Discovery tour of Albania’s cities & coast

Tirana Airport - Tirana

Day 1: Say Hello to Tirana

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

The Albanian capital, Tirana, is a city in constant evolution. Formerly dull and grey, the city has experienced an international boom post-communism, becoming a lively metropolis, representing both the past and the future 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. There'll be a welcome drink and dinner at a local restaurant this evening to get you accustomed to the hospitality you'll come to enjoy during your trip.

Tirana - Berat

Day 2: Dive into the Past in Berat

After breakfast, we'll head for the historical city of Berat, a city characterized by the coexistence of different religious and cultural communities over the centuries, which you'll explore on a sightseeing tour. 

We'll venture past the UNESCO listed, 13th-century fortress of Kala before visiting the Onufri iconographic museum which houses a collection of objects belonging to Albanian churches and monasteries whose paintings date from the sixteenth to the twentieth century.

On the way, we'll stop to meet a family-run vineyard for a wine tasting in the cellar "Çobo Winery", allowing you to discover the wine heritage of Albania.

Berat - Këlcyrë

Day 3: Explore the Untouched Beauty of Albania

Today, we're headed towards the village of Këlcyrë where we'll visit a small farmhouse in the countryside to discover a more unseen yet authentic side to Albania, meeting its inhabitants and enjoying a landscape off the beaten track, natural wonders little known from the usual tourist circuits.

Here, you'll take part in a traditional cooking class and discover the preparation of traditional Albanian dishes such as "Flia" or "Pita". Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh produce from the region.

Then, it's off on a hike in magnificent untouched landscapes, where after 5 km we'll reach a lake for a break and swim if you're up for it.

We'll continue to the town of Permët, an example of ecological farming that produces local products such as rakia or honey, and is committed to the environment. It's here where you'll spend the evening. 

Këlcyrë

Day 4: Raft Down the Rapids of Vjosa River

We hope you're excited about your next Albanian adventure.

Meet with a local instructor and gear up for a rafting trip on the Vjosa River, to start a descent on the rapids while enjoying a morning full of thrills. You'll embark aboard an inflatable raft, steered with the help of a paddle and coordination and teamwork. 

Upon joining up with the Langarica Canyon, you could disembark and walk into the canyon or simply enjoy a swim in its natural thermal springs.

At the end of the afternoon, we'll head towards a cheese factory located in a bunker where you can have a taste of local products during dinner and enjoy its many varieties of cheeses, wines, and rakias.

Këlcyrë - Gjirokastra - Ksamil

Day 5: Discover the Ancient City of Butrint

After breakfast, it's time to start exploring Gjirokastra, a rare example of a city with an architectural style typical of the Ottoman period.

Admire the architecture of a series of 17th-century two-story houses, sites that give the impression of a thousand-window painting. Visit the Citadel of Gjirokastra overlooking the city and Skenduli house, a typical Ottoman house dating back to the 18th century.

Then it's onto Butrint, an archeological site of an ancient city built by the Trojans after the fall of Troy. Visit this UNESCO listed site once occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, before we head to Saranda, the biggest seaside resort of Albania, where we'll end the day.

Ksamil - Kakomë - Himarë

Day 6: Cruise the Waters of the Ionian Coast

We're headed for Kakomë Bay this morning. Located on the Ionian coast, Kakomë Beach is one of the quietest, untouched and beautiful beaches on the Albanian coast.

We'll begin a hike up a hill for amazing views of Kakome and Krorza Bay. Visit the Monastery of St. Mary which contains many architectural and decorative elements, such as arches, columns, frames, and windowsills.

Then descend back to Kakome Bay, from where you will set off on a kayaking excursion on the beautiful waters of the Adriatic, enjoying a picnic during the journey.

Then it's back to driving along the coast to reach Ali Pasha Castle, a famed governor of the region, often compared to Napoleon for his military strategies and alliances.

We'll reach the charming seaside resort of Himarë / Dhermi. in the afternoon where you're free to relax on the seafront or enjoy the city's beaches.

Himarë - Karavasta - Kruje

Day 7: Stroll through the Streets of Kruje

We hope after a comforting night's sleep and delectable breakfast, you're reading for your final adventure in Albania.

This morning, we'll continue the journey up to Northern Albania, making a short stop at the Karavasta Lagoon in Divjakë, Albania's largest lagoon with a high concentration of flora and fauna. You'll embark on a boat tour to discover the secret of the lagoon.

Afterward, we'll continue to the historic city of Kruje, where upon arrival, we'll begin a guided tour of one of Europe's oldest cities.

We'll stroll through its old bazaar and the medieval fortress of Skanderbeg. Compared to Alexander the Great, Skanderbeg is a true hero in the Balkans for having been the first to unite the Albanians and resisted the invasion of the Ottoman Empire.

Kruje - Tirana Airport

Day 8: Say Goodbye to Albania

This morning you’ll have some free time to spend at 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 that Albania has to offer. The hospitable people, its rich natural beauty, and storied history that make the country unique.

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