The Southern Riviera

Please note: All program activities begin the day following your arrival in Tirana.

As this tour welcomes travellers from different countries, flight schedules vary — some guests arrive earlier in the day, while others land in the evening. To ensure a seamless and consistent experience for everyone, Day 1 is reserved for arrival, rest, and personal exploration.

Upon landing at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you will be welcomed in the arrivals hall by a representative of our company, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the heart of Tirana's city centre.

After check-in, the rest of the day is entirely yours. Your hotel's central location places you within easy reach of the city's most charming streets, cafés, and squares — a perfect opportunity to take your first steps into Albanian life at your own pace. Prior to your arrival, we will send you a curated list of suggestions to help you make the most of your free time, with dinner at your own expense this evening.

We recommend using this time to rest, refresh, and prepare for the experiences that await you from Day 1 onwards.

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

09:00 – Meet your guide and fellow travellers.

Depart south toward the Ionian coast, with a short coffee stop on the way.

12:45 – Lunch at Uji i Ftohtë, Tepelenë (own expense).

A shaded riverside restaurant by the cold springs of the Vjosa valley.

14:00 – Continue south (approx. 1 hr 15 min).

15:15 – The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) (approx. 45 min).

Water rises from a karst spring of unknown depth into a pool that is deep blue at the centre and turquoise at the edges, surrounded by forest.

16:00 – Continue to Saranda (approx. 45 min).

16:45 – Arrival in Saranda & hotel check-in.

Time to rest or take a first walk along the seafront.

19:30 – Welcome dinner at a seaside restaurant.

A relaxed first evening with your guide and fellow travellers. Included.

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel.

09:30 – Boat Trip

Boat trip to some of the most beautiful hidden bays of the Albanian Riviera (approx. 5 hrs). Sail north along the coast to two quiet bays reachable only from the sea. There is time to swim, snorkel and relax in clear Ionian water.

16:00 – Return to the hotel.

Time to rest and refresh.

17:30 – Evening walk in Saranda.

Walk along the promenade and through the town centre, past the remains of a 5th-century synagogue and basilica.

18:30 – Lëkurësi Castle.

This 16th-century Ottoman fortress stands on the hill above Saranda, with views over the bay and Corfu across the channel.

19:00 – Dinner at Lekuresi Castle.

Dinner at leisure on the castle terrace (own expense). In summer the sun sets over the bay during dinner, often with live music.

08:00 – Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 – Drive north along the Riviera to Gjipe (approx. 1 hr 45 min).

10:45 – Walk down to Gjipe Beach (approx. 30–40 min).

The path leads down to a secluded cove at the mouth of a deep canyon.

11:30 – Gjipe Canyon.

A short walk into the canyon behind the beach, between high limestone walls.

12:30 – Time at Gjipe Beach.

Swim, relax and have lunch at the beach (own expense).

16:45 – Walk back up to the road (approx. 45 min).

17:45 – Return to Saranda (approx. 1 hr 45 min).

Approx. 19:35 – Arrival at the hotel.

20:30 – Dinner at leisure (own expense).

07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 – Transfer to Butrint National Park (approx. 35 min).

An early start, before the heat of the day.

09:15 – Butrint (UNESCO) (approx. 2 hrs).

Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins in a forested setting by the lagoon. You'll see:

-The theatre, the Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Great Basilica.

-The Lion Gate and the city walls.

11:30 – Ksamil (approx. 10 min).

Afternoon on reserved sunbeds by Ksamil's turquoise water, with small islands just offshore. Lunch at a beach restaurant (own expense).

17:30 – Return to the hotel.

19:00 – Dinner at leisure (own expense).

Free day at your leisure

Today is a day to relax and enjoy the Albanian Riviera at your own pace. Whether you prefer beach time, exploring more local attractions, or just unwinding, this day is yours to make the most of.

07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel & check-out.

08:30 – Departure north along the Albanian Riviera (approx. 1 hr 20 min), past Lukovë, Borsh and Qeparo.

09:50 – Porto Palermo (approx. 45 min).

Ali Pasha's triangular fortress guards a sheltered bay, with views over the water.

10:35 – Continue via Himarë and Dhërmi to the Llogara Pass (approx. 1 hr 20 min).

The road climbs to 1,027 metres, with views over the Riviera, the Bay of Vlorë and the Karaburun Peninsula.

12:00 – Lunch among the pines of Llogara National Park (own expense).

The restaurants here are known for roast lamb and mountain cooking.

13:15 – Continue to Tirana (approx. 3 hrs 25 min, with a short break).

Approx. 16:40 – Arrival in Tirana & check-in. Time to rest.

19:30 – Farewall Dinner

Farewell dinner at a carefully selected restaurant in the heart of Tirana. A last evening together over Albanian specialities, to remember the Ionian bays, the ruins of Butrint and the long evenings by the sea. Included.

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!