Albania Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Albania tour packages
- What people love about Albania Tours
- Most popular destinations in Albania
- Travel Albania your way
- Best tour companies for Albania tours
- Best places to start your Albania tour
- Discover Albania tours for every budget
- Albania tours for every type of group
- Top Albania travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Albania
- Contact our Albania travel experts
- What our customers ask about Albania Tours & Trips
The best Albania tour packages
Compiled by
NinaAlbania travel expert at TourRadar
Hiking the Albanian Alps
39 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The waterfalls and pools were a lovely way to finish the final hiking day.”
Mitzi, traveled in June
The 8-day trek through Albania starts in Tirana and reaches Shkodra's Rozafa Castle. Lake Koman boat ride, challenging Valbona Pass hike (850m ascent), and stays at traditional Pisha Villa in Theth showcase local culture through family-cooked meals and visits to blood feud lock-in towers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tirana, Shkoder, Koman, Valbone, Theth Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $2,740
16% Off- NZ$2,300You save $440
Highlights of Albania
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We enjoyed our tour in general. Some of the hotels were better than others, but none were truly horrible.”
Paul, traveled in May
Albania's rich heritage costs approx. $210 daily, spanning 17 cities including UNESCO sites Butrint and Berat Castle. Hotel Europa in Tirana and Hotel Alvero in Përmet serve as bases for exploring ancient ruins, traditional villages, and national parks over 10 days.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tirana, Pogradec, Voskopoje, Erseke, Benje, Permet, Dhoksat, Gjirokastra, Butrint National Park, SarandaSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,637
21% Off- NZ$2,090You save $547
Cycling in Albania
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great organisation, and Albania by bike is a beautiful way to see the south of the country!”
TS, traveled in May
Riders pedal Albania's diverse terrain from Pogradec's lakeside through the Grammoz Mountains to coastal Vlorë. Farma Sotira in Gërmenj provides authentic accommodation while UNESCO-listed Butrint and the 3,422ft Llogara Pass in the national park offer spectacular views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tirana, Pogradec, Korca, Germenj, Leskovik, Carshove, Benje, Kelcyra, Gjirokastra, Butrint National ParkSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,967
18% Off- NZ$2,420You save $547
The route winds from Tirana's historic squares to Lake Koman's turquoise waters. The 2400-year-old Berat Castle, Dalmatian pelicans at Karavasta Lagoon, and local life in Babunje village await, with nights spent at beachside hotels and traditional guesthouses.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tirana, Koman, Divjake, Karavasta, Tragjas, Vlore, Berat Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
18% Off- NZ$2,845
The 8-day Albanian odyssey pairs UNESCO sites like Gjirokaster and Apollonia with outdoor excitement. Wild Vjosa River rafting, Benja thermal pools, and pirate cave cruises near Karaburun Peninsula create lasting memories. Comfortable hotels in Tirana and beachside stays in Vlora provide rest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tirana, Kelcyra, Palermo, Vlore, Himara, Dhermi Age Range 7 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $3,070
9% Off- NZ$2,800You save $270
What people love about Albania Tours
- Hiking the Albanian Alps
The Albania walking holiday was absolutely fantastic - excellent, friendly and knowledgable guide (Erenik), challenging and interesting walking, stunning scenery and great food.
- Highlights of Albania
We were very disappointed that the itinerary was changed from a supposedly 10 day tour to an 8 day tour...there was no program on either the first or last day and everything was crammed into 8 days giving us less time to enjoy the attractions. Therefore for 6 days the itinerary altered from the advertised program. We chose tour tour as it had a.good itinerary and were not happy with the outcome.
- Cycling in Albania
Great organisation, encouragement and Albania by bike is a beautiful way to see the south of the country!
Most popular destinations in Albania
Our travelers keep coming back amazed by Plitvice Lakes National Park's crystal-clear pools and waterfalls - it really sets the tone for what makes exploring the Adriatic so special. When you hop between the Dalmatian islands, you'll find Hvar's lovely vineyards and lively nightlife, while Korcula lets you trace Marco Polo's footsteps through medieval streets while tasting excellent local wines. For active types, Sipan Island offers fantastic kayaking spots and cliff jumping at the Green Cave, and cycling through Mljet National Park combines pristine nature with good exercise. The food here ties everything together beautifully - our guests particularly love the fresh seafood, traditional Dalmatian meat loaf and unique GRK white wines from the region. We've found April through June or September to October offer the best experience, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists around, making it easier to really connect with local life and traditions.
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Travel Albania your way
The Albanian Alps deliver some truly excellent hiking terrain. There's this fantastic route from Theth to Valbona that climbs 1,050 meters up to cross Valbona Pass - it's consistently the highlight for our travelers who trek there. You can do multi-day walks staying in family guesthouses where your hosts cook traditional meals and serve mountain tea. Some paths wind through the lesser-known Zagoria Valley on old caravan routes connecting stone villages, where you'll chat with the few remaining locals. The Accursed Mountains aren't just dramatic in name; they offer some proper challenging climbs, though our guides know plenty of easier options too. A few tours mix hiking with stops at thermal springs like Benja, where the sulfur-rich waters work wonders on hiking-tired muscles.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursAlbania's active tours blend outdoor experiences with rich cultural insights. Most trips kick off in Tirana before heading to Kruja, where you'll explore the medieval bazaar and castle while learning about Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero. Following the Albanian Riviera, you'll find hidden beaches and the remarkable Blue Eye spring - this natural pool shows off crystal-clear water coming up from underground caves. Our customers really love how varied it is: you might spend one day wandering through Ottoman buildings in Gjirokaster's UNESCO old town and then find yourself boating through Lake Koman the next. People often tell us their favorite part was staying in traditional stone houses and family guesthouses, where genuine hospitality and home-cooked meals made all the difference.
See all Active toursOur expedition-style routes through Albania really show you what this country is all about. We've designed the routes to blend the Accursed Mountains with visits to coastal heritage spots, starting in Tirana before taking you on an impressive boat ride through Lake Koman's canyon walls. Most of our travelers tell us their favorite part is staying with local families in Theth village, where they share traditional meals and stories about life in the mountains. You'll hike through the Shala River valley with its clear turquoise waters and climb to excellent viewpoints in Valbona National Park. Many tours include stops at local farms where you'll learn to make Albanian cheese and taste vegetables picked straight from the garden. Our customers often mention how much they love mixing wild mountain walks with real cultural experiences, like sharing lunch with shepherds up in the summer pastures or learning traditional crafts in small mountain communities.
Select from our extensive range of 186 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Albania with our expert guides leading the way.
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More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Albania tours
Choose Balkans and Balkan Insight both come highly rated by our travelers who've explored the Albanian Alps. The guides really make these tours special - Ervin Daja and Myzejen Curri from Balkan Insight consistently get mentioned by name for knowing exactly how to handle everything from local culture to logistics. What stands out in the feedback is how smoothly everything runs. The accommodations are comfortable and well-chosen, and the tours hit a good balance between seeing the key spots and having enough time to take it all in. Our travelers often tell us about connecting with locals along the way, which adds a really nice personal element to the experience. The Albanian Alps portion gets particularly good marks - the routes are thoughtfully planned and the guides know all the best viewpoints and local stories. Both companies have clearly put in the work to develop relationships with communities in the region, which shows in the quality of the experiences they deliver. The consistent positive feedback about organization and attention to detail suggests these companies really understand what makes for a good Balkans tour. They've managed to maintain high standards while keeping that authentic local feel that makes traveling in this region so special.
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Best places to start your Albania tour
Most people kick off their Albania trip from Tirana, our lively capital, though some prefer starting in Shkoder if they're heading to the Alps. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in your plans about 73 days ahead - that's roughly two and a half months, especially if you're aiming for summer when the mountain paths are clear and coastal weather is perfect. For the sweet spot between good weather and fewer tourists, try May-June or September and October. You'll find better hotel deals during these months and more chances to connect with locals. The weather's nice enough to enjoy both the coast and mountains, though if you're planning mountain hikes in early May or late October, pack some extra layers just in case.
Discover Albania tours for every budget
If you're watching your budget in Albania, there's plenty to discover. A popular 7-day route through Southern Albania takes you from the karstic lakes of Belsh to the old castles of Berat - our guide Gezim gets great feedback for making historical sites really come alive. The 5-day Albanian Riviera tour is another solid choice, combining Ksamil's white sand beaches and Ottoman architecture at Porto Palermo Castle. For independent spirits, the week-long self-drive from Tirana to Saranda lets you explore at your own rhythm - you'll see spots like BunkArt 1, the Blue Eye spring and plenty more. Our travelers tell us they love having the freedom to explore while knowing their hotels are sorted.
Looking for something special? The private 6-day journey hits all the high notes - you'll make your own traditional Qeleshe hat with local artisans, visit exclusive wineries near Berat and stay in carefully picked 5-star hotels. Everything's taken care of with private transfers and expert guides at UNESCO sites. Cyclists might prefer our premium pedaling tour - you'll tackle mountain passes and coastal routes, ending each day at quality hotels with great food and excellent facilities.
Albania budget tours
Albania tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
166 tours in AlbaniaAlbania's group tours blend active exploration with deep cultural connections throughout the country. From Tirana, we connect the major UNESCO treasures like Butrint and Gjirokaster, where our seasoned guides Ervin Daja and Myzejen Curri share their expansive local knowledge with travelers. The southern route takes you through Ottoman-era Berat, past ancient Apollonia's ruins and into bustling medieval market streets. Accommodations alternate between quality hotels and authentic family guesthouses, while travelers often share meals with local families and visit traditional craft workshops. The balance of structured tours and independent exploration works especially well, as our guests tell us they appreciate time to wander through places like Kruja's centuries-old market district or explore Saranda's coastal promenade. Along the seaside routes, you'll stop at Ksamil's white sand beaches and the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring, while cultural highlights include Durres with its Roman amphitheater and Berat's distinctive old town, famous for its thousand windows.
Small Group
125 tours in AlbaniaOur small-group tours through Albania create meaningful moments that get consistent praise from travelers. Blending mountain experiences with cultural immersion, the journeys take you to stay with welcoming families in Theth village, trek across the dramatic Valbona Pass, and explore the fjord-like waters of Lake Koman. Cultural routes connect the ancient ruins of Butrint and Gjirokaster with hands-on craft workshops in mountain villages, while active tours mix challenging hikes like the 1,000-meter climb from Theth with authentic experiences such as sharing homemade raki alongside host families. Along the coast, you'll split your time between kayaking in crystal-clear waters, wandering through Ottoman architecture in Berat, and learning family recipes in local kitchens. What sets these experiences apart is the intimate group size - you'll stay in family guesthouses, join small craft workshops and experience genuine Albanian hospitality at places like the sustainable Mrizi i Zanave farm, where groups gather for farm-to-table meals amid rolling countryside.
Private / Personalized
56 tours in AlbaniaWant to keep things flexible but still have backup? The self-drive northern route is perfect for exploring the Albanian Alps - one couple told us they really appreciated how we handled the logistics while they focused on enjoying themselves. Down south, our private cultural tour connects you with family wineries and boutique hotels. The week-long Tirana to Saranda journey adapts to what interests you most - we'll set you up with a pre-loaded GPS and local support, but you're free to set the pace. Our guests often mention how much they value being able to make impromptu stops while knowing all the important details are sorted.
Top Albania travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in Albania lets you really get to know the country. Starting from Tirana, you'll head south to discover Apollonia's Greek ruins and Butrint's ancient stones. Our guests particularly love exploring Berat's Ottoman houses and climbing to the castle for valley views. The Albanian Riviera offers perfect swimming at Ksamil's white beaches and visits to the Blue Eye spring. Some tours lean into culture with family winery visits and craft workshops, while others get you outdoors hiking in Llogara National Park. You'll have free time to explore Gjirokaster's old bazaar and local restaurants - though keep in mind there's some longer drives between locations.
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Ten days gives you time to truly appreciate Albania. These fuller tours start in Tirana before heading to Shkodra and Kruja's 500-year-old market streets. Moving south, you'll explore Apollonia's ruins, wander through Berat's famous windows and soak in Permet's thermal springs. Most groups stop for lunch at Mrizi i Zanave - it's Albania's finest traditional restaurant according to our travelers. You'll split time between culture and nature: one day at Gjirokastra's castle and historic homes, the next swimming off Riviera beaches or boat-watching flamingos and pelicans in Karavasta Lagoon. The mix keeps things interesting and gives you a real sense of what makes Albania special.
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Don't miss out on visiting:
Kotor, Zabljak, Kolasin, Podgorica, Shkoder, Krujë, Tirana, Vlore, Berat
See all toursDemographics
The cultural circuits connecting Tirana with the southern coast really shine for solo travelers. You'll explore UNESCO gems like Butrint and Gjirokaster in small groups, with guides who make ancient history feel current and relevant. Our travelers often tell us they make lasting friendships on the Albanian Alps treks, especially during the Theth to Valbona route. The Lake Shkodra paddleboarding tours followed by village cycling are consistently popular. What works particularly well is how these trips mix guided activities with free time to wander Berat's Ottoman streets or explore Saranda's waterfront at your own rhythm.
Our private luxury journeys through Albania tend to attract couples looking for something special. These tours combine romantic experiences - think candlelit castle dinners - with active days hiking the clear waters of Shala River valley. The wine route through Berat is a favorite, with nights in carefully picked boutique hotels. Along the Albanian Riviera, you'll find private beach time and quiet monastery islands. Couples particularly enjoy mixing cultural moments, like cooking with local families, and peaceful times together in spots like the stepped gardens of Tragjas village.
The active tours pull in younger travelers with a mix of serious hiking, river rafting and cultural discoveries. Our Albanian Alps routes include properly challenging treks like the Theth to Valbona pass, plus evenings sharing raki with mountain families in local guesthouses. The coastal routes offer kayaking, cave snorkeling and hikes to villages time forgot. Lots choose the Via Ferrata climb in Rugova Gorge. You'll get plenty of social time in Tirana's lively cafes and also genuine cultural moments in remote mountain communities.
Heritage-focused tours at a measured pace really work for our senior travelers. These routes take in Albanian history through places like Kruja's traditional bazaar and the Roman amphitheater in Durres, with time to properly appreciate each site. Many pick the countryside driving tours that connect medieval monasteries and UNESCO sites. Our guides are great at adjusting walking speeds around Berat Castle and finding quiet viewing spots for breaks. You'll stay in comfortable hotels but still experience authentic moments like traditional meals and coffee ceremonies with local families.
Parents tell us the mountain-to-coast routes work brilliantly with kids in Albania. Most families start with a Lake Koman cruise, which feels like gliding through Norwegian fjords, before settling into cozy guesthouses in Theth village. The activities mix keeps everyone engaged - you'll raft the wild Vjosa River streams one day and learn traditional bamboo crafts in small villages the next. Kids love taking breaks in the Benja thermal pools between explorations. The beach guesthouses near Karavasta Lagoon are a highlight; our families often spot wildlife from the observation tower early morning. We've built in plenty of flexibility for swimming stops and easier hiking alternatives when children need a gentler pace.
- Solo Travelers154 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples32 tours
- Seniors (50+)71 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family140 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit Albania
- Summer 2025
Summer brings out the best of Albania's mountain possibilities. The Theth to Valbona route tops our list - you'll stay with local families in traditional houses and try their home-cooked mountain dishes. The Lake Koman cruise takes you between massive cliff walls before you head into valleys with clear running rivers. Along the coast, we mix time at Butrint's ancient site with swims at Ksamil's turquoise beaches. Our travelers really connect with the sustainable approach - staying at family farms up in the hills and joining local craft sessions. They often tell us how much they value the mix of hiking, cultural experiences and also traditional hospitality.
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- popular 187 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn creates perfect conditions for walking in Albania's mountains - clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it ideal. The trails through Valbona National Park are particularly good now, with golden beech forests and sharp mountain views. Our cultural routes let you explore Gjirokaster's Ottoman buildings and visit wineries during harvest. The coastal paths work well through October, and our travelers mention enjoying the quieter atmosphere at places like Apollonia and also Butrint. Many pick combined routes that mix walks in the Accursed Mountains with stops at medieval monasteries and also traditional villages.
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Albania opens up a different side of our cultural routes, with both indoor and outdoor experiences that work well in the cooler months. The Onufri Museum inside Berat Castle stays cozy, and we've found our guests really appreciate warming up with local families who serve traditional meals in their homes. The thermal springs near Permet have become a winter favorite. Gjirokastra's stone streets are perfect for small walking groups, and many of our travelers tell us they love having Butrint's ancient ruins almost to themselves this time of year. The mountain scenery takes on its own character in winter, and we've balanced comfortable places to stay with deep dives into the local history.
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- Spring 2026
Spring hits the sweet spot for cycling in Albania - you'll find mild weather and wildflowers scattered across the countryside. Our more experienced riders take on the route from Lake Ohrid through the Grammoz Mountains, including that solid climb up Barmash Pass at 1,159 meters. There are gentler options along the Ionian coast where you can roll between historic spots and take coffee breaks in fishing villages. Many travelers pick our cultural circuits connecting Kruja's old bazaar, the Roman amphitheater in Durres and also UNESCO-listed Berat. Looking through April feedback, our customers consistently mention perfect exploring weather with fewer crowds and great photo chances.
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- May 2026 popular 64 tours
Contact our Albania travel experts
Anita
Expert in Albania at TourRadar
Anita is one of our seasoned Albania Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Albania tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Albania Tours & Trips
What is the best time to visit Albania?
Spring and fall give you perfect weather to explore Albania's diverse landscapes. If you're dreaming of beach time hit the Albanian Riviera in summer — the Albanian Riviera Escape takes you through Saranda Ksamil Himara Dhermi and Vlora over 5 incredible days perfect for mixing beach relaxation with coastal town exploration. Winter's actually great for thermal baths and cultural cities like Berat which you can experience on the 5 Days Albanian Country Side UNESCO Lake and old Towns Tour.
What are some must-try Albanian dishes?
You've got to try Byrek — this amazing savory pastry comes filled with cheese meat or spinach and you can taste it during the Local food experience & walking tour of Tirana. The Qofte are these flavorful grilled meatballs that locals love and Tave Dheu is this incredible baked dish with lamb and vegetables. Head to Mrizi i Zanave during the Full Albanian Experience: A 10 Day Tour for some of the best traditional food you'll find at their farm-to-table restaurant.
What makes the Albanian Alps a unique hiking destination?
The Albanian Alps offer this incredible mix of remote trails and dramatic landscapes you won't find anywhere else. The Valbona-Theth pass is this challenging but rewarding 11-kilometer trek that takes you through some seriously breathtaking scenery and traditional villages — you can experience it on the Hiking Tour of Theth National Park Valbona Valley & Koman Lake in 3 Days. You'll discover the stunning Blue Eye spring with its crystal-clear waters surrounded by forest and trek through everything from alpine meadows to rocky peaks while getting immersed in authentic mountain culture along the way.