6-Day Albania Tour with UNESCO Cities and the Albanian Riviera

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Tirana's vibrant blend of Ottoman history, communist heritage, and modern culture
• 02 Discover UNESCO-listed Berat and Gjirokastër with their iconic stone architecture and fortress views
• 03 Drive through Llogara Pass and experience the stunning Albanian Riviera coastline
• 04 Visit natural wonders like the Blue Eye spring, ancient ruins, and rich wildlife habitats

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day journey through the heart of the Balkans. This curated experience blends Albania's rich cultural heritage with its most breathtaking natural landscapes. From UNESCO-listed cities and ancient archaeological sites to crystal-clear springs and the scenic Albanian Riviera, this tour offers a seamless exploration of the country's most iconic highlights.

Explore a vast archaeological park surrounded by natural greenery, followed by a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Berat, Durres, Gjirokaster, Sarande, Tirana, Butrint National Park, Apollonia (Illyria), Llogara National Park, Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

Languages Albanian, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Discover the Pulse of Tirana

• Dive into the vibrant energy of Tirana. Walk through layers of history, from Ottoman influences to communist-era relics and contemporary art, while uncovering authentic stories shared by a local expert.

2

Day 02

Berat, the City of Windows

• Journey to a UNESCO-listed stone city known for its iconic hillside architecture. Explore an ancient hilltop fortress and wander through historic quarters where time appears to stand still. End the day immersed in the charm of traditional architecture.

3

Day 03

Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye

• Discover the "Stone City" of the south, a maze of steep alleys, stone houses, and panoramic viewpoints. Continue the journey towards a world-famous turquoise spring before arriving at the Ionian coast for an evening by the sea.

4

Day 04

Butrint and the Llogara High Pass

• Explore a vast archaeological park surrounded by natural greenery, followed by a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera. Conclude the day in a high mountain pass, surrounded by forests and a peaceful natural setting.

5

Day 05

Apollonia, Karavasta, and Durrës

• Discover ancient ruins of a historic civilisation and visit a serene national park known for rare bird species. Later, explore a historic port city where Roman heritage blends seamlessly with coastal life and modern energy.

6

Day 06

Durrës Farewell by the Sea

• Spend a relaxed final morning in a coastal town, exploring Roman monuments and a lively promenade before concluding an unforgettable journey through Albania.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Expert Guidance: Full services of a professionally certified tour guide specialized in cultural tourism.
• Seamless Transport: All travel in a private, climate-controlled car or van tailored to the group size.
• Curated Accommodations: 5 nights of hand-picked stays across Albania's most atmospheric cities.
• Culinary Starts: Daily breakfast is included throughout the entire journey.
• Signature Experiences: A specialized walking tour of Tirana and a private boat expedition through the Karavasta Lagoon.
• All-Access Pass: All entry fees for historical landmarks, archaeological parks, and natural monuments are covered.

What's Not Included

• Additional Dining: Any meals or beverages not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary (lunch and dinner).

• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, or any other items of a personal nature.

• Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

• Optional Activities: Any extra excursions or activities not listed in the inclusion section.

• Discretionary Gratuities: Tips for the guide and driver, at the guest's discretion.

• Everything Else: Any other service or expense not specifically mentioned in the inclusion list.

What to bring

• To ensure you have the most comfortable experience through Albania's diverse terrain-from ancient cobblestones to coastal paths-we recommend bringing:
• Comfortable Footwear: Durable walking shoes or sneakers are essential for exploring historic sites and city centers.
• Sun Protection: A hat and high-quality sunscreen to stay protected during our outdoor explorations.
• Hydration: A reusable water bottle to stay refreshed throughout the day.
• Capture the Moment: A camera or smartphone to document the breathtaking landscapes and unique encounters.
• Light Layers: While the days are sunny, a light jacket is recommended for the refreshing forest breeze in Llogara.

Know before you go

• Activity Level: This tour involves significant walking, including uneven cobblestone streets and light nature trails. It may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or certain physical impairments.

• Climate & Gear: Weather in Albania can be diverse. We move from coastal warmth to cooler mountain air in a single day, so please bring versatile clothing layers to stay comfortable.

• Accommodations: Quality lodging is fully arranged and included. You will stay in hand-picked locations that reflect the character and charm of each city on our itinerary.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Tirana International Airport (TIA), Airport Parking, Albania

Tour start

Tiranë, Albania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.