7-Day Albania Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Albania itineraries

Compiled by

NinaAlbania travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Albania, incl. Tirana and Saranda

  The weeklong Albanian adventure links 12 cities from Tirana to Butrint. Marvel at 3 UNESCO sites, wander through 4 castles including Rozafa and Krujë, relax in 2 coastal regions at Ksamil and Porto Palermo, plus uncover ancient ruins at Apollonia and Butrint.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana to Shkodër

    Begin in Tirana and drive to historic Krujë (1 hour away). Visit the castle museum of national hero Skanderbeg and spend 2-3 hours in the Old Bazaar. Get there early to beat the tour buses. Drive 2 hours north to Shkodër to see Rozafa Castle. The castle path is steep with uneven stones so pack good walking shoes.

    
  • Day 2

    Shkodër to Berat

    Travel to the UNESCO city of Berat (3 hours). Visit Berat Castle which still has residents living inside it today. Plan your castle visit in early afternoon for the best photo light. Stop at a local home to try traditional Turkish coffee and gliko fruit preserves. In the evening walk through the beautiful Mangalem quarter lined with Ottoman houses.

    
  • Day 3

    Berat to Gjirokastra

    Start with ancient Apollonia (2 hours) to explore the monastery and archaeological museum. Drive to UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra (3 hours). Be careful on the wet cobblestone streets and wear shoes with good grip. The castle offers great views but requires a steep 15-minute climb.

    
  • Day 4

    Gjirokastra to Saranda

    Travel to coastal Saranda stopping at Butrint archaeological site (3 hours). Take plenty of water and sun protection since Butrint has little shade. Spend the afternoon swimming at Ksamil's beaches. A recent visitor noted: "The water at Ksamil was the clearest I've ever seen - like swimming in a pool. Get there before 11am to claim a good spot."

    
  • Day 5

    Albanian Riviera

    Take the coastal road and stop at Borsh Castle for great views (30-minute uphill walk). Visit Porto Palermo Castle a 15th-century fortress on a small peninsula. You can swim at the beach nearby. End your day in Vlorë (2 hours). Book dinner ahead in summer months when restaurants fill up.

    
  • Day 6

    Vlorë to Tirana

    See pine-covered Zvërnec Island by crossing its 270m wooden bridge. Visit Karavasta Lagoon where you can take a boat trip if weather allows (book in advance). Drive 2 hours to Tirana. The city can be busy so ask your hotel to help arrange reliable airport transfers.

    
  • Day 7

    Tirana

    Spend time in the vibrant capital starting at Skanderbeg Square. Visit Bunk'Art 2 museum (book your entry time online to skip lines) and check out the New Market. Watch the sunset from Petrela Castle. Book evening flights since morning traffic can be heavy.

    

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• 7 Days in Albania, incl. Tirana and Saranda

  An immersive 7-day Albanian tour connects 15 cities, from Tirana to remote Nivice village. The route includes UNESCO sites Butrint and Berat, Llogara National Park, and Korçë's Medieval Art Museum. Includes daily breakfast, 3-star hotels, and expert guides for approx. $180 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana to Berat

    Start in Tirana and drive to Karavasta Lagoon (1.5 hours). This is Albania's largest lagoon and perfect for birdwatching. Drive another hour to UNESCO-listed Berat. Visit Berat Castle in the afternoon for the best photo lighting. A recent visitor notes: "The cobblestone streets of Berat's castle district are steep and can be slippery - wear sturdy shoes and take your time exploring the historic churches and mosques."

    
  • Day 2

    Berat to Vlore

    Visit the ancient ruins of Apollonia in the morning (2-hour drive) before the day gets too hot. Drive to Vlore and stop at Independence Square, the site of Albania's 1912 independence declaration. Check out Narta Lagoon for flamingo watching. Local tip: visit between 4-6 PM when the birds are most active. Bring binoculars if you have them.

    
  • Day 3

    Albanian Riviera

    Drive through Llogara National Park after 10 AM when the morning fog clears. Stop at Dhermi Beach on your way to Porto Palermo Castle. A visitor shares: "The winding coastal road offers incredible views but can be challenging - take motion sickness pills if you're sensitive and sit on the mountain side of the vehicle for the best photos."

    
  • Day 4

    Saranda and Butrint

    Get to Butrint National Park early (30 minutes from Saranda) to beat the crowds. Pack water and good walking shoes for exploring the ancient ruins. Spend your afternoon at Ksamil Beach with views of Corfu. Drive to Gjirokaster (1.5 hours) to see its Ottoman architecture and stone houses.

    
  • Day 5

    Rural Albania

    Travel to Nivice village through historic Tepelene. Visit Peshtura Waterfall (check conditions as paths get muddy after rain). End your day in Permet, known for its thermal baths. One traveler suggests: "The thermal pools at Benje are natural and rustic - bring water shoes as the rocks can be sharp."

    
  • Day 6

    Mountain Villages

    Take a 3-hour drive through Vjosa River valley to Voskopoje. Visit the medieval Orthodox churches that open at 9 AM with a local guide. Continue to Korça, called "Little Paris" for its French architecture. Plan to see the National Museum of Medieval Art before it closes at 4 PM.

    
  • Day 7

    Korça to Tirana

    Browse Korça's bazaar in the morning. Have lunch at Lake Ohrid before returning to Tirana (3.5 hours) for a city walking tour. A helpful tip from a traveler: "Traffic in Tirana can be chaotic - if you're catching an evening flight, leave at least 3 hours for the journey from Korça and airport transfer."

    

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• 7 Days in Albania, incl. Tirana and Saranda

  A comprehensive 7-day route spans 7 cities in 394 miles, from Tirana's BunkArt 1 to UNESCO sites in Gjirokastra and Butrint. Features stays at 4-star hotels in Tirana and Saranda, plus visits to the Blue Eye spring and Llogara National Park.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tirana

    Arrive at Tirana International Airport and pick up your rental car. The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a good choice for mountain roads and fuel efficiency. The drive to central Tirana takes about 30 minutes but budget an hour during rush hour. Get your GPS and local SIM card set up for easier navigation.

    
  • Day 2

    Exploring Tirana

    Start your day at BunkArt 1, a museum inside a massive Cold War bunker. You'll need 2-3 hours to explore Albania's fascinating 20th-century history. Spend your afternoon walking around Skanderbeg Square to see the Et'hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower. Just remember to dress modestly for the mosque with shoulders and knees covered.

    
  • Day 3

    Tirana to Gjirokaster

    Drive south to Apollonia Archaeological Park (2.5 hours). You can hire an archaeologist on site for a deeper understanding of the ruins. Continue another 2 hours to UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster. Start with the castle when you arrive for the best afternoon light photos. A previous visitor noted: "Build in extra time for driving - the suggested itinerary can be tight with mountain roads."

    
  • Day 4

    Gjirokaster to Saranda

    Visit the "Neck of the Bazaar" and Skenduli House in Gjirokaster's old town. Drive an hour to the Blue Eye natural spring. Bring water shoes since the viewing platforms can get slippery. You'll reach Saranda by late afternoon. Take your time on the coastal road's hairpin turns while enjoying the views.

    
  • Day 5

    Saranda and Butrint

    Get to Butrint National Park early (30 minutes away) before the tour buses arrive. Plan for at least 3 hours to see all the ancient ruins. Spend your afternoon at Ksamil Beach. Rent an umbrella for about $10 since there isn't much shade. Watch the sunset from Lekursi Castle overlooking Saranda. Bring cash as many beach vendors won't take cards.

    
  • Day 6

    Saranda to Berat

    A long but beautiful drive along the Albanian Riviera awaits. Stop at Ali Pasha's fortress in Porto Palermo (1 hour from Saranda). Have lunch at Llogara National Park where the road climbs to 1,000 meters. You'll reach Berat by late afternoon. Check out the castle area and Mangalem quarter. Stay in the old town for easy access to everything.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Tirana

    It's about 2 hours back to Tirana airport. If you have a later flight visit Berat's Onufri Museum inside the citadel. It opens at 9 AM. Return your car at least 2 hours before your flight since the airport gets busy.

    

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