Albania Tours
Introducing Albania Tour
Discover Albania on our 8 day small group tour through one of Europe's least explored countries.
A Small Group Tour into the Heart of the Balkans
Tour Overview
Experience the charm of Albania on this immersive 8-day small group tour. We designed it to showcase one of Europe's most underrated destinations. Albania ranges from ancient hillside cities to beautiful mountain and coastal landscapes. As a result, it offers a rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty for every traveller.
Your journey begins in Tirana, a lively capital filled with colourful streets, welcoming cafés and a vibrant atmosphere. You'll then explore the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, known as the City of a Thousand Windows. After that, you travel to Gjirokastra, famous for its beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture and unique character.
A highlight of the trip includes a cross-border visit to North Macedonia. Here you'll discover the tranquillity of Lake Ohrid and the peaceful St. Naum Monastery. In short, it is an ideal combination of nature, heritage and scenic beauty.
Travelling with Our Local Tour means enjoying authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and a genuine connection to the places you visit.
If you'd like to unwind after your adventure, contact us about extending your stay on the beautiful Albanian beaches.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Albania
On arrival at Tirana Airport, your guide will meet you and will be with you for the tour. You will then take a half hour drive to Durrës and our beach hotel. We will stay here overnight.
Overnight in Durrës
DAY 2
Kruje and Tirana
Start the day with a trip to Krujë to visit the museum dedicated to Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg. The museum is located at the edge of a mountain massif. It is significant for many Albanians and also offers excellent views. Explore Skanderbeg's life and contributions to Albanian history. Afterwards, you will head to Tirana, the capital. A city tour will cover the colourful buildings, the Clock Tower, Ethem Bey Mosque and the National Museum. Finally, you will return to the hotel in Durrës.
Overnight in Durrës · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Berat, Apollonia and Vlore
You begin your adventure today with a drive along the stunning Adriatic Coast. Here, the crystal-clear waters meet picturesque landscapes. Your journey then takes you inland to Berat, famously known as the "City of a Thousand Windows". This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its unique architecture and historical significance. In Berat, explore the impressive fortress that overlooks the city, offering a glimpse into its rich past. You can also visit the Mosque of the Bachelors, a beautiful example of Ottoman-era architecture. Then stroll across the charming Ottoman Bridge, which adds to the city's enchanting ambience. After taking in the sights of Berat, you continue your journey to the remarkable archaeological site of Apollonia. Here, ancient ruins tell tales of a bygone era. Finally, after a day filled with exploration and culture, we'll settle in for the night in Vlora. We stay in this vibrant coastal city, ready for more adventures.
Overnight in Vlora · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
Llogara Pass, Butrint and Saranda
Enjoy your breakfast before beginning the drive to Saranda on the spectacular Albanian Riviera, looking down at the Ionian Sea. A breath-taking vista awaits you at the Llogara Pass, one of Albania's most famous places. In fact, the road provides one of the most spectacular drives in Europe. You then continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Moreover, it contains different artifacts and structures which date from the Bronze Age up until the 19th century. There are a number of major monuments here. These include the city walls, late-antique baptistery, great basilica, the theatre and Venetian castles. After that, it is a short half hour drive to the beaches of Saranda and your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Saranda · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Blue Eye Spring, Gjirokastra and Permet
Your 'Introducing Albania' small group tour continues to Gjirokastra. First, though, there is a stop on the way to visit the Blue Eye Spring. This beautiful fresh water spring is said to look like a human eye. The journey then continues 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 an important trading town. The castle itself stands like a balcony over the city and gives visitors a wonderful view of the local area. Finally, you will get to visit a traditional family home before heading to Permet and your accommodation for the evening.
Overnight in Permet · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Korçë and Lake Ohrid
Today you will immerse yourself in breathtaking unspoiled nature as you drive to Korçë. The route features majestic mountains, valleys and rivers. Here you stop to enjoy a picturesque picnic lunch. You then explore the vibrant culture of Korçë on a city tour. Finally, the day culminates in dinner and an overnight stay by the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid.
Overnight in Pogradec · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
Lake Ohrid, St Naum and a taste of Macedonia
You continue your journey by crossing into Macedonia to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid. It is renowned for its rich history and breathtaking views. A highlight of today is the famous St. Naum Monastery, also protected by UNESCO. Here you can appreciate its architectural beauty and serene surroundings. On your return to Albania, visit Elbasan and admire its inhabited fortress, a testament to the region's past. Finally, conclude your day back in Durrës, where you can enjoy dinner and a restful overnight stay. You can also reflect on the wonders of your adventure.
Overnight in Durrës · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Depart Albania
At a suitable time, you will transfer to the airport for your return flight. This is the end of the 'Introducing Albania' small group tour. However, you may like to extend your time in Albania with a beach stay or further exploration. If so, just let us know.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation as described with A/C
All accommodation in good standard hotels. This means 6 nights in 4 star hotels and 1 night in a three star hotel (Permet).
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking guide & local English speaking guides in Ohrid
All entrance fees as per program
Family visit on day 5 in Permet
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
Dates & Prices
All departures are small group tours with a maximum group size of 12 and a guaranteed English-speaking guide throughout.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
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. Most beaches are of a very good or good standard. However, a small number near Durrës, Vlore and Saranda have raised pollution concerns.
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