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Albania’s best: Nature and Culture
Albania in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination
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
- Berat
- Blue Eye National Park
- Butrint
- Durres
- Gjirokastër
- Kruja
- Shkodra
- Tirana
- Vlora
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until November 2026
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + £ 300
Add up to 4 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
charm included
- WHAT'S THIS?
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
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
16 Reviews
See our full selection
2nd Day: Tiranë - Kruja - Tiranë
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
16 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Tirana evening tour
Moderate
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City Tour of Kruja
Moderate
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3rd Day: Tiranë - Lezhe - Shkodra
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
24 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit the Skanderbeg Mausoleum in Lezha
Moderate
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City Tour of Shkodra
Active
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Lunch at Mrizi i zanave
Light
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4th Day: Shkodra - Durres - Berat
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
17 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Durres
Active
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City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)
Active
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5th Day: Berat - Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlorë
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
156 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Vlora
Light
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Ardenica Monastery
Light
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Ruins of Apollonia
Active
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6th Day: Vlorë - Butrint - Saranda
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
Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)
Active
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7th Day: Saranda - Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokastra - Tirana
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
16 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Blue Eye National Park
Active
See more
Visit to Mesopotam Monastery,
Light
See more
Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)
Challenging
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8th Day: Tiranë - UK/Ireland
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
- Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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Included activities
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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 informationSee hotels included
- 7 breakfast and 1 lunch.
- All transfers
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide***.more informationSee 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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