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NZ $2,486

Small Group Tour; Pearls of Albania in 8 Days (3 UNESCO Sites)

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8 days
Start and end in Tirana
4.9
42 traveler reviews
Small Group Tour; Pearls of Albania in 8 Days (3 UNESCO Sites) - Choose Balkans
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$2,924
-15%
NZ $2,486
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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 10
Age range 2 to 90
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Albania's UNESCO site treasures of Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint.
  • Immerse yourself in the stunning Albanian Alps while visiting Theth National Park
  • Discover the natural beauty of the Blue Eye spring and the ancient ruins of Butrin
  • Dive in the crystal-clear waters of Ksamil, Himara and Dhermi
  • Visit the vibrant capital of Tirana, known for its colorful buildings, bustling markets, and rich
  • history

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Tirana – Shkodra
  2. Day 2 Shkodra – Theth National Park – Shkoder
  3. Day 3 Shkoder – Berat
  4. Day 4 Berat – Gjirokastra
  5. Day 5 Gjirokastra – Blue Eye – Butrint – Ksamil - Albanian Riviera
  6. Day 6 Albanian Riviera – Himare – Dhermi –- Vlore
  7. Day 7 Vlora – Durres – Tirana
  8. Day 8 Day tour of Tirana
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Meals
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Customer Photos

Operated by

Choose Balkans

Number of tours

93

Age Range

2 to 90 years old

Response time

5 hours

Response rate

96%

Choose Balkans is a leading Incoming Tour Operator offering tourism services...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.6
  • 4.9
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • CL
    · June 10th, 2025
    My companion and I have been fortunate to travel extensively and we both agreed Albania is one of our favorite destinations. This tour was a wonderful introduction to Albania and we enjoyed every aspect of it. Our guide, Elton, was excellent. He patiently answered all our questions and even shared locales that weren’t on the itinerary. His commentary made the trip interesting and informative. We highly recommend visiting Albania before it becomes overrun by tourists.
    Show more
    Trip date: April 2025
  • EP
    · June 9th, 2025
    Loved every minute of it! The itinerary was exciting, the guide was exceptional, and the memories will last a lifetime. Definitely a highlight of my travels
    Show more
    Trip date: April 2025
  • LM
    · June 9th, 2025
    An unforgettable experience! Every moment was enjoyable, and the tour struck the perfect balance between activity and relaxation. You won’t regret booking this.
    Show more
    Trip date: June 2025
  • KC
    · June 5th, 2025
    Elton/Toni was, without question, the highlight of our time in Albania. From the very first day, it was clear that this wasn’t just a job to him—he genuinely cares about the experience his travelers are having. His kindness, patience, insight, and subtle humor made every moment of our tour feel personal and intentional. He managed the group dynamic with so much grace, gave us space to enjoy things at our own pace, and never felt like he was just running through a script. In fact, we’ve had other tour guides since leaving Albania, and the contrast has only made it clearer: Toni set the bar incredibly high. If you’re lucky enough to have him as your guide, you’re in for a truly special experience. He’s the kind of person who makes you want to come back to Albania—not just for the country, but for him.
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Dear Kasie, Thank you fro your wonderful review! We are happy to hear that our guide Elton (Toni) made such a positive impact on your experience in Albania. Thank you again for choosing to travel with us and for sharing your experience. We look... Show more
    Trip date: May 2025
  • A
    · May 30th, 2025
    Awesome trip, great guides. Erlis and Edit, the best
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: May 2025
  • WD
    · May 26th, 2025
    Our tour was exceptional due to the fact our tour guide went above and beyond expectations. Tony /Elton will not be forgotten we made a new friend. Hotels pretty good with the exception of one or two locations .Itinerary very good we got to see a lot of Albanian. Markell our guide in Terana for the last day was also a very nice well informed guy. Thank You
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Dear William, Thank you so much for your kind words! We are happy to hear that your tour was exceptional and that our guide Tony/Elton made such a lasting impression. We are also happy to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary and had a positive... Show more
    Trip date: May 2025
  • AA
    · May 23rd, 2025
    A wonderful way to discover new places and meet great people! The tour was fun, informative, and incredibly well-organized. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable travel experience
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Dear Anya, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: January 2025
  • Small Group Tour; Pearls of Albania in 8 Days (3 UNESCO Sites) reviewer 8
    · May 23rd, 2025
    Excellent travel, great location, very nice place to stay and a very good operator who guided us
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Dear Denis, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: March 2025
  • A
    · May 23rd, 2025
    Excellent tour so far , best service, great location, 10/10 recommended
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: March 2025
  • MD
    · May 19th, 2025
    An amazing experience from beginning to end! The places we visited were stunning, the group vibe was great, and the guide made everything come alive. I’d absolutely do it again.
    Show more
    Choose Balkans commented on this review
    Dear Mathias, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best regards, Choose Balkans Team
    Trip date: May 2025

Dates & Availability

8 days
Small Group Tour; Pearls of Albania in 8 Days (3 UNESCO Sites)
From Tirana to Tirana

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Ends on 17 Jun, 2025
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    From:
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From
$2,924
-15%
NZ $2,486
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $1,316 now + easy payments of $94 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
Price / Availability
Tour Details
  • V

    Vicki

    Asked on March 31st, 2025

    Can't tell whether with activities starting on "day 1" we would need to come in a day earlier (in which case interested in starting 31st) or not. Similarly on last day "drop at hotel" its unclear whether that means we would need a hotel that night to fly out next day or or fly out that afternoon?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten March 2025

      On Day 1, we depart from Tirana to Shkoder at 09:00 AM, so we recommend arriving the day before the tour begins. As for Day 8, we'll have a local food tour until midday. If your flight is in the late afternoon or evening, you can take an airport shuttle right after the tour ends. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can spend the night in Tirana (additional cost, not included in the tour price).

  • S

    Sabrina

    Asked on February 6th, 2025

    Interested in the Pearls of Albania tour in July or August 2025. Solo traveler.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten February 2025

      In July or August we can depart this tour on any date if you book with a single supplement. Price for a solo traveler: 2945 Euros / Person. Alternatively if you are flexible with travel dates, we have confirmed departures with special pricing: March 24, May 18, May 24, May 29, June 1, June 10, June 16, June 17, June 28. Standard solo traveler price: 2945 Euros / Person. Special Price to join any of the above dates: 1550 Euros / Person + 315 Euros for the single room.

  • C

    Charles

    Asked on February 2nd, 2025

    Cost advertised is AU $1,754, but when we go to booklet jumps up $500, we are sharing a room. Please advise why this happens? Also, we want to pay, but pay separately, but share a room, is this possible?

    Price / Availability
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten February 2025

      The advertised first price is the price if you are a group of 8+ travellers and you pay on the same time. You fall under the category of the Group 2-7 travelers. Standard price: €1,550 euros/person. January sale discounted price: 1395 euros/person (ends on the 4th of February). Sure, you can book separately and share same room during the tour.

  • B

    Benjamin

    Asked on January 9th, 2025

    How can we check for group discounts on the tour?

    Group size
    Price / Availability
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten January 2025

      Group discounts apply for bookings of 8 or more travelers. You can inquire about available discounts based on your group size.

  • H

    Hassan

    Asked on January 2nd, 2025

    What happens if we want to change our itinerary during the tour?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten January 2025

      You may request itinerary changes, and the operator will do their best to accommodate your preferences based on availability.

  • M

    Michael

    Asked on November 14th, 2024

    Can you recommend one of your guided group tours suitable for a solo traveller without paying very high single supplements?

    Single supplement
    Tour Details
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten November 2024

      Yes, if you are joining a group where costs can be shared, then you will not have to pay the single supplement. We do not have many bookings for October 2025 as these will start to come in over the next few months. We have one 8 Day Tour available on 09 October 2025: Gems of Albania, Kosovo & N. Macedonia. Usual solo traveler price 2,945 euro. Special price to join on the current sale 1,633.75 euro / or 1,943.75 after the Black Friday sale ends.

  • A

    April

    Asked on October 23rd, 2024

    What is the maximum # in a group? Can we upgrade hotels? Is it appropriate for healthy 80 year olds? How do we best fly from Dubrovnik to Tirana?

    Accommodation
    Age Range
    Flights / Transfers
    Group size
    Tour Details
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten October 2024

      We can run this tour even for 1 participant by paying a single supplement, our groups are small for up to 8 Pax. Our hotels are usually 3 stars, however upgrade in 4 stars hotels is possible on extra charge. In regards to the tour, walking uphill old towns, walking through cobblestone streets. Thus make sure to pack some comfortable and supportive shoes. Also note that August is one of the hottest months in Albania, so it's great for summer activities but be prepared for the heat, temperatures can vary from 35°C - 40°C. In regards to the flight, there is no direct flight from Dubrovnik to Tirana. In this case we would suggest a private transfer form Dubrovnik to Tirana.

    • A

      April

      TravelerWritten October 2024

      Could you also arrange the air flights? If so, what would be the details of the flights and the cost?

    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten October 2024

      We do not do air fair tickets. There is no direct flights from Dubrovnik to Tirana. If you wish we can arrange a private transfer for you from Dubrovnik to Tirana, we can arrange accommodation in Tirana and then you can depart the tour the next day.

    • A
      2 more answers
  • L

    Linda

    Asked on September 5th, 2024

    Is it best to check in in another month or two to see if there are any other bookings?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • L

      Linda

      TravelerWritten September 2024

      Would she paying a different price if she is a solo traveller and joins the group and there are 8 or more people booked?

    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten September 2024

      The price for a solo traveler to book for June 2025 is 2,394 Euro with our current September sale. However on 01 June, we already have a couple of other travelers who have booked this same tour. As you are able to share the costs, we can offer you a special price to join this group and still keep a single private room. The cost to join the others on 01 June will be 1,575 Euro.

    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten September 2024

      Of course, you may either check back in a couple of months or you may book your preferred date and we will leave it for others to join and suggest them this same date. If others join then when the tour starts, we will arrange the single supplement refund for you.

    • 2 more answers
  • L

    Leah

    Asked on September 4th, 2024

    The single supplement is prohibitive. I am happy to share a room. Would that be possible?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten September 2024

      Following your questions about the single supplement, it guarantees the departure even for 1 participants. For this exact tur we have the below confirm departures: Price: 1190 Euros / person + 315 Euros for the single room

    • L

      Leah

      TravelerWritten September 2024

      Thank you but the dates I can come are Sept 12 or 13. Either one of those possible?

    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten September 2024

      As we unfortunately do not have any confirmed departures on either 12 or 13 September, these dates would need to be booked as a solo traveler which is €2,394

    • L
      2 more answers
  • K

    Kirstin

    Asked on August 27th, 2024

    Do we need to bring cash for payments during the tour?

    Payments
    Travel Support
    • Choose BalkansOperatorWritten August 2024

      It is advisable to bring cash for small purchases and local transactions. ATMs are available in cities for withdrawing local currency.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Choose Balkans with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 191392

  • Currency
    L
    Lek
    Albania
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

    Type C
    Albania
    Type E
    Albania
    Type F
    Albania
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 17th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 17th, 2025, a minimum payment of 50% is required to confirm your booking with Choose Balkans. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 67 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Choose Balkans will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Choose Balkans" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.