Tirana

Skanderbeg Square - Begin your exploration of Tirana at Skanderbeg Square, the largest square in the city. Surrounding the square, you’ll find the Palace of Culture, the historic Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National Museum. Spend about 15 minutes here to gather insights from your guide.

Enver Hoxha Pyramid - This building, designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law and completed in 1988, was initially the Enver Hoxha Museum and later served as a convention center and nightclub. Currently, it is covered in graffiti and surrounded by makeshift shelters. Its once-white marble walls are deteriorating, and a decision on its future is pending. During the tour, there will be a 10-minute stop for an explanation.

Bunk’Art 1 - A small bunker located along the sightseeing route in Tirana.

Blloku - Blloku is a fashionable district in Tirana, Albania, renowned for its entertainment options, including boutiques, shops, restaurants, trendy bars, pubs, and cafes. It is part of the Tirana e Re neighborhood in southwestern Tirana. During peak summer, its trendy bars relocate to the Albanian Riviera. After the fall of Communism, Blloku became popular as it was previously a restricted area for the Albanian politburo. In Blloku, you can still find the residence of Albania’s communist leader, Enver Hoxha. Spend your free time here for lunch or coffee.

National Gallery of Art - This gallery traces the brief history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day and hosts temporary exhibitions. The collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting daily Albanian life and others with political themes, including excellent examples of Albanian socialist realism. The gallery’s entrance may not always be open, so check for exhibitions during your visit.

Pazari i Ri - The New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), one of Tirana’s oldest and most historic residential neighborhoods, has recently been renovated. Traditional elements of the old town have been preserved, while the square has been modernized. The name comes from the local farmer’s market at the center, where over 300 farmers sell fresh produce, meat, seafood, and spices.

Tirana - Shkodra

Rozafa Castle - Built in antiquity, Rozafa Castle has withstood the Roman and Ottoman empires and remains intact today. This archaeological site is rich in historical tales, offering a panoramic view.

Shkodra Lake - Located in Northwest Albania, Shkodra Lake is the largest in the Balkan Peninsula and a natural wonder. Covering 368 km², the lake extends beyond Albania into Montenegro, with 149 km² in Albania. It beautifully frames the historic city of Shkodra, providing a calming and refreshing atmosphere.

Shkoder - Shkodra has a rich artistic heritage and has significantly contributed to Albanian culture. It is the birthplace of notable Albanian poets, painters, and photographers. Shkodra is home to the Marubi National Photography Museum and the Venice Art Mask Factory. The city is known for its myths and legends, including the story of Rozafa. Shkodra offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Shkodra Lake, and the Buna River. Known as the “city of bicycles,” the best way to admire its views is by cycling. Enjoy free time and an overnight stay in this city.

Shkodra - Theth

Theth - Arrival & Sightseeing in Theth:

Theth Village – Check into your guesthouse and explore this traditional alpine village.
The Church of Theth – A charming local church in the village center.
Blood Feud Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit) – Learn about historical Albanian blood feuds and visit this preserved tower.
Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kaltër):

Drive to Nderlysa (45 min from Theth).
Hike 1.5 hours each way to the Blue Eye, a stunning turquoise natural spring surrounded by cliffs. Enjoy photography, the scenery, and a quick dip for the adventurous.
Optional:

Short hike to Grunas Waterfall near Theth village (30–40 minutes)
Dinner & Overnight:
Enjoy a hearty mountain dinner featuring trout, polenta, and local cheese at the guesthouse.
Overnight in Theth

Theth - Kruje

Kruje - After breakfast, depart Theth and descend the mountains toward Kruja. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours, passing through scenic valleys and Shkodra plains.

Sightseeing in Kruja:

Kruja Castle – Explore the citadel that was home to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Learn about his 25-year resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
Skanderbeg Museum – Located within the castle walls, showcasing Skanderbeg’s life, weapons, and Albanian resistance history.
Ethnographic Museum – A traditional Ottoman-style house displaying local crafts and lifestyle.
Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër) – Wander through the market filled with handmade carpets, pottery, and souvenirs.
Dinner & Overnight:
Dine at a traditional Kruja restaurant with Albanian specialties.
Overnight in Kruja

Kruja - Elbasan - Pogradec

Elbasan - After breakfast, depart for Elbasan. Upon arrival, visit the Elbasan Castle, significant in Roman times, offering views of Via Egnatia, the ancient road connecting Rome and Constantinople. Explore the fortress, Saint Mary’s Church, and the King Mosque inside the fortress. Enjoy free time in the castle.

Lake Ohrid - Some cities are undeniably special. Pogradec, resting on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is one such place. It’s ideal for those seeking nature’s peace and tranquility. Overnight near this lake in Pogradec.

Pogradec - Upon arrival in Pogradec, enjoy Lake Ohrid, which dominates the town. This ancient tectonic lake is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest. The lake is shared between Albania and North Macedonia. The Macedonian side, centered on Ohrid, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourism in Pogradec is minimal, offering a quiet adventure and stroll around the lake.

Tushemisht - Tushemisht is the last village on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid, near the Macedonian border. It is a relaxing place, surrounded by mountains, beautiful beaches, and great restaurants offering authentic fish cuisine.

Pogradec - Voskopoja - Korca

Driloni National Park - In the morning, visit Drilon, a charming village between Korça and Pogradec. Once a favorite of dictator Enver Hoxha, Drilon is now a popular summer destination for its beauty, beaches, and national park.

Korce - In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Korca’s most important sites, including the Cathedral, Ottoman Bazaar, Andon Zako Cajupi Theatre, and Hani I Pazarit. Korca is known for its vibrant life and traditional music. Take a pleasant walk in the main pedestrian area.

Korca Old Bazaar - The old bazaar attracts locals and tourists alike. Built at the end of the 19th century, it holds historical and monumental value. The complex preserves old stone buildings, offering an aesthetically pleasing experience. The bazaar combines an open-air market with workshops and guesthouses, maintaining the city’s culinary and hosting traditions.

Ngjallja e Krishtit Cathedral - Built in 1992 on the foundations of an old Orthodox church destroyed during the Communist era, it is now the largest and most important Orthodox church in Korça and Albania.

National Museum of Medieval Art - The National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça blends modern and old elements, creating a timeless space. Originally built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2016, it is located on the main “Fan Noli” boulevard. This museum preserves artworks that survived the communist regime.

Korca - Germenj - Permet - Gjirokastra

Benja Thermal Baths - The Benja Thermal Pools are smooth and clear, with a high sulfur content. The stone baths attract many visitors year-round. Winter is the best time to enjoy the contrast between the cold air and warm water. Spend about 2 hours here, with opportunities for swimming in natural pools and walking in the Langarica canyon.

Permet - In Permet, visit a traditional house and meet locals. Experience Gliko, a typical product made from locally grown fruits and vegetables. Enjoy free time exploring the city.

Gjirokastra Bazaar - Upon arrival in Gjirokastër, pass through the old town center. The historic “Neck of the Bazaar” is now mainly tourist shops, with a few stone carvers remaining. Enjoy free time in the bazaar before dinner.

Skenduli House - The lovingly restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House has been in the same family for generations. A family member will likely guide you through the house, which dates back to the early 1700s and was partially rebuilt in 1827. It features a room used only for wedding ceremonies, with 15 windows, many with stained glass.

Gjirokastra - Blue Eye - Saranda

Gjirokaster Castle - Begin your morning with a walking tour of Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans. The fortress dates back to the 12th century, with much of the current structure from the early 19th century. It was used as a prison under the communists. Inside, find a collection of armory, two museums, ruins, and superb valley views. Enjoy free time in the old town.

The Blue Eye - Describing the multidimensional beauty of the Blue Eye is challenging, but worth the effort! The landscape reveals a natural anomaly surrounded by palm trees, wild ferns, tropical plants, and dense forest vegetation. This lush environment is nourished by the spring flowing into the Bistrica River.

Butrint National Park - After lunch, visit the top archaeological sites of Butrint. This ancient Greek city, later Roman and a bishopric, was inhabited since prehistoric times. It declined at the end of Antiquity and was abandoned after a major earthquake. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time by the sea in Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, known for its lively beach and nightlife.

Saranda - Albanian Riviera - Himara (Llogara)

Porto Palermo Castle - Near Himara, along the Ionian Sea, this 19th-century fortress, also known as the Castle of Ali Pasha, is a fascinating stop along the coastal road. The fortress is dark inside, but the battlements offer superb sea views.

Himare - Himara, the largest village on the Southern Riviera, is a must-see! Its strategic position along the Ionian Coast has led to steady growth, and in recent decades, it has expanded rapidly. Himara offers a comprehensive summer experience, making it a top recommendation in travel guides.

Himara - Vlora

Llogara National Park - Where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, the journey to Llogara National Park begins. The lush forests of pines and oaks are just the start of this “mountain of panoramas,” surrounded by mountain ranges and the Ionian Sea. Located 40 km southeast of Vlora, Llogara National Park is one of Albania’s most visited natural parks, known for its rich flora and fauna and exceptional food. The park is open year-round, but most visited in summer as a cooling stop and passage to the southern Albanian Riviera. Enjoy a walk or short hike in the park.

Llogara Pass - The Llogara Pass is a high mountain pass in the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, connecting the Dukat Valley in the north with Himarë in the south. Stop briefly for photos of the stunning Albanian Riviera.

Independence Monument - The Monument of Independence in Vlorë commemorates the Albanian Declaration of Independence. Created by Albanian sculptors Muntaz Dhrami and Kristaq Rama, it is located in the Flag’s Plaza, near the building where the first Albanian government worked in 1913. Enjoy a 10-minute stop at this historical center of Vlora.

Ethnographic Museum, Vlore - The Museum of Independence in Vlorë, housed in the building of the first Albanian government, is strategically located near the port with a sea view. This modest, two-story house is filled with historical significance. Founded in 1936, it is considered Albania’s first museum before the ’90s. It offers comprehensive information on the country’s most significant events. It was on the balcony of this traditional house that Ismail Qemali raised the Albanian flag in 1912.

Zvërnec Islands - Located 30 meters above sea level, this picturesque island is named after the nearby village, about 13 km from Vlora. Known for its stunning pine forest covering nine hectares, the island also hosts the well-preserved 13th-century Byzantine Monastery of St. Mary. Though compact, at 400 meters in length and 300 meters in width, Zvërnec offers a magical experience.

Vlora - Berat

National Ethnographic Museum Berat - Upon arrival in Berat, visit the National Ethnographic Museum, housed in a striking 18th-century two-story Berat residence. The museum offers an immersive experience into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town. The pavilions are well-organized within the former residence, providing a panorama of the traditions and daily lives of Berat’s prominent families. Spend about an hour here; the admission fee is not included.

Berat Castle - Transfer to Berat Castle and explore its interior. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its unique architectural character. Visit the castle and the Onufri Museum. Berat Castle is unique as people still live within its walls in traditional houses. The castle once had over 40 churches, with seven remaining, including the Sainte-Marie church, now the Onufri Museum. Onufri was a renowned 16th-century Albanian icon painter. After the visit, enjoy free time in the old town. Spend about 2 hours in the castle, depending on your preference.

National Iconographic Museum Onufri - Built in 1797, this museum was a cathedral and is located at the highest point of Berat Castle. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to practice their faith and build churches, though discreetly.

Berati - Apollonia - Karavastas - Tirana

Apollonia Archaeological Park - In the morning, depart for the Apollonia archaeological site. If one place offers a memorable encounter with history in Albania, it is the ancient city of Apollonia, founded in the sixth century B.C. Located in southwestern Albania, about 13 miles from Fier, this city was built by Greek colonizers on the lands of the Taulantii Illyrian tribe. It was one of the most prominent cities of its time, chosen from over twenty others to bear the name of Apollo, the god of music and poetry.

Laguna e Karavastase - Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is a beautiful experience for nature lovers and a must-see for birdwatchers! The park is home to fifty thousand birds among its natural monuments, offering a unique opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitat.

• Accommodation Included for 12 nights
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• All Fees and Taxes
• Guide & Driver Service
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• everything that is not Mentioned at Inclusion section

Group Departure Dates

• 5 June 2026
• 20 August 2026

For Private Tours, please submit a request.

Welcome to Albania! Discover intriguing archaeological sites, magnificent castles, quaint old towns, beautiful parks, gentle hikes, serene seaside relaxation, and traditional cuisine. This cultural tour is ideal for those keen to immerse themselves in the history and vibrant culture of a warm, welcoming country largely untouched by mass tourism.

The tour takes you through Albania and a portion of Kosovo, leading you to enchanting destinations. Beginning in Tirana, the journey takes you to the heart of the Albanian Alps. From there, enjoy a picturesque ferry ride across Koman Lake.

Next, explore the delightful town of Prizren in Kosovo, before proceeding to a remarkable area near Lake Ohrid in Albania. Along the way, take in the stunning views of Llogara National Park, one of Albania’s most cherished parks near the Riviera.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.