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Albanian Pearls: A 7-Day Journey Through Nature, Culture and Heritage

  • Albania
  • 7 booked
    • Gallery
  • Duration: 6 nights
  • Language: English

Overview

Experience the best of Albania in 7 unforgettable days — from wild mountain adventures and serene lagoons to ancient castles and pristine beaches. This journey blends culture, nature, and adrenaline, starting in the lively capital of Tirana and ending on the sun-kissed shores of Saranda. You’ll hike to caves and waterfalls, raft the wild Vjosa River, explore UNESCO heritage sites like Berat and Butrint, and relax in the turquoise waters of Ksamil. Choose between scenic hikes or cable car views, and enjoy local cuisine, wine tastings, and village hospitality along the way. This tour is designed for travelers who love variety and want to discover the real Albania — one destination at a time.

Highlights of this tour

  • Tirana Adventures – Choose between exploring Pellumbas Cave & waterfalls or hiking Bovilla Lake & riding the Dajti cable car
  • Karavasta Lagoon – Spot rare pelicans and kayak through Albania’s largest lagoon
  • Berat & Gjirokastra – Discover two UNESCO-listed towns filled with history, stone houses, and castle views
  • Rafting the Vjosa – Experience Europe’s last wild river with a thrilling guided rafting trip
  • The Blue Eye Spring – Witness the otherworldly beauty of Albania’s natural phenomenon
  • Ksamil & Saranda Beaches – Swim in turquoise waters and unwind at Albania’s top coastal destinations
  • Butrint National Park – Explore ancient ruins surrounded by nature in a UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Price

Group of 14 pax: 1030€/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
  • 6 nights in hotels across different villages/cities (double room accommodation with private bathroom)
  • All breakfasts
  • All entrance fees
  • All day tours as per programme
  • Cable car ride at Dajti Mountain
  • Boat ride in Karavasta Lagoon
  • Wine tasting
  • Rafting in Vjosa River
  • Boat tour in Kakome Bay and Porto Palermo Beach
  • Butrint National Park entrance fee
  • Blue Eye, Sarande entrance fee
  • City tours in Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, and Saranda
  • 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 & 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 – Welcome to Albania

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.

Option 1: Pellumbas Cave & Shengjergj Waterfall

  • Scenic drive to Pellumbas village, followed by a hike to the ancient Pellumbas Cave, one of Albania’s few explored karst caves.
  • Continue to Shengjergj Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall nestled in lush surroundings.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying traditional Albanian cuisine.
  • Return to Tirana for an afternoon of urban exploration: wander through Skanderbeg Square, visit local museums, or relax in the stylish Blloku district.
  • 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 stay in Tirana.

Option 2: Bovilla Lake & Dajti Mountain

  • Trip to Bovilla Lake with a hike to the top of Gamti Mountain, offering panoramic views over the rugged countryside.
  • Ascend Dajti Mountain via cable car for spectacular vistas of Tirana and surrounding landscapes.
  • Afternoon at Dajti National Park, with options for horse riding, hiking, or relaxing in the highlands.
  • Return to Tirana in the late afternoon.
  • 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 stay in Tirana.
2

Day 2 - Karavasta Lagoon & Berat – Nature and History

  • Breakfast at the hotel
    After an early breakfast, we depart and drive toward Karavasta Lagoon, one of Albania’s most important wetland ecosystems and part of the Divjakë–Karavasta National Park.
  • Exploring Karavasta Lagoon
    Upon arrival, we explore the lagoon’s unique natural environment, known for its rich biodiversity and peaceful landscapes. The area is home to many bird species, including the rare Dalmatian pelican, one of the largest pelicans in the world.
  • For those interested, there is the optional opportunity to enjoy a relaxing kayak ride through the calm waters of the lagoon, offering a closer connection with the surrounding nature.
  • Lunch by the coast
    After the visit, we enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, where fresh regional specialties are served in a relaxed coastal setting.
  • Arrival in Berat
    In the afternoon we continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Before hotel check-in, we stop at a local winery to enjoy a wine tasting experience, discovering the flavors of regional Albanian wines.
  • Evening in historic Berat
    Later, enjoy an evening stroll through Berat Castle and the historic neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, where cobbled streets, stone houses, and centuries-old architecture reflect the city’s rich past.
  • Overnight in Berat.
3

Day 3 - Vjosa river rafting & Gjirokastra

  • Early check-out and departure from Berat
    The day begins with an early check-out from the hotel in Berat. Breakfast will be provided as a packed breakfast to enjoy during the journey as we travel south toward the town of Përmet and the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild and free-flowing rivers.
  • Rafting on the Vjosa River
    Upon arrival at the rafting center, participants will be equipped with professional rafting gear and receive a full safety briefing from experienced guides. We then transfer to the starting point of the adventure.
  • The activity begins with an exciting two-hour rafting experience along the crystal-clear waters of the Vjosa River. During the trip there will be refreshing breaks where participants may swim or try rock jumping, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of southern Albania.
  • After completing the rafting route, we transfer back to the base where there will be time to shower and change.
  • There is also the option to enjoy a picnic lunch with fresh local products (optional – €14 per person).
  • Departure to Gjirokastër
    In the afternoon we depart for Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Stone City” because of its distinctive stone houses with slate roofs and historic architecture.
  • Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel.
  • Evening at leisure in the Stone City
    The evening is free to explore Gjirokastër’s historic center, including the charming old bazaar, the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, and the Ethnographic Museum, which offers insight into traditional life and culture in the region.
  • Overnight in Gjirokastër
4

Day 4 - Blue Eye, Mesopotam Monastery & Ksamil Beach

  • Breakfast at the hotel and departure from Gjirokastër
    After breakfast, we depart from Gjirokastër and head south toward one of Albania’s most remarkable natural attractions.
  • Visit to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
    Our first stop is the famous Blue Eye, a mesmerizing natural spring known for its vibrant turquoise and emerald waters. The crystal-clear water emerges from deep underground, creating a striking natural pool surrounded by lush greenery.
  • There will be time to explore the area, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take optional short walks along the paths around the spring.
  • Mesopotam Monastery
    We continue to the historic Mesopotam Monastery, a serene medieval complex set among forested hills. This unique site reflects centuries of religious history and offers a quiet and spiritual atmosphere in the countryside.
  • Arrival in Ksamil
    The journey then continues toward Ksamil, a beautiful coastal destination famous for its white beaches, turquoise waters, and small islets located just offshore.
    After arrival, we check in at the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the sea and relaxing on the beach. Guests may swim in the crystal-clear waters or explore the nearby islets by boat.
  • Evening by the sea
  • The evening is free to enjoy the coastal atmosphere. You may choose to have dinner at a seaside restaurant, tasting fresh seafood and local specialties, or simply take a relaxing walk along the beach.
  • Overnight in Ksamil.
5

Day 5 - Boat Trip to Aquarium Bay & Porto Palermo Castle

  • Breakfast at the hotel
    The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore more of the beautiful Ionian coastline.
  • Boat trip to Aquarium Bay
    After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Ionian coast to discover the hidden gem of Aquarium Bay. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings, this secluded bay is perfect for swimming and relaxing while surrounded by unspoiled nature.
  • Lunch by the sea
    After the boat excursion, we stop for lunch at a local seaside restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional regional specialties while overlooking the sea.
  • Visit to Porto Palermo Castle
    In the afternoon, we visit Porto Palermo Castle, an atmospheric fortress built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Ioannina. While exploring the castle, we learn about its fascinating history and enjoy panoramic views over Porto Palermo Bay.
  • Relax at Porto Palermo Beach
    There will be time to relax at Porto Palermo Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the tranquil coastal scenery.
  • Return to Ksamil
    Later in the day, we return to Ksamil for a restful evening at leisure.
  •  Overnight in Ksamil.
6

Day 6 - Butrint National Park & Saranda by night

  • Breakfast at the hotel
    After breakfast, we begin the day with a short drive to one of Albania’s most important archaeological treasures.
  • Visit to Butrint National Park
    We arrive at Butrint National Park, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful lagoon landscape, the park reveals layers of history from different civilizations.
    During the visit we explore ancient ruins including:
    • The well-preserved Greek theater
    • Remains of Roman villas and baths
    • Impressive medieval fortifications and city walls
  • Walking through the site offers a unique experience where history and nature coexist in harmony.
  • Arrival in Sarandë
    In the afternoon we continue to Sarandë, one of Albania’s most popular coastal destinations. After arrival, we check in at the hotel.
    The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. Guests may relax on the beach, enjoy a swim in the Ionian Sea, or take a stroll along the town’s lively seaside promenade.
  • Evening in Sarandë – Farewell Dinner
    In the evening, we gather together for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the final night of our journey. It will be an opportunity to enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine while sharing memories and unforgettable moments from the trip.
  • Overnight in Sarandë
7

Day 7 - Return

  • This morning, depart from Sarandë and journey north toward Tirana International Airport.
  • Enjoy the scenic landscapes of Albania one final time, reflecting on the diverse experiences of your trip—from majestic mountain peaks and ancient cities to crystal-clear beaches and vibrant coastal towns.
  • Upon arrival at the airport, bid farewell to your guide and fellow travelers.
  • End of tour – leaving you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.

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