Full description
Explore Albania on an 8-day tour from Tirana. Discover UNESCO sites like Berat, Gjirokaster, and Butrint, plus the stunning Ionian Riviera in Ksamil. Visit ancient castles, Roman ruins, and enjoy world-class agritourism. The ultimate Balkan journey through history and nature.
Tucked away in a little visited corner of Europe, Albania is a charming and delightful country that has transformed from a closed society into a must-see destination. Its location between major empires has left a wealth of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman attractions that sit side by side with Communist-era architecture. This journey will lead you through incredible mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and traditional villages tucked away in pretty valleys.
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana and Leisure Day
We begin with the pickup from your selected pickup point to transfer you to the city. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital's vibrant streets and relax before starting your Balkan adventure.
Day 2: Kruje Resistance and Tirana City Tour
After the included breakfast we head to Kruja to visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the historic castle. We will explore the old bazaar before returning to Tirana for a guided city tour of the capital's main squares and historic landmarks.
Day 3: Lezhe History Elite Lunch and Shkoder Landscapes
Following the included breakfast we visit Lezha’s hilltop castle and Skanderbeg’s Mausoleum. We will indulge in an exclusive included lunch at the world-famous Mrizi i Zanave agritourism. Later we explore Shkoder and the Rozafa Castle with its stunning views of the Alps and the lake.
Day 4: Ancient Durres and Berat UNESCO World Heritage
We start the day with the included breakfast and visit Durres home to the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans. We continue to Berat the city of a thousand windows to explore its ancient fortress and the renowned Onufri Museum.
Day 5: Ardenica Monastery Apollonia Ruins and Vlore Coast
After the included breakfast we visit the 13th-century Ardenica Monastery and the atmospheric Roman ruins of Apollonia. The day ends in the coastal city of Vlore where we will visit the Old Town and Independence Square.
Day 6: Ionian Riviera Ksamil Beaches and Butrint UNESCO
Following the included breakfast we drive along the spectacular Riviera to Ksamil for an included lunch by the sea. In the afternoon we explore the ancient ruins of Butrint a UNESCO treasure before resting in the seaside city of Saranda.
Day 7: Blue Eye Spring and Gjirokaster Stone City UNESCO
After the included breakfast we visit the stunning Blue Eye National Park before reaching Gjirokaster famous for its distinct Ottoman architecture and imposing citadel. We will return to Tirana in the evening for our final night.
Day 8: Departure and Final Transfer
After enjoying the final included breakfast our services conclude with a transfer to your selected pickup point or the airport for your departure flight.
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Additional information
● Please provide all accommodation or flight arrival details at the time of booking. In this case, it is very important to note that it is the passenger's sole obligation and responsibility to contact the local contact number the day before the service to confirm the exact pickup point and time
● Please present yourself at the pickup point 15 minutes in advance
● Pickups begin 30 minutes before the tour departure
● Immediately after submitting your booking, you will receive a booking receipt by email. Please do not book any flight tickets until you receive your booking status
● You will receive a confirmation voucher within 2-3 business days after receiving the e-ticket. The confirmation voucher includes all operator information, including local destination phone numbers and departure details. When booking your attractions and services, you will be asked to print the confirmation voucher to present upon arrival at your destination. This is your proof of purchase
● The tour can be conducted in a shared group or privately for 1 or 2 people if you select this option
● This tour operates with a minimum of 2 passengers; if this minimum is not met, you will be offered an alternative time or date or a full refund. A supplement must be paid if traveling alone in a shared group
Inclusions
✔ Hotel or airport pickup
✔ Accommodation in 4* hotels in double occupancy in good locations (as indicated in the itinerary or similar)
✔ All transfers indicated in the itinerary in modern air-conditioned van/minibus/bus and other means of transport as applicable
✔ Daily breakfast
✔ Guide/manager in the selected language
✔ Lunch at worldwide famous restaurant Mrizi i Zanave, surprise traditional menu with welcome drink and water
✔ Entrance fees to Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja, Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha, Tophill Fortress in Lezha (+ cost for small vans to climb up to the fortress), Rozafa Castle in Shkodra (+ cost for small vans to climb up to the fortress), Amphitheater in Durres, Onufri Museum and St. Mary Church in Berat, Ardenica Monastery, Apollonia Archeological Park, Butrint Antic City, Mesopotam monastery, Blue Eye National Park, Gjirokaster Castle (+ cost for luggage transfer to the hotel in Old Town)
Exclusions
✖ International airfare and airport taxes
✖ Local city/tourist tax (to be paid upon check-in at the hotel)
✖ Driver/guide tips
✖ Gratuities, individual daily expenses, and porterage
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Supplement for solo travelers on shared groups
✖ Entrance fees, meals, and drinks, unless expressly specified in the trip inclusions
✖ Other unspecified services
Cancellation policy
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 31 days or less before event.