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Albania’s best: Nature and Culture

Albania in 9 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.

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until Noviembre 2027

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $410

  4. Add up to 4 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

From

$1,999

$1,399

/person

-30%
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Best Price Guarantee

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Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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.

1º Día: US - Night on board

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Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight* to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2º Día: Tiranë

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Your adventure through Albania begins today! 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

17 Reviews

See our full selection

3º Día: 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

17 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Tour nocturno por Tirana

Moderate

See more
included
City Tour of Kruja

Moderate

See more

4º Día: 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 to the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg in Lezhe

Moderate

See more
included
City Tour of Shkodra

Active

See more
included
Almuerzo en Mrizi i zanave

Light

See more

5º Día: 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

18 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
City Tour of Durres

Active

See more
included
Visita a Berat

Active

See more

6º Día: 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

168 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
City Tour of Vlora

Light

See more
included
Ardenice Monastery

Light

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included
Ruins of Apollonia

Active

See more

7º Día: 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
tripadvisor rating

2 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visita a Butrinto

Active

See more

8º Día: 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

17 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Parque Nacional el Ojo Azul

Active

See more
included
Visita al Monasterio Mesopotam

Light

See more
included
Visita a Gjirokastra

Challenging

See more

9º Día: Tiranë - US

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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 $1,399

Selected
  • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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Included activities

Included

Tour nocturno por Tirana

Included activity for day 3 in Tirana

Descubre la vibrante vida nocturna de Tirana mientras paseas por sus iluminadas calles y plazas, exploras el dinámico barrio de Blloku y disfrutas de la animada atmósfera en los cafés y bares locales.

Duration: 02:00h

Pick up time: 18:30

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

City Tour of Kruja

Included activity for day 3 in Kruja

Comenzamos paseando por el bazar y seguimos con una visita guiada al Museo de Skanderbeg, donde subimos también a la parta más alta del edificio para disfrutar de las vistas de Kruje.

Duration: 02:00h

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit to the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg in Lezhe

Included activity for day 4

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

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

City Tour of Shkodra

Included activity for day 4 in Shkodra

Recorrido por la ciudad de Shkodra: antiguo bazar, centro, catedral, mezquita, castillo de Rozafa, lago de Shkodra, ríos Drini, Buna y Kir con los valles alrededor desde lo alto del castillo de Rozafa.

Duration: 02:00h

Physical rating:

Active

more information

Show more

The price includes

  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - Tirana - US*.
    more information
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels**.
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 7 breakfast and 1 lunch.
  • Todos los traslados.
  • Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide***.
    more information
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • 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 US.

• 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.

  • Requisitos de entrada

    Se requiere pasaporte con un mínimo de 3 meses de validez.

  • Visado

    No se necesita visado para entrar en el país.

  • Moneda

    Lek.

  • Idioma

    Albanés.

  • Electricidad

    Albania funciona con una tensión de 230 V y 50 Hz.

  • Salud

    No hay vacunas obligatorias para los viajeros.

  • Husos Horarios

    UTC + 01:00.

  • Web oficina de turismo

    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.

 

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  +1 888-488-0592 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.

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