17-day drive through Albania's natural beauty

Tirana Airport - Tirana

Day 1: Welcome to Tirana

Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall.

After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the heart of Tirana which will be your base for the night. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by this quaint yet charming city, a jewel in the heart of Albania.

Once you've checked into the hotel, feel free to freshen up and relax before enjoying the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure discovering the city.

Tirana

Day 2: Explore the Beauty of Tirana

After breakfast, we'll head to the Djati cable car which will take us to the tops of Djati Mountain, where you'll be treated to an amazing panoramic view of the region.

On the way back, you will visit the impressive Bunk'Art Museum to understand the country's period of communism, and after lunch, you'll meet your local guide to start a sightseeing tour of the city.

The capital of Albania, Tirana is a city in constant evolution. Once dull and grey, the city has experienced a post-communist international boom, becoming a lively, colorful and vibrant metropolis thanks to its unique atmosphere with all its bars and coffees.

Fascinating, Tirana represents both Albania's past and future. Once you’ve taken in everything that the city has to offer, head back to the comfort of your hotel to prepare yourself for the rest of your Albanian adventure.

Tirana - Lezhe - Shkodra

Day 3: Taste the Flavours of Albania

After breakfast, we'll leave the city of Tirana, headed for Shkodra.

Along the way, we'll make a stop at most of Albania's famous restaurant, Mrizi I Zanave. Situated amidst the middle of a postcard-perfect landscape, you will enjoy a lunch in an eco-friendly restaurant where all the products consumed come from the restaurant and the local families located in the surrounding area.

Then we'll continue north, stopping at Rozafa castle, built by the Illyrians which has witnessed many sieges and occupations throughout the centuries.

Upon arrival in Shkodra, drop off your luggage at your hotel before exploring the largest city in northern Albania, the former cultural and economic center which has seen many acts of war in view of its situation.

Here, you can visit the Museum of Photography dedicated to the pioneer of photography in the Balkans “Pjeter Marubi".

Shkodra - Lake Koman - Shkodra

Day 4: Explore Albanian Wilderness

We hope that after yesterday’s experience, you have had a restful night’s sleep because this morning we will begin a day of exploration into the Albanian wilderness.

At Komani's ferry port, you'll board a boat for an adventure on the beautiful Komani Lake, a must-see in Albania. The area abounds with a plethora of flora and fauna and presents the opportunity to see a more authentic side to Albanian life that lives in this stunning wilderness.

We'll then return to your hotel in Shkodra where you can relax in the comfort of your room. Feel free to explore the rest that the city has to offer!

Shkodra - Durres - Karavasta

Day 5: Bathe in the Beauty of Karavasta Lagoon

After breakfast, we'll leave for Durres, the most important port city of Albania.

Stroll along with the old town and discover its ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century, which is the only Roman amphitheater in the country. Visit its archeological museum, the largest in Albania, tracing the Greek and Roman occupations in the region.

After lunch in a seafood restaurant, we'll take the road to the Karavasta Lagoon in Divjakë, Albania's largest lagoon with a large concentration of flora and fauna.

Start your walk in a beautiful pine forest to discover the beauty of the lagoon. At the beach, you have the chance to observe the pelicans and flamingos of the National Park. Head to the top of its panoramic tower and enjoy a 360-degree view of Karavasta. 

Karavasta - Berat

Day 6: Walk through the Cobblestone Streets of Berat

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for one of your next adventures in Albania.

Along the way to Berat, we'll make a stop at the family-run Cobo Winery, for a wine tasting in the cellar of its most delicious wares, allowing you to discover and indulge in Albania's wine heritage.

Upon arrival in Berat, we'll explore the city by foot, making pitstops at the fortress before seeing the painted icons and frescoes in the Church of Saint Mary. We will also visit the oldest mosque in Albania, the Red Mosque, and the Onufri Icon Museum, both of which hold a special feeling of solemnity inviting reflection. 

Berat - Apollonia - Vlora

Day 7: Dive into Albania's Ancient Heritage

After breakfast, we're off to Ardenica Monastery. Built-in the 13th century, it represents one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in Albania.

Afterward, we'll continue to the ancient site of Apollonia Ylliria, the ruins of the largest ancient Greek city of Albania founded in 625 BC. You will explore this mythical place with the possibility of a guided tour by archeologists working on the site

After lunch at a seafood restaurant in Fier, we'll head for the town of Vlora to discover the Monastery of Zvornec located on a small island and accessible only by a small wooden pontoon.

Afterward, return to Vlora and drop off your luggage before enjoying a stroll along the waterfront, comforted by the warm embrace of the coast.

Vlora - Dhermi

Day 8: Head to the Albanian Coast

After breakfast, we will take the road to Dhermi, where along the way, making a stop at the Llogara Pass where you will enjoy an amazing panoramic view between mountain and seaside landscapes.

Upon arrival in Dhermi, charming little seaside resort Albania, you'll first drop off your luggage in your hotel located on the waterfront, before having the afternoon free to enjoy its beautiful beaches.

While here, you have the option to embark by boat to discover the wonders of the Adriatic Sea. You will sail past the magnificent Gjippe Canyon, the pirate caves, and the Pëllumbas cave, each home to wonder.

Dhermi

Day 9: The Choice is Yours in Dhermi

We hope you have enjoyed the trip so far and that your sleep last night was one of comfort and relaxation! 

After breakfast, begin a day at your own leisure and for relaxing!

There's a number of optional activities from which to choose to make the most of your time alongside the Albanian coastline.

Why not embark by boat to discover the wonders of the Adriatic Sea, where you can discover the beautiful Gramma Bay and its opulent blue cave. Or if you're looking for something more adventurous, there are a number of water activities such as jet-skiing, towed buoying, or diving to choose from.

If you'd like to stay on land, there's also the option for an excursion to the picturesque village of Qeparo.

Dhermi - Kakomë - Saranda

Day 10: Dine Like Royalty in Saranda

After breakfast, you'll have a free morning to continue exploring Dhermi, where after lunch, we'll take the road to Saranda, driving along the Albania coastline.

On the way, we'll make a stop at Ali Pasha Castle, built by the famed governor of the region under the Ottoman Empire, often compared to Napoleon for his military strategies and alliances.

Upon arrival in Saranda, one of the largest seaside resorts in Albania located opposite the island of Corfu, you'll drop off your luggage at your hotel before enjoying a traditional dinner in a castle on the heights of Saranda.

Saranda - Ksamil - Saranda

Day 11: Explore Albania’s Ancient Past in Butrint

Today, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Butrint, which is one of the great archeological sites in the Balkans. Its origin dates back to the Ancient Greeks between the 10th and 8th centuries BC and abounds with seemingly perfectly preserved ruins that invite you to explore its ancient past.

For lunch, we'll visit a mussel grower on the shores of Lake Butrint for lunch in a heavenly place. After lunch, you will end the day in Ksamil, a small seaside resort in Albania where you can enjoy its beautiful sandy beaches.

If you want, there's the possibility to embark on a boat to reach 3 small islands in front of Ksamil, before returning to Saranda at the end of the day.

Saranda - The Blue Eye - Gjirokastra

Day 12: Stroll through the Past in Gjirokastra

Our day begins with a journey headed towards Gjirokastra.

We will make a stop at 'The Blue Eye’, a stunning water spring and natural phenomenon that illuminates with crystal-clear turquoise water. You will be enchanted the dense but luscious green forests and the light blue river that flows through this natural paradise.

Upon arriving in Gjirokastra, you'll be confronted with a rare example of a city with an architectural style typical of the Ottoman period.

You'll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city,  where we will begin a walking tour through the cobbled streets of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center to visit the Old Town, Citadel of Gjirokastra overlooking the city, and Skenduli House, a typical Ottoman house dating back to the 18th century.

Gjirokastra - Këlcyrë

Day 13: Experience Another Side to Albania

After a comfortable night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we'll set off for the village of Këlcyrë, where we will spend time at a small agritourism farm in the countryside, our hosts a lovely family.

Located in the wilderness, where you will enjoy an authentic Albanian experience amidst the country's natural beauty.

You'll have free time during the afternoon, to embark on hikes around the grounds with the possibility of discovering the two pristine lakes close by. 

While here, you will learn more about the history of rural Albania with your hosts, who are happy to share their stories with you.

Këlcyrë - Langarica Canyon - Korça

Day 14: Sojourn through the Albanian Countryside

After a traditional breakfast, you'll drive across beautiful landscapes of mountains through rural Albania.

We'll first make a stop in the thermal baths of Permet called “Banja”, recognized for their healing benefits. While bathinig, admire the stone bridge, Kadiut, built above the baths.

We'll stop at a small ranch in the heart of the mountains for a traditional lunch and afterwards, continue onto Korça, also called "little Paris" because of its coffee culture and adhere to Francophonie.

Walk around the city to discover its many monuments, such as the largest Orthodox Cathedral in the country, Resurrection Cathedral, or its unique old bazaar. 

Korça - Pogradec - Lin

Day 15: Bathe in the Waters of Lake Ohrid

After breakfast, we'll begin the journey toward Voskopoja, a small mountain town known for its 17th-century history as the epicenter of the trade, culture, education, and religion of the region. You'll have time to discover its beautiful churches that are preserved in the past.

We'll continue to the village of Pogradec, which lies on the shore of Lake Ohrid for lunch in the Drilon National Park, where we'll feast on fish endemic fish to the lake.

Then it's onto the small fishing village of Lin, where you'll drop off your luggage before enjoying a moment of relaxation in a sublime landscape.

In the afternoon, enjoy a swim in the lake or embark on a walk to the heights of Lin where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the region.

Lin - Kruje

Day 16: Relax Above Kruje in Style

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for one final adventure in Albania.

This morning, we'll set off on the road to Elba San, the largest city in central Albania, known for its fortress in the city center which we implore you to discover.

Afterward, we'll continue the journey to Kruje, where after dropping off your luggage, you'll begin the discovery of one of Europe's oldest cities.

You'll stroll through its old bazaar and the medieval fortress of Skanderbeg, a hero in the Balkans for resisting the invasion of the Ottoman Empire.

Enjoy the evening relaxing in or by the rooftop pool of your hotel with a magnificent view of the area, raising a glass to your Albanian adventure.

Kruje - Tirana Airport

Day 17: Say Farewell to Albania

This morning you’ll be transferred to Tirana, where you'll have some free time to spend it your own pace and leisure, enjoying everything that this quaint city has to offer.

Depending on when your flight is, you may need to head straight to the airport.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best and breath of all that Albania has to offer. The rich natural beauty, storied history, and the people make the county what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!