Discover Albania by yourself in 8 days
Albania remains one of the last undiscovered jewels of the Adriatic coast. Nestled along strategic routes connecting West and East, this land has seen great Mediterranean empires leave their indelible marks since antiquity. Today, visitors arrive as true pioneers, since tourism remains refreshingly low-key and authentic.
On this 8-day self-drive adventure, you have the freedom to navigate a stunning tapestry of ancient monuments, rugged mountain peaks, and pristine turquoise seascapes. From the Ottoman architecture of Gjirokastër to the vibrant energy of Tirana, you will immerse yourself in unique Balkan traditions at your own pace. Experience a blend of warm hospitality and wild nature that most travelers have yet to find.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels in double room
- Daily breakfast & dinners as per the itinerary
- Private car hire
- 24/7 phone support
- Travel diary with essential information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
Excluded:
- International flights
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to monuments
Optional:
- Driver for entire trip
- Single room supplement
Itinerary at a Glance
Tirana Airport - Berat
Welcome to Albania!
Berat - Gjirokastra
A trip to a picturesque city
Gjirokastra - Butrint - Ksamil
Discover the beauty of Albanian nature
Ksamil - Këlcyrë
Head for the mountains
Ksamil - Permët - Këlcyrë
Relax in Përmet's thermal springs
Këlcyrë - Karavasta - Lin
Spot flamingos and pelicans on Albania's largest lagoon
Lin - Tirana
Explore characterful Tirana
Tirana - Tirana Airport
Goodbye Albania!
Detailed Itinerary
Tirana Airport - Berat
Day 1: Welcome to Albania!
Your Albanian self-drive adventure will begin at Tirana airport, where you'll pick up your car and drive south to Berat. This charming city is known for its houses built in the typical Ottoman architectural style, which sit almost atop of each other as they stretch up the gentle hills framing the river valley.
The day and evening is yours to explore at leisure, as you uncover the delights of this ancient Illyrian settlement turned Byzantine frontier town. Explore its medieval bazaar, taste local food and drinks on the modern café scene here, and wander the lively centre. For incredible views over the city, head up to Beret Kala, its 13th century fortress.
Berat - Gjirokastra
Day 2: A trip to a picturesque city
After breakfast after your hotel, wave goodbye to Berat and drive on to Gjirokastra. Once you've settled into your hotel, it’s time for a city tour. Another of Albania’s most picturesque cities, Gjirokastra invites you to stroll through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring its architecture, particularly the houses dating from the 17th century.
Spend the afternoon at the Citadel of Gjirokastra. Perched high on a hillside, this fortress offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding area.
Following this, visit the Skenduli house, one of the best-preserved homes in this ancient city, to discover more of this city’s history.
In the evening, relax at your hotel or head out for dinner and explore Gjirokastra by night.
Gjirokastra - Butrint - Ksamil
Day 3: Discover the beauty of Albanian nature
After breakfast, drive to ‘The Blue Eye’ or syri i kaltër, a deep, blue spring, where you'll spend the morning marvelling at the beauty of nature. Hidden amongst the oak and sycamore trees, this turquoise pool is simply picture-perfect.
After relaxing by the waters, head onwards to Butrint and wander around the ancient ruins of this 2,500-year-old city. Discover a fascinating history that features Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians.
After your visit to Butrint, you'll end your day at the lesser-known gem of Ksamil, located on the Ionian Sea, with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Watch the sun set and once again experience Albania’s natural beauty at its finest, as you enjoy dinner overlooking the water.
Ksamil - Këlcyrë
Day 4: Head for the mountains
Leave the beauty of the coast behind after breakfast today – it's time to head to the mountains.
A hike around the foot of the Trebeshine mountain is a wonderful way to uncover the many beautiful rivers, lakes, canyons and forests that pepper this area.
Tonight, you'll be staying at Farm Grand Albanik in Këlcyrë, nestled in an oak forest. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after today's exercise, so settle in and enjoy a langorous dinner of local slow food.
Ksamil - Permët - Këlcyrë
Day 5: Relax in Përmet's thermal springs
After breakfast, make the short drive across the Vjosa River to the town of Permët. Known for both its cultural and natural attractions, there is plenty to see and do, so why not spend the day exploring this beautiful city before relaxing in its thermal springs and soaking up the stunning beauty of the area.
Later, it's time to head back to Këlcyrë for a second night of relaxation and seasonal, locally sourced food.
Këlcyrë - Karavasta - Lin
Day 6: Spot flamingos and pelicans on Albania's largest lagoon
Today, after a leisurely breakfast, you'll visit Karavasta lagoon, Albania’s largest. There, you'll discover an amazing array of fauna and flora as you walk through the beautiful pine forest, breathing in its wonderful aroma. Keep a lookout – you may spot pelicans and flamingos on the water.
Afterwards, drive on to the small fishing village of Lin, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid: your home for the night.
After you've checked into your hotel this afternoon, you can hike up to a site that offers incredible panoramic views over the surrounding area before spending the evening relaxing and enjoying dinner in this charming village.
Lin - Tirana
Day 7: Explore characterful Tirana
Today, it's time to enjoy breakfast then bid goodbye to Lin, as you drive back to Tirana in time to explore this lively, colourful city. Tirana has experienced a post-communist boom and is a lovely little city to wander around, enjoying a coffee (or a rakija, Albania’s plum brandy) and discovering its history and unique character.
In the evening, it's time for a final, farewell dinner.
Tirana - Tirana Airport
Day 8: Goodbye Albania!
After breakfast, you have free time to explore Tirana some more until your transfer to the airport for your flight.
