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Discover Illyria provides tours that will unveil Albania to your exploration. The tour consists of historical landmarks integrated with coastlines for creating an extraordinary expedition uniting cultural education with ancient attractions and action-packed adventures. Guests will walk into UNESCO-designated town centers and discover Ottoman monuments alongside traditional Albanian local customs before sampling genuine local food dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Trip:
- A perfect balance of cultural heritage, breathtaking nature, and authentic local experiences.
- One complete excursion reveals every important town as well as historical sites and
oceanfront scenery, which deliver an unforgettable and cheerful journey. - During your trip, sample the traditional Albanian hospitality and taste their well-known
local cuisine. - Touring through multiple locations with an organized group of people as guides provides
small-scale visits and premium travel experience.
Tour Details:
- A perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation
- Group Size: Maximum 18 travelers, minimum 10 travelers (average 14)
- Trip Staff:
- Tour Leader
- Local Guides
- Driver(s)
Trip Information:
- Climate and Country:
- Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Tirana boasts 9 to 11 hours of sunshine during the summer, while temperatures can soar to 40 °C in July. July and August can be hot in Albania. In the beginning of the season and the end, it is a little colder and might rain. The tour leader may have to adjust walks with this in mind. Weather from October to April is mild but highly unpredictable in the mountainous regions. Snow can be found on the highest peaks throughout the year
- Time Difference to GMT +1
- Plugs: standard European 2-pin round plugs.
- Religion:
- Islam, Orthodox,Catholic
- Language:
- Albanian, as it is the native and official language, but you can communicate easily in English
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Budgeting & Packing
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Clothing: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is essential. A raincoat is recommended year-round, while warmer layers are necessary for spring and autumn. For rural visits, modest clothing is advised (cover shoulders when entering religious sites). Don’t forget your swimwear if you plan on swimming.
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Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or trail boots are necessary for hikes and city exploration. Sandals or casual shoes are good for everyday wear.
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Luggage: A main bag (maximum 20 kg) and a daypack for daily essentials.
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Essential Equipment: Bring a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A flashlight may be useful for dimly lit areas. If you plan on trekking, walking poles can be helpful.
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Tipping
Tipping is not necessary but is well appreciated.
- Leader: 20-30 € per person/week (optional, for exceptional service).
- Local Crew: 20€ for tipping local staff
Food and Drink
- Approximately
- Lunch: 10-15 €
- Dinner: 18-22 €
- Beer: 2 €
- Water: 1 €
- Vegetarian food is everywhere, but the vegan and gluten-free traveler will need to carry extra snack food. Simple meals are grilled vegetables, salads, and roasted potatoes.
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water or filtered water is preferable.
Currency & Payment
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- Local currency: Albanian Lek (ALL).
- Accepted foreign currencies: Euros, US dollars, and British pounds can be exchanged in major towns.
- ATMs: Available in most larger towns.
- Credit Cards: Not widely accepted; cash is preferred.
- Transport trips involve travel by bus, boat, or private vehicle, depending on the itinerary.
Things You Need to Know
Always check the local tax government’s travel advice to stay updated concerning safety, health, and entry requirements.
Visa & Passport Requirements
- Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa.
- Other nationalities should check with their local embassy for visa requirements.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Insurance All travelers must have valid travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and activities included in the itinerary.
Safety & Health
- We recommend checking government travel advisories before departure. For vaccinations and health recommendations, consult your healthcare provider.
Insurance
- Travel insurance that is mandatory must include medical treatment, emergency repatriation, and any activities outlined in the holiday itinerary. The traveler must ensure that their policy is comprehensive.
Booking Conditions
- Once confirmed, your booking price is locked in and will not change. However, voluntary changes (e.g., date changes) may incur additional costs.
- For further details or specific inquiries, feel free to contact our team!
Under 18 Immigration
- Passengers under 18 years of age may need parent permission to travel abroad. It is best to phone the relevant embassy in advance.
Fitness & Safety
- All activities need participants to be fit. The tour leaders can require participants to sit out if they may risk others’ safety or enjoyment. No refund will be made for activities missed.
For further details or specific inquiries, feel free to contact our team!
An unforgettable travel experience awaits you at Discover Illyria if this describes your vacation preferences
Itineraries
Day 1
Join the trip in Albania's vibrant capital and start your Albanian Journey.
Albania’s vibrant capital city, Tirana, is full of modernity and rich culture. Tirana is welcoming and has plenty to explore, from its bustling cafes to its vibrant streets. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to explore the city by yourself, or you can stay and take some time to rest in your room. At the hotel, there will be the tour guide waiting to greet you and answer all the questions you may have. After everyone’s arrival, there will be a welcome meeting where all the members will be introduced to the group and the plans for the tour will be discussed. It’s a great chance to know more about your co-travelers and what’s next in the pipeline. If you’re eager to dive into the city’s energy after the meeting, the Blloku District is a fantastic choice for an evening outing. After once being the gated community of Albania’s communist leadership, it is now a bustling neighborhood with cool bars, eateries, and cafes, perfect for a first night to remember in Tirana.
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Doanesia Hotel or similar
Meals provided: None
Day 2
Walking tour in Tirana then a cable car adventure up mount Dajti, then transfer to Shkoder.
Once we finish our breakfast at the hotel, we gather at 9 am and start touring around Tirana. Starting at Skanderbeg Square, a vibrant city square lined with sights like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and National History Museum. Walking in the Great Park of Tirana with its greenery and a serene artificial lake. People interested in knowing the history of the country are advised to go to Bunk’Art 2 to learn about the communist period of Albania’s history and to House of Leaves to learn about Albania’s secret surveillance. We will head to Dajti Mountain National Park. We will take the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car, which is one of the longest cable cars in the Balkans, through which we will be transported to the mountaintop of Mount Dajti. As we move upwards, you will be able to see the whole city and enjoy a panoramic view of Tirana as well as the hills, valleys, and heights of the more distant mountains. At the top, you could tramp around the area and experience the extremely fresh mountain air. Also, some routes for walking and sightseeing, so you are free to stroll and marvel at whatever nature presents you with. Later, we proceed to Shkodër, which is one of the ancient cities in Albania and is rich in culture and history. Once we arrive, you will have a chance to enjoy the idyllic streets of Shkodër, which are known for hosting a myriad of historical landmarks. Having a traditional dinner mixed with the city atmosphere to end the day in the perfect way. We will be staying at the Shkodër Hotel during the night, giving you the chance to unwind and take in the spectacular views of the day.
Accommodation: Tribute Hotel, Hotel Tradita or simmilar
Meals provided: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Explore Rozafa Castle, then visit Kruje, followed by a tour of Durres.
After breakfast, our day starts at Rozafa Castle (2500 years old), set high on top of the city of Shkodër. The fortress gives off colorful purple and blue hues, and as we walk through its ancient walls, we’ll hear stories about how it was built and why it was named Rozafa, coming from the woman who was sealed up in its walls to keep the foundation solid and so the castle would be saved. Then we depart to Krujë, a historic place known for the Krujë Castle on the top of a hill. Krujë Castle has been an important part of the defense during the wars against the Ottoman Empire, and the Skanderbeg Museum situated inside the castle is dedicated to the life and existence of the country’s national hero. The town is also the home of the Ethnological Museum, where you can comprehend what life is like in traditional Albania and the culture and crafts that they have. The whole team can also go for a leisurely stroll in the Old Bazaar, where locals display their homegrown and handcrafted items, as well as things that are characteristic of the Albanian culture. In the afternoon, we make our way to Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city, located on the beautiful Adriatic coast. Durrës has a long history, over 3000 years from ancient Illyrian, Hellenic, and Roman times to its vibrant modern culture. We’ll check into our hotel for the night, where you can relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel Butique Vila 8, Klajdi Resort or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 4
Visit Durres, explore the city, then continue to Elbasan and Pogradec.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave for a sightseeing trip to the city of Durrës. One of the reasons for the richness of Durrës history is the ancient Illyrian ruins and Roman buildings found there and a very dynamic coastal life. We are going to start our day with a visit to the Durrës Amphitheater, one of the largest and most important ancient monuments in the country, and then the Archaeological Museum, which houses numerous artifacts from Albania’s long and varied history. Following this short walk, we will proceed to the Durrës promenade, one of the most attractive Adriatic seafronts in Albania, where you can walk and sit in the cafes and eat great food by the sea. From the Durrës, we are finally moving to Elbasan. The origins of Elbasan date back to the 2nd century BC with the Illyrian settlement of Skamp, documented by a Roman tombstone of 160 BC. We are going to visit Elbasani Castle, the largest castle in Balkan by land. Then, in the afternoon, we are going to Pogradec, a peaceful and picturesque town on the shores of Lake Ohrid. As soon as we arrive, you will get free time to relax. The lake and lakeshore being peaceful and quiet make it one of the favorites for people who want to be in a nice location, especially after a long day. We will check into the hotel in Drilon, a stunning area known for its natural beauty and charming landscapes. There, we will have a wonderful experience of a night by the lake.
Accommodation: Hotel Voloreka or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 5
Discover Drilon, explore Korce, and enjoy a scenic walk in Voskopoje.
After breakfast, we have time to see more of Drilon, which is very colorful, and it is beside a lakeside where the water is very clear and the nature is very beautiful. The place is mainly for leisure and has many beautiful trees, silent trails for walking, and clear and clean water for swimming, fishing, or walking. However, Drilon is the region’s major attraction as it has natural springs, and birdwatchers will be interested in the abundant birdlife too. Also, it will result in the day getting off to a good start, thus providing good relaxation. Then we will go to the city of Korçë, which is known by the locals as one of the most beautiful cities in the country, and it is called “Small Paris of Albania” due to the beauty of its buildings, nature, and culture. In the center of the city, we will see some of the most impressive buildings. Later, it is time to go to the nearby Voskopoje, a small mountain village. Voskopoje was a significant meeting point in the 18th century, and it was a town that had several large and beautiful churches. 26 churches were built between 1630 and 1780 at Voskopoje. We will visit some other historic places along the way as well. We shall be back in Korçë town, where we will spend the night. After dinner, you may want to walk downtown and see what else is interesting. We will stay overnight in Korçë.
Accommodation: Dimis Hotel, Hotel regency, Park Plaza or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 6
Explore the picturesque towns of Permet and Gjirokastër.
We will move to the south next; after we have had breakfast, we are going to Permet, the city near the Vjose River Valley. We will experience an exciting rafting adventure in Përmet, navigating the crystal-clear waters of the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers. Stretching across 270 kilometers, the Vjosa remains unspoiled, adorned with stunning canyons, serene river sections, charming islands, and picturesque oxbows. An adventure at the rafting center near Përmet would give us technical gear and a safety briefing so we can drive directly a short distance to the launching point, where the guides will instruct us before starting the adventures. A two-hour journey with multiple stops for swimming and rock jumps. Back at the rafting center, we take a moment to freshen up before enjoying a home-style Albanian meal, savoring the local flavors after our adventure. Once we have recharged, we continue our journey to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage town famous for its vast history, well-preserved Ottoman architecture, and enchanting mountain views. During the afternoon, we visit the fortification Gjirokastër Castle, the largest medieval fortress in Albania, with views of the entire town and valley. Next, we will visit the Ethnological Museum for a bit of insight into the cultural heritage of the area before walking down the old, cobbled streets of the Old Bazaar, packed with traditional markets, Skenduli House, and unique stone houses with slate roofs. As the sun sets, so does the charm of the town, beautifully rendering an ending to our perfect day, after which we will head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Kalemi Hotel, Hotel Argjiro or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7
Visit the Blue Eye, transfer to Saranda, and explore the ancient ruins of Butrint.
After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the Blue Eye, a lovely natural spring situated close to the village of Muzinë. The spring is known to be crystal-clear and has bright blue water that forms a profoundly beautiful sight. Enjoy walking around and breathing in the amazing beauty of nature by strolling over lush greenery. From there, we will arrive in Saranda, a coastal town that is a beach destination flooded with tourists. You may walk along the Sarandë promenade, visit the coastal Synagogue complex, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean climate and scenery. In the afternoon, we will visit Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological treasures of Albania. Dating back to Illyrian, Hellenic, and Roman times, the ancient town of Butrint offers an important insight into the history of Albania. Various sites will be visited: the ancient theater, the baths, the basilica, and the Venetian castle, all in a lush green cape, almost cinematic. In the evening, you are free to enjoy the city nightlife of Saranda.
Accommodation: Mucobega Hotel or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 8
Explore Ali Pasha's Castle, then head to Himara for relaxation by the coast.
After breakfast, we head north towards Ali Pasha’s Castle. This fortress is famous due to a well- known Albanian Ottoman ruler, Ali Pasha, and it grants you stunning views of the surrounding area and colors the region with historical recollections. At the castle, you may lose yourself in the peacefulness of the lake and its surroundings. Next, we continue to the charming coastal town of Himarë on the Albanian Riviera.You can pay a visit to Himarë Castle, where the view over the Ionian Sea is breathtaking, or you can just lie on those quiet beaches lining the coast. We will be free to explore the town in the evening and watch a coastal sunset, marveling at the laid-back atmosphere this very charming region naturally offers. We will spend the night in Himarë while soaking up the peacefulness of this coastal pearl.
Accommodation: Hotel Chimaera or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 9
Hike through Llogara Pass, then head to Vlora for a seaside experience.
After breakfast, we take off towards Llogara Pass, which is one of the most scenic places in Albania. Driving through Llogara National Park, we are treated to stunning views of the Ionian Sea, rugged mountains, and gentle countryside. It goes without saying that this drive is highly photogenic, so be very ready and armed with your camera to capture its beauty. When we finally crest the top of the pass, we can stop for a breath of fresh mountain air and enjoy the views before resuming our drive to Vlorë. Then we go to Vlorë, with its colorful past and an active vibe, the second-largest coastal city in Albania after Durrës. After we reach, we taste a traditional Albanian lunch in one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, our guide will take us on a tour to explore Vlorë, visiting key landmarks such as Independence Square, the site of Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912. You may also take a stroll along the Vlorë promenade and enjoy the beautiful coastline or explore Vlora’s national museum to learn more about the city’s cultural significance and history. In the evening, you can unwind, feeling the easy-going vibes, perhaps by sitting on the beach or sipping a drink in one of the local cafés. We will spend the night here in Vlorë, enjoying the charm of this seaside city.
Accommodation: Hotel Regina City, Regina Garden, Bologna Hotel or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch
Day 10
Visit the archaeological site of Apollonia, explore the Ardenic Monastery, then head to Berat.
After breakfast, we set off to Apollonia, one of the most important Albanian ancient archaeological sites. The Illyrian city dates back to the 6th century BC, as its then-developing location made it one of the early centers of culture and commerce. The visit includes a tour of the ruins, where we will see the remains of one of the most impressive temples of Artemis, its ancient theater, and a monastery serving as a contemporary museum. Apollonia provides not only an interesting part of history but also a spectacular view over the endless countryside. This is followed by a visit to Ardenica, a medieval monastery. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor in 1282. The monastery is famous for the marriage of Albanian national hero Skanderbeg to Andronika Arianiti, from the nobel family Arianiti. Take time to appreciate the architectural design and serene atmosphere of this peaceful area. After Ardenica, we continue our journey to Berat, a lovely historic town in Albania, known as the “town of one over one window.” We spent the afternoon visiting the stunning Berat Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit the Berat castle and Onufri museum and walk around the cobbled, narrow streets in Mangalem and Gorica quarters. The town boasts characteristic white Ottoman-era houses with eye-catching windows, which add to its charm. In the evening, soak up the calm ambiance of Berat, perhaps strolling along the Osumi River, and enjoy the beauty and history of this remarkable town. Overnight in Berat, enjoying the benefits of its background and splendid views.
Accommodation: Hotel Mangalemi, Hotel Plaza, Protik Hotel or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 11
Explore Berat's unique architecture and history, then transfer to the airport for departure.
From Berat, we will head directly to Tirana Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely departure. If you wish to extend your stay in Berat or Albania, please let us know in advance, as we can provide assistance based on your departure time. The airport and nearby areas offer luggage storage facilities for your convenience, particularly if you have a delayed flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for Albania’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm traditions. Safe travel!
Meals provided: breakfast
What’s Included:
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Meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
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Bus travel includes professional driving services by people who take responsibility for private transportation during the entire trip.
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Hotels are part of the package, which provides ten nights of accommodation.
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Expert leadership emerges from combining a local tour leader with several guest storytellers and cultural guides.
Additional Costs:
While our trips include accommodation, transportation, and guided tours, please note that the following are NOT included:
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Flight tickets to and from Albania.
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Entrance fees for museums, castles, and other historical sites.
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and additional meals.
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Travel insurance (mandatory for all travelers).
• The active tour itinerary leads travelers through Albania’s top attractions, which include
beachfront scenery, old historical sites, and mountainous wonders.
• The entire day will focus on exploring the landscapes and cultural heritage of Albania’s
varied terrain through extended travel between sites. We will experience scenic views of
the Adriatic Coast during our extended drives because we will also see the Albanian
mountains along with several picturesque villages in the countryside.
• The journey requires plenty of walking since exploration includes both ancient ruins, town
walks, and national park hiking trails; thus, comfort footwear and minimum fitness levels
are necessary.
• The hot summer climate in Albania (300 days sunny) necessitates the necessity of packing
light, breathable clothing together with sun protection essentials. The trip will be more
comfortable if you pack a filtered water bottle to prevent dehydration.
• The historical and cultural aspects of Albania’s past are perfectly explored through this tour,
which attracts enthusiasts interested in both ancient civilizations and Cold War history
together with local traditions.
• People who desire complete involvement and energetic travel experiences should consider
this route.
• People interested in historical learning passionately seek out UNESCO heritage sites along
with archaeological discoveries.
• Travelers who want to search for pristine Albanian places which stay outside the typical
tourist destinations
• Those who want to experience authentic Albanian food and the genuine hospitalities of the
local people
• People who love sunny and warm climates and enjoy the most beautiful Mediterranean
beaches.
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