10-Day Albania Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Albania tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaAlbania travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Albania Itinerary, incl. Tirana and Saranda

  The grand Albanian circuit takes you through 19 cities, from Tirana's capital to UNESCO-listed Berat, Butrint, and Gjirokastra. Highlights include Durres's Roman amphitheater, Shkodër's Rozafa Castle, and Korça's Medieval Art Museum. Guests rest at carefully selected hotels like Freddy's and Hotel Republika throughout the trip.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tirana & Kruja

    Most flights arrive at Tirana International Airport in the evening, giving you time to rest and adjust. On day 2, take a 45-minute trip to historic Kruja. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum right when it opens at 9am to avoid tour groups. Plan to visit the old bazaar before 11am when crowds start building up. "The bazaar has amazing authentic handicrafts, but be ready to negotiate prices - starting at about half the initial ask is typical."

    
  • Day 3

    Lezha & Shkodra

    Take a 1.5-hour drive north to Lezha to see the hilltop castle ruins. In Shkodra you'll find the impressive Rozafa Castle with views of three rivers and the largest lake in the Balkans. The castle path can get slippery so pack good walking shoes. Visit the Old Bazaar in late afternoon when it's cooler.

    
  • Day 4

    Durres & Berat

    Visit the Roman amphitheater in Durres early before the heat sets in. It's only an hour from Tirana and the 2nd-century structure is incredibly well-preserved. Next up is UNESCO-listed Berat, "City of a Thousand Windows." Make sure to see the Onufri Museum inside Berat Castle before it closes at 4pm.

    
  • Day 5

    Vlora Coast

    The drive south to Vlora takes you past the peaceful Ardenica Monastery from the 13th century. Stop for lunch at the ancient ruins of Apollonia but bring water since facilities are limited. You'll reach Vlora in time to see the Independence Monument in beautiful late afternoon light.

    
  • Day 6

    Saranda & Butrint

    The coastal road to Saranda offers beautiful sea views. Take a swimming break at Ksamil's beaches with their crystal-clear waters. Plan your visit to UNESCO-listed Butrint for late afternoon when it's quieter. "Butrint's ancient ruins among the trees feel magical in the late afternoon light - bring mosquito repellent though, especially near the water."

    
  • Day 7

    Gjirokaster

    The "Stone City" of Gjirokaster requires some uphill walking but the castle views are worth it. Start at the bazaar in the morning when local vendors are setting up. The traditional houses look like small fortresses and showcase unique architecture.

    
  • Day 8

    Permet & Korça

    Follow the scenic Vjosa River valley to Permet. Stop at the Benje thermal pools but wear water shoes on the slippery rocks. Arrive in Korça by evening to see Europe's best collection of Orthodox icons at the Museum of Medieval Art.

    
  • Day 9

    Pogradec & Elbasan

    Head north along Lake Ohrid and stop at ancient Lin village. Check out the Encheleana fortress ruins above Pogradec for great photos. Visit historic Elbasan, a former Roman Via Egnatia stop, before returning to Tirana.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Plan for afternoon departure flights from Tirana. The airport is 45 minutes from the city center but allow extra time during morning rush hour.

    

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• 10 Days in Albania, incl. Tirana and Berat

  The grand tour encompasses 17 Albanian cities, from Tirana's bustling streets to UNESCO-listed Butrint. Visit ancient ruins, thermal springs, and savor traditional cuisine in Përmet, with comfortable stays at hotels like Hotel Europa and Hotel Alvero, all for approx. $210 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tirana & Pogradec

    Visit the New Bazaar in Tirana early to beat the crowds. "Watching locals haggle at the morning market gives you a real feel for daily Albanian life." Take a walking tour through Blloku neighborhood the next day. This area was once off-limits to everyone except Communist party elite but now it's Tirana's coolest district. The 2.5-hour drive to Pogradec offers great views. Make sure to stop at the 15th-century Elbasan Fortress on your way.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Korçë & Përmet

    Visit the artist village of Voskopojë and historic Korçë with its museums and local beer. The next day brings a scenic 5-hour drive to Përmet. Stop in Ersekë, Albania's highest town at 3,445 feet to break up the journey. Përmet is perfect for food lovers. Try the local gliko sweets and raki. "The homemade food and wine in Përmet was a highlight - just be prepared for relaxed service as everything is cooked fresh to order."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Gjirokastër & Butrint

    Explore UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër's medieval towers and winding cobbled streets. Visit the castle for amazing views but bring good shoes as the paths are steep and can be slippery. Drive to Butrint National Park, stopping at coastal villages. The ruins here span from 4th century BCE and show layers of Greek, Roman and medieval history.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Llogora & Berat

    Start with a morning walk in Llogora National Park then visit the Apollonia ruins where Augustus studied. Next is Berat, the "City of a Thousand Windows." Take a full day to explore its historic areas and castle. "Berat's architecture is stunning but pace yourself on the uphill climbs to the castle - the views are worth it but it's a workout."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Durrës & Krujë

    See the Balkans' largest Roman amphitheater in Durrës before visiting medieval Krujë where Skanderbeg fought off Ottoman invaders. Spend your final morning browsing authentic handicrafts at the bazaar. Book afternoon flights from Tirana to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• 10 Day Albania Itinerary, incl. Tirana and Berat

  A cultural odyssey spans 18 Albanian cities for approx. $160 per day. The route leads from Kruja's ancient bazaar to UNESCO-listed Butrint, including three traditional lunches and unique experiences like dining with locals in Berat Castle. Landscapes vary from mountains to Mediterranean coast.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kruje & Shkodra

    Start in Tirana and head to Kruje's 500-year-old Ottoman bazaar. Get there before 10 AM to avoid tour groups. The cobblestone market street leads straight to Kruje Castle. You'll need 2-3 hours to explore the fortress and Skanderbeg Museum. One traveler noted "The castle walls hold 1500 years of history - don't miss the secret tunnel and panoramic views from the watchtower." Stop for lunch at Mrizi i Zanave restaurant which serves traditional Albanian farm-to-table food. Then take the 1.5-hour drive to Shkodra for the night.

    
  • Day 2

    Albanian Alps & Theth

    Leave early for the mountain drive to Theth village. The journey takes about 3 hours on winding roads so bring motion sickness pills if needed. Make a photo stop at Qafe Thore pass to see the Albanian Alps. In Theth you can visit the stone church and "lock-in tower." Take a short 45-minute hike to Grunas waterfall. If you're up for it take a swim in the cold Blue Eye spring. Head back to Shkodra to sleep.

    
  • Day 3

    Komani Lake & Shala River

    Start your day early for the boat tour through Komani Lake known as the "Albanian fjords." The boat ride takes 90 minutes. You'll have 5 hours to explore Shala River's clear waters and hidden beaches at Zgiboze often called "Albania's Thailand." A recent visitor wrote: "The pristine turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs make this feel like a secret paradise." Return to Tirana in late afternoon.

    
  • Day 4

    Tirana

    Take a morning e-bike tour through central Tirana to avoid traffic and cover more ground. Visit the newly renovated Pyramid and bike through the Blloku district where communist leaders once lived. After lunch head to the BunkArt1 nuclear bunker. Book ahead since it often sells out. Plan for 2 hours to see all the Cold War exhibits across its 5 floors.

    
  • Day 5

    Berat

    It's a 2-hour drive to UNESCO-listed Berat. Start at the castle district on the hill. Wear good shoes as the cobblestones get slippery. See the red mosque and old churches then have lunch with a local family inside the castle. Spend your afternoon walking through the "City of 1000 Windows" to see Ottoman architecture. End your day tasting wine at the family-run Pupa Winery.

    

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