Discover Albania

Welcome to Tirana, Albania! Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at Mother Teresa Airport for a comfortable 1-hour transfer to your hotel in downtown Tirana. In the evening, explore the vibrant Blloku district, once exclusive to Albania’s political elite. Now, it’s the city's liveliest spot, filled with trendy bars and bustling cafes—perfect for enjoying a drink and soaking in the local atmosphere.

Travel Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours (Airport to Tirana)

After breakfast, head to Kruja, a historic city once the capital of Albanopolis, inhabited by the Illyrian tribes of Albans. Visit the ancient Kruja Castle, dating back to the 6th century and rebuilt by both the Byzantines and the Ottomans, and take in the views. Wander through the 400-year-old handicraft market, then watch artisans transform wool into traditional Albanian costumes at a local workshop.

Your lunch will be another part of today's adventure. You will enjoy not only the carefully prepared and spectacularly served traditional dishes, but the breathtaking vistas as well. In the afternoon, explore Tirana on a guided tour. Start at Skanderbeg Square, surrounded by landmarks like the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower. Stroll vibrant boulevards marked by Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences, capturing the city's colorful and dynamic history and spirit. Explore the Bunk’Art museum, set inside Enver Hoxha’s massive nuclear bunker. Through videos, sounds, and exhibits, experience a powerful reflection on Albania’s past. Then, stroll to the ruins of Tirana Castle, where Byzantine and Ottoman history meet modern cafes, restaurants, and shops—a lively spot to end your day.

Travel Time: 1 Hour (Tirana to and from Kruja)

The day starts with a transfer from Tiranë to Berat through the quiet Dumrea Plateau, known for its lakes and open countryside. Arrival in Berat allows time to explore the UNESCO-listed old town, a cultural center with 2,400 years of history shaped by Illyrian, eastern, and western influences.

A short transfer leads to a local farm and winery for a guided walk and a traditional lunch served with house wines. In the afternoon, the visit continues to Berat Castle, where residents still live inside its walls. The fortress features medieval churches, preserved icons, and views over the old quarters. A stop at the Onufri Museum highlights important Albanian religious art. Rest at your hotel in Berat.

Travel Time:
Tirana to Berat: 1.5 Hours
Berat – Winery: 30min
Winery – Berat: 45min

The morning begins with a transfer from Berat to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of Stone.” This well-preserved Ottoman merchant town features steep cobbled alleys, white stone houses, and small workshops that highlight simple Balkan craftsmanship. Lunch is served on arrival before joining an authentic coffee-making experience. This hands-on activity follows a century-old method: roasting beans over an oak fire, grinding on a carved limestone rock, and boiling in a copper pot, then serving with local jam and Raki.

The visit continues at Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. Most of its present structure dates to the 19th century, while earlier elements trace back to late antiquity. A walk through the site includes views over the Drino Valley and access to the former prison, now part of a small museum. A tour of a traditional museum house follows, offering insight into past urban life in southern Albania.

Free time in the evening allows a simple walk through the market street to see local handicrafts and souvenirs. Accommodation is in Gjirokastër.

Travel Time: 2.45 Hours (Berat to Gjirokastra)

The day begins with breakfast in Gjirokastër before a transfer to Labovë e Kryqit, a village known for the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin. This site ranks among the most important Byzantine monuments in the Balkans. First built in the 6th century and restored in the 10th, the church features detailed stonework and a long history linked to a rare silver cross once believed to contain a piece of the True Cross. 

A short transfer leads to a small farm near Libohovë for a regional cooking experience. Local hosts guide the preparation of a simple traditional meal using ingredients grown in the garden. Lunch follows, offering a direct look into rural food traditions.

In the afternoon, the journey continues toward the Ionian coast. The scenery shifts quickly, moving from quiet mountain villages and pastoral areas to Mediterranean settlements built along steep hillsides. Stone houses, coastal views, and historic landmarks mark the approach to Saranda, one of Albania’s most visited seaside towns.

Free time is available in the evening to explore the waterfront at a relaxed pace. Accommodation is in Saranda.

Travel Time:
Gjirokastra to Labove: 45 mins
Labovë – Farm: 15mins
Farm – Saranda: 1.15 Hours

After breakfast, head to Butrint, the most important archaeological site in Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage destination. Known since the 7th century BC, Butrint once served as a key city of Epirus, with origins linked to the legend of the Trojan prince Aeneas. The guided visit covers ancient walls, temples, and the well-preserved theater, offering a clear view of the site’s long history and quiet natural setting.

Lunch follows at a local restaurant that specializes in fresh mussels from the Saranda region, one of the top mussel-producing areas in the country. In the afternoon, the route returns to Saranda, where the rest of the day is free for simple seaside walks or relaxed time along the waterfront. Accommodation is in Saranda.

Travel Time:
Sarandë to and from Butrint: 30 Minutes
Butrint – Sarandë: 45min

Set out on a scenic drive along the Ionian Coast, where small bays, pebbly beaches, and clear waters await. Stop at Porto Palermo Bay, once a Cold War military base, and glimpse its hidden submarine tunnels. Explore the historic Ali Pasha Castle, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Continue to Himara and visit its ancient hilltop village before reaching Vlorë for your overnight stay.

Travel Time:
Sarandë to Porto Palermo: 1 Hour
Porto Palermo to Himarë: 30 Minutes
Himarë to Vlorë: 2 Hours

After breakfast, head to Durrës, an ancient city on the Adriatic Coast. Explore the ruins of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine market complex, once a hub of formal gatherings. Visit the impressive Roman amphitheater, built in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian. After lunch by the sea, return to Tirana for a relaxing afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Travel Time:
Vlorë to Durrës: 2 Hours
Durrës to Tiranë: 1 Hour

This morning, enjoy a 1-hour transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Albania’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Travel Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours (Hotel in Tirana to Airport)