Itinerary
- Day 1
Tirana to Bogë
You'll arrive in Tirana and pick up your rental car, then drive north into the Albanian Alps heading toward Bogë. There's an optional stop along the way at Mrizi i Zanave Agroturism in Lezha if you want to try authentic Albanian cuisine (book this ahead). By evening you'll settle into your mountain accommodation for the night.
Optional Activities
- Culinary stop at Mrizi i Zanave Agroturism restaurant in Lezha - authentic Albanian cuisine, all home-grown ingredients
- Day 2
Theth
Start the day with mountain views and head to Theth for your adventure. You can hike through beech forests and alpine meadows via Valbona Pass to see valley views, or trek toward the Blue Eye, which is a crystal-clear pool with dramatic canyon walls around it. Either route gets you out into pristine mountain scenery and gives your legs a good workout.
Optional Activities
- Hike via Valbona Pass through beech forests and alpine meadows
- Trek to the Blue Eye waterfall and swimming pool
Landmarks Theth Valbona Pass Valbona Valley Blue Eye 
- Day 3
Koman to Lumi i Shales
Head out to Koman this morning and take an optional boat across the turquoise Koman reservoir, which takes about 1.5 hours. The journey passes towering rocks and landscapes that feel like Thailand, which is why locals call this the 'Thailand of Albania'. You'll arrive at Lumi i Shales where the river glows bright turquoise and the gravel banks are lined with sun loungers and restaurants. Bring your swimsuit so you can jump in for a swim.
Optional Activities
- Boat trip across Koman reservoir to Lumi i Shales (approximately 1.5 hours)
Landmarks Koman Reservoir Lumi i Shales 
- Day 4
Shkodra to Durrës
Travel from Boga through Shkodra on your way to Durres. In Shkodra, spend some time exploring this lakeside town on Lake Skutari (the Balkans' largest lake), with the option to take a boat tour or eat at waterfront restaurants. After that, continue to Durres where you can see Roman ruins, Greek remains, and Byzantine relics, then head to the Adriatic beach for swimming.
Included Activities
- Visit Greek, Roman, and Byzantine remains in Durrës (amphitheater, Venetian tower, old city wall, Byzantine forum)
Optional Activities
- Boat tour on Lake Skutari in Shkodra
- Lunch at restaurants on Lake Skutari shore in Shkodra
- Swimming at Durrës beach on Adriatic coast
Landmarks Lake Skutari Shkodra Durrës Amphitheater Venetian Tower, Durrës Durrës City Wall Byzantine Forum, Durrës Durrës Beach 
- Day 5
Durrës to Berat
Leave the Adriatic coast and Durrës behind this morning, then drive inland in your rental car to Berat, known as the 'City of 1000 Windows'. You'll walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site historic center, check out Berat Castle sitting on a hill above everything, and wander the old Mangalem district. Later that evening, grab dinner at one of the restaurants and bars along Bulevardi Republika.
Optional Activities
- Typical Albanian dinner at restaurants on Bulevardi Republika
Landmarks Berat Castle Mangalem District Berat Old Town 
- Day 6
Berat Area
Take a bus to Çorovoda from Berat and hike into the Osum Gorge to see turquoise river waters flowing through canyon walls (hire a guide beforehand for this). Return to Berat, drive to Bogove village, and walk through a deep green forest to reach Bogove waterfall. End your day with dinner in the Gorica district where you can look out over the old town and its famous '1000 windows.'
Optional Activities
- Guided hike into Osum Gorge from Çorovoda
- Visit multiple viewpoints and bridges in Osum Gorge
- Short hike in Bogov\u00eb village along river through forest
- Visit Bogov\u00eb waterfall
- Dinner at restaurant in Gorica district with old town views
Landmarks Osum Gorge Çorovoda Bogov\u00eb Bogov\u00eb Waterfall Osum River Berat Old Town Gorica District, Berat - Day 7
Berat to Saranda
Drive along Albanian roads toward the Ionian Sea, heading south to Saranda on the Albanian Riviera. You'll get settled into your accommodation and then head straight to the beach. Remember to pack bathing shoes since many beaches here have small pebbles instead of sand. Spend your evening in the turquoise waters enjoying this coastal setting.
Landmarks Saranda 
- Day 8
Saranda
You have the whole day to check out Saranda's beaches and local attractions. Swim at either Saranda Beach or Ksamil, then head to Lekuresi Castle for views from an old fortress and what many say is the best sunset spot overlooking the city, Adriatic Sea, and Corfu. Also visit Syri i Kaltër, a natural spring known as the Blue Eye for its striking turquoise-blue water. End the day with a drink on Saranda Boulevard as the sun sets.
Optional Activities
- Sunset viewing at Lekuresi Castle
- Visit to Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye) natural wonder
Landmarks Saranda Beach Ksamil Lekuresi Castle Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye) - Day 9
Gjirokastra
Drive to Gjirokastra for a cultural day exploring the narrow streets of the old town and Ottoman bazaar. Climb up to Gjirokastra Castle for mountain views, fortress walls, and a museum about the city's history. You can tour traditional Ottoman-era houses like the Skenduli House, often with guided explanations from the owners. Try Albanian coffee and baklava at a traditional café, then come back at golden hour when the mountain views really show themselves off.
Optional Activities
- Gjirokastra Castle museum visit
- Guided tours of traditional Ottoman houses such as Skenduli House
- Albanian coffee and baklava at traditional café
Landmarks Gjirokastra Old Town Gjirokastra Castle Ottoman Bazaar Skenduli House 
- Day 10
Saranda to Tirana
Drive from Saranda north to Tirana, the capital. Once there, you'll see Skanderbeg Square with the statue of the national hero, check out the Clock Tower and Et'hem Bej Mosque where history and architecture come together. The Pyramid of Tirana shows up as a futuristic structure in the cityscape. Walk through the Pazari bazaar to find fresh fruit and street food. Later in the evening, head to Rruga Murat Toptani where fairy lights, live music, and the energy of Tirana's nightlife keep things going.
Landmarks Skanderbeg Square Skanderbeg Statue Clock Tower of Tirana Et'hem Bej Mosque Pyramid of Tirana Pazari Bazaar Rruga Murat Toptani - Day 11
Tirana Departure
You'll return your rental car and depart Albania today. Take a moment to reflect on the week you've spent seeing mountains, coasts, natural areas, and historic cities across the country.
