Highlights of Albania

Tirana - Shkoder. In the morning, our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel in Tirana, so make sure you arrive in the city at least one night before your tour starts.

Leaving Tirana, we are heading to Shkoder, located in the northwestern part of Albania. This city lends its name to the largest lake in the Balkans and is among the oldest in the country. The oldest wall of Shkoder Castle dates back to the 1st millennium BCE. During our visit, we'll explore Rozafa Castle, which offers stunning views of the lake and the convergence of three rivers into the Adriatic Sea. Shkoder's architecture is heavily influenced by Venetian style, and we'll be staying in the city tonight.

Shkoder - Theth National Park - Shkoder. As we journey towards Northern Albania, enjoy views of wild fields, rivers, Shkoder Lake, and rugged mountains. We're heading for Theth National Park, in a rural area renowned for cultivating medicinal herbs due to its advantageous location. If visiting between May and June, you might be able to enjoy the beautiful and fragrant lavender fields, reminiscent of Provence, France. On our ascent, we'll navigate a steep, winding hillside, reaching an altitude of up to 1,700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. On a clear day, we should be able to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Albanian Alps.

Reaching Theth, we will explore the Old Church and the "Lock-in" Tower, symbols of Theth with centuries of rich history. We'll return to Shkoder for the night.

Shkoder - Berat. After breakfast, our journey continues to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we stroll through its narrow, stone-paved streets, we'll be treated to stunning views of the medieval houses, with windows appearing to stack on one another. One of Berat's highlights is the castle, which is remarkably still inhabited by local people and businesses. Berat boasts a plethora of attractions, including historic churches and mosques, a vibrant lower town with grand old houses on steep hillsides, a charming stone bridge, informative museums, and remnants from Albania's communist period. The city is also renowned as the birthplace of Onufri, the celebrated painter known throughout the Balkans for his unique reddish hue that remains difficult to replicate. As part of our tour, we enjoy an included visit to the Gorica neighbourhood, before spending the night in Berat.

Berat - Gjirokaster. Today, we will drive to Gjirokaster, known as "The Stone City," a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Southern Albania. Gjirokaster is reminiscent of a fortified city, where each house resembles a small fortress. The city's origins trace back to the castle of Gjirokaster, constructed in the 4th century AD, and it is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans.

Before entering the castle, we will pass through the medieval bazaar. The charming old town cascades down the hill, featuring narrow, stone-decorated streets lined with a wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans. We will visit one of the best-preserved houses in Gjirokaster, where everything remains original and authentic. We will stay overnight in Gjirokaster.

Gjirokaster - Blue Eye - Butrint - Ksamil - Albanian Riviera. From Gjirokaster, we will head towards Butrint, with a stop at the natural marvel known as the Blue Eye, a fresh water spring encircled by evergreen trees. Divers have reached depths of up to 50 metres without discovering the bottom, and the water temperature consistently remains below 10 degrees Celsius.

Our journey will then take us to Ksamil, characterized by white sandy beaches and a view of four islands just off the shore. Known as the jewel of the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil is celebrated as one of Europe's finest beach destinations, famous for its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. While the Albanian Riviera boasts many beautiful beaches, Ksamil offers a unique experience often likened to that of Bora Bora.

The tour then continues to the Butrint National Park. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Butrint is Albania's most significant archaeological site and was the first in the country to be included on the UNESCO list. After some time to explore, we head to our accommodation along the Albanian Riviera.

Albanian Riviera - Vlore. As we drive along the Albanian Riviera, we'll pass some of Albania’s most stunning beaches. Along the way, we'll travel through charming small villages perched on seaside rock faces, featuring tumbledown stone walls and narrow pathways. Grapevine-covered paths and trees overflowing with figs and walnuts add to the scenic beauty. Our first stop for the day will be Himara, a town nestled beside towering mountain peaks adorned with lush forests, crystal-clear seas bordered by long white beaches, and sparkling springs. Here, you can take a seaside stroll and savour delicious food that combines local Albanian flavours with Greek influences. The seaside promenade offers opportunities to enjoy fresh fruit juice and shop for handmade souvenirs.

Our next destination is Dhermi, celebrated as one of Albania's most famous beaches. Known for its secluded coves, pebble beaches, and inviting crystal-clear waters, you’ll have free time here to relax and soak up the sun. We'll spend the night near Vlore.

Vlore - Durres - Tirana. The final full day of our tour begins at "Lungomare," a seaside promenade where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas converge. In Vlore, there's time to stroll along the waterfront with some free time.

Before heading to Tirana, we will delve into the charms of Vlore, renowned for its mild year-round temperatures and minimal rainfall. Vlore, originally founded in the 6th century BC as Aulona, is famously known as the "City of the Flag" because Albania's independence was declared here on November 28, 1912. Our visit will include Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument. We'll also explore the Muradie Neighborhood and visit Vlora’s main mosque, an Albanian National Monument.

Next, we head to Durres, where we will pass by the amphitheatre, Roman ruins, and the Venetian Tower. Our tour continues along the seaside promenade "Vollga," where you can enjoy a coffee while admiring the endless sea views and soaking up the sun. Make sure to sample the traditional ice cream, a highlight when visiting Durres. We will then proceed to Tirana, where we will stay for our final night.

Today we will explore Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet your local guide before our journey begins at a hidden local spot, known only to residents. Here, you'll have the chance to try Byrek for a true local breakfast experience. This popular Albanian dish consists of pastry filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or spinach.

Next, we'll head to the Cam bazaar, established by the Albanian Cam community, originally from Cameria in what is now northwestern Greece. Enjoy a traditional dessert at an authentic pastry shop and join the locals at a cozy café to taste traditional Albanian coffee.

The tour continues at the so-called Bicycle bazaar, and we'll also take in the New Bazaar, brimming with culinary delights. We'll enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch of "Oofte" (grilled meatballs) served with freshly baked bread. Vegetarians can opt for freshly baked bread with Albanian Gjize (cottage cheese). To complement the meal, we'll also sample some Albanian Raki.

Our final destination is BUNKART, one of Tirana's most fascinating museums. Originally designed as a nuclear bunker to protect the Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha and his close associates during the Cold War, it remained hidden from the public until 2014.

Our tour comes to an end at around 18:00 - 19:00, after our Tirana sightseeing. There is no accommodation included tonight. Wishing you a safe onwards journey.