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    Albania’s best: Nature and Culture

    Albania in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

    Irene, Travel Expert

    Irene
    Travel crafter

    Travel back in time to discover the best of Albania. Legendary castles, stone-built cities, Roman ruins, and turquoise beaches are all waiting to tell you their stories.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Berat
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Blue Eye National Park
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Butrint
    4. map-pin-check-icon
      Durres
    5. map-pin-check-icon
      Gjirokastër
    6. map-pin-check-icon
      Kruja
    7. map-pin-check-icon
      Shkodra
    8. map-pin-check-icon
      Tirana
    9. map-pin-check-icon
      Vlora

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Some meals

    Availability

    1. Departures available until November 2026

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + £ 300

    4. Add up to 4 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    £ 929

    £ 599

    /person

    -35%

    Book with an expert:

    +44 20 76 60 34 10

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    Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    Your unforgettable journey through Albania begins in Tirana. Explore the historic towns of Kruja and Lezha, unwind along the coast in Shkodra, Durres, and Berat, and visit the monastery of Ardenica and the ancient ruins of Apollonia. Discover Ksamil, the Blue Eye, Butrint, and the stone city of Gjirokastër.

    1st Day: UK/Ireland - Tiranë

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    Your adventure through Albania begins today! Pack your bags and head to the airport for your flight to Tiranë, the capital city. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and check-in. Enjoy your free time to relax or start exploring.

    Overnight stay in Tiranë.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Albanopolis Hotel or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    16 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: Tiranë - Kruja - Tiranë

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll be heading to Kruja, one of Albania’s most important historical cities for its resistance during the Ottoman invasions. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, the castle, and the old bazaar.

    Later, return to Tiranë for a guided tour of the city, exploring its history, architecture, and most iconic landmarks.

    Overnight stay in Tiranë.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Albanopolis Hotel or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    16 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Tirana evening tour

    Moderate

    See more
    included
    City Tour of Kruja

    Moderate

    See more

    3rd Day: Tiranë - Lezhe - Shkodra

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll head to the historic city of Lezha to visit its hilltop castle, which offers panoramic views of the Adriatic coast and Bronze Age city walls. You’ll also visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, located in the former Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Enjoy lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, a renowned restaurant known for its traditional Albanian cuisine and surprise menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

    Continue to Shkodra, passing through scenic mountain landscapes that mark the entrance to the Albanian Alps. Explore the historical center, stroll through the old bazaar and main square, and visit the Catholic cathedral and the city’s mosque. You’ll also ascend Rozafa Castle, where you can take in the views of Lake Shkodra and the rivers Drin, Buna, and Kir, surrounded by lush valleys.

    Overnight stay in Shkodra.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Alis Hotel or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    24 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha

    Moderate

    See more
    included
    City Tour of Shkodra

    Active

    See more
    included
    Lunch at Mrizi i zanave

    Light

    See more

    4th Day: Shkodra - Durres - Berat

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your journey toward Durres, the oldest and most important port city in Albania, which played a key role in the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages. Explore the Roman Amphitheater, the largest in the region with a capacity of 20,000 spectators, built in the 2nd century. Then, visit the Byzantine Forum, the city walls, and the Roman baths.

    In the evening, head to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famously known as the city of a thousand windows. Visit the fortress, home to the Onufri Museum, and explore its ancient Orthodox churches, the Berat Mosque, and the Gorica Bridge, one of the city's oldest and most iconic landmarks.

    Overnight stay in Berat.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Republika Berat or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    17 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    City Tour of Durres

    Active

    See more
    included
    City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)

    Active

    See more

    5th Day: Berat - Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlorë

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Ardenica Monastery, nestled in peaceful hills and known as the site of Skanderbeg’s wedding. Later, explore Apollonia, an ancient Roman city perched atop a hill. Wander through its evocative ruins, including the bouleuterion, medieval monastery, temples, columns, and stone roads that reflect its storied past.

    Finally, continue to the coastal city of Vlorë to admire its historic center, Independence Square, and the Independence Monument, commemorating Albania’s separation from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

    Overnight stay at Vlorë.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Partner or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    156 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    City Tour of Vlora

    Light

    See more
    included
    Ardenica Monastery

    Light

    See more
    included
    Ruins of Apollonia

    Active

    See more

    6th Day: Vlorë - Butrint - Saranda

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll head south, taking in the scenic views of the Bay of Vlorë, the surrounding mountains, and the Ionian coastline. Enjoy lunch in Ksamil, near Saranda, with free time to relax on the beach and admire the crystal-clear waters and nearby islands.

    In the afternoon, visit Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its acropolis, basilica, palace, and ruins, all set amid tranquil waters and lush vegetation.

    Overnight stay in Saranda.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Havana or similar
    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)

    Active

    See more

    7th Day: Saranda - Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokastra - Tirana

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you’ll head to Gjirokastër, with a stop at the Mesopotam Monastery, built over the ruins of an ancient fortress. Next, you’ll visit the Blue Eye National Park to admire its vibrant turquoise waters and lush surroundings.

    Once in Gjirokastër, the “City of Stone” for its unique stone architecture, traditional houses, and cobbled streets, you’ll take a city tour to explore the city, including the Castle, which holds the Arms Museum, and the Bazaar Mosque. Later, you’ll return to Tiranë to enjoy the capital at your own pace.

    Overnight stay in Tiranë.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Albanopolis Hotel or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    16 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Blue Eye National Park

    Active

    See more
    included
    Visit to Mesopotam Monastery,

    Light

    See more
    included
    Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)

    Challenging

    See more

    8th Day: Tiranë - UK/Ireland

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    Breakfast at the hotel*. It’s time to wrap up this unforgettable adventure, but not before reflecting on all the history you’ve discovered throughout this journey. At the scheduled time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

     

    *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

    Categories

    charm

    From £ 599

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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    Pick a date and start customising your trip

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    Included activities

    Included

    Tirana evening tour

    Included activity for day 2 in Tirana

    Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tirana as you stroll through its illuminated streets and squares, explore the dynamic Blloku neighborhood, and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the local cafes and bars.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 18:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Included

    City Tour of Kruja

    Included activity for day 2 in Kruja

    Start with a stroll through the bazaar followed by a guided tour of the Skanderbeg Museum, where you'll climb to the top and enjoy the view of Kruje.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Included

    Visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha

    Included activity for day 3 in Lezhe

    Visit the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, an Albanian feudal lord and military commander who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire considered an Albanian National Hero.

    Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Included

    City Tour of Shkodra

    Included activity for day 3 in Shkodra

    Visit the most emblematic attractions of the city of Shkodra including the Old Bazaar, the Centrum, the Cathedral and Mosque, the Castle of Rozafa among other stops.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Active

    more information

    Show more

    The price includes

    • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
    • International flights: UK/Ireland - Tirana - UK/Ireland*.
      more information
    • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels**.
      more information
      See hotels included
    • 7 breakfast and 1 lunch.
    • All transfers
    • Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide***.
      more information
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • ATOL Protection.
    • English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides.
    • Escorted tour.

    Not included

    Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes* and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

    *The tourist tax in Albania must be paid in cash directly at the hotels. The amount will vary according to the city and the category of accommodation chosen:

    • 3* hotels: 80 to 150 ALL (Albanian Lek), per room per night.
    • 4* hotels: 300 to 400 ALL (Albanian Lek) per room per night.

    Albania is not part of the European Union, so roaming services in this destination are NOT free. We recommend checking with your mobile provider for any additional charges that may apply.

    *If you are traveling with Ryanair, Vueling or Wizz Air, we recommend completing online check-in on the website to avoid additional charges. The reservation includes only one piece of hand luggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm), which must be placed under the seat in front on the plane. Additional luggage can be purchased in advance through the airline's website. Any extra luggage that does not meet the specified dimensions and is not reserved in advance will be subject to additional fees at the airport.

     

    ** Some hotels, particularly those in historic neighborhoods or small towns, may not be equipped with elevators. We kindly suggest that you bear this in mind when packing and choosing your luggage!

    If you’d like to request a specific type of bed in your room (i.e. twin or double), please note that there may be limited availability.

     

    ***Your itinerary may need to be modified due to unavoidable circumstances, including but not limited to weather, national holidays, road closures, or other government orders.

     

    This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes an extensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Albania. You can expect several early morning departures and many driving miles throughout the trip.

     

    Please keep in mind that some roads may be in poor condition. For this reason, we cannot predict the volume of traffic ahead of time.

     

    Important: Local entry fees may change at any time without prior notice by decision of the local government. If this happens after confirming your booking, you should pay the difference directly to the local provider.

     

    • We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Albania. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.


    • Hotel ratings in Albania are not governed by the same standards as those in the UK/Ireland.

    • Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.

    • For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.

    • In some locations, a purchase or a small fee may be required to access public restrooms.

    • Entry requirements

      Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity required.

    • Visa

      No visa is required to enter the country.

    • Currency

      Lek.

    • Language

      Albanian.

    • Electricity

      Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

    • Health

      There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 01:00.

    • Tourist Office website

      https://albania.al/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

     

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

     

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

     

    The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

     

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Car seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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