments in the Balkans.

*Venetian Tower – a historic landmark connected to the city’s medieval defenses.

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing north through the Adriatic plain, passing fertile farmland and coastal landscapes on the way toward northern Albania.

Lunch at Mrizi i Zanave – Farm-to-Table Experience

Stop for lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, one of Albania’s most renowned farm-to-table restaurants. Discover traditional northern Albanian cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, homemade products, and recipes inspired by regional traditions.

Arrival in Shkodër & Hotel Check-in

Continue to Shkodër, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally important cities.

After check-in, visit

Rozafa Castle – a historic fortress located on a hilltop, offering spectacular views over Lake Shkodër, the surrounding rivers, and the city.

Free Evening in Shkodër

Enjoy free time to explore Shkodër’s lively pedestrian streets, cafés, and local atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before setting out on a spectacular drive into the Albanian Alps. The road winds through dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and traditional northern villages as we head toward Theth National Park.

Exploring Theth

Upon arrival in Theth, we explore one of Albania’s most iconic alpine villages, surrounded by towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and pristine nature.

Highlights of the visit include

• The picturesque village church, a symbol of Theth and its cultural heritage
• The historic Lock-In Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), connected to the traditions of the Kanun
• A visit to the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning natural spring with vibrant turquoise water hidden in the mountains
• A scenic hike to the Grunas Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Albanian Alps
• Here, nature feels wild, pure, and untouched, offering one of the most memorable experiences of the journey.

Return to Shkodër

After exploring Theth, we return to Shkodër, enjoying the impressive mountain scenery once again during the drive.

Evening in Shkodër – Farewell Dinner

In the evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the end of our journey through Albania. It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine while sharing memories and experiences from the trip.

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!