Albania · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Cultural Tour of Albania with UNESCO Sites and Coastal Heritage

8 Days Round trip from Tirana Moderate pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Berat Castle, Gorica, and the medieval center of Berat
  • 02 Marvel at Tepelenë Fortress, Krujë Fortress, and Himarë Fortress
  • 03 See the ruins of the ancient Greek town of Apollonia, dating back to the 4th-5th century B.C.
  • 04 Walk through the old streets of the city of Gjirokaster
  • 05 Admire the archaeology and Venetian architecture of Butrint
  • 06 Enjoy swimming in the tranquil waters of Divjakë Beach
  • 07 Pay your respects at St. Mary's Monastery and Ardenica Monastery

Dive into Albania's rich history and culture on an 8-day journey through its many cities, from the 2,400-year-old city of Berat and its UNESCO-listed heritage to the historical ruins of Apollonia. Stroll through the old streets of Gjirokaster, explore the ancient Greek town of Butrint, and admire the museums, castles, and fortresses of Kruje, Vlore, and Tepelenë. The tour also brings in Albania's coastal side, with time in Ksamil, Himarë, and a swim in the crystal waters of Divjakë Beach.

The tour also brings in Albania's coastal side, with time in Ksamil, Himarë, and a swim in the crystal waters of Divjakë Beach.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Berat, Durres, Gjirokaster, Kruje, Sarande, Tirana, Vlore, Butrint National Park, Himarë, Apollonia (Illyria), Llogara National Park, Tepelenë, Divjakë-Karavasta National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Tirana to Durrës and Berat

  • Meet and greet your tour representative, then travel to Durrës to visit the ancient theatre of Durrës, a UNESCO Tentative List Site.
  • Afterwards, continue to Berat for accommodation.
2
Day 02

Explore Historic Berat

  • Explore the historical center of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Berat Fortress.

Accommodation in Berat.

3
Day 03

Apollonia, Tepelenë and Gjirokaster

  • Wake up and travel to Apollonia to visit the Apollonia archaeological site, a UNESCO Tentative List Site.
  • Next, go to Tepelenë to see Tepelenë Fortress.
  • Then, head to Gjirokaster to explore the historical center of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation in Gjirokaster.

4
Day 04

Gjirokaster Fortress and Museum to Sarande

  • Today, visit Gjirokaster Fortress and Gjirokaster Museum.
  • Afterwards, travel to Sarande for accommodation.
5
Day 05

Butrint, Ksamil and Lëkurësi

  • Go to Butrint and visit the Butrint archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Then, head to Ksamil to see the coastal town of Ksamil.
  • Further, move to Lëkurësi to explore Lëkurësi Fortress.
  • Transfer to Sarande for accommodation.
6
Day 06

Borsh, Himarë and Llogara Pass to Vlore

  • Travel to Borsh and explore Borsh Fortress.
  • Next, move to Himarë to see Himarë Fortress.
  • Later, go to Llogara Pass to see the scenic road of Llogara Pass.
  • Proceed to Vlore for accommodation.
7
Day 07

Vlore, Ardenica and Divjakë to Kruje

  • Travel to Vlore and visit Vlore St. Mary's Monastery.
  • Then, head to Ardenica to see Ardenica Monastery.
  • Afterwards, go to Divjakë to explore Divjakë Beach.
  • Transfer to Kruje for accommodation.
8
Day 08

Kruje Fortress and Return to Tirana

  • Visit Kruje Fortress and Kruje Museum.
  • Later, return to Tirana, where the tour finishes.

The planned distance of this tour is 842 km.

Berat Castle, Apollonia archaeological site, Butrint archaeological site, coastal town of Ksamil

Where this trip takes you

Berat Castle, Apollonia archaeological site, Butrint archaeological site, coastal town of Ksamil

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tirana 13 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport with driver
  • Transportation in a minivan with air conditioning
  • Tour director with you throughout the tour
  • Transportation for your group only, with no other travellers
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels or pensions
  • Accommodation in double rooms
  • Accommodation with breakfast only
  • English-speaking driver and tour director

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation in single rooms
  • Hotel tourist tax
  • Professional tour guide
  • Entry fees and tickets
  • Flight tickets
  • Ferry tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Country visas

What to bring

  • Photo camera with large memory

Know before you go

  • We at Monterrasol Travel practice the Slow Tourism philosophy. This means we operate our tours at a pace that allows our clients to have a more authentic experience and a true exploration of each destination featured in our itineraries.
  • This tour can be booked by a solo traveller as an exclusive solo tour, meaning the tour will be only for you, without other travellers in the vehicle.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tirana, Albania
Tour start
Tirana, Albania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Tirana.

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