Highlights of Albania

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 & hotel check-out

After breakfast and check-out, we begin the day with a final exploration of Tirana before continuing east toward Lake Ohrid.

Visit to the Bektashi World Centre

Before leaving the capital, we visit the Bektashi World Centre, the global headquarters of the Bektashi Order. This unique Islamic dervish tradition blends elements of Shia Islam and Sufi mysticism and represents an important symbol of Albania’s religious harmony and diversity.

Visit to Elbasan Fortress

We then drive to the historic city of Elbasan, located about one hour from Tirana. Here we explore the Elbasan Fortress, whose walls were originally built during the Roman period and later expanded during the Ottoman era. The fortress area still preserves traces of the city’s long and layered history.

Arrival at Lake Ohrid

Continuing east, we arrive at the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes and a UNESCO-protected natural treasure. There will be free time to relax by the lakeside and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the water. During the summer months, visitors may also enjoy swimming in the clear waters of the lake.

Arrival in Pogradec

We continue to Pogradec, a charming town located along the Albanian shore of Lake Ohrid. After hotel check-in, there will be time to enjoy a relaxing evening walk along the lakeside promenade, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we depart from Pogradec and travel through scenic mountain landscapes toward one of the most historic villages in southeastern Albania.

Visit to Voskopoja

This morning we visit the mountain village of Voskopoja, a historic settlement that flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries. Once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers in the Balkans, the village is renowned for its beautiful Orthodox churches decorated with remarkable frescoes and traditional architecture that reflects its rich past.

Traditional lunch

We enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant, where guests can taste regional specialties typical of southeastern Albania in a warm and authentic setting.

Arrival in Korçë

After lunch we continue to Korçë, an elegant city located at the foot of Morava Mountain and known for its refined architecture and vibrant cultural life. After hotel check-in, we explore the city on a walking tour.

Highlights include

• Resurrection Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in Albania
• The charming Old Bazaar, filled with cafés, artisan shops, and traditional buildings

Evening at leisure

In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Korçë’s lively cultural atmosphere. You may choose to relax in one of the city’s cafés or try an optional tasting of the local specialty “Baked Raki.”

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and preparing for today’s scenic journey.

Scenic drive through southern Albania

Today’s route takes you through the dramatic landscapes of Albania’s southern highlands, offering beautiful views and authentic rural scenery.

Barmash Pass

Travel through the Barmash Pass, located over 1,000 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nemerçka Mountains along the Greek border.

Traditional mountain lunch

Stop for lunch at a traditional mountain restaurant. Here you may sample homemade raki, herbal mountain tea, and regional specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Journey through Këlcyrë Gorge

Continue the journey through the impressive Këlcyrë Gorge, carved by the Vjosa River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe.

Arrival in Gjirokastër

Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër, known as the “Stone City.” Famous for its distinctive Ottoman tower houses and stone roofs, the town offers one of the most authentic historic atmospheres in Albania.

Hotel check-in

Check in at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to Gjirokastër Castle

Begin the day with a visit to the impressive Gjirokastër Castle overlooking the Drino Valley. Inside the fortress, explore the Weapons Museum and learn about Albania’s history of resistance.

Visit to historic houses

Continue with a visit to either the Ethnographic Museum or the traditional Skenduli House. These historic homes provide insight into daily life and architecture during the Ottoman period.

Traditional village lunch in Dhoksat

Later, travel to the nearby village of Dhoksat for a unique cultural experience. Visit a local family home and enjoy a homemade lunch while learning about traditional village life, vineyard cultivation, beekeeping, and regional food preparation.

Walk through Gjirokastër Old Town

Return to Gjirokastër and enjoy a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, known for its characteristic stone houses and cobbled streets.

Breakfast at the hotel

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to the Blue Eye

Depart toward Sarandë with a stop at the spectacular Blue Eye natural spring.

This mesmerizing natural phenomenon features crystal-clear turquoise water emerging from a deep underwater source surrounded by lush forest.

Exploration of Butrint National Park

Continue to Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the ancient Greek theatre, Roman baths, baptistery with mosaic floors, and ancient fortifications set within a peaceful lagoon landscape.

Arrival in Sarandë

Later in the afternoon, arrive in the coastal city of Sarandë overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Greek island of Corfu.

Evening at leisure along the waterfront promenade.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we begin a scenic journey north along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera, one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the Mediterranean.

Scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera

The road follows dramatic cliffs where the mountains meet the deep blue Ionian Sea, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the coastline and traditional seaside villages.

Visit to Ali Pasha Castle

We stop at Ali Pasha Castle, a historic triangular fortress overlooking Porto Palermo Bay. Built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the castle offers impressive sea views and insight into Albania’s Ottoman-era history.

Stop in Himarë

Continuing along the coast, we arrive in the charming town of Himarë. Here there will be time for lunch at a local restaurant, and depending on the season, guests may also enjoy optional swimming in the clear Ionian waters.

Arrival in Llogara National Park

In the afternoon, we drive through the famous Llogara Pass, where the mountains dramatically rise above the sea. Upon arrival in Llogara National Park, guests may enjoy an optional gentle walk through the pine forests, breathing in the fresh mountain air and admiring the beautiful natural surroundings.

Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

After breakfast and hotel check-out.

Visit to Vlore

Upon arrival in Vlorë, the city where Albania declared independence in 1912, we explore some of its key historical landmarks. Highlights include Flag Square, the symbolic heart of the city, and the historic Muradi Mosque, an elegant Ottoman-era monument.

Visit to Apollonia Archaeological Park

We then continue to Apollonia Archaeological Park, one of the most important ancient cities in the Adriatic region. Founded in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists, Apollonia later flourished during the Roman period.

During the visit we explore

• The Bouleuterion, once the city council building
• The monastery complex and archaeological museum
• Various ancient ruins that reveal the rich history of the site

Arrival in Berat

In the afternoon we continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” After hotel check-in, the rest of the evening is free to relax or explore the charming historic atmosphere of the city.

Breakfast & hotel check-out

After breakfast and check-out, we begin the day exploring the historic city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive Ottoman architecture.

Walking tour of Berat

Our morning starts with a guided walking tour through Berat’s historic districts and castle complex.

Highlights include

• Onufri Museum, displaying remarkable icons by the famous 16th-century painter Onufri
• Red Mosque, one of the oldest Ottoman monuments in the city
• The traditional Ottoman houses of Mangalem and Gorica, famous for their characteristic windows and hillside setting

Visit to Durrës Amphitheatre

We then drive to Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest cities, where we visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans and an important monument from the Roman period.

Arrival in Krujë

In the afternoon we continue to the historic mountain town of Krujë, closely connected to Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and enjoy some time to relax.

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!