Highlights of Albania

11 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 22 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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 ...
$110 OFF
$1,980
From$1,870
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...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,870
Price per day$170
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
05 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$2,010
$390
12 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$2,210
$400
26 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$2,210
$400
03 May 2025
13 May 2025
$2,280
$400
10 May 2025
20 May 2025
$2,280
$400
24 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$2,420
$400
07 Jun 2025
17 Jun 2025
$2,010
$390
21 Jun 2025
01 Jul 2025
$2,010
$390
05 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025
$2,010
$390
19 Jul 2025
29 Jul 2025
$2,010
$390

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.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
D

Debora

Nov 2024

Written on

Highlights of Albania

A varied & interesting itinerary. Albania is a beautiful country & worth visiting to see the histirocal sites & learn about its difficult past. Our guid...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Highlights of Albania

The tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout . I also felt in safe hands on the roads with our careful driver. Although it’s a busy itinerary it w...

G

Gillian

Nov 2024

Written on

Highlights of Albania

A great way to 'explore' this facinating and beautiful country which has had a challenging history - leaving its people with a zest for moving forward but also with ...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Bangkok to Saigon by Bike

We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus dr...

M

Mel

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...

D

Darren

Mar 2025

Written on

Efficient and easy to navigate online booking

Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

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
[object Object]
Trip ID
explore-AB

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!