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2025

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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

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From
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Theatre of the Sun: Albania's Spirit (Self-Drive & Partially Guided)

8 days
From Krujë to Tirana
From
$1,640
-15%
NZ $1,394 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2025

Jan
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Mar
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May
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Aug
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2026

Jan
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May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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ChildrenUnder 18

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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Ages 6+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Tirana to Berat

    You'll land at Tirana International Airport and get your rental car sorted right away. Then you'll meet your tour organizer who hands over your itinerary, contact info, an Albanian map, and a phone with a prepaid SIM card. Depending on when you arrive, you could swing by Kruja to check out the Skanderbeg Museum and grab lunch, or head straight to Tirana to walk around before driving to Berat. By evening you'll be in the UNESCO city of Berat where you can take a relaxing stroll and have dinner at a local spot.

    Start point
    Rruga Aeroportit, 1504 Krujë, Albania (Tirana International Airport, 00:00 - 00:00)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Mangalemi)

    Included Activities

    • Kick-off meeting with tour organizer
    • Receive itinerary information, contact numbers, and Albanian map

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja
    • Quick lunch in Kruja
    • Explore Tirana's highlights
    Landmarks/POIs
    Skanderbeg Museum
    Berat Castle
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Berat

    This morning you'll explore Berat with a guided tour of the 2,400-year-old Berat Castle overlooking the Osum River. Inside you'll see the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae and works by 16th-century Albanian icon painter Onufri. After that, you head to Roshnik village at Mount Tomorri's base to visit Alpeta Agritourism and Winery for wine tasting and lunch. Later you'll drive toward the Albanian Riviera, stopping at the ancient archaeological site of Apollonia to see its Greek and Roman history. The day ends at Llogara National Park where you can relax and take in the natural surroundings.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Farm-to-table lunch at Alpeta Agritourism and Winery including wine tasting of their finest wines and traditional raki (two glasses of wine included))
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Sofo Llogara)

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Berat Castle
    • Visit Church of St. Mary of Blachernae
    • View works by Onufri at the castle
    • Visit Alpeta Agritourism and Winery
    • Wine tasting and traditional raki tasting
    • Farm-to-table lunch at Alpeta
    • Explore Apollonia archaeological site
    Landmarks/POIs
    Berat Castle
    Church of St. Mary of Blachernae
    Alpeta Agritourism and Winery
    Apollonia
    Llogara National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  3. Day 3

    Llogara to Saranda

    Start with a peaceful morning walk through nature or try the optional forest yoga session. Then head south along the Albanian Riviera where mountains drop down to the Ionian Sea. You'll pass through coastal villages like Dhermi and Himara on your way to Ali Pasha Castle at Porto Palermo Bay, where you'll learn about the triangular fortress and have time to swim. Next stop is Upper Qeparo, a village 300 meters above sea level with views of the coast. After exploring the partially abandoned village and eating authentic lunch, you'll arrive in Saranda for the night with free time to check out the promenade and try fresh seafood.

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Kaonia)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Ali Pasha Castle at Porto Palermo Bay
    • Beach time with option to swim

    Optional Activities

    • Morning forest walk
    • Yoga activity
    Landmarks/POIs
    Ali Pasha Castle at Porto Palermo Bay
    Dhermi
    Himara
    Upper Qeparo
  4. Day 4

    Saranda

    You'll start at Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site with history stretching back to prehistoric times when the Illyrian Chaonian tribe settled here before it became a Roman colony. Take a boat trip on Butrint Lake to learn about mussel farming from local guides. Lunch features fresh mussel dishes. Later you'll head to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO site, and stop at the Blue Eye natural spring along the way. Check into your boutique hotel in the Ottoman old town. During the evening, wander the Old Bazaar at your own pace and eat traditional food at a local restaurant.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Mussel-themed lunch featuring dishes made from freshly harvested mussels)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Kalemi 2)

    Included Activities

    • Self-guided visit to Butrint UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Boat trip on Butrint Lake with local guides
    • Learn about mussel farming
    • Mussel-themed lunch featuring freshly harvested mussels
    • Visit Blue Eye natural spring
    Landmarks/POIs
    Butrint
    Butrint Lake
    Blue Eye
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  5. Day 5

    Gjirokastra

    Meet your local guide for a half-day tour of Gjirokastra, the UNESCO city with stone architecture and cultural heritage. You'll start at the Castle of Gjirokastra, the Balkans' second-largest fortress built in the 12th-13th century, which now functions as a museum with panoramic city views. Then visit the beautifully restored Skenduli House, an Ottoman-era home showing traditional life. You have free time to explore the Old Bazaar and pick a restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, head to Labova e Kryqit to see the 6th-century Saint Mary Church with Byzantine frescoes. Back to Gjirokastra for another night.

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Kalemi 2)

    Included Activities

    • Half-day guided tour of Gjirokastra with local partner
    • Visit Castle of Gjirokastra
    • Visit Skenduli House

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided exploration of Old Bazaar
    • Visit Saint Mary Church at Labova e Kryqit
    Landmarks/POIs
    Castle of Gjirokastra
    Skenduli House
    Old Bazaar
    Saint Mary Church
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 6

    Gjirokastra to Përmet

    Start with one more look around the Gjirokastra Old Bazaar for shopping and picking up gifts. Then your local guide takes you to the village of Dhoksat where you'll spend time with a local family, learning their history and cooking a meal together. You'll eat lunch that you helped prepare with the family. After that, you head toward Përmet, a quiet town by the Vjosa River, one of Europe's last untouched rivers. The drive takes you through scenic Vjosa canyons with panoramic views. Check in at your hotel and have free time to relax or walk around the city center. Dinner's at a restaurant of your choice in the evening.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Delicious lunch with local family in Dhoksat village prepared during hands-on cooking experience)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Villa Përmet)

    Included Activities

    • Mini tour of Dhoksat village with local guide
    • Hands-on cooking experience with local family
    • Lunch with local family in Dhoksat

    Optional Activities

    • Shopping in Gjirokastra Old Bazaar
    Landmarks/POIs
    Old Bazaar
    Dhoksat
    Vjosa River
    Vjosa Canyon
  7. Day 7

    Përmet to Tirana

    You'll leave Përmet to explore the Vjosa River and the thermal waters at Bënja. See the ancient Katiu Bridge, check out Langarica Canyon, and soak in the healing thermal baths just 13 km away. These warm mineral-rich waters help with conditions like rheumatism and skin issues. Bring your bathing suit for a refreshing dip that combines nature and wellness. After lunch at a local restaurant in the Bënja area, you'll head toward Tirana, Albania's capital. Get settled at your hotel downtown and have free time to relax or explore the city's vibrant atmosphere.

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Opera)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Katiu Bridge
    • Explore Langarica Canyon
    • Visit Bënja thermal waters

    Optional Activities

    • Swim in Bënja thermal baths
    Landmarks/POIs
    Vjosa River
    Katiu Bridge
    Langarica Canyon
    Bënja
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  8. Day 8

    Tirana

    Enjoy a relaxed morning wandering Tirana on your own. Take a self-guided walk to see Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Bunk'Art at your own pace. Later you'll head to the airport to return your rental car. Your tour coordinator meets you for a final check-in where you can share feedback and get help with departure. As you leave Tirana behind, you're taking with you the spirit of Albania and memories from your trip.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided walk to Skanderbeg Square
    • Visit Et'hem Bey Mosque
    • Visit Bunk'Art
    Landmarks/POIs
    Skanderbeg Square
    Et'hem Bey Mosque
    Bunk'Art
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • 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
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Up Albania

Number of tours

10

Age Range

6 to 100 years old

Response time

11 hours

Response rate

75%

Up Albania is a tour operator committed to delivering authentic Albanian...

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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.

Dates & Availability

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends on 12 Nov, 2025
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From
$1,640
-15%
NZ $1,394 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 275434

  • 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 December 27th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 27th, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Up Albania . 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 50 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 Up Albania will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Up Albania " 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.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec