Albania – Europe’s Hidden Jewel

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Tirana, Albania

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Duration

8 Days and 7 nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

20 people

Languages

English, Francais, German

About this tour

Activities Included in the Tour

Cultural Exploration

Guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Berat, Gjirokastër, and Butrint
Visits to important historical landmarks such as Apollonia Archaeological Park and Porto Palermo Fortress
Exploration of traditional neighborhoods and Ottoman-era architecture
Museum visits, including the National Museum in Tirana and the Onufri Icon Museum in Berat

Scenic Sightseeing

Panoramic drives along the Albanian Riviera with breathtaking coastal views
Exploration of Llogara National Park, offering spectacular mountain and sea landscapes
Visit to the Blue Eye Spring, a unique natural water phenomenon

City Tours

Walking tours in Tirana, including Skanderbeg Square, Bllok district, and local bazaars
Visit to the port city of Vlora, where Albania declared independence

Culinary Experiences

Traditional Albanian meals throughout the tour
Tasting regional specialties, including fresh seafood along the coast

Historical Insights

Learning about Albania’s influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations
Discovering Albania’s communist past through sites such as Bunk’Art 2 in Tirana

Relaxation and Leisure

Free time to explore local markets, relax in seaside towns, or enjoy charming cafés
Accommodation in comfortable 3+ and 4 hotels** with modern amenities

Photography Opportunities

Capturing stunning landscapes, impressive architecture, and authentic cultural moments

This tour offers a balanced combination of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and relaxation — ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth experience of Albania.

Good to Know

2026 Tour Prices

Net price per person in a double/twin room (2–14 participants): from €950
Groups of more than 15 participants receive a €100 discount per person
Single room supplement: €200 per person

Additional Fees

Airport transfer supplement (Tirana, round trip): €30 per transfer
(For participants arriving at a different time than the group. Reference flight: Transavia Paris–Tirana.)
Port transfer supplement (Durrës ↔ Tirana): €50 per transfer
(For participants arriving by train to Italy and ferry to Durrës.)

Guaranteed departure from 4 participants, with a maximum of 20 participants.

On certain dates, the tour may be operated in cooperation with partner agencies.

The tour follows a moderate pace and is not recommended for people with mobility or walking difficulties.

Accessible from 8 years old.

Minors traveling alone or without parental authority must carry official travel authorization.

EU and Schengen citizens must hold a valid national ID card or passport, valid for at least 3 months after the return date.
Foreign and dual-nationality travelers must comply with regulations applicable to their nationality and consult their consulate if necessary.

Hotel Infrastructure in Albania

Although Albania’s tourism infrastructure is developing rapidly, hotels may not always meet Western standards. Some accommodations may be located outside city centers.

Tour Program Adjustments

The itinerary is based on current schedules but may change due to circumstances beyond our control (flight schedules, market days, ferry timetables, weather conditions, etc.). All services will be provided unless prevented by force majeure.

Some sites may close temporarily without prior notice. In such cases, suitable alternatives will be arranged.

The order of visits may change, but all planned visits will be maintained.

Distances and travel times are approximate and may vary depending on local conditions.

Traveler Contact Information

Valid mobile phone numbers and email addresses must be provided at the time of booking to receive any updates regarding itinerary changes, schedule adjustments, or delays.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel before departure, you must notify the travel agency and your insurer in writing (email or letter with acknowledgment of receipt). The cancellation date is the date the written notification is received.

a) More than 60 days before departure:

The amount paid may:

Be transferred to another trip within 12 months, or
Be refunded with a 15% cancellation fee deducted from the total price.

b) Cancellation Fees:

30–15 days before departure: 50% of total trip cost
14–8 days before departure: 70% of total trip cost
7–3 days before departure: 100% of total trip cost

c) No Refunds

No refund will be granted for no-shows or if a traveler leaves the tour early.

Tour Operator’s Rights

The operator reserves the right to cancel the tour if the minimum of 2 participants is not reached. Once the maximum of 20 participants is reached, bookings will close.

For further details, please contact your travel agency.

Luggage Transport

Luggage is transported by vehicle. Travelers should carry only daily essentials in a small backpack.

On-Site Budget

Credit card payments may occasionally be declined or incur high fees. Currency exchange offices are widely available.

Please plan a small budget for personal expenses, non-included meals, and drinks.

ATMs dispensing euros are available in major cities such as Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, Saranda, and Vlora. However, it is recommended to arrive with cash in euros.

Tipping (Guide and Driver)

Recommended: €25–50 per participant for the guide
Recommended: €20–40 per participant for the driver

Tipping is not mandatory but is a customary way to express satisfaction with the service provided.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory. In case of an incident, travelers must contact their insurer first.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations are required for Albania.
Malaria is completely absent.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

Every traveler can contribute to responsible tourism by:

Choosing operators committed to sustainable tourism
Learning a few words of the local language
Packing lightly and buying locally made souvenirs
Respecting local customs and traditions
Asking permission before photographing people
Disposing of waste properly and conserving resources
Protecting and preserving visited sites
Supporting associations rather than giving money to beggars
Honoring commitments
Reporting serious issues observed during the trip
Supporting local initiatives
Sharing your experiences responsibly

Availability

May 5 to May 12, 2025  Guaranteed
May 26 to June 2, 2025  Three to guarantee
June 16 to June 23, 2025  Three to guarantee
June 23 to June 30, 2025  Three to guarantee
June 30 to July 7, 2025  Three to guarantee
July 7 to July 14, 2025  Three to guarantee
August 18 to August 25, 2025  Three to guarantee
August 25 to September 1, 2025  Three to guarantee
September 1 to September 8, 2025  Three to guarantee
September 29 to October 6, 2025  Three to guarantee
October 20 to October 27, 2025  Three to guarantee

Highlights

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Explore Berat, Gjirokastër, and the ancient city of Butrint.
The Spectacular Albanian Riviera – Enjoy breathtaking coastal drives with panoramic Adriatic and Ionian Sea views.
Llogara National Park – Experience dramatic mountain landscapes where peaks meet the sea.
The Blue Eye Spring – Visit one of Albania’s most fascinating natural wonders.
Tirana City Experience – Discover Skanderbeg Square, the trendy Bllok district, and Albania’s vibrant capital atmosphere.
Apollonia & Porto Palermo Fortress – Step back in time at remarkable archaeological and historical landmarks.
Rich Cultural Heritage – From Ottoman architecture to Byzantine icons and communist-era history (Bunk’Art 2).
Authentic Albanian Cuisine – Taste traditional dishes and fresh coastal seafood across different regions.
Incredible Photo Opportunities – Capture historic towns, dramatic landscapes, and authentic local life.
Comfortable 3+ and 4 Accommodation** – Relax in carefully selected hotels with modern amenities.
Perfect Balance of Culture, Nature & Leisure – A well-paced itinerary combining discovery and free time.

Included/Excluded

7 nights accommodation in 4* and 3*+ hotels (local standards).
Tourist taxes.
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
Services of a French-speaking tour guide throughout the entire circuit.
Transportation in a car with a guide-driver (for groups of 2 to 5 people) or in a minibus/bus with a driver (for groups of 6 or more.
Guide and driver expenses (accommodation and meals).
Round-trip airport/hotel transfers.
Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary.
Transfers to and from the airports.

Flights
Meals not mentioned (e.g. lunch on Day 1)
Beverages
Anything not specifically listed in the "Included in the Price" section
Optional cancellation and/or repatriation insurance
Private transfer to the starting point of the tour or to the first hotel in case of separate flight from the group
Tips for guides and drivers (around €4-6 per day for each, but at your discretion)

Itinerary

Tirana Airport ➔ Tirana, 25 min (15 km)
Departure to Albania on a regular flight. Arrival at Mother Teresa Airport in Tirana.
Afternoon city tour depending on arrival times.

Accommodation and dinner in Tirana

Tirana ➔ Berat, 1h 50 min (100 km)
After breakfast, departure to Berat. A short stop will be made in the region of Belsh, characterized by numerous small lakes, cultivated lands, and olive tree-covered hills, giving the area a "Tuscan-like" appearance.
Then, continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, also known as the "city of a thousand windows." Berat is one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture in the country. The typical districts, cobbled streets, traditional houses, and stunning mountain views add to the charm of this city.

Lunch during the visit Planned visits:

The fortress
The Onufri Icon Museum
The medieval center (including a Tekke, a spiritual center for Bektashi)
The typical districts of Mangalemi and Gorica

Accommodation and dinner in Berat

Berat ➔ Gjirokastër, 2h 40 min (180 km)
Today, we head to the city of Gjirokastër, following the Vjosa River for a while. The Vjosa is a national park and the only wild river that flows uninterrupted from its source to its outlet into the sea.
Gjirokastër, also known as "the stone city," has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. It is the birthplace of Albania's greatest writer, Ismail Kadare, and, on a less literary note, the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The city is full of typical neighborhoods and shaded terraces. Gjirokastër has managed to preserve the picturesque and traditional architecture of old Albanian homes.

Lunch on the way Planned visits:

The fortress
The "Shtëpia e Skëndulajve" house museum
The old bazaar quarter

Accommodation and dinner in Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër ➔ Saranda, 2h 30 min (95 km)
Today, we take the road to Saranda.
A stop will be made at the Blue Eye spring, a natural water spring that gushes from underground with a pressure of nearly 10 m³ per second, giving the impression of forming a "blue eye." Surrounded by forests, this peaceful spot is a wonderful place to recharge. (1h 30 min round-trip walk).
Next, we continue towards the magnificent archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Butrint is an open-air ancient city reflecting several centuries of human occupation, having been successively inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Did you know that Racine mentioned Butrint in his play Andromaque? The Lion Gate is well hidden but still standing!
After the visit, we continue to Saranda, facing Corfu, for check-in and leisure time.

Accommodation and dinner in Saranda

Saranda ➔ Vlora, 2h 20 min (120 km)
Today, we head along the Albanian Riviera and visit the bay of Porto Palermo, home to the fortress of the famous Ali Pasha of Ioannina. This small triangular castle was one of the many fortresses built by the great Pasha! The stunning bay of Porto Palermo served as a significant submarine base during the communist regime. Today, the semi-abandoned base, its tunnel, and other structures are still visible.
Stop at Llogara National Park to appreciate the landscapes and take some photos.
The Albanian Riviera is considered one of the most beautiful regions of the country, characterized by its typical Mediterranean charm. Olive groves and turquoise-blue waters will accompany us throughout the day. The route crosses small, picturesque villages of the south.

Lunch on the way

The visit to Vlora, a coastal city known for being one of Albania's most important ports. It is also a historically significant place, as Albania's independence was proclaimed here on November 28, 1912, by Ismail Qemali. The bay of Vlora has always been a strategic location of great importance.
On a hill overlooking the city, we find the Bektashi religious site of "Kus Baba", offering a stunning panoramic view of the city and the sea.

Planned visits:

Porto Palermo Fortress
Independence Museum in Vlora

Accommodation and dinner in Vlora

Vlora ➔ Apollonia, 35 min (40 km)
Our next stop is the archaeological site of Apollonia, located in the Fier region. Initially inhabited by Illyrian tribes, it was colonized in the 4th century BC by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corfu. Apollonia was also a significant city during the Roman era, with its agora, theater, and museum testifying to its importance. The Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus studied here.
Apollonia ➔ Ardenica, 20 min (20 km)
We continue to Ardenica Monastery, one of the few Albanian monasteries still used for religious purposes and home to monks. The first church was built in the 10th century. The quality and number of frescoes and iconostases covering the walls attract many visitors each year.

Lunch on the way

Ardenica ➔ Tirana, 1h 40 min (110 km)
Return to Tirana in the afternoon, with the possibility of further city visits.

Planned visits:

The archaeological site of Apollonia
Ardenica Monastery

Accommodation and dinner in Tirana

Tirana is a lively and colorful city, the nerve center of the country. Exploring its typical and modern districts will give you a good overview of the city's history. A stroll around Skanderbeg Square will allow you to feel the pulse of the capital. A visit to the Bllok district, which was once reserved for the communist elite during the dictatorship, is now the hotspot for nightlife and entertainment. Lunch during the tour We will then visit Bunk'Art 2, located in the city center, which offers insight into the life and operations of Sigurimi, Albania's secret police during the communist era. Finally, the day will conclude with a walk through Tirana's bazaar, leading to Mother Teresa Square, a major landmark in the city. Planned visits: