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Highlights of Albania

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

Overview

This immersive 10-day journey through Albania offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Europe’s most fascinating and still undiscovered destinations. From vibrant cities and UNESCO-listed towns to ancient archaeological sites and breathtaking coastal landscapes, the tour reveals Albania’s remarkable diversity. Beginning in the lively capital of Tirana, the journey travels east toward the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world, before continuing through the historic cultural centers of Korçë and Voskopoja. The route then leads through the spectacular southern highlands to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its Ottoman-era architecture. Travelers will experience authentic Albanian traditions through visits to rural villages, family-hosted meals, and encounters with local communities. The itinerary also explores Albania’s ancient past with visits to important archaeological sites such as Butrint and Apollonia, where Greek and Roman civilizations once flourished. Along the way, guests will enjoy stunning natural landscapes including the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Eye spring, the dramatic coastline of the Albanian Riviera, and the breathtaking mountain views of Llogara National Park. The journey concludes with visits to the historic cities of Berat, Durrës, and Krujë, each offering unique insights into Albania’s rich heritage. Combining culture, history, gastronomy, and natural beauty, this itinerary provides a truly complete introduction to Albania.

Highlights of this tour

• Discover Tirana, Albania’s colorful and energetic capital city
• Ride the Mount Dajti cable car for panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding mountains
• Visit the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest lakes
• Explore the historic village of Voskopoja, once an important cultural center of the Balkans
• Experience the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Korçë, known for its elegant architecture and traditions
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Stone City of Gjirokastër
• Enjoy an authentic home-hosted lunch in Dhoksat village, learning about rural life and traditional cuisine
• Visit the spectacular Blue Eye natural spring, famous for its crystal-clear waters
• Explore Butrint National Park, Albania’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Travel along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera, one of the most scenic coastlines in the Mediterranean
• Hike through the forests of Llogara National Park, where mountains meet the sea
• Discover the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Apollonia Archaeological Park
• Explore Berat, the UNESCO “City of a Thousand Windows”
• Visit Durrës Amphitheatre, one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans
• Discover Krujë, the historic stronghold of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg

Price

Group of 14 pax: 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 pick-up and drop-off
  • All land transfers in a fully air-conditioned coach
  • 9 nights in hotels in different villages/cities in Albania (rooms upon request with private bathrooms)
  • All breakfasts
  • All entrance fees
  • All day tours as per programme
  • City tour in Shkoder, Kruje, Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, Vlore
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Professional Certified Guide
  • 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

Minimum 8 – Maximum 18

Additional Information

  • Pricing Adjustments: The price per person varies based on the number of participants.
  • Group Discounts:

    Group & Family Discounts

    • Booking as a full group of 18 people qualifies you for a 10% discount.

    • When booking a group of 18 guests, the tour leader travels free of charge.

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

  • Private Tours: If you prefer a private experience, we can organize a customized private tour for you at a special rate.
  • Custom Itineraries: We can modify the itinerary to include specific attractions or experiences based on your preferences.
  • Booking Confirmation: Your booking is confirmed only after the payment is made. A deposit may be required to secure your spot.
  • Early Booking Recommended: Spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred dates.
  • Multiple Languages Available: The tour is available in different languages upon request. Please inform us in advance for language preferences.
  • Accommodation: Participants will stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels, offering comfort, cleanliness, and quality service throughout the journey.
  • 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.
  • Included services: A professional guide, transportation, and all admission fees are covered in the price.

Cancellation & Return 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 take place depending 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 will be adjusted accordingly.

  • Arrival at Tirana International Airport
    Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you will be greeted by our company representative in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Tirana.
  • Hotel check-in & time to rest
    Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to relax after your journey. This free time allows you to settle in, refresh, and prepare for the first experiences of the tour.
  • Afternoon: Tirana city introduction
    Later in the afternoon, meet your guide and fellow travelers to begin an easy introductory exploration of Albania’s vibrant capital, Tirana. This relaxed walk offers a first glimpse into the city’s fascinating mix of history, culture, and colorful architecture.
  • During the visit you will discover some of Tirana’s most iconic landmarks:
  • Skanderbeg Square – the heart of the city, surrounded by important cultural institutions and named after Albania’s national hero.
    Et’hem Bey Mosque – a beautiful 18th-century mosque famous for its detailed frescoes and historical importance.
    Tirana Pyramid – one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, representing an interesting chapter of Albania’s modern history.
  • (Optional) – Cable car ride to Dajti Mountain
    Ascend by cable car to Dajti Mountain, located within Dajti National Park. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views over Tirana and the surrounding countryside. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take time to relax or enjoy a coffee with a view.
  • Evening: Welcome dinner with the group
    In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together with the rest of the group at a traditional local restaurant. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and begin the journey together while tasting some of Albania’s most delicious traditional dishes.
  • You will have the chance to try a variety of Albanian specialties, prepared with fresh local ingredients, while your guide introduces the exciting experiences planned for the upcoming days.
  • Overnight in Tirana.
2

Day 2 – From Tirana to Lake Ohrid and Pogradec

  • 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.
  • Overnight in Pogradec.
3

Day 3 – From Lakeside Pogradec to Historic Voskopoja and Korçë

  • 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.”
  • Overnight in Korçë.
4

Day 4 – From Korçë through the Southern Highlands to Gjirokastër

  • 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.
  • Overnight in Gjirokastër.
5

Day 5 – Gjirokastër & Rural Village Experience

  • 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.
  • Overnight in Gjirokastër.
6

Day 6 – From the Blue Eye to Ancient Butrint and Sarandë

  • Breakfast at your hotel & check-out
  • 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.
  • Overnight in Sarandë.
7

Day 7 – Albanian Riviera – Llogara National Park

  • 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.
  • Overnight in Llogara National Park.
8

Day 8 – Coastal Vlora, Apollonia & Historic Berat

  • Breakfast at the hotel & check-out
    After breakfast and hotel check-out, we depart from Llogara National Park and travel toward the coastal city of Vlorë
  • 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.
  • Overnight in Berat.
9

Day 9 - Cultural Journey: Berat, Durrës & Krujë

  • 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.
  • Overnight in Krujë.
10

Day 10 - Return

  • Breakfast at the hotel & check out
  • Free time in Krujë
    Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time to explore Krujë’s castle and traditional bazaar.
  • Transfer to Tirana Airport
    Transfer to Tirana International Airport (approximately 40 minutes).
  • End of services.

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