Itinerary
- Day 1
Airport/Hotel to Lake Ohrid
Your rental car arrives at your hotel or airport, and you'll head south through scenic country toward Elbasan. From there, you'll follow the ancient Via Egnatia trade route as it turns east toward Lake Ohrid. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, and by evening you'll settle into a quiet lakeside village guesthouse where you can relax after your first day on the road.
- Start point
- Tirana, Albania (We'll deliver your car to the airport, or your Tirana accommodation, 06:00 - 14:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Lake Ohrid Village Guesthouse (en suite) )
Included Activities
- Drive to Lake Ohrid via scenic route and ancient Via Egnatia trade route
Landmarks/POIs Lake Ohrid Via Egnatia - Day 2
Lake Ohrid to Korça
You'll circle Lake Ohrid this morning, then drive to Lake Prespa, which sees far fewer visitors. There's time to stop for lunch and take an optional boat trip out to Maligrad Island if you want. After that, continue driving to Korça, a lively Balkan city that's popular with travelers for its local character and food scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Bujtina Oxhaku, Korça)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive around Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa
Optional Activities
- Boat trip to Maligrad Island
Landmarks/POIs Lake Ohrid Lake Prespa Maligrad Island - Day 3
Korça to Vjosa River Valley
Head southwest into the shadow of the Gramos and Pindus mountain ranges, making your way toward the Vjosa river valley. The route gives you chances to stop for walks, swimming, or soaking in warm sulphur springs if you're interested. You'll end the day at a village guesthouse positioned high in the hills overlooking the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Vjosa Valley Village Guesthouse (en suite) )
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Gramos and Pindus mountain ranges to Vjosa river valley
Optional Activities
- Walking
- Swimming
- Warm sulphur springs
Landmarks/POIs Gramos Mountain Range Pindus Mountain Range Vjosa River Valley - Day 4
Vjosa Valley to Gjirokastra
This morning is yours to use for optional activities like e-biking, rafting, or hiking around the village. When you're ready to move on, drive through Këlcyrë Pass, a dramatic mountain crossing with layers of history from Alexander the Great's father through Roman times. You'll reach Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage City, by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free to walk through town on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Kastro, Gjirokastra)
Included Activities
- Drive through Kîlcyrë Pass to Gjirokastra
Optional Activities
- E-biking
- Rafting
- Gentle walk
- Local guide for Gjirokastra exploration
Landmarks/POIs Kîlcyrë Pass Gjirokastra - Day 5
Gjirokastra to Butrint
Drive west to Butrint Lagoon to see the archaeological park, where you can spend several hours exploring the ruins. Food lovers might book the mussel tour on the lagoon if that appeals to you. After visiting, head back inland to finish the day at a restored stone mansion in the hills near the Greek border.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Libohovë Village Guesthouse (en suite) )
Included Activities
- Visit Butrint archaeological park
Optional Activities
- Mussel tour on Butrint Lagoon
Landmarks/POIs Butrint Butrint Lagoon - Day 6
Butrint to Albanian Riviera
This is one of the most memorable drives on the tour as you climb into the wild Kurvelesh mountains and head west toward the Albanian Riviera. Along the way, you'll have options to swim under waterfalls, hike into a large canyon, or try the new via ferrata route (opened spring 2025), or simply head straight to the beach if you prefer. You'll stay in a quiet village on the Ionian shore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Riviera 3* Hotel )
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Kurvelesh mountains to Albanian Riviera
Optional Activities
- Swimming beneath waterfall
- Hike into canyon system
- Via ferrata
Landmarks/POIs Kurvelesh Mountains Albanian Riviera - Day 7
Albanian Riviera to Berat
Tackle the famous Llogora Pass, which climbs from sea level to 1,000 metres with switchback after switchback and incredible views at every turn. After descending to the Bay of Vlora, visit the archaeological park at Bylis. You'll finish in Berat, another UNESCO World Heritage City, staying in a hotel up in the castle itself. Wine drinkers can choose a nearby winery for the night instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Berati Castle Hotel)
Included Activities
- Drive through Llogora Pass
- Visit Bylis archaeological park
Optional Activities
- Stay in a winery near Berat
Landmarks/POIs Llogora Pass Bay of Vlorë Bylis Berat - Day 8
Berat to Airport or Tirana
An easy drive takes you to either the airport or into Tirana city, depending on your plans. If you want to stretch the day out, there's a scenic route option that lets you enjoy more of the country on your way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to airport or Tirana
Landmarks/POIs Tirana
