We Love —
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient stone towns, stunning natural landscapes, magnificent thermal waters and beautiful beaches on this 9-night self-driven tour of Albania.
- From the capital city to the charming traditional villages along the Albanian Riviera, you will stay in carefully selected 3* or 4* hotels.
- Start each day right with an included breakfast and enjoy your included dinners on day 7, 8 and 9!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, Bënjë and the Langarica Canyon in Përmet, Butrint, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qeparo and the Llogara National Park... These names may not be well-known, but they are home to archaeological and cultural wonders. Discover the programme we have put together for you to uncover these Albanian treasures.
During this 9-night/ 10-day road trip tour starting in Tirana, explore Albania at your own pace with your included rental car.
For this self-drive tour, we propose the ideal balance between a seaside and cultural stay: visit diversified landscapes, meet the locals, explore UNESCO listed sites and laze on the beach in the different bays of the Albanian Riviera. Try your hand at jet-skiing and diving, kayaking or paragliding, or visit the Ali Pasha fortress in Porto Palermo Bay.
For a hassle-free trip, you will receive:
- 1 detailed travel guide of your trip
- 1 roadmap of Albania
- 1 mobile phone with an Albanian SIM card
- Assistance at destination if needed
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
Day 2: Berat
Day 3: Berat - Gjirokaster
Day 4: Gjirokaster - Permet - Gjirokaster
Day 5: Gjirokastër - Butrint - Sarandë - Qeparo
Day 6: Qeparo - Llogara - Vlore
Days 7, 8 and 9: Qerret
Day 10: Return flight
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Arrive in Tirana
Arrive at Tirana "Mother Teresa" Airport. You will be welcomed by one of our representatives at the airport and accompanied to the hotel (about a 30-minute transfer).
Stay overnight stay in Tirana.
DAY 2: BERAT
Tirana to Berat: 110km / 2h 20min
Pick up your car rental at the hotel.
Set off to discover the city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The "city of a thousand windows", known and recognised for its facades and attached houses, is the best preserved of the country. The narrow streets of the "Kala" quarter and the museum of the famous 16th century painter "ONUFRI" will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Optional: visit with a local guide (book the tour in advance at the next stage of the booking process).
Stay overnight stay in Berat.
Day 3: Berat - Gjirokaster
From Berat to Gjirokaster: 110 km / 2h 20min
After breakfast, head for the town of Gjirokastër or "the stone town". A true manifestation of tradition and folklore in southern Albania, this town has kept the charm of the 15th century thanks to its lovely stone houses. It has been chosen as a museum town for its typical districts and its fortress, as well as its folkloric and human heritage.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastër is a crossroads of tradition and culture. It is the birthplace of the dictator Enver Hoxha, but also of one of the greatest writers in the Balkans and the world, Ismail Kadaré.
Suggested visits: City Castle, Ethnographic Museum and the Skënduli House.
Stay overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
DAY 4: GJIROKASTER - PERMET - GJIROKASTER
From Gjirokastër to Permet: 1 hour
Head for the thermal waters of Bënjë and the Langarica Canyon in Përmet.
The road to Bënjë offers beautiful natural landscapes. A stunning valley, high mountains and one of the few rivers in Europe still preserved in its pure state, Vjosa.
You can discover the magnificent Langarica Canyon and bathe in the thermal waters of Bënjë as well as take pictures of the old Ottoman bridge.
Your journey will continue to the town of Permet where you will discover the unique dishes of Albanian cuisine and traditions that continue to live on today. In Permet, discover a Gliko (candied fruit) production workshop.
Optional: Dinner at a local family's home in the Permet area.
In the afternoon, return to Gjirokastër. Stay overnight stay in Gjirokastër.
DAY 5 : GJIROKASTËR - BUTRINT - SARANDË - QEPARO
From Gjirokastër to Butrint: 55 km / 1h 10min.
From Butrint to Qeparo: 55 km / 1h 30min.
After breakfast, visit the archaeological site of Butrint, which is classified by UNESCO. This site is also one of the wonders of the world. You will find almost everything in this park: Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins. The rich flora and fauna and the romantic views make this place a true oasis of paradisical proportions.
Afterwards, head for one of the most beautiful villages on the Albanian Riviera, Qeparo.
Before you arrive you can admire the seaside landscape or buy local products (honey, herbal teas and other seasonal fruits) sold in "stalls" on the side of the road. You will have the opportunity to explore the old quarters of the village perched in the mountains.
Stay overnight stay in Qeparo.
Optional: During these days of rest on the Ionian Sea, you can also explore the old village of Qeparo. The old part of the village, which is particularly well-preserved, is almost 300 metres high! The panorama of the Ionian Sea is breathtaking (1h30 walk, 400 m difference in altitude).
Optional: You can enjoy the beach in the different bays of the Albanian Riviera such as: the bay of Himara, Jala, Gjipe, Dhërmi, Drimadhes and Livadh.
Optional: The possibility of different activities such as jet-skiing, diving, kayaking and paragliding.
Visit the fortress of Ali Pacha in the bay of Porto Palermo.
DAY 6: QEPARO - LLOGARA - VLORE
From Qeparo to Llogara: 60km / 1h 10min
From Logara to Berat: 110km / 2h 20min
After breakfast, you will drive to Llogara National Park in the Dukati Valley. Depending on the time of your arrival, you will have a picnic lunch and start your 3.5-hour walk through pine and fir forests (a striking contrast with the Mediterranean landscape of the surroundings). Between the sea and the mountains, you will discover unforgettable landscapes. From the ridge, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the turquoise sea and the Karaburun peninsula.
Your next stop is the city of Vlora. It is not only one of the main ports of the country, but also a historically important place because of the Assembly that was held here in 1912 to proclaim the independence of Albania and to install the first national government led by Ismail Qemali. In the afternoon you can take a walk along the famous Lungomare, the city's promenade.
Stay overnight stay in Vlora.
DAYS 7, 8 AND 9: QERRET
Vlore to Qerret: 110 km / 1h 10min
You will leave Vlora and head towards the region of Qerret, which is renowned for its good quality hotels and sandy beaches. Here you will spend 3 nights of total relaxation in a category 4 hotel.
You will return the car to the hotel. Stay overnight stay in Qerret.
DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT
From Qerret to the airport: 1h 30min
You will be transferred to the Mother Theresa Airport before taking your flight back home.
Your Hotels —
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
Maximum room capacity
We have carefully selected cosy 3* and 4* hotels so that you can have the utmost comfortable stay on your road trip.
Your hotels during the tour:
Tirana: Hotel Colossseu 4* or similar
Berat: Hotel Onufri 3* or similar
Gjirokastër: Hotel Kalemi 3* or similar
Qeparo: Vlora Hotel 4* or similar
Vlorë: Hotel Bologna 4* or similar
Qerret: Hotel Brilant 4* or similar
Your Board Basis
Discover the authentic flavours of Albanian cuisine with a traditional meal with a local family of the Permet region.
Your Optional Excursions —
Berat Visit with Local Guide
On day 2, book a tour with a local guide to learn about Berat's rich history, iconic landmarks and more.
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.