3-Day Albania Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Albania tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaAlbania travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Northern Albania, incl. Theth and Valbona Valley

  Mountain trails cover 32km total: 18km Blue Eye circuit and 14km Valbona Pass trek. Theth's historic sites, 1050m elevation gain, and Komani Lake cruise await. Two nights in traditional guesthouses and all transfers from Tirana included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana/Shkoder to Theth National Park

    Your journey starts with a 6 AM hotel pickup in Tirana. The drive north takes you through stunning mountain landscapes and if you're lucky enough to visit in May or June, you'll see beautiful lavender fields that look like they belong in Provence. One traveler put it perfectly: "The views left me speechless - Northern Albania is unlike anywhere else I've seen." The Blue Eye hike is your main activity today. It's a moderate 18km round trip with 700m elevation gain. Here's a money-saving tip: local transport from Theth village to Nderlysaj costs just 5-7 euros and cuts your hiking time to 2 hours total. The spring water stays incredibly cold at 5°C throughout the year. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and pack layers since mountain weather is unpredictable. You'll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse in Theth village.

    
  • Day 2

    Theth to Valbona Trek

    Today brings a challenging but unforgettable trek from Theth to Valbona. The route covers 14km with 1050m elevation gain and takes 6-8 hours. Pack light since you'll carry your gear. A previous hiker shares: "The hike over Valbona pass is incredibly rewarding but challenging. Start early and bring plenty of water - there are natural springs but they're not always accessible." Stop at Valbona Pass for photos of the stunning Accursed Mountains before heading to your overnight stay in Valbona Valley.

    
  • Day 3

    Valbona to Komani Lake to Tirana

    The Komani Lake ferry offers a relaxing way to see the Albanian Alps from the water. According to one visitor: "The ferry ride on Komani Lake is worth the trip alone - the views of waterfalls and remote villages are incredible." Just know the local roads after the ferry can be rough. You'll arrive back in Tirana or Shkoder by late afternoon.

    

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• 3 Day Albania Itinerary, incl. Berat and Saranda

  Rich experiences across 7 Albanian cities span three days. Day 1 showcases Berat and wine tasting, Day 2 pairs Gjirokastra and Saranda, while Day 3 follows the Riviera with castle visits and optional swimming.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana to Berat

    Start your day early with a 2-hour drive to Karavasta Lagoon for a morning boat ride. Next stop is Berat, known as the "City of 1000 Windows." You'll need good walking shoes for the castle visit since the cobblestone paths can get slippery. Berat Castle is unique because people still live within its walls. Stop to visit a local family who will likely offer traditional Turkish coffee and Gliko (fruit preserves). In the afternoon, try some local wines at one of Berat's wineries. The region is known for its native grape varieties. The evening provides great lighting to photograph Berat's distinctive white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside.

    
  • Day 2

    Berat to Saranda via Gjirokastra

    Get an early start for the 2.5-hour drive to Gjirokastra. The city has steep streets so wear comfortable shoes. If walking is difficult, local taxis can take you up to the castle. Visit the bazaar in the morning when it's cooler and less busy. After lunch, drive 1.5 hours to reach Saranda on the coast. Visit Butrint archaeological site in late afternoon when most tour groups have left. Bring water and sun protection since there isn't much shade at the site.

    
  • Day 3

    Albanian Riviera and Return to Tirana

    Start with a morning hike to Borsh Castle. The 45-minute climb (500m up) needs sturdy shoes and an early start to beat the heat. The rough path leads to beautiful views over the Ionian coast. Next, visit Porto Palermo Castle around lunchtime. The nearby beach is perfect for a morning swim when the water is clearest. Plan to leave for Tirana by mid-afternoon since the drive takes about 4 hours. You might fit in a stop at ancient Apollonia if time allows. Check with your guide about opening hours.

    

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• 3 Day Albania Itinerary, incl. Tirana and Berat

  The route spans 7 Albanian cities, from Tirana to Durres. Taking in 5 UNESCO sites including Butrint National Park, Gjirokastra Castle, and Berat's historic quarters. Two nights in 3-star heritage hotels with breakfast and expert guided tours included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana to Gjirokastra via Butrint

    Leave Tirana early for the 4-hour drive south to Butrint National Park. You'll pass stunning coastline near Saranda and Ksamil. If you get carsick on mountain roads, bring motion sickness medication. Butrint's ancient Greek and Roman ruins require good walking shoes since the ground is uneven. One visitor notes: "The ancient ruins at Butrint were fascinating, but bring water and sun protection as there's limited shade during midday tours." After lunch in Saranda by the sea, make your way to Gjirokastra, nicknamed the "City of Stone." The old town has steep cobblestone streets so pack shoes with good traction. Visit the castle before sunset for great photos and views across the city. Stay overnight in the UNESCO-listed old town.

    
  • Day 2

    Apollonia and Berat

    Drive north to Apollonia (about 2.5 hours). Visit the archaeological park in the morning to avoid peak heat. Next is Berat, called the "City of a Thousand Windows" because of its unique Ottoman buildings. A recent traveler shares: "Walking through Berat's castle district was like stepping back in time - try to visit the Orthodox churches early as some close by mid-afternoon." It takes about 30 minutes to walk up to Berat Castle. Bring water, especially in summer. You might want to join a local wine tasting in the evening. Spend the night in Berat.

    
  • Day 3

    Durres and Return to Tirana

    Start in Berat's old town, then drive 1.5 hours to coastal Durres. Visit the ancient amphitheater early when it's less crowded. Take some time to walk along the waterfront before the quick 45-minute drive back to Tirana. You can stop for traditional Albanian food before leaving if your schedule allows.

    

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