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Between the Balkans and the Adriatic Sea
Albania in 10 Days, 9 Nights in Destination
From
£ 1,639
£ 899
/person
-45%
Natalie
Travel crafter
A well-rounded tour of Albania! Explore the history of this fascinating Balkan country, a true melting pot of Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet-era successful survival stories that define a now thriving free nation.
Trip Highlights
- Berat
- Butrint
- Durres
- Elbasan
- Gjirokastër
- Korca
- Kruja
- Shkodra
- Tirana
- Vlora
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until November 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + £ 530
Add up to 4 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
charm included
- WHAT'S THIS?
Itinerary
Begin in Tirana, visit castles in Lezhe and landscapes in Shkodra. Continue to Kruja, the home Skanderbeg and medieval Durres. Discover the ancient city of Berat, Ardenica Monastery, Apollonia with its Roman remains and the coastal city of Vlora. Head to resort town Saranda and onto the ruins of Butrint. Visit stone city Gjirokaster, Tepelena Castle and cultural Korca. Finally, discover Elbasan.
1st Day: UK/Ireland - Tirana
Pack your bags and head to your chosen departure airport ready for your flight* to Tirana, Albania's capital city. Tirana is famous for its colourful combination of architectural styles and the pastel buildings surrounding the central Skanderbeg Square, named for the national hero immortalised in an equestrian statue. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest after your trip. Overnight stay in Tirana.
*Important: if you are traveling with Ryanair or Wizz Air, we recommend that you check-in online on the website to avoid additional charges. Online check-in will be available until 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Note: The reservation includes only one piece of carry-on baggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm). Any extra baggage can be subject to additional fees at the airport.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albanopolis Hotel or similar
13 Reviews
See our full selection
2nd Day: Tirana - Kruja - Tirana
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, meet the tour guide, who will lead the day’s excursion. First, head to Kruja, one of Albania's most important cities, known for its role in the resistance against the Ottomans and as the home of the national hero, Skanderbeg. You will also visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the castle.
After the tour, you'll have free time to have lunch in Kruja. In the afternoon, return to Tirana, where you can join a nighttime walking tour to continue exploring the city's charm. Overnight stay in Tirana.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 120 km via a busy highway, although an alternative road is under construction that will make the transfer faster.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albanopolis Hotel or similar
13 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Tirana night tour
Moderate
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City Tour of Kruja
Moderate
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3rd Day: Tirana - Lezhe - Shkodra
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you’ll travel to the city of Lezhe, known as Lissus in ancient times. Visit the Lezha Fortress atop the hill and the mausoleum of Skanderbeg.
Next, enjoy some free time at a pleasant lakeside café before continuing to Shkodra, a city in northwest Albania renowned for its stunning landscapes. You will explore the city, stopping at the centre, the old bazaar, the cathedral, and the mosque, where you can savour local cuisine with a delicious lunch (not included).
After that, travel to the Rozafa Castle, which is 4,000 years old and located between two rivers, offering a new view of Shkodra. You’ll take a walking tour included in the visit, admiring the impressive mountains and Lake Shkodra. Finally, in the afternoon, you will return to Shkodra to complete check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Shkodra.
Note: the route for this day covers an approximate distance of 224 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Alis Hotel or similar
24 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha
Moderate
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City Tour of Shkodra
Active
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4th Day: Shkodra - Durres - Berat
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will continue exploring Albania. In the morning, head to the port city of Durres, the most important Mediterranean metropolis until the 15th century.
Here, you will take a walking tour and visit the ancient city walls and the famous 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, the largest in the Balkans. Next, you’ll have free time to enjoy the local cuisine.
In the afternoon, continue to the city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. With over 2,400 years of history, Berat is one of the oldest inhabited regions in Albania and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit the castle and the Berat Museum. Finally, you’ll head to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Berat.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 100 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Republika Berat or similar
17 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Durres
Active
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City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)
Active
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Visit to the Belsh Lake
Light
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5th Day: Berat - Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlora
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll travel to the Monastery of Ardenica, erected by the Byzantine emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 in honor of his victory over the kingdom of Sicily. This Byzantine monument is famous for having hosted the wedding of the famous Skanderbeg.
Continue next to Apollonia, a group of Roman ruins located on a distant hillside that, long ago, gave shape to an important city.
Depart for the coastal town of Vlora, surrounded by the Ceraunian Mountains and bathed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Discover the most important sites including the museum*, where the independence of Albania from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. Overnight stay in Vlora.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 120 km.
*The visit to the museum may change depending on seasonal political or cultural events, alternatively there would be more free time.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Partner or similar
156 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Vlora
Light
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Ardenica Monastery
Light
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Ruins of Apollonia
Active
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6th Day: Vlora - Himare - Saranda - Butrint
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to the south of Albania. Make a short stop at a beach town called Himare, and continue on through picturesque coastal villages with time for lunch (not included) in Ksamil, well-known for its colorful and beautiful beaches.
Continue your day with a visit to the ruins of Butrinto, the most important UNESCO archaeological site in Albania. Butrinto dates back to the 7th century B.C., later became a Roman colony and then fell under the rule of the Venetians and the Turks. Explore numerous historical buildings, such as the acropolis, the basilica and the palace.
Make your last stop of the day at Saranda, a tourist center of the Albanian Riviera surrounded by the Ionian Sea and beautiful hills of olive groves. Overnight stay in Saranda.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 158 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Havana or similar
17 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)
Active
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7th Day: Saranda - Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning continue on your journey to Gjirokaster, also known as the Stone City. En-route stop at the hilltop settlement of Mesopotam, first established in the 5th century by the Chaones, a Pelasgian Kingdom in ancient Epirus, but wasn’t inhabited until the Byzantine era. Its 12-feet-thick stone walls were built to protect the ancient residents against Illyrian attacks. The ruins today include a small temple, a theater, remains of houses and Roman cisterns.
Next, travel to Blue Eye National Park, a water spring and stunning natural phenomenon, before reaching the UNESCO listed town of Gjirokaster. Known for the intensive use of stone in the building of the houses, which look like small fortresses and its quaint cobblestone streets, which all lead to the Bazaar. Once you arrive, enjoy free time to explore this less-known city that has been tagged ‘Albania’s best kept secret’. Overnight stay in Gjirokaster.
Note: Estimated transfer distance 64km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Bineri Hotel or similar
34 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Blue Eye National Park
Active
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Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)
Challenging
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8th Day: Girokaster - Voskopoja - Korca
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, drive to Voskopoje and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Vjosa river valley and panoramic views on the way. Make a stop at a natural hot spring near Permet and have time for lunch (not included) in a beautiful lakeside house.
Continue driving to Voskopoje to discover the traditional way of life and some outstanding examples of Orthodox Christian churches. Finally, drive to Korca, a historic town with a rich cultural tradition and interesting buildings from the Ottoman period, including one of Albania’s most important mosques. Take a walking tour to discover this Albanian jewel. Overnight stay in Korca.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 245 km. In addition, we will also cross a stretch of road under construction, which may extend the duration of the journey.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
MIK Hotel Korce or similar
See our full selection
9th Day: Korca - Pogradec - Lin - Elbasan - Tirana
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head first to Pogradec, where you’ll make a short stop at Lake Ohrid. Continue to Lin to visit some fascinating ruins and enjoy views of the Balkan mountain scenery with northern Macedonia and Lake Ohrid in the background.
Afterwards, drive to Elbasan, a very important city in ancient Illyrian times and famous for its historical ruins from the Roman and Ottoman periods.Take some time for lunch (not included) near a beautiful castle. Then take a short walk to see the 4th century castle, the clock, the main church and an ancient mosque. Finally, drive to Tirana for your final night in Albania. Overnight stay in Tirana.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 165 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albanopolis Hotel or similar
13 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Elbasan
Light
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Visit to Pogradec
Active
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10th Day: Tirana - UK/Ireland
Breakfast at the hotel*. It’s time to bid farewell to the historical nation of Albania. At the indicated time, take your transfer to Tirana Airport for your departure and return to the UK/Ireland.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
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Categories Available:
charm
From £ 899
Selected
- Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
Accommodation: 9 Nights
Included activities
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The price includes
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Tirana - UK/Ireland*.more information
- 9 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels**.more informationSee hotels included
- 9 breakfasts.
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide***.more informationSee itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- ATOL Protection.
- English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides.
- Escorted tour.
Not included
Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes* and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
*The tourist tax in Albania must be paid in cash directly at the hotels. The amount will vary according to the city and the category of accommodation chosen:
-
3* hotels: 80 to 150 ALL (Albanian Lek), per room per night.
-
4* hotels: 300 to 400 ALL (Albanian Lek) per room per night.
*If you are traveling with Ryanair or Wizz Air, we recommend completing online check-in on the website to avoid additional charges. The reservation includes only one piece of hand luggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm), which must be placed under the seat in front on the plane. Additional luggage can be purchased in advance through the airline's website. Any extra luggage that does not meet the specified dimensions and is not reserved in advance will be subject to additional fees at the airport.
** Some hotels, particularly those in historic neighborhoods or small towns, may not be equipped with elevators. We kindly suggest that you bear this in mind when packing and choosing your luggage!
If you’d like to request a specific type of bed in your room (i.e. twin or double), please note that there may be limited availability.
***Your itinerary may need to be modified due to unavoidable circumstances, including but not limited to weather, national holidays, road closures, or other government orders.
This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes an extensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Albania. You can expect several early morning departures and many driving miles throughout the trip.
Please keep in mind that some roads may be in poor condition. For this reason, we cannot predict the volume of traffic ahead of time.
• We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Albania. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
• Hotel ratings in Albania are not governed by the same standards as those in the UK/Ireland.
• Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.
• For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.
Entry requirements
Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity required.
Visa
No visa is required to enter the country.
Currency
Lek.
Language
Albanian.
Electricity
Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers.
Time zone
UTC + 01:00.
Tourist Office website
https://albania.al/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.
Car seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.
Pay in installments
Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.
Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.