DAY 01 (SUNDAY): AIRPORT – TIRANA (20 km/45 min)

Tirana International Airport - Arrive at Tirana International Airport. Meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel in Tirana. Enjoy some free time at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tirana.

DAY 02 (MONDAY): TIRANA – DURRES – BERAT (UNESCO) (129 km/2h30 min)

Durres - In the morning, transfer to Durres, one of Albania’s oldest cities, founded in 627 BC. The main attraction is the amphitheater of Roman Emperor Adrian, seating 15,000, the second largest in the Balkans.

Berat - Continue to BERAT, a 2,413-year-old city known as the city of “one over one windows” (UNESCO site). Berat is rich in Albanian history, culture, and religious harmony. The city features Byzantine churches, the post-Byzantine Cathedral of Saint Mary, now the Onufri museum, and Ottoman influences. Inside Berat Castle, visit a traditional house and sample homemade products. Overnight in Berat.

DAY 03 (TUESDAY): BERAT – ARDENCIA – GJIROKASTER (UNESCO) (185 km/3h30 min)

Ardenice - Transfer to the Monastery of Ardenica. This Byzantine structure includes the Saint Mary Church, the Saint Triad chapel, the konake, the oil mill, the oven, and the stall. It is also known as the place where National hero Scanderbeg was married.

Gjirokaster - In the afternoon, transfer to Gjirokastra, known as “The City of Stone,” a UNESCO heritage site since 2005. This museum city boasts unique historical architecture. Visit the medieval castle, built in the 4th century AD, known as Argjiro castle, the city’s most significant structure and the largest in Albania. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, the birthplace of former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

DAY 04 (WEDNESDAY): GJIROKASTER – BLUE EYE – BUTRINTI (UNESCO) – SARANDA (95 km/2h30 min)

The Blue Eye - In the morning, drive to Saranda, stopping for a pleasant walk at the Blue Eye, one of Albania’s beautiful springs.

Butrint National Park - Later, visit the ancient city of Butrint (UNESCO site), one of Albania’s most important parks. Initially settled by Greek colonists, it has archaeological layers from various civilizations. Besides its ancient ruins, it is located on a beautiful peninsula rich in flora and fauna.

Ksamil - After visiting Butrint, make a short stop in Ksamil, a seaside town nestled between the turquoise Ionian Sea and the mussel-rich Butrint Lagoon, with three idyllic islands within swimming distance.

Saranda - Overnight in Saranda.

DAY 05 (THURSDAY): SARANDA – RIVIERA PORTO PALERMO – VLORA (120 km/3h30 min)

Porto Palermo - After breakfast, travel along the stunning Albanian Riviera, following the Ionian coastline through the villages of Lukovë, Qeparo, and Himara. Stop for photos at Ali Pasha’s castle in Porto Palermo, a fortress used to control sea trade routes, popularly known as ‘The Triangular Fortress’.

Vlore - In the afternoon, arrive in Vlora. Key sights include the Independence Museum and Muradie Mosque, built in 1542 by the Ottoman Empire’s chief architect, Mimar Sinan, who also constructed Istanbul’s famous Suleymaniye Mosque. Enjoy free time on Vlora’s beach. Overnight in Vlora.

DAY 06 (FRIDAY): VLORA – APOLLONIA – TIRANA (155 km/2h30min)

Apollonia Archaeological Park - After breakfast, continue to the ancient city of Apollonia, located on the famous Via Egnatia. It was one of Ancient Rome’s most important cities, where Julius Caesar sent his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory, highlighting the city’s significance.

Tirana - Transfer to Albania’s capital, a city full of energy and movement. Visit key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the castle of Roman Emperor Justinian, the monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, Tanners’ Bridge, and Bunkart 2. These experiences will create wonderful memories. Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 07 (SATURDAY): TIRANA – SHKODER – KRUJE – TIRANA (224 km/4h30min)

Kruje - After breakfast, continue to the medieval town of Kruja, a key historic city in Albania. Walk through the Ottoman bazaar to reach the fortress where Albania’s hero, George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, defended the country from Ottoman invasion. Today, the Skanderbeg museum is located here.

Shkoder - The journey continues to Shkodra, northern Albania’s most important city and the ancient capital of Illyria in the 3rd century BC. Visit Rozafa Castle for a spectacular 360-degree panorama. Stroll through the recently renovated pedestrian area, where Italian and Austrian architecture intertwine, reflecting the city’s historical ties with these countries.

Tirana - Overnight in Tirana.

DAY 08: (SUNDAY) TIRANA – AIRPORT (20 km/45 min)

Tirana International Airport - Transfer to Tirana International Airport for departure.
End of our services.

• Air-conditioned coach during the tour (from Day 2 to Day 7)
• Professional English, French, Spanish, Italian -speaking or bilingual guide (Day 2 – Day 7)
• Tasting experience in Berat
• Breakfast
• Accommodation in 4-star standard hotels on BB or Similar
• Arrival/Departure transfer from/to Tirana Airport

• Meals
• Entrance fees
• Anything not listed as “included”

What sets this tour apart is the chance to explore Albania in a manner that is both effortless and genuinely authentic. Thoughtfully crafted as a guaranteed departure, this adventure guides you through the country’s most renowned highlights while revealing hidden treasures along the journey. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat and Gjirokastra, where history is brought to life in stone streets and timeless architecture, and discover the ancient ruins of Butrint nestled in a stunning natural setting. Journey along the magnificent Albanian Riviera, where turquoise waters meet striking coastal vistas, and savor moments of pure relaxation and exploration. Delight in local flavors, engage with friendly locals, and experience traditions that have been cherished for centuries. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless organization, this tour provides the perfect mix of culture, scenery, and convenience—ideal for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable European getaway.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.