Wonders of Albania

Explore the wonders of Albania on this immersive 10-day holiday, offering a perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin in the vibrant capital of Tirana, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner before delving into the city’s rich history and dynamic nightlife. Visit iconic landmarks such as the National Historical Museum and the Bunk’Art2 museum, which offers a unique insight into Albania’s communist past.

Next, venture to the historic town of Kruja, home to the Skanderbeg Museum and a lively bazaar where you can shop for traditional crafts. Continue your journey to Durres, one of Albania’s oldest cities, with its ancient amphitheatre and rich Greco-Roman heritage. Then, head to the UNESCO-listed town of Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” where you’ll stroll through its charming streets and visit the famous Berat Castle. A highlight of this stop is a visit to a local winery, where you’ll taste delicious wines and experience authentic Albanian hospitality.

Your journey takes you further south to the UNESCO town of Gjirokastra, with its imposing castle and traditional stone houses. From there, explore the enchanting Blue Eye Water Springs before reaching the coastal town of Saranda. Enjoy the stunning seaside views and visit the ancient archaeological site of Butrint, one of Albania’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Travel along the scenic Albanian Riviera, stopping at picturesque villages like Borsh and Qeparo, and take in the breathtaking views from Llogara National Park. The tour concludes in the historic coastal city of Vlora, where Albania declared its independence in 1912. Here, you’ll explore the city’s rich history and relax by the Adriatic coast.

This holiday includes 9 nights in 4-star hotels, guided excursions, and all transfers, ensuring a comfortable and enriching journey through Albania’s most beautiful and historically significant destinations.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana

Upon arrival at Tirana’s “Mother Teresa” Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the chance to experience Albania’s rich culinary flavours. After dinner, take a stroll through Tirana’s trendy ex-block area, known as “the forbidden town,” where former communist leaders once lived. This area is now home to fashionable boutiques, jewellery shops, and vibrant local pubs.
Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Lot Boutique in Tirana.

Day 2 – Tirana and Kruja

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Albania’s lively capital with visits to the National Historical Museum, the Ethem Bey Mosque, and the National Gallery. You’ll also have the opportunity to tour the Archaeological Museum and the Bunk’Art2 Museum, which illuminates the political persecution of Albania’s communist era. In the afternoon, travel to Kruja, the medieval capital during Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, and explore the Ethnographic Museum and Kruja’s old bazaar, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts. Return to Tirana for an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Durres and Berat

Start the day with a drive to Durres, one of the oldest cities in Albania, where you’ll explore remnants of its Greek and Roman past, including the ancient amphitheatre. From Durres, continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely evening stroll through the city’s old neighbourhoods.
Overnight at Hotel Portik in Berat.

Day 4 – Berat

Today, explore the fascinating Berat Castle, one of Albania’s largest and oldest fortresses, still inhabited today. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets and visit the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Onufri Museum, showcasing stunning Byzantine art. After a walking tour of the city, drive to Roshnik village to visit the family-run Alpeta Winery. Here, you’ll learn about the winemaking process, enjoy tastings of local wine and raki, and indulge in a lunch made with local produce.
Return to Berat for an overnight stay.

Day 5 – Gijrokaster , Blue Eye, and Saranda

After breakfast, depart for Gjirokastra, another UNESCO-listed town known for its fortress and unique architecture. Explore the Gjirokastra Castle, the weapons museum, and the Zekati house, one of the best-preserved examples of 17th-century Albanian homes. If time permits, visit the house of famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare. After lunch in Gjirokastra, continue to the stunning Blue Eye Water Springs natural park before arriving in Saranda for your overnight stay at Hotel Oasis.

Day 6 – Butrint, and Ksamil Village

Begin the day with a visit to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site dating back to the 7th century BC. Explore the ancient ruins before heading to the coastal village of Ksamil, known for its beautiful beaches. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant before returning to Saranda for a city tour and free time to explore the coastal promenade. Overnight at Hotel Oasis in Saranda.

Day 7 – Borsh, Qeparo, Porto Palermo and Himara

After breakfast, drive along the picturesque Albanian Riviera, stopping first at the Borsh waterfall for a coffee break. Continue to the ancient village of Qeparo, perched on a cliff with spectacular views of the coast. Next, visit Porto Palermo Castle, built by Ali Pasha, before driving to the coastal town of Himara. Spend the night at the Chimaera Hotel in Himara.

Day 8 – Dhermi Palase, Llorgara National Park and Vlora

Today’s journey takes you along the Albanian Riviera, stopping at Dhermi, a charming village with a rich history and several well-preserved churches. Visit the 12th-century Panagia Monastery Church before heading to the stunning Palace beach for some free time. After lunch, continue through the scenic Llogara Pass, 1,100 metres above sea level, and arrive in Vlora.
Overnight at the Marina Bay Hotel in Vlora.

Day 9 – Kanina Castle, and Zvernec Monastery

Spend the morning visiting the peaceful Zvernec Monastery, located on an island in the Narta Lagoon and connected by a picturesque wooden bridge. After exploring the monastery, continue to Kanina Castle, offering magnificent views over the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In the afternoon, return to Vlora for a tour of the city’s historic heart, including the site where Albania declared its independence in 1912. Overnight at Marina Bay Hotel in Vlora.

Day 10 – Tirana

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Vlora at your own pace or relax by the coast. Later, you’ll drive back to Tirana, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Albanian adventure.