The Best of Albania

Welcome to Albania. Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore at your own pace. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a gentle walk around Skanderbeg Square or a relaxed evening in the lively Blloku area, once reserved for the communist elite and now the heart of the city’s café culture.

Overnight in Tirana

After breakfast, travel north toward the historic town of Krujë, dramatically set on the slopes of Mount Skanderbeg. Visit Krujë Castle and the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, and stroll through the old bazaar where wooden shops sell traditional crafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

Continue south through the countryside to Berat, one of Albania’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage sites. After lunch, explore Berat Castle in the soft afternoon light. Walk through its stone streets, visit the Onufri Museum with its remarkable iconography, and admire panoramic views over the Mangalem and Gorica quarters below. The castle is still home to local families, giving the visit a living, authentic atmosphere.

Overnight in Berat.

Leaving Berat behind, the journey continues toward the fertile plains of central Albania. Stop at the Ardenica Monastery, a peaceful Orthodox complex surrounded by olive groves and open fields. Known for its frescoes and serene setting, Ardenica offers a quiet moment of reflection.

From here, travel south through rolling landscapes toward Gjirokastër. After lunch, discover this remarkable UNESCO-listed city, often called the Stone City. Its slate-roofed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and fortified architecture give it a unique character found nowhere else in the Balkans. Visit Gjirokastër Castle, which dominates the valley below, and wander through the old bazaar where traditional craftsmanship is still alive.

Overnight in Gjirokastër.

Begin the day with further exploration of Gjirokastër, enjoying views from the castle and time in the old town. Then depart for one of Albania’s most striking natural landmarks, the Blue Eye. This powerful freshwater spring emerges from deep underground, creating vivid shades of blue and green surrounded by lush vegetation.

Continue toward the Ionian coast and arrive in Saranda, a relaxed seaside city facing the Greek island of Corfu. The afternoon is free to enjoy the promenade, the beach, or simply unwind by the sea.

Overnight in Saranda.

Today is dedicated to southern Albania’s highlights. Visit Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological areas in the country. Walk through ancient Greek and Roman ruins, early Christian basilicas, and medieval fortifications, all set within a protected natural landscape.

Later, continue to Ksamil, known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy lunch by the sea and spend the afternoon swimming or relaxing. An optional boat trip offers a different perspective of the coastline and nearby islands.

Overnight in Saranda.

Travel north along the Albanian Riviera, one of the most scenic coastal routes in Europe. Pass hidden coves, olive-covered hills, and dramatic cliffs rising above the Ionian Sea. Stop in Himarë, a charming seaside town with a laid-back atmosphere, followed by time in Dhërmi, famous for its turquoise waters and bright beaches.

The road then climbs toward Llogara Pass, where the view opens to a sweeping panorama of sea and mountains meeting in a single horizon. Descend toward Vlorë, a historic port city where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.

Overnight in Vlorë.

After breakfast, visit Zvërnec Monastery, set on a small island within the Narta Lagoon and connected by a wooden footbridge. The peaceful surroundings and simple architecture make it a serene start to the day.

Continue inland to Apollonia, one of the most important ancient cities of the Roman era. Explore its wide archaeological park, where ruins stand among rolling hills and open skies, offering a calm and spacious contrast to busier sites.

In the afternoon, travel north to Durrës, Albania’s main coastal city. Enjoy free time by the Adriatic Sea before gathering for a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey through Albania’s diverse landscapes and history.

Overnight in Durrës.

After breakfast, transfer to Tirana International Airport for your departure. The tour ends here, but the memories of Albania’s cities, coastlines, and warm hospitality remain.