We Love —
- From ancient ruins, to glorious national parks, and dazzling beaches, discover the best of Albania during a 9-night tour.
- Explore stone fortress town Gjirokastra, take in breathtaking natural landscapes from canyons to mountains, and get a chance to try everything from taking a dip in thermal baths to spotting rare birds.
- Stay in a selection of 3* and 4* hotels, all with an included breakfast, and the chance to spend an evening dining in a traditional Albanian household!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
This tour combines the dreamy beaches of a seaside getaway with cultural highlights for an unforgettable trip. Visit world heritage sites like Butrint, a city that was once called a "a little corner of Paradise" by Julius Caesar and Cicero, and Gjirokastër, a stone fortress city with cobblestone streets leading towards the Mosque of Bazaar.
Walk along canyons, dip your toes into the hot springs at Benja, and soak up the sunshine in the prettiest village in the Albanian Riviera. From hiking through national parks, to relaxing in picturesque cities, this tour has it all!
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
Day 2: Tirana - Tushemisht
Day 3: Korce - Rehova
Day 4: Leskovik - Canyon of Langarica - Permet
Day 5: Permet - Gjirokastër
Day 6: Gjirokastër - Butrint - Qeparo
Days 7 - 8 : Qeparo
Day 9: Qeparo - Tirane
Day 10: Flight back home
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Arrive in Tirana
Arrive at Tirana "Mother Teresa" Airport where you will be welcomed by a representative who will then take you by private transfer to your hotel (approximately 25-minute ride).
Depending on your arrival time, you can begin visiting the capital.
Stay overnight stay in Tirana Hotel 4* or similar.
DAY 2: TIRANA - TUSHEMISHT
Pick-up your car rental from the hotel and begin your roadtrip.
Head for the village of Lin, located on the shore of Lake Ohrid. This lake is the deepest in the Balkans (280 metres) and one of the oldest in Europe. It has a rich variety of flora and fauna and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Continue your journey to the village of Tushemisht in the south-east of the country. This village is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, near Macedonia. During the communist regime, Tushemisht served as an example of the prosperity of the Albanian communist village, and was the setting for some of our country's greatest films.
Lin - Tushemisht, 25min
Optional: In Lin, Lake Ohrid you can visit the mosaic which belongs to the early Christian period.
Optional: Take a ride on traditional fishermen's boats on Lake Ohrid.
Overnight stay on the Ohrid lake in Tushemisht at the Hotel Millenium 3* or similar.
Day 3: Korce - Rehova
Drive from Tushemisht to Korce (approximately 50-minute ride).
Discover the town of Korça (Korce), renowned throughout the country for its historical attachment to France and the French-speaking world. This town hosted a French high school from 1917 to 1939, for Albanian students. The National Medieval Museum, the Cemetery of the French soldiers of the First World War, and the Orthodox Cathedral are the main monuments to visit.
Then, drive to the village of Rehova. This village on the border with Greece is renowned for its gastronomy and its stone houses. This will be a good place to exchange with the Albanians of the South, known for their hospitality and their warmth. Take the opportunity to taste the local specialities and to visit the village.
DAY 4: LESKOVIK - CANYON OF LANGARICA - PERMET
Drive from Rehova to Leskovik (approximately 1 hour) and from Leskovik to Permet (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
Leave in the direction of Leskovik. This small town is situated at the foot of a beautiful cliff. The town is known for its fresh dairy products and has a good reputation in Albania for the production of wine and Raki.
Next, depart in the direction of Langarica Canyon. The road to Langarica offers you stunning natural landscapes. You will cross a beautiful valley, dramatic mountains and one of the few rivers in Europe still preserved in its pure state, the Vjosa river which will be part of your stop today.
You will then discover the magnificent Langarica Canyon. For two hours, you will get your feet wet and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of this canyon. The thermal waters of Bënja and the old Ottoman bridge are the jewels of this discovery.
In Përmet, you can visit the Church of St. Mary of Leusa, which is a monument of the country's cultural heritage. This church was built in the 18th century, but the first building dates back to the time of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It is located 30 minutes from the city centre. Përmet is also known as the flower city. You will also have the opportunity to see up close the know-how of the local craftsmen and their local products such as jams, candied fruits, etc.
Optional: Share a meal with a local family in the Permet region or a traditional family will welcome you in the small village of Bual - 20 euros/person
Optional: Local cooking class - 10 euros/person
Optional: One-hour Horseback Riding Excursion - 25 euro/person
Optional: Rafting Excursion - 40 euro/person
Stay overnight stay in Përmet at Hotel Alvero 3* or similar.
DAY 5: PERMET - GJIROKASTER
Drive from Permet to Gjirokaster (approximately 1 hour).
Gjirokaster, also known as the "the stone city" was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Gjirokastër is the birthplace of the great Albanian writer, Ismail Kadaré, and on a less literary note, the hometown of the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. This town is full of traditional neighbourhoods and shady terraces, but above all, it is home to the Ethnographic Museum and its fortress, witnesses to a large part of Albania's history. Gjirokastër has preserved its picturesque architecture, typical of the old Albanian houses.
Optional: Visit a traditional village and share a meal with a host family - 15 euro/person
Stay overnight in Gjirokastër at the Hotel Kalemi 3* or similar.
Day 6: Gjirokaster - Butrint - Qeparo
Drive from Gjirokaster to Butrint (approximately 1 hour) and then, from Butrint to Ksamil and Saranda (approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes).
Depart to Butrint National Park, which you can visit before continuing to the beautiful Albanian Riviera. Butrint is an ancient city classified by UNESCO, built in an exceptional natural environment, a city that Julius Caesar and Cicero called "a little corner of Paradise". Different civilizations have succeeded each other on this site. The vestiges and monuments serve as witnesses.
Ksamil is famous for the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and its four small heavenly islets. Spend your time on the beach, soaking in the sun!
Optional: You can rent boats to explore the islands, and there is plenty of opportunities to experience water sports - 20euros/person
Optional: Visit the blue oiil of the south of Albania an extraordinary resurgence of turquoise waters - 2 euro/person (entrance)
Stay overnight stay in Qeparo at Hotel Valta 4* or similar.
DAY 7 - 8: QEPARO
You will spend 3 nights in total relaxation at a lovely 4* hotel.
Leave for Qeparo, the most beautiful village in the Albanian Riviera. Before your arrival, stop to admire the incredible seaside views and purchase local products (honey, herbal teas and seasonal fruits) sold by market stalls along the roads. Explore one of the oldest areas in this mountain village. You can visit the Ali Pasha fortress and the Porto Palermo Bay and enjoy different water sports activities such as jet ski excursion, diving and kayaking.
Stay overnight in Qeparo at the Hotel Valta 4* or similar.
DAY 9: QEPARO - TIRANE
Drive from Qeparo to Divjaka (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes) and from Divjaka to Tirane (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart for Divjakë - Karavasta National Park.
The various lagoons are the jewels of Divjakë, one of the main national parks of the country. Between pine forests and wetlands, the site is home to exceptional biodiversity. Since the 1990s, this rich lagoon complex has been internationally recognised by the Ramsar Convention and as a destination to visit in Albania since the 2010s.
More than two hundred species of birds have been recorded here, including many endangered species such as the Dalmatian pelican.
Adventurers come here to enjoy the beautiful pine forest, the largest lagoon and nature reserve in Albania.
Optional: Possibility to go for a bike ride to uncover the natural beauty on two wheels.
Then, head back to the capital for the last day of the trip.
Stay overnight stay in Tirana at Hotel Colosseo 4* or similar.
DAY 10: DEPART
A representative will accompany you back to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Your Hotels —
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
Maximum room capacity
We have selected for you, 3* and 4* quality establishments in order to offer you restful nights in complete tranquillity.
Your hotels during the tour:
Tirana: Hotel Colosseo 4* or similar
Tushemisht: Hotel Millenium 3* or similar
Rehova: Overnight stay with host family
Përmet: Hotel Alvero 3* or similar
Gjirokastër: Hotel Kalemi 3* or similar
Qeparo: Hotel Valta 4* or similar
Your Board Basis
This offer is based on a Bed and Breakfast stay from day 2 to day 10.
Your Optional Excursions —
Day 4: One hour horse riding excursion
While visiting Permet, opt for an exciting excursion on day 4 with a one-hour horse ride to discover the beauty of the region.
Day 4: Rafting Excursion
Explore Albania rivers with a fun rafting excursion on day 4.
Day 6: Paragliding
See Albania's picturesque landscape from high above with a paragliding adventure on day 6.
Day 6: Diving
Head into the turquoise waters of Albania to explore the world that lives beneath the sea with a diving excursion on day 6.
Day 6: Kayak Adventure
Enjoy an adventure in the glittering waters of Albania with a kayak excursion on day 6.
Day 6: Jet Ski
Enjoy a day out on the waters of Albania with a jet ski excursion on day 6.
Your Optional Culinary Experiences —
Day 4: Meal with host family in Bual
For a truly authentic experience, choose to dine with a local host on Day 4 of your trip. You'll be warmly welcomed into a typical Albanian home, where you'll be served a traditional meal.
Day 4: Local cuisine cooking class
Take a fun class on day 4 to learn how to cook the traditional local cuisine.
Day 5: Visit of a traditional village & meal with host family
Visit a traditional village that has kept its charm through the years and share this wonderful moment with a meal with a host family.
Your Journey —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers:
Return transfers are included for flight-inclusive offers. For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.
Your Destinations —
Tirana
The capital city of Albania, Tirana, has been completely transformed since its Communist days, Now, colourful buildings line the streets, with pedestrianised squares dotted across the city, which has a decidedly festive feel.
Hang out drinking raki and rubbing shoulders with the locals in a trendy bar, walk along boulevards featuring relics from Albania's Ottoman, Italian, and communist past, and pop into one of the local museums to truly get a taste for Albania's chaotic historical past.
Saranda
Nestled on the Albanian Riviera where the rolling hills meet the Ionian Sea, lies the city of Saranda. Boasting a rich history spanning 4000 years, alongside stunning vistas and crystal clear waters, this destination is perfect for curious travellers looking for sun and culture in equal measures. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, this Ionian dream is only 14km east of Corfu island and has an abundance of secluded swimming spots and pretty beaches closeby.
This small but lively city sprawls around a curved bay, where visitors can dine overlooking anchored yachts and take evening strolls along the promenade. Visit the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, which was later converted to an early Christian basilica. End your day seeking out a cocktail at Jericho, one of the oldest bars in the town, offering dazzling views of the Ionian Sea and well worth a sundown visit.
Adventuring a little further afield will reward you with the natural wonders of Blue Eye, a brilliant spring in a National Park by the same name. Pulëbardha Beach is only a 15-minute drive and is one of the most popular beaches in Albania with its vivid turquoise hues. For a further dose of history and culture, the 15th-century fortress of Lekuresi Castle is worth a visit and within an hour visitors can roam the phenomenal historic centres of Berat and Gjirokastra UNESCO World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value.