Albania Tours
Balkans Itinerary: Albania and Montenegro Tour
A two week private tour through the enchanting Balkan countries of Albania and Montenegro, where ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty.
Tour Overview
This is a two week private tour through the enchanting Balkan countries of Albania and Montenegro. Here, ancient history meets breathtaking natural beauty. This Balkan itinerary is an unforgettable adventure. For example, you explore the picturesque towns of Budva and Perast. You also delve into the rugged wilderness of Lovcen National Park. Finally, you bask in the sun-kissed exclusivity of Sveti Stefan Island.
Your journey begins in Budva, a coastal town in Montenegro renowned for its medieval charm and vibrant nightlife. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. Alternatively, relax on the sun-drenched beaches that stretch along this part of the Adriatic coast. Next, we'll visit the idyllic town of Perast, nestled along the Bay of Kotor. Here you can admire the elegant Baroque architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There is also the opportunity to cruise to the nearby islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Both are steeped in legend and folklore.
As we venture inland, we'll explore the rugged beauty of Lovcen National Park. It is home to Montenegro's highest peak, which gave the country its name (Monte Negro). Our journey then continues to the iconic Sveti Stefan Island. This fortified village turned luxury resort exudes old-world charm and elegance. Here you can lounge on the pristine beaches or stroll through narrow stone pathways. Either way, you soak in the timeless beauty of this exclusive enclave.
Into Albania
Crossing into Albania, we'll discover the vibrant city of Shkodra. This cultural hub is brimming with historic landmarks and artistic treasures. Explore the ancient ruins of Rozafa Castle, perched high above the city. Alternatively, wander through bustling bazaars filled with handmade crafts and local delicacies. In the capital city of Tirana, we'll immerse ourselves in the mix of Ottoman, Italian and Communist-era architecture. After that, we journey to the coastal city of Durres. Here we soak up the sun on its sandy beaches and explore its rich archaeological heritage.
No visit to Albania would be complete without experiencing the charm of Berat. It is known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" because of its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses. These cascade down the hillside. Wander through its winding streets and discover hidden mosques, churches and museums. Together, they offer a glimpse into the city's storied past.
This Balkan itinerary through Montenegro and Albania is a private tour, so we can tailor-make it for you. Contact one of our travel experts and they will help you put together the perfect Balkan tour.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Budva
On arrival at either Dubrovnik, Budva, Podgorica or Tirana, we will meet you. We then transfer you to your hotel in Budva to check-in. Depending on the time of your arrival, there should be time to visit the old town. A Greek sailor named Boutoua is said to have discovered the Old Town, along with the city of Budva. Much of the architecture in the Old Town is of Venetian design. For example, you will find doors, hinges, windows, balconies and many other small but noticeable things. These seem to hold the Roman style of the Republic of Venice.
Overnight in Budva · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 2
Perast and Kotor
This morning you will get to visit Perast, the most picturesque baroque town on the whole of the Adriatic coast. Begin with a drive along the panoramic road overlooking the Boka Bay. Then take a boat tour to an artificial island, built in the 15th century. Here you will visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rock and the museum built on the island. The Church is a shrine and a treasury which houses a large collection of silver votive tablets. After that, it's time for a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Kotor. Fortifications built during the Venetian period surround the old port of Kotor. It is also the typical Mediterranean landscape. Here you get to explore the old town and the Cathedral of St Thryphon. Later that afternoon, you travel to Petrovac.
Overnight in Petrovac · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Lovcen National Park, Njegusi and Cetinje
Today you will discover the charms of Lovćen National Park and Njegusi. Meanwhile, you enjoy the spectacular mountain landscapes and visit traditional Montenegrin villages. You begin the day with a drive to Lovcen Mountain, home to important cultural and architectural heritage. If you wish, there is the opportunity to climb the 461 steps to the top of one of its peaks. This peak is located at 1657 metres above sea level. Here you will find the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a Montenegrin poet, philosopher and prince. Next stop is Njegusi, a traditional Montenegrin town hidden in the mountains. You will explore its picturesque streets. You can also admire the views they offer of the Dinaric Alps across the bay.
Why not try some of the famous Njegusi prosciutto and other locally produced ham and cheeses? After that, the next stop is Cetinje, the ancient capital of Montenegro. It was founded at the foot of Lovcen Mountain in the 13th century. It sits at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level, in a unique climate zone. The city is called an open-air museum. It is also the country's cultural centre, with many historical and architectural monuments. Take a guided tour of the city and visit the Monastery of Cetinje. Bishop-Prince Danilo, the founder of the Petrović Njegoš dynasty, built this in 1701. Finally, in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel in Petrovac.
Overnight in Petrovac · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Sveti Stefan Island, Shkodra and Tirana
Your tour continues as we travel to Sveti Stefan Island. It is one of the most exclusive summer resorts of the Adriatic coast. This island was once a shelter during attack by pirates and Turks. However, today it is home to a luxury hotel with private access for exclusive guests. In fact, tennis player Novak Đoković chose it as his wedding destination. You then leave the luxury of Sveti Stefan Island and continue to Shkodra. It is the most important town of northern Albania and was the Illyrian capital in the 3rd century BC. Here at Rozafa Castle, enjoy the spectacular views. You can also experience the supremacy the Illyrians would have felt over their enemies, standing in such an imposing castle.
Overnight in Tirana · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Kruja and Durres
Today's destination is the historic town of Kruja, located 32km northwest of Tirana. It sits on the slopes of Sari-Salltiku Mountain. Here you can visit The Restored Castle and Citadel, Scanderbeg and the old Bazaar for souvenirs. There is also the option of taking lunch in a traditional restaurant in Kruja. Afterwards, you travel on to Durres, the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Dyrrachium. Legend says that Epidamnos, the Illyrian King of the area, founded it and called it by his own name. He also named the port area after his grandson, Dyrrah.
Overnight in Durres or Tirana · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Berat and Cobo winery
After breakfast we set off to explore Berat, one of the most attractive towns in Albania. Many consider this UNESCO world heritage site one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture outside of Turkey. First, visit the castle, which still has a living quarter within it, and the Onufri museum. Onufri was an Albanian icon master painter of the 16th century. He painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. You can then finish the day with a visit to a local vineyard to try some local Albanian wine (optional).
Overnight in Berat · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Ardenice, Apollonia and Vlora
After breakfast, your tour leaves for Vlora. On the way, you stop at the Monastery of Ardenica. Inside you can admire the paintings from 1743-1745 by Albanian artists such as Konstandin and Athanos Zografi. These also include works by Konstandin Shpataraku. Then continue to the ancient city of Apollonia, situated on the famous Via Egnatia. It was one of the most important cities in Roman times, and the Roman Emperor Augustus Octavian studied here. After that, continue to Vlora, where you will visit the Independence Museum. It is situated in the original house where the first Independent Albanian Government had its offices. Afterwards, the rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Overnight in Vlora · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Zvernec monastery and the Albanian Riviera
After breakfast, your Balkan tour continues to the thirteenth century, Byzantine style monastery in Zvernec. Then it is time to take the winding road through the spectacular Albanian Riviera. Have a break at the town of Himara for refreshments by the sea. After that comes the breathtaking scenery of Llogara, 1000m above sea level. Your tour will then take you to the famous beaches of Saranda. In the evening, there may be the opportunity to visit the Lekuresi Fortress. It has beautiful views of the bay and the Island of Corfu, situated only 7 km away.
Overnight in Saranda · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Butrint
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. In fact, it contains different artefacts and structures which date from the Bronze Age up until the 19th century. There are several major monuments, including the city walls, late-antique baptistery, great basilica, the theatre and Venetian castles. Afterwards, the rest of the day is for you to relax on one of the Ionian beaches.
Overnight in Saranda · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Blue Eye Spring, Gjirokastra and Permet
Your trip continues to Gjirokastra. First, though, we stop on the way to visit the Blue Eye Spring. This beautiful fresh water spring is said to look like a human eye. We then continue to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO site and museum town with beautiful and very distinct architecture. The town of Gjirokastra is built on the slope of a hill. It is also known for its characteristic and narrow cobble stone streets. The Ottomans besieged and captured the city in the 15th century. However, unlike many other towns in Albania, it flourished under its new rulers. In the 17th century it had over 2000 houses and was a very important trading town. The castle itself stands like a balcony over the city and gives visitors a wonderful view of the local area. Afterwards, you will travel to Permet through breathtaking scenery of the mountainous areas of Leskovik and Kolonja.
Overnight in Permet · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Korca and Pogradec
After breakfast, continue the tour to Korca. Here you visit the Museum of Medieval Arts and the Mosque of Mirahori, one of the oldest in the country. In the afternoon we travel to Voskopoja. It has been one of the most important towns in the Balkans since the beginning of the 18th century. Here you can visit a number of monuments and churches with frescoes from the Zeografi brothers. We end the day by travelling to Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid. There should be time for a visit to what used to be the old fishing villa of the dictator. Afterwards, we visit the small village of Tushemisht to explore traditional village life.
Overnight in Tushemisht or Pogradec · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Sveti Naum Monastery and Ohrid
Our journey continues to the Sveti Naum Monastery, a captivating religious complex nestled amidst breathtaking scenery. After immersing ourselves in the monastery's rich history and architecture, we return to Ohrid. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its cultural significance. The afternoon then unfolds with a series of visits. First, we view the Church of St. Sophia, a magnificent structure dating back to the 11th century. After that, we venture to St. Clement's Church, a masterpiece of Byzantine and Italian Renaissance art. It dominates the Old Town. At Plaoshnik, we step back in time to the 9th century. Here, St. Clement of Ohrid established Europe's first university, educating an impressive 3,500 students. We then ascend to St. John at Kaneo, a picturesque church perched on a promontory overlooking the lake and mountains. It offers panoramic vistas that will leave you speechless. Finally, we visit Samuil Fortress, a testament to the region's rich history.
Overnight in Ohrid · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Elbasan, Dajti mountain and Tirana
Your brief excursion into North Macedonia ends as we head back to Tirana. On the way, you will stop for a coffee and visit Elbasani Castle. You also view the Saint Mary Church, located inside the castle. The drive then continues to Tirana. In the afternoon, we take a relaxed trip up the mountain with the Dajti Express cable car gondolas. Here you will get great views over Tirana and its surroundings. It is also your last night of the Balkan tour of Albania and Montenegro.
Overnight in Tirana · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14
Tirana
After breakfast at a suitable time, you will be met and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Interested in this tour?
Enquire About the Balkans Itinerary: Albania and Montenegro Tour
Tell us a little about what you’re looking for and one of our travel experts will get back to you.
Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation as described with A/C
All accommodation as shown in good standard hotels
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking guide/driver. For groups of 6 or more, we will provide a separate driver and guide.
All entrance fees as per program
All visits at local farms and vineyards
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Price & Availability
This is a private guided tour, scheduled to your dates and requirements. We can also modify this Balkans itinerary to suit your requirements. Speak to one of our travel consultants for further details.
From £2,275 per person
Based on two people travelling and sharing a room.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania. British citizens can enter and remain in Albania without a visa. However, this is for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period. Therefore, anyone staying longer than 90 days must apply at a local police station for a residence permit.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical and dental facilities are very poor outside Tirana, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. In addition, the tap water in Albania may cause illness, so drink only bottled water. For emergency medical assistance, dial 127 or 04 2222 235 and ask for an ambulance.
What to Bring
Mountain areas can be very cold even during summer months. Therefore, lightweight clothing which can be layered is advisable. Also bring a warm jumper for cooler evenings and a light rain coat. There is a laundry available in most hotels. Finally, bring lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. In addition, pack a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The official currency of Albania is the Lek (ALL). Most banks, large supermarkets and international hotels accept major credit and debit cards. However, smaller businesses and taxis often only accept cash. There are also numerous ATMs in Tirana and the main towns. Only use banks or established bureaux de change, because street money-changers operate illegally. In addition, there have been cases of credit card fraud.
Albania uses plug types C and F, on a 230V/50Hz supply. It is also in the GMT+1 time zone. Internet access is unrestricted and widely available in business centres, hotels and internet cafés.
Ready to Book or Need More Information?
Get in touch with our expert travel consultants now. We can help you with tailor-made options, best times to travel and much more.