Explore the whole Albania in 7 days

Exploring Albania in just 7 days offers a dynamic mix of coastal scenery, historical landmarks, and vibrant towns. This tour, arranged by Visit Saranda, provides a well-rounded experience with 6 nights in hotels, visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Butrint and Gjirokastra, and highlights such as the Albanian Riviera and Berat. While the tour is packed with diverse sights, it is designed for those who enjoy efficient travel and want a rundown of the country’s most notable destinations.

Travelers who appreciate beautiful views, historic castles, and local guesthouses will find this trip rewarding. However, since lunch and dinner are not included, those with specific dining preferences should plan accordingly. The tour is suitable for travelers who value guided visits, small group experiences, and a flexible booking process with full cancellation options up to 24 hours in advance.

Key Points

• Seven-day guided tour exploring Albania’s top sites with private group arrangements.
• Includes airport pickup and drop-off, with six nights in hotels across key towns.
• Visits UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Butrint and Gjirokastra.
• Highlights include the Albanian Riviera, Castles, and panoramic coastal views.
• Tour operates rain or shine and features live guides in Albanian and English.
• Lunch and dinner are not included, so travelers should plan for meals.

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Starting in Tirana: From the City to Kruja and Shkodra

The adventure begins with a welcome pickup from Tirana International Airport, where a representative assists with your transfer to your hotel in Tirana. This initial night offers a chance to settle in and prepare for the week ahead. The next day, the tour heads to Tirana Square for sightseeing, providing an overview of the city’s main attractions.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Kruja, a town renowned for its traditional cuisine and historic old town. Visitors explore Kruja’s old bazaar, where local crafts and souvenirs are abundant. The guide shares stories about the area’s cultural significance before heading north to Shkodra. In Shkodra, the focus is on areas with rich historical relevance, giving travelers insight into Albania’s past. Returning to Tirana for the night, this section balances city sights with culture.

Driving Along the Albanian Coast to Durres and Vlora

The third day takes travelers westward to the seaside city of Durres, known for its Roman amphitheater and historical importance as a Greek colony. After a brief stop, the tour visits the Ardenica Christian Orthodox monastery, famous for its colorful frescoes covering the walls.

In the late afternoon, the group heads to Vlora, a vibrant coastal town where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The evening is spent relaxing at the hotel in Vlora, allowing time to enjoy the seaside atmosphere. This segment combines history with scenic drives along Albania’s ancient coastlines.

Exploring the Albanian Riviera and Gjipe Canyon Views

Day four is dedicated to the stunning Albanian Riviera. The drive follows the Llogara National Park, where a stop at 1025 meters above sea level offers sweeping views of the coastline and the distant Greek islands. Travelers get a chance to take photos of the Gjipe canyon, a hidden natural wonder overlooking the Ionian Sea, from the village of Dhermi.

The tour then visits Porto Palermo, home to the Ali Pasha castle, built in the early 19th century and showcasing French military architecture. A quick stop at the Borshi water springs offers a refreshing break before checking into a sea-front hotel in Saranda. These scenic drives and historical sites highlight Albania’s natural beauty and coastal defenses.

UNESCO Sites and the Charm of Gjirokastra and Ksamil

The fifth day features visits to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with origins dating back to the 7th century BC. The ruins illustrate Albania’s Greek colonial past, and the site’s location makes it a highlight for history enthusiasts.

A short stop at the white beach of Ksamil provides a peaceful moment by the sea. From there, the tour proceeds eastward to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO-listed town. En route, travelers see the Blue Eye water springs, a natural park famous for its vivid blue waters. Gjirokastra’s old fortress and bazaar invite exploration, and the evening is spent relaxing at a local hotel, soaking in the town’s Ottoman architecture.

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Discovering Gjirokastra and Berat’s Old Towns

Day six begins with a walk through Gjirokastra’s historic center, known for its stone houses and Ottoman-era architecture. The visit includes a 14th-century fortress with panoramic views of the town. Afterward, the group drives towards Berat, often called the “town of a thousand windows” for its distinctive Ottoman-style houses.

In Berat, travelers explore the medieval old town, including the Sunni and Helveti mosques. The journey then continues to Elbasan, where the old fortress offers insight into Albania’s medieval past, before returning to Tirana for the final night of the tour.

Final Day: Gjirokastra to Tirana via Elbasan

The last day involves a scenic drive from Gjirokastra to Tirana, with a stop in Elbasan to see the historic fortress. This completes the circle of Albania’s highlights, from coastlines to historic towns. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Tirana International Airport or other designated locations, providing a seamless end to the week-long adventure.

Logistics and Group Experience

The tour operates as a private group, with the option to choose from five pickup locations, including Tirana, Vlorë, Sarandë, Durrës, and the airport. The itinerary includes guided tours, free time at key stops, and photo opportunities at scenic points and landmarks.

Transportation is arranged for all the stops, with breaks and sightseeing scheduled throughout each day. The tour is designed to be flexible yet packed, with break times averaging several hours at different locations to allow ample exploration.

Cost, Inclusions, and Practical Considerations

The price of this tour covers airport pickup and drop-off, six nights in hotels, and entry tickets to museums and sites. However, meals are not included, so travelers should plan for lunch and dinner during the week.

The tour is available for full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for changing plans. It is suitable for those who want a guided, small group experience with English and Albanian-speaking guides to help navigate the sites and share stories.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this 7-day exploration of Albania appealing is its balance of natural beauty, history, and seaside scenery. The inclusion of UNESCO sites like Butrint and Gjirokastra ensures travelers see the country’s cultural treasures, while the drive along the Albanian Riviera offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

The private group format and local guides help personalize the experience, making it ideal for travelers looking for a well-organized yet intimate journey through Albania’s highlights. The flexible booking options and rain or shine policy add to the convenience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits history enthusiasts, coastal lovers, and anyone eager to see Albania’s most iconic sites in a short time. Those who prefer guided visits and small group settings will appreciate the personalized attention. Travelers who are comfortable with not included meals and a somewhat packed schedule will find this experience rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 7 days, with each day packed with sightseeing and activities.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included in the package.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in Albanian and English.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts with pickup from Tirana International Airport or other pickup points and ends in Tirana.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While generally suitable for most travelers, the schedule involves walking and driving on varied terrains, so those with mobility issues should consider this.

What is the group size?
The tour operates as a private group, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most stops involve walking, but specific physical requirements are not detailed. Travelers should be prepared for sightseeing at outdoor sites.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for the stunning views and historic sites.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation between sites is arranged as part of the tour package.

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