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Between the Balkans and the Adriatic Sea
Albania in 11 Days, 9 Nights in Destination
From
$2,439
$1,699
/person
-30%
Natalie
Travel crafter
A well-rounded tour of Albania! Explore the history of this fascinating Balkan country, a true melting pot of Ottoman and Soviet-era successful survival stories that define a now thriving free nation.
Trip Highlights
- Berat
- Butrint
- Durres
- Elbasan
- Gjirokastër
- Korca
- Kruja
- Shkodra
- Tirana
- Vlora
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until October 2024
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $630
Add up to 4 nights to your stay
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Categories available
charm included
charm 2025 from + $100
- WHAT'S THIS?
Itinerary
Begin in Tirana, visit castles in Lezhe and landscapes in Shkodra. Continue to Kruja, the home Skanderbeg and medieval Durres. Discover the ancient city of Berat, Ardenica Monastery, Apollonia with its Roman remains and the coastal city of Vlora. Head to resort town Saranda and onto the ruins of Butrint. Visit stone city Gjirokaster, Tepelena Castle and cultural Korca. Finally, discover Elbasan.
1st Day: US - Night on board
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.
2nd Day: Tirana
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania, famous for its colorful combination of architectural styles and the pastel buildings surrounding Skanderbeg Square, named for the national hero immortalized in an equestrian statue. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest after your trip. Accommodation in Tirana.
*Important: if you are traveling with Ryanair or Wizz Air, we recommend that you check-in online on the website to avoid additional charges. Online check-in will be available until 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The reservation includes only one piece of carry-on baggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm), which must be placed under the front seat on the aircraft. Additional baggage can be purchased in advance through the airline's website. Any extra baggage that does not comply with the specified dimensions and is not booked in advance will be subject to additional fees at the airport.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Freddy's Hotel or similar
297 Reviews
See our full selection
3rd Day: Tirana - Kruja - Durres - Tirana
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we head to one of the most important cities in Albania, Kruja, famous both for the role it played in the resistance against the Ottomans and as the home of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg.
Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle, then at noon head to the port city of Durres where you have time for lunch (not included). Durres was the most important Mediterranean metropolis until the 15th century, when it was occupied by the Ottomans. In 1912, when Albania proclaimed its independence, Durres became its capital until 1920. It has the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans, from the beginning of the 2nd century.
During your tour of Durres you’ll visit the castle wall of the old city and then return to Tirana. You will have the option to go on a walking tour in the afternoon to continue discovering the magic of the city. Overnight in Tirana.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 120 km and is done via a busy highway, although an alternative road is under construction that will make the transfer more more agile.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Freddy's Hotel or similar
297 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Tirana night tour
Moderate
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City Tour of Kruja
Moderate
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City Tour of Durres
Active
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4th Day: Tirana - Lezhe - Shkodra - Tirana
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to the city of Lezhe, known as Lissus in antiquity. Visit the mausoleum of Skanderbeg, an Albanian feudal lord and military hero who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
After some free time in a pleasant lakefront cafe, continue to Shkodra, a town in northwestern Albania famous for its breathtaking scenery. Tour the city and stop at the center, the old bazaar, the cathedral and the mosque.
Travel next to the 4,000-year-old Rozafa Castle, with a privileged location between two rivers that allows us to contemplate a panoramic view of the impressive city of Shkodra, the mountains and Skadar lake. Afterwards, return to Tirana. Overnight in Tirana.
Note: the route for this day covers an approximate distance of 224 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Freddy's Hotel or similar
297 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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5th Day: Tirana - Berat
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your discovery of Albania today with a journey to the city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. En route, enjoy a quick visit to Lake Belsh, one of central Albania's karst lakes, in a region known as "little Tuscany".
Continue on to Berat, which at over 2,400 years old, is one of the oldest inhabited regions in Albania and has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Visit the castle, the mosque and the Gorica bridge. Next, discover the Onufri Museum. Onufri was a 16th century Albanian painter and many of his captivating paintings are housed in the museum, while others are in the Albanian and Greek churches where he worked. Overnight stay in Berat.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 100 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Republika Berat or similar
15 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)
Active
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Visit to the Belsh Lake
Light
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6th Day: Berat - Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlora
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll travel to the Monastery of Ardenica, erected by the Byzantine emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos in 1282 in honor of his victory over the kingdom of Sicily. This Byzantine monument is famous for having hosted the wedding of the famous Skanderbeg.
Continue next to Apollonia, a group of Roman ruins located on a distant hillside that, long ago, gave shape to an important city. Depart for the coastal town of Vlora, surrounded by the Ceraunian Mountains and bathed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Discover the most important sites including the museum*, where the independence of Albania from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. Overnight stay in Vlora.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 120 km.
*The visit to the museum may change depending on seasonal political or cultural events, alternatively there would be more free time.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Partner or similar
154 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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7th Day: Vlora - Himare - Saranda - Butrint
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to the south of Albania. Make a stop at the Llogara National Park to marvel at the alpine meadows, rocky walls and dense forests in this mountainous landscape. Next make a short stop at a beach town called Himare, and continue on through picturesque coastal villages with time for lunch (not included) in Ksamil, well-known for its colorful and beautiful beaches.
Continue your day with a visit to the ruins of Butrinto, the most important UNESCO archaeological site in Albania. Butrinto dates back to the 7th century B.C., later became a Roman colony and then fell under the rule of the Venetians and the Turks. Explore numerous historical buildings, such as the acropolis, the basilica and the palace.
Make your last stop of the day at Saranda, a tourist center of the Albanian Riviera surrounded by the Ionian Sea and beautiful hills of olive groves. Overnight in Saranda.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 158 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Brilant Hotel or similar
373 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Stopover at the Llogara National Park
Light
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Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)
Active
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8th Day: Saranda - Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning continue on your journey to Gjirokaster, also known as the Stone City. En-route stop at Mesopotam to visit its famous 13th century Orthodox monastery dedicated to St. Nicholas.
Next, travel to Blue Eye National Park, a water spring and stunning natural phenomenon, before reaching the UNESCO listed town of Gjirokaster. Known for the intensive use of stone in the building of the houses, which look like small fortresses and its quaint cobblestone streets, which all lead to the Bazaar. Once you arrive, enjoy free time to explore this less-known city that has been tagged ‘Albania’s best kept secret’. Overnight stay in Gjirokaster.
Note: Estimated transfer distance 64km.
Note: Estimated transfer distance 64km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Argjiro Hotel or similar
109 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Blue Eye National Park
Active
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Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)
Challenging
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9th Day: Gjirokaster - Permet - Voskopoja - Korca
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Park Plazza Hotel Korce or similar
14 Reviews
See our full selection
10th Day: Korca - Pogradec - Lin - Elbasan - Tirana
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head first to Pogradec, where you’ll make a short stop at Lake Ohrid. Continue to Lin to visit some fascinating ruins and enjoy views of the Balkan mountain scenery with northern Macedonia and Lake Ohrid in the background.
Afterwards, drive to Elbasan, a very important city in ancient Illyrian times and famous for its historical ruins from the Roman and Ottoman periods.Take some time for lunch (not included) near a beautiful castle. Then take a short walk to see the 4th century castle, the clock, the main church and an ancient mosque. Finally, drive to Tirana for your final night in Albania. Overnight in Tirana.
Note: the route for this day covers a distance of approximately 165 km.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Freddy's Hotel or similar
297 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
City Tour of Elbasan
Light
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Visit to Pogradec
Active
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11th Day: Tirana - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* It’s time to bid farewell to the historical nation of Albania. At the indicated time, take your transfer to Tirana Airport for your departure and return to the US.**
*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.
**Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the next day.
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Categories Available:
charm
From $1,699
Selected
- Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
charm 2025
From $1,799
- Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
Accommodation: 9 Nights
Day 2 to 5
Freddy's Hotel
Location
Tirana
Category
Nights
3
Rating TripAdvisor travelers
The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Albanopolis Hotel, Capital Hotel Tirana, Destiny Hotel, Garden Boutique Hotel, Habitat Hotel Tirana, Hotel Arber, Hotel Boka, Hotel Doro City, Hotel Noshi City Center, Hotel Sky 2, Hotel Theatro, Hotel Vila Verde, Idea Hotel, Marinaj Hotel, Mercure Hotel Tirana , StarLight Hotel
Included activities
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The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Tirana - US*.more information
- 9 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 9 breakfasts.
- All transfers
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides.
- Escorted tour.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes* and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
-
Charm: 80 to 150 ALL (Albanian Lek), per room per night.
-
Superior: 300 to 400 ALL (Albanian Lek) per room per night.
*If you are traveling with Ryanair 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.
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.
• 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.
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.
Other useful information
A partir de 2024 Kenia suprimirá los visados para la entrada de viajeros de todos los países. En su lugar, los visitantes tendrán que contar con una ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation in Advance). Si ya tienes visado, este documento seguirá siendo válid
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.
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.
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.
Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.
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Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.
Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date
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