Highlights of Albania

Overview:

2025 Departure Dates: 

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana (20 Km/45 Min)

Arrival at Tirana International Airport. Meet and greet with the representative and transfer to the hotel in Tirana. Free time at your disposal. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Overnight at Hotel Theatro 4* or similar.

Day 2: Tirana – Durres – Berat (Unesco) (129 Km/2h30 Min)

In the morning transfer and visit for Durres one of the oldest cities in Albania (founded in 627 BC). The most important site is the amphitheater of the Roman Emperor Adrian with 15,000 seats, the second biggest amphitheater in the Balkans. Then drive to BERAT, the 2,413 years-old city also known as the city of “one over one windows” (UNSECO site). Berat is a treasure-trove of Albanian history, culture and a testament to the country’s tradition of religious harmony.

The ensemble of the Byzantine churches, the post-Byzantine monumental Cathedral of Saint Mary today Onufri museum the famous iconographer of the 16th century and ottomans occupation mark are some of the beauty of this city. Inside the walls of the castle of Berat visit a traditional house and tasting some home made products. Dinner and overnight in Berat.

Overnight at Hotel Onufri or Republica 4* or similar.

Day 3: Berat – Ardencia – Gjirokaster (Unesco) (185 Km/3h30 Min)

Transfer to Monastery of Ardenica. The Byzantine structure consists of the Saint Mary Church, the Saint Triad chapel, the konake, the oil mill, the oven and the stall. Known also as a place where the National Scanderbeg got married. Afternoon transfer to Gjirokastra known as “The City of Stone”, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 2005. Museum city with very particular historical architecture.

Visit to the medieval castle, built in the 4th century AD. The castle, known as Argjiro castle, is the most important structure of the city and the largest in Albania. Visit, the Ethnographic Museum, house where the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born. Dinner and overnight in Gjirokastra.

Overnight at Hotel Cajupi 4*, or similar.

Day 4: Gjirokaster – Blue Eye – Butrinti (Unesco) – Saranda (95 Km/2h30 Min)

In the morning drive to Saranda, on the way stop shortly to Blue Eye one of the beautiful springs in Albania. Latter visit one of the most important parks of Albania the ancient city of BUTRINT (UNESCO site). The city was first settled by Greek colonists and was continuously inhabited for centuries forming archaeological layers of several eras of civilization. Apart the beautiful antique ruins it has the added benefit of being situated in a beautiful peninsula, rich in flora and fauna.

After visiting Butrint, a short stop in Ksamil, seaside town nestled between the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the mussel-rich waters of the Butrint Lagoon, with three idyllic islands within swimming distance of Ksamil. Dinner and overnight in Saranda.

Overnight at Hotel Brilant 4* or similar.

Day 5: Saranda – Riviera Porto Palermo – Vlora (120 Km/3h30 Min)

After breakfast we travel along the spectacular Albanian Riviera following the Ionian coast line through the villages of Lukovë, Qeparo, Himara. Photo stop at the castle of Ali Pasha in Porto Palermo, a fortress used to control the sea trade routes. The castle described and pictured is popularly known as 'The Triangular Fortress'.

In the afternoon arrive in Vlora, today most interesting sights are the Independence Museum, Muradie Mosque, built in 1542 by the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan, the constructor of the famous Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul. Afternoon free time for leisure on the beach of Vlora. Dinner and overnight in Vlora.

Overnight at Hotel Palace 4* or similar.

Day 6: Vlora – Apollonia – Tirana (155 Km/2h30min)

After breakfast we continue to the ancient city of Apollonia – located on the famous Via Egnatia – one of the most important cities of Ancient Rome. It was here that Julius Caesar sent his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory, a testimony to the importance of this city. We continue transfer to the Capital of Albania that has an endless movement and energy. The journey begins by visiting the key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the clock Tower, and castle of the Roman emperor Justinian, monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, Tanners' Bridge, Bunkart 2... all of this will leave wonderful memories to you. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Overnight at Hotel Theatro 4* or similar.

Day 7: Tirana – Shkoder – Kruje – Tirana (224 Km/4h30min)

After breakfast, departure for Shkodra, the most important city in northern Albania and the ancient capital of Illyria in the 3rd century BC. Visit to Rozafa Castle, from where you can admire a spectacular 360-degree panorama. We will then visit the Marubi Photographic Museum which houses a selection of photos taken from the second half of the 19th century to 1900.

Take a walk in the recently renovated pedestrian area, where Italian and Austrian architecture intertwine, testimo ny to the city's historical ties with these two countries. The trip continues to the medieval town of Kruja, one of the principal historic cities in Albania. Going through Ottoman bazaar to reach the fortress from where Albania’s hero – George Kastrioti Skanderbeg – defended the country from Ottoman invasion and today Skanderbeg museum is placed. Return back Tirana. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Overnight at Hotel Theatro 4* or similar.

Day 8: Departure from Tirana (20 Km/45 Min) 

Transfer to Tirana Airport for departure.

Package Includes:

• Return flights from London to Tirana

• 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveller (up to 23 kg)

• Transfers from the airport to the hotel and back.
• 7 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels in standard rooms.
• Half Board (breakfast and dinner).
• Air-conditioned transportation during the tour (day 2-day 7)
• Local English-speaking or bilingual guide (day 2-day 7)
• Visit to a local house in Berat and tasting of local products
• 24-hour emergency service
• ATOL protection
• All taxes