Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana
You'll arrive in Albania and head to your hotel in Tirana. Depending on how much time you have after checking in, there's a guided walking tour available that takes you through Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid, and then into the Blloku area where you can see the more modern side of the city.
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Tirana's city center including Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid, and Blloku area
Landmarks/POIs Skanderbeg Square Et'hem Bey Mosque Pyramid - Day 2
Tirana to Theth
After breakfast, you're heading north to Shkoder. On the way, you'll stop at Rozafa Castle to take in the views and learn some history. Later, you'll have lunch in Shiroke overlooking Shkodra Lake before spending time in Shkoder's Old Town where you can see St. Stephen's Catholic Cathedral and the Ebu Bekr Mosque. From there, the drive takes you through Boge village and over Thore Pass to reach Theth. You'll check into your guesthouse, walk around the village, and settle in for a rustic dinner with local Raki.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Fish-based meal at a local restaurant overlooking Shkodra Lake in Shiroke), Dinner (Rustic dinner with traditional Raki)
Included Activities
- Visit to Rozafa Fortress with entrance included
- Guided tour of Shkoder's Old Town including St. Stephen's Catholic Cathedral and Ebu Bekr Mosque
- Scenic stop in Boge village
- Scenic stop at Thore Pass
- Leisurely walk through Theth village exploring the reconciliation tower and century-old church
Landmarks/POIs Rozafa Castle Shkodra Lake St. Stephen's Catholic Cathedral Ebu Bekr Mosque - Day 3
Theth
You'll spend the day hiking through Theth National Park at a relaxed pace. First, you'll head to Grunas Waterfall and see its dramatic canyon. After that, it's on to the natural pools at Nderlysa for a swim and a picnic lunch. Later in the day, you'll hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring known for its striking blue waters and clear visibility, then return to your guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch surrounded by pristine nature), Dinner
Included Activities
- Leisurely hike through Theth National Park
- Visit to Grunas Waterfall and canyon
- Swimming in natural pools of Nderlysa
- Scenic hike to Blue Eye of Theth
Landmarks/POIs Theth National Park Grunas Waterfall Blue Eye of Theth - Day 4
Theth to Durres
You'll leave Theth and travel to Kruja. There, you'll explore Kruja Castle and visit both the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, which sits in a traditional Ottoman-era house. You'll grab lunch at a local restaurant with views overlooking the area. Then you can spend some time walking through the Old Bazaar, checking out its cobblestone streets and market stalls. By afternoon, you're heading to Durres, a vibrant coastal city where you can relax and take in the seaside atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at a local restaurant in Kruja with panoramic views of the city and Kruja Valley)
Included Activities
- Exploration of Kruja Castle with its ancient ramparts and defensive walls
- Visit to Skanderbeg Museum with entrance included
- Visit to Ethnographic Museum with entrance included
- Leisurely stroll through the Old Bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Kruja Castle Skanderbeg Museum Ethnographic Museum Old Bazaar - Day 5
Durres to Saranda
Today you're traveling to Gjirokaster, known as the 'City of a Thousand Steps' for its Ottoman-era architecture and stone houses built into the mountainside. You'll start by visiting Skenduli House, a great example of Ottoman residential design. Next comes Gjirokaster Castle, a fortress with extensive grounds that include a former prison and military museum. You'll have lunch with authentic regional dishes at a local restaurant. Later, you transfer to Saranda on the coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Leisurely lunch at a local restaurant renowned for authentic regional cuisine showcasing traditional dishes and culinary heritage of southern Albania)
Included Activities
- Visit to Skenduli House with entrance included
- Exploration of Gjirokaster Castle with entrance included
- Walking through Gjirokaster's labyrinthine streets and terraced hillside layout
Landmarks/POIs Gjirokaster Castle Skenduli House - Day 6
Saranda
Start your day at the Blue Eye Spring, a natural wonder with crystal-clear blue water surrounded by greenery. Then you'll head to Butrint National Park for a guided tour through 2,500 years of history, including the ancient Amphitheater, castle, early Christian churches, and the Lion Gate. After that, you have free time at Ksamil Beach to swim and relax. On the way back to Saranda, you'll stop at Lekursi Castle for views of the bay and coastline.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Blue Eye Spring with entrance included
- Guided tour of Butrint Archaeological Park with entrance included, including views of the Amphitheater, castle, and Lion Gate
- Leisurely time at Ksamil Beach
- Stop at Lekursi Castle for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Blue Eye Spring Butrint National Park Ksamil Beach Lekursi Castle - Day 7
Saranda to Vlore
You'll drive along the Albanian Riviera where the road winds between mountains and the Ionian Sea, giving you coastal views and glimpses of small seaside villages. You'll stop at Ali Pasha Castle, a 19th-century fortress on a hilltop. Later, you'll have traditional Albanian lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. Then it's on to Vlore, where you'll check into your hotel and explore Flag Square with the Independence Monument, the Muradie Mosque, and the Vlore Lungomare promenade along the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant with regional specialties and local wines or refreshing beverages)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera
- Visit to Ali Pasha Castle with entrance included
- Exploration of Flag Square and Independence Monument
- Visit to Muradie Mosque
- Stroll along Vlore Lungomare
Landmarks/POIs Ali Pasha Castle Flag Square Independence Monument Muradie Mosque - Day 8
Vlore to Tirana
You'll take a guided walking tour through Berat, the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' starting at the White Mosque. From there you'll see the Holy Trinity Church with its Byzantine frescoes, then cross the Gorica Bridge which offers nice views of the Osum River and the whitewashed houses. You'll head up to Berat Castle to walk through the ancient fortifications and take in the views from above, plus you'll have time for a traditional coffee and Raki break. Later you travel back to Tirana to explore Skanderbeg Square and the Blloku district. The day wraps up with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Albanian food with other travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Albanian dishes)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Berat's UNESCO-recognized old town
- Visit to White Mosque
- Visit to Holy Trinity Church
- Walk across Gorica Bridge
- Exploration of Berat Castle with entrance included
- Traditional coffee and raki break at Berat Castle
- Exploration of Skanderbeg Square in Tirana
- Exploration of Blloku district in Tirana
Landmarks/POIs White Mosque Holy Trinity Church Gorica Bridge Berat Castle Osum River Skanderbeg Square - Day 9
Departure from Tirana
You'll have breakfast before leaving Tirana. Just a heads up that airport drop-off isn't included in the tour package, but you can add that service when you make your reservation if you need it.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Airport drop-off service (available for booking at additional cost)
