Highlights of Albania

11 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Uncover Europe's hidden gem on our tour of Albania. Historic sites, charming Ottoman-era villages and the colourful capital, Tirana, are all waiting to be discovered on our tour that ticks off the highlights. Explore the Adriatic Coast, the White Mountains and the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid, sipping raki with locals and sampling tasty traditional Albanian ...
$2,300
From$1,730
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Travel through Albania while discovering its fascinating history and culture
    • Discover Butrint, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans
    • Stroll along UNESCO-Listed towns and visit hilltop castles

What's this trip about?

    Uncover Europe's hidden gem on our tour of Albania. Historic sites, charming Ottoman-era villages and the colourful capital, Tirana, are all waiting to be discovered on our tour that ticks off the highlights. Explore the Adriatic Coast, the White Mountains and the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid, sipping raki with locals and sampling tasty traditional Albanian fare along the way. Tirana - Discover one of Europe's most underrated cities, brimming with communist-era relics and cosmopolitan charm. Butrint - Visit one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans. Gjirokaster - Stroll along the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed town, famous for its Ottoman houses and hilltop castle. Llogara National Park - Soak in the scenery of this unspoilt area of natural beauty, after a road trip along the coast.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityTirana
End CityKruja

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Berat
  • Elba
  • Gjirokaster
  • Kruja
  • Tirana

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 20

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Tirana

Our tour starts today in Tirana, the colourful capital of Albania and one of Europe's most underrated cities. Emerging from its cold communist past (the country spent decades under Stalinist rule), Tirana is becoming a not-so-hidden gem thanks to its vibrant arts scen...

Day 2 Cable car up Mount Dajti and walking tour of Tirana

This morning, we'll explore the city on foot with a walking tour, taking in the main sights including the government buildings, Skanderbeg Square and Et'Hem Bey Mosque. We'll include a visit to Bunk Art 2, the second of two nuclear bunkers in Tirana that has recently ...

Day 3 See Elbasan Fortress and drive to Lake Ohrid

Before leaving Tirana this morning, we'll visit the Bektashi World Centre. The Bektashi Order is an Islamic dervish sect which blends elements of both Shia and Sufi beliefs. We'll have a brief stop to see their ornately decorated tekke (place of worship) with its marb...

Day 4 Drive to Korca via the medieval town of Voskopoja

Today, we'll make the journey to Voskopoja - formally known as Moskopoje. Founded in the 16th century, the town was once a major urban settlement and was famous for its churches which were adorned with beautiful frescoes. After exploring the churches, we'll have lunch...

Day 5 Scenic drive to Gjirokaster with a stop at the thermal baths in Benja

A four-hour journey today takes us through the southern highlands to Gjirokaster. Travelling along one of the most scenic routes in Albania, we'll reach the Barmash Pass (1,040 metres/3,412 feet) where we can enjoy sweeping views of the Nemercka Mountains, which are s...

Day 6 Visit Gjirokaster and enjoy lunch with a family in Dhkosat

This morning, we'll visit Gjirokastra Castle. The castle sits at a height of 336 metres/1102 feet and is one of the most magnificent structures in the city with views over the hilly countryside, river valley and city. There have been extensive renovations to the build...

Day 7 Explore Butrint, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Balkans

Leaving Gjirokaster behind us, we'll drive for two-and-a-half hours to Saranda. Along the way, we'll make a stop to walk to the karstic spring, known as 'The Blue Eye' where we can marvel at the clear waters. This afternoon, we'll visit UNESCO-listed Butrint, which...

Day 8 Visit Ali Pasha's Fortress; stay in Llogora National Park

Prepare for breathtaking views this morning as we leave Saranda and set out on our three-hour journey along the Albania Riviera to Llogora National Park - possibly one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe. As we wind our way along the coast, with views over the ...

Day 9 Visit ancient Apollonia and Vlora en route to Berat

This morning, en route to Apollonia, we'll stop at Vlora where we'll visit Flag Square and the Muradi Mosque. From here, we'll continue our drive to Apollonia. Founded in 585 BC and dedicated to the god Apollo, the city achieved fame and wealth before it was incorp...

Day 10 Walking tour of Berat and Durresi

Exploring Berat on foot this morning, we'll head up to the fortress and see the painted icons and frescoes in the Church of Saint Mary, one of the seven churches within the citadel walls. We'll also visit the oldest mosque in Albania, the Red Mosque, and the Onufri Ic...

Day 11 Trip ends in Kruja

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kruja. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like to receive an airpor...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,730
Price per day$157
Last Updated: 6/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
19 Jul 2025
29 Jul 2025
$1,730
$390
09 Aug 2025
19 Aug 2025
$2,010
$390
11 Oct 2025
21 Oct 2025
$2,150
$390
18 Oct 2025
28 Oct 2025
$2,150
$390
01 Nov 2025
11 Nov 2025
$1,870
$390
28 Mar 2026
07 Apr 2026
$2,110
$420
04 Apr 2026
14 Apr 2026
$2,110
$420
11 Apr 2026
21 Apr 2026
$2,110
$420
18 Apr 2026
28 Apr 2026
$2,110
$420
25 Apr 2026
05 May 2026
$2,110
$420

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
14,472
Great
4,290
Average
644
Disappointing
181
Terrible
97
T

Tim

Jun 2025

Written on

Highlights of Albania

This is a great trip with a number of notable highlights: the churches in Voskopoje, the amazing archaeological site of Butrint, where the guide was excellent, The L...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2025

Written on

Highlights of Albania

The entire tour ran smoothly. The guide was realy informed and helpful. I was bitten by a dog and he reacted quickly got me to hospital to receive the required treat...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2025

Written on

Highlights of Albania

First few days weren’t as full on as advertised. Saw no need for overnight in Korca, an extra night in possibly Pogradec would have been better. Spending a couple ...

N

Naomi

May 2025

Written on

Highlights of Albania

The tour was very varied and interesting. Some beautiful scenery, interesting sites and museums. Our guide Geri was very knowledgeable, helpful and personable. He wa...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2025

Written on

Highlights of Albania

The guide and driver worked hard to make everyone feel comfortable.

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Albania Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Macedonia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
We recommend protection against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Rabies vaccination is recommended by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office due to the large number of stray dogs in Albania. You should seek further advice from your travel clinic. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 10
  • Lunch : 2
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-AB

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