Itinerary
- Day 1
Frankfurt to Tirana
Your flight from Frankfurt gets you into Tirana by afternoon. Once you clear customs, someone will be waiting with a sign to pick you up. The drive to your hotel takes about 30 minutes, so you'll have time to check in and settle before dinner. It's a straightforward arrival day, giving you a chance to get oriented to the city and rest up before exploring.
- Day 2
Tirana
Start at Skanderbeg Square in the morning, where the main landmarks cluster together - the bell tower, town hall, national theater, and the Ethem Bey Mosque with its detailed decorations are all right there. After walking around the square, head to BunkArt 2 to see the Cold War exhibits inside an actual nuclear shelter, which gives perspective on Albania's recent history. Next, the Bektashi World Center explains the Islamic-Alevi dervish tradition. Wrap up by wandering through Pazari Ri farmers' market, where local vendors sell produce and you can grab lunch if you're hungry.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Tirana
- Visit Skanderbeg Square
- Explore BunkArt 2 nuclear air raid shelter
- Visit Bektashi World Center
- Stroll through Pazari Ri farmers' market
Landmarks/POIs Skanderbeg Square Ethem Bey Mosque BunkArt 2 Bektashi World Center Pazari Ri - Day 3
Tirana to Belsh to Berat to Saranda
Morning drive takes you to Belsh to visit one of the country's main agricultural schools and see how they train farmers and agricultural professionals. Then it's on to Berat, about an hour south. You'll walk the Kalaja castle district with its narrow streets, old mosques and churches, and 18th-century Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside. Before leaving Berat, try some traditional raki at a local spot. The afternoon and evening involve a 320 km journey down to Saranda on the coast, where you'll check into your hotel for the next few days.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit agricultural school in Belsh
- Explore Berat castle district (Kalaja)
- Traditional raki tasting
Landmarks/POIs Kalaja (Berat Castle) - Day 4
Saranda
Head out early to Butrint, a UNESCO site with layers of history. You'll pass through the Lion Gate and see the amphitheater that once held crowds of 2,000, then walk through the Acropolis, Roman aqueduct, Byzantine baptistery, and basilica with its intricate mosaic floors. Mid-morning, stop at Xarra farm to see the citrus plantations and have a small picnic with fresh local fruit. Later, drive to the Blue Eye, a natural spring with incredibly clear cold water surrounded by trees and rock - it's a nice spot for photos or a quick swim if the weather's warm. The full outing covers about 95 km from Saranda.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Picnic (Picnic with local produce at Xarra farm)
Included Activities
- Visit Butrint archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore Lion Gate, amphitheater, and Acropolis
- Tour of Roman aqueduct, Byzantine baptistery and basilica
- Visit Xarra farm citrus plantations
- Picnic with local produce
- Visit Blue Eye natural spring
Landmarks/POIs Butrint Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) - Day 5
Saranda to Gjirokastra to Saranda
Drive inland through mountain passes to reach Gjirokastra, a stone-built town with UNESCO protection. The narrow roads climb past impressive peaks and cross the Muzina Pass before dropping into the town. Spend time walking the cobbled alleyways lined with large Ottoman-era stone houses, then go up to the citadel for views across the city and surrounding plain. Visit a traditional house where you'll meet a local family. Later, return to Saranda via the newer highway and tunnel (easier drive back). By evening, you can either relax or join an optional dinner at a castle-style restaurant with traditional music if that appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Gjirokastra old town
- Climb to Gjirokastra citadel
- Visit traditional local house
- Drive over Muzina Pass
Optional Activities
- Evening option: Dinner with traditional music in a castle setting
Landmarks/POIs Gjirokastra Gjirokastra Citadel - Day 6
Saranda
This day you choose your activity. Option one is to stay in Saranda and spend time in the water or on the beach. Option two is a ferry trip to Corfu, Greece. If you go to Corfu, you'll head to the port, board the ferry for the short crossing, and meet a local guide once you arrive. You'll walk through the old town, see the ancient city walls, check out monasteries and Venetian fortresses, then have free time to grab coffee and shop. The ferry back to Saranda leaves early evening, getting you back in time for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast in Saranda
Optional Activities
- Ferry to Corfu, Greece
- Guided tour of Corfu old town and ancient city walls
- Visit monasteries and Venetian fortresses in Corfu
- Free time in Corfu for coffee and shopping
- Ferry return to Saranda
Landmarks/POIs Corfu Old Town - Day 7
Saranda to Kruja to Tirana
Check out after breakfast and head north along the Adriatic coast toward Tirana, stopping at Porto Palermo to see Ali Pasha's old castle - good spot for photos. You'll also spend time in Llogora National Park exploring the natural landscape and coastal views. Stop in Kruja to visit the bazaar and find a traditional hat and shoe maker in his workshop, where he'll show how he crafts classic papuce shoes and traditional hats using old techniques. By evening, you're back in Tirana for a farewell dinner celebrating the trip. Total driving is about 300 km.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner with lots of delicacies in Tirana)
Included Activities
- Stop at Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo
- Time in Llogora National Park
- Visit Kruja bazaar
- Visit traditional hat and shoe maker workshop in Kruja
- Farewell dinner in Tirana
Landmarks/POIs Ali Pasha Castle Llogora National Park Kruja Bazaar - Day 8
Tirana to Frankfurt
After breakfast, head to the airport for your flight back to Frankfurt. It's your final morning in Albania, so you'll transfer to Tirana airport and begin the journey home. This wraps up your week exploring the country's history, culture, and coastline.
- Meals
- Breakfast
