Day 1: Discover Kruja and Shkodra

Kruje - Start your adventure with a visit to the historic Kruja Bazaar, a 500-year-old market. This Ottoman-style bazaar extends from the center of Krujë to the Krujë Castle. It features a single cobblestone street where various vendors offer their goods from wooden stalls.

The Kruja Bazaar will guide you into the Castle of Kruja. The castle’s walls encapsulate 1500 years of history, encompassing both war and peace. During a walking tour inside the castle, several sites will be visited, including: -The Scanderbeg’s tree -The castle’s secret tunnel -Old residences within the castle -Mosque of Sultan Mehmet -The castle’s watchtower -The castle’s summit, and more…

Drive up Kruja Mountain to its peak, where the Sari Salltik cave is located. This cave is a religious site for the Bektashi faith and offers a stunning view of Tirana, Kruja, Durres, and the Adriatic Sea.

Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm - Savor a traditional lunch at “The Frost of the Fairies,” Albania’s most renowned restaurant. The food is incredibly fresh, sourced directly from their farm and animal stalls adjacent to the restaurant, which travelers can visit.

Shkoder - Continue your journey to Shkodra. Begin with a visit to the Rozafa Castle, where the city’s 2000-year-old history is preserved within its walls. Enjoy a walking tour of the castle and its museum.

After exploring the castle, head to the city center to enjoy a beer or coffee along Shkodra’s famous promenade.

Spend the night in Shkodra City, also known as the capital of North Albania.

Day 2: Discover Theth Village and the Albanian Alps

Boge - Begin your journey from Shkoder. Before reaching Theth village, take a short coffee break and capture photos along the Albanian Alps’ mountain ranges. The picturesque mountain view is breathtaking, captivating the senses and filling hearts with awe and wonder. Imagine standing at a vantage point, surrounded by majestic peaks stretching into the distance, creating a stunning natural panorama.

Theth - Explore the hidden village of Theth, nestled in the center of a circular mountain range. Visit Theth’s main Catholic church and the Reconciliation Tower. Then, seek out the beautiful Grunas waterfall, hidden in the mountains surrounding the village. Enjoy a traditional northern lunch in Theth.

Blue Eye of Theth - Continue the journey to the stunning Blue Eye. Follow the river and embark on a 45-minute hike through the jungle to reach the Blue Eye of Theth. Challenge yourself to dip into the Blue Eye, the coldest waters in Albania. Several stops will be made during the hike to appreciate nature and the small ponds created by the river. A true adventure!

Return to your hotel in Shkoder.

Day 3: Komani Lake and Shala River, the Fjords of Albania

Shala River - Depart Shkoder and venture into the northern region. Embark on a 90-minute breathtaking boat tour through the Albanian Fjords via Shala River. Enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 4: Visit Belshi Town and Berat City

Belsh - Begin your journey in Tirana. In Belsh town, pause for a brief coffee beside the largest of the town’s 84 lakes.

Berat Castle - Finally, arrive in Berat City, famously known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Before entering the city center, ascend the castle hill to visit the castle itself. During the walking tour of the castle, learn about the history of this ancient city while visiting several sites such as: -Saint Mary of Blachernae Church, the oldest church in Berat -Church of the Holy Trinity -The Water Cisterns of the Castle -The Red Mosque -Constantine the Great Garden, and more.

Following this immersive experience, enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch with a local family residing within the castle. Experience traditional alcohol, food, desserts, and music, a true Albanian experience.

Berat - After visiting the castle, descend to the city center, specifically the renowned Mangalemi neighborhood. The exceptionally well-preserved architecture of the buildings in this area makes it feel like a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. It’s fascinating to note that people still inhabit these Ottoman-era houses. The walking tour of the city center will include significant landmarks such as: -The city gate and former Pasha’s residence -The Sultan’s Mosque -Bachelors’ Mosque -The Hanging Bridge -Berat’s bustling boulevard -Gorica Bridge, and more. Walk to the Gorica Bridge, one of the most beautiful and oldest bridges in Albania. It served as the only connection between the two parts of the city divided by the Osumi River, Gorica neighborhood, and Mangalemi neighborhood. Walk around the stone roads of the Gorica neighborhood, just as many people did hundreds of years ago.

Cobo Winery - (OPTIONAL) After relaxing in your hotel, in the afternoon, you will be invited on a wine production and tasting tour at one of the local wineries. Enjoy local wine made in Berat.

Day 5: Explore the Ancient City of Apollonia and the Thermal Baths of Benja

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Depart Berat for Apollonia, a vital center for education, philosophy, and arts in antiquity (Greek and Roman period). Explore the ancient archaeological park and visit several landmarks such as: Temple of Apollonia, the Amphitheatre of Apollonia, Triumph Arch, the museum of Apollonia, and more.

Tepelene - Take a short break at the Cold Water of Tepelena, where clean water flows from the mountain. A quaint mall has been developed, showcasing a variety of locally-produced goods such as honey, olive oil, tea plants, and an assortment of other agricultural products.

Benja Thermal Baths - Upon arrival in the historic town of Permet, embark on a journey to discover a hidden gem nestled within its confines – the enchanting hot springs of Benja. Here, natural hot water springs, generated from deep within the earth, create a haven of warmth amidst the surrounding landscape. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters, which maintain a comfortable temperature of 28°C, as they bubble up through ancient tectonic crevices. Take in the breathtaking vistas that surround you while indulging in a leisurely picnic with sandwiches by the springs.

As the afternoon approaches, relish in the freedom to explore the charming streets and sights of Permet at your own pace, soaking in the unique ambiance of this picturesque town.

Day 6: Discover Gjirokastra City

Gjirokastra Bazaar - Your first stop upon arriving in Gjirokastra will be the bustling Gjirokastra Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where local crafts, textiles, and traditional Albanian products beckon visitors.

Gjirokaster Castle - After exploring the bazaar, ascend the winding road leading to the magnificent Gjirokastra Castle, a true architectural marvel. Within its walls, discover an array of guns, weaponry, fortifications, the castle’s museum, and the castle’s notorious old prison. Continuing the journey within the castle, make your way to its highest point, where the iconic clock tower is located. From here, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Gjirokastra.

Zekate House - A final stop is made at the Zekate House, a local fortress house where you can learn how the wealthy families used to live in the past.

Day 7: Explore the Blue Eye of Saranda, Ksamil Islands, and Butrinti Archaeological Park

The Blue Eye - Just 30 kilometers from Gjirokaster, a hidden gem awaits within the heart of the forest. Explore the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Blue Eye.

Kalaja e Lëkurësit - Ascend to the highest hill in Saranda and visit the Lekursi Castle, overlooking the city.

Ksamil - Enjoy a 2-hour stay at the beautiful beach of Ksamil and take in the view of the three islands located less than 100 meters from the beach. Take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in the inviting waters during your leisurely visit.

Butrint National Park - Explore the 2500-year-old ancient city of Butrinti. Its rich historical and archaeological significance has earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit several sites such as: -the Roman forum -the ancient theater of Butrint -the Baptistery and Basilica -the Venetian fortress -the defensive walls of the city, and more…

Return to Saranda for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Albanian Riviera

Porto Palermo - Your route will take you through the enchanting Albanian Riviera. Revel in the awe-inspiring landscapes where hills meet the shoreline. Take a break at various beaches, including Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, Qeparo, and more.

Enjoy a one-hour stay at an ex-submarine military base beach.

Qeparo - Take a break at various beaches, including Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, Qeparo, and more.

Dhermi - Indulge in a two-hour retreat by the shoreline, savoring the crystalline waters while immersed in the melodic ambiance of the beach. Restore your energy with lunch, preparing for the upcoming stage of your journey.

Himare - Visit the beautiful village of Himare. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the atmosphere of Himare.

Day 9: Return to Tirana. Exploring Attractions by the Road.

Vlore - As you return, stop by the port city of Vlora. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the famous Lungomare.

Laguna e Karavastase - Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Lagoon of Karavasta and observe the wild animals in this enchanting setting. Delight in a private boat ride, marveling at the diverse array of bird species such as swans, flamingos, and pelicans that call this lagoon home.

Durres - Visit Durres City. Explore the Durres amphitheater, the largest Roman amphitheater ever built in the Balkans, with a capacity of 20,000 people. Discover the abandoned King’s Villa, a vacation house of the first and last Albanian ruler, King Zogu. Enjoy a walk along the boulevard of Durres by the shore.

Day 10: Return to Tirana. Exploring Attractions Around Tirana.

Lake Bovilla - After returning to Tirana, drive towards the first destination, Bovilla Lake. The initial destination is the Bovilla Dam, an impressive structure towering at a height of 91 meters. This dam serves as the primary source for Tirana’s electricity and water supply, drawing from the surrounding lake.

To get a better view of this breathtaking site, drive up Gamti Mountain. At an elevation of 850 meters, the road ends, and there is a 10-minute hike up the rocky slopes of the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, encounter one of the most amazing views in Albania.

Dajti Ekspres Cable Car - On the way back, make your way to Dajti Cable Car. Enjoy the longest cable car ride in the Balkans and the most beautiful viewpoint of Tirana. Explore the Dajti National Park and head to the other side of the mountain.

Tirana - A walking tour of Tirana’s center will conclude the tour. Enjoy the beautiful center of Albania’s capital!

• Lunch

• Personal expenses

This tour stands out for its ability to provide travelers with a FULL Albanian experience, encompassing the breathtaking natural wonders of Albania, the rich tapestry of Albanian culture and historical landmarks, traditional cuisine, beverages, and attire. Participants will have the opportunity to meet a local family residing in Berat Castle, among numerous other memorable experiences. The tour meticulously covers all major tourist attractions in Albania, along with hidden gems known only to our expert local guides. For those seeking to immerse themselves fully in Albanian life, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.