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Catching the thrill of a walk gently through the Albanian Riviera, you will come to know these rugged coastlines and their pristine waters alongside old stone villages. Unearth secret pathways to ancient castles and charming coastal towns, leaving your journey at the energetic capital of Tirana.
Why will you love this trip?
- Adventure: Trek through stunning coastal trails, from the rugged Karaburun Peninsula to the scenic paths of Llogara National Park.
- Hidden Beaches: Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gjipe and Buneci, two of Albania’s secret paradises.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover charming stone villages rich in history and explore ancient fortresses that tell Albania’s story.
- Vibrant City Life: Experience the lively streets of Tirana and Durres, where tradition meets modernity.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas over the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, capturing Albania’s natural beauty.
- Delicious Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes, paired with the warmth of local hospitality.
- Perfect Blend: A mix of scenic hiking, cultural discovery, and relaxing beach time makes for a well-rounded trip.
- Unforgettable Experience: This trip offers a truly memorable way to explore Albania’s untouched beauty, with something for everyone.
Tour Details:
- Walking Grade: Moderate Mixed climbing with coastal and mountain trails, occasional and medium inclinations, no dangerous drop-offs—an
- 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
Budgeting & Packing
- Clothing: Wear airy and comfortable clothes, suitable for Albania’s typical warm climate; layering is recommended due to the variable weather that could prevail, sometimes without warning, particularly in the mountains. Don’t forget to pack for the possibility of rain.
- Must-Knows:
- Waterproof jacket
- Long sleeves,
- Shirts,
- Hat,
- Full-length pants (for rural villages),
- Shorts (for walking),
- Swimwear
- A thicker fleece or pullover
Ankle-supportive hiking boots (must be worn), plus - Sandals or trainers for downtime.
- Luggage: An allowance of 20 kg is provided. Due to the itinerary, soft travel bags and/or backpacks would be recommended, with regard to areas in and around national parks.
- Packing List:
- Travel rucksack/duffel
- Sunglasses; sun cream
- Torch (small; battery back-up)
- Camera and walking poles
- Personal toiletries, first-aid kit (blister kits, aspirin, plasters, etc.)
- Water bottle (reusable; minimum ONE L)
- Waterproof dry bag (for valuables such as a phone)
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.
Albania:
- Food & Drink
- 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
- 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!
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Tirana, explore the city, and meet fellow travelers.
Welcome to Tirana, the capital city of Albania! It’s rich in modern culture and history— exciting streets, buzzing cafes, and a lot of historical monuments. Your local tour guide meets you in the hall of the hotel, answers any possible questions you may have, and takes you to your comfortable accommodation. Depending on your time of arrival, you may explore the city or relax in your hotel room. Later in the evening, the entire group gathers for the welcome meeting—to meet fellow travelers, get a briefing on the tour, and ask any lastminute questions. After the meeting, you might want to really check out the vibes of the city and explore the Blloku District. Evidently, the Blloku district has transitioned from being a restrictive zone solely for the Communist elite to a lively district filled with trendy bars, exquisite restaurants, and some quaint cafés, the perfect backdrop to wander into on your first night in Tirana!
Accommodation: Classic hotel, Doanesia hotel or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 2
Walking tour in Tirana then transfer to Vlora
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we gather and begin our exploration of the city. The first stop is Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, where historic landmarks like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum offer a glimpse of the country in an ancient past. After this, the group will walk through the Great Park of Tirana to enjoy the quiet surrounding green grass and tranquil artificial lake, sitting back and relaxing here. If by chance you really want to get inside Albania’s historical events, you can pay a visit to Bunk’Art 2 to get a phase of the nation under communism. On the other hand, House of Leaves emphasizes the secret surveillance of the country during the era of communism. After an immersive experience of history, go to Tirana’s Old Bazaar to shop for fresh fruits, traditional sweets, and souvenirs to remind you of this lively city. By the late evening, we head down the road toward the coastal town of Vlora, where you can settle into your accommodation and have an evening at leisure. As the third-largest city in Albania, Vlora occupies a grand position situated within the confines of a sweeping bay protected by the Karaburuni Peninsula.
Accommodation: Hotel Regina City, Regina Garden, Bologna Hotel or similar
Meal provided: Breakfast
Day 3
Explore Karaburun, Llogara Pass, and Himara’s coast.
Today will really be special as we depart from Vlora to cross the rugged Karaburun Peninsula. A boat ride (or a coastal walk, depending on sea conditions) into this unspoiled corner of the Albanian coastline initiates the adventure. The scenery changes dramatically from tranquil waters to stunning cliffs and untouched beaches as we near the shore. After enjoying the natural beauty of the Karaburun Peninsula, our journey continues toward the Llogara Pass. The winding road climbs along the cliffs and provides breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea. From the top of the pass, the stretch of coastline below makes for a postcard moment, a memory that will be forever etched in the memory of our southern Albania. We will be ending our day in that quiet little town called Himara, where we will have time to relax and absorb the serene atmosphere and beautiful vistas over the coastline that make the town special. Feel free to check around the lovely little places before going to bed.
Accommodation: Hotel Chimaera or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 4
Boat ride to Jala Bay, walk to Livadi Bay, and visit Himara Fortress.
This morning, we set out to embrace the beautiful Albanian Riviera toward the Jala Bay. We sailed along the coastline by boat, greeted by turquoise waters and soaring rugged mineral cliffs, which directed us to the meeting point for the daytime walk. Following a lovely coastal path, we made our way to Livadhi Bay, a quiet beach where one can lose oneself in Ionian wonderment. As tantalizing views of the sea opened, we made our way inland, heading up toward Old Himara, a delightful village sitting in the hills with narrow streets and stone houses. Above the village is the ancient fortress of Himara, steeped in history backdated to the Byzantine period and resting on it with the Illyrian remains as early as the 5th century BC. The breath-taking views of the panoramic scene down below stretched along the long coastline. We will return to our hotel in Himara in the afternoon so that you can relax and explore this town at your leisure. Whether you want an afternoon relaxing on the shore, some fun renting a kayak, or a mouth-watering seafood dinner at one of the beach restaurants, it’s all yours to enjoy. The combination of Albanian, Greek, and Italian cuisines promises to give you an unforgettable dining experience to end your day.
Accommodation: Hotel Chimaera or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 5
Walk from Lukova to Borsh along the coast and beaches.
Today we visit a small, charming village, Lukova, as we continue adventuring along the Albanian Riviera. Being situated on a slope, this very good-looking settlement has fine views of the Ionian Sea and is surrounded by terraced olive groves and citrus trees. We set off by following a rocky route leading downwards towards the coast; once more, we will not be disappointed because quite possibly the most untouched of landscapes calls before us. The journey leads towards Borsh, which boasts Albania’s longest beach, where waters circle endless miles of white pebbles. Quite hidden from the world’s gaze, this paradise is perfect for taking a break under the sun or dipping into the waters of the Ionian Sea. And then, for those who are history buffs, they often go to the castle ruins that are situated at the top of the hills: the ruins of Borsh Castle, which gives you a peek into medieval Albania. And after enjoying the beauty of Borsh, we return to Himara for the latter part of the evening at leisure. The relaxed coastal atmosphere of Himara is all that you want to finish up a great day.
Accommodation: Hotel Chimaera or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 6
Walk to Gjipe Beach, enjoy the views, and relax by the sea.
Thereafter, after breakfast, the path takes us on a breathtaking hike to Gjipe Beach, one of the most hidden gems of the Albanian coastlines. This beach is nestled right between two tall cliffs and can be reached only on foot or by boat, making it a true escape into nature. Our walk is rugged, winding through olive groves and rocky trails, giving us stunning panoramic views overlooking the coastline. As we make our way to the beach, we glimpse our destination, where the Ionian Sea tempts us with its turquoise waters to come in for a swim. And from now on, the rest of the day is all yours to relax. You can sunbathe, explore the canyon nearby, or even just listen to the waves in peace. And after the sun sets, we walk to Himara, where you can indulge in some carefree evening time against a backdrop of a sea that recalls all the adventures of the day over a luscious meal.
Accommodation: Hotel Chimaera or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 7
Touring Through Durres and the Adriatic Coastline
Today’s shift is from the Ionian shores to the historic and scenic wonders of the Adriatic Coast. We begin at Durres, the ancient port city of Albania, where the two worlds of history and modernity meet seamlessly. Durrës history dates back for more than 3000 years, from its Illyrian, Hellenic, and Roman ancient roots to its modern-day bustle. A guided tour of the walking history will lead us through the fascinating past of the city, stopping at the Roman Amphitheater, one of the most outstanding archaeological sites in the Balkans, and the Venetian Tower for hints of the long maritime legacy of Durres. Leaving the then city, it is time to visit Kallm Beach, which is a quiet area with clear water and very rough, rocky shores—ideal for a dip or relaxing by the beach. From here, we continue to the Cape of Rodon, a rough peninsula jutted into the Adriatic, offering wide perspectives as well as the chance to visit the Rodoni Castle, established by the national hero of Albania, Skanderbeg. The last visit is Lalzi Bay, a beautiful stretch of beach that is characterized by very fine golden sands and gentle waves. This would be the ideal point to rest at before heading back to Durres for the night. Here you can spend your last evening soaking up the beauty and magic of the coastline of Albania.
Accommodation: Hotel Butique Vila 8, Klajdi Resort or similar
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 8
Departure time from Tirana to airport
After breakfast, we will depart directly for the airport, ensuring a smooth and timely arrival for your departure. If you need any assistance or wish to extend your stay in Albania, please let us know in advance. For your convenience, luggage storage facilities are available at the airport and nearby areas, particularly if you have a delayed flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Albania’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Safe travel!
Meals provided: Breakfast
What’s Included:
Meals: 7 breakfast
Transport: Comfortable bus and scenic boat ride
Accommodation
Expert tour and local guide
Flight tickets to and from Albania.
Entrance fees for museums, castles, and other historical sites.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and additional meals.
Travel insurance (mandatory for all travelers).
• You love adventure. If you’re excited to explore rugged coastal trails and hike
through stunning national parks, this trip is perfect for you.
• You seek hidden gems: If swimming in crystal-clear waters and discovering
secret beaches sounds like your dream, you’ll adore this journey.
• You enjoy rich history: If ancient fortresses, charming stone villages, and
cultural exploration are your thing, this tour will captivate you.
• You’re a fan of city life: If strolling through lively streets and soaking in the energy
of Tirana and Durres appeals to you, you’ll find joy in the city stops.
• You love stunning views: If panoramic vistas over the Ionian and Adriatic Seas
excite you, you’ll be amazed by the scenery.
• You’re a food lover: If fresh seafood and traditional Albanian cuisine tempt your
taste buds, this tour will delight you.
• You want a well-rounded experience: If you’re looking for a mix of hiking, culture,
and relaxation by the sea, this trip offers the perfect balance.
• You crave unforgettable memories: If you’re ready for an adventure that offers
new experiences and beautiful moments, this trip is made for you.
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