Albania Classic Tour Discovery Journey - Culture, Riviera & UNESCO Heritage - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Arrival at Tirana International Airport, assistance and group transfer to Kruja. Check in at the hotel and free time to rest.

Accommodation in Kruje

After breakfast, visit Kruja, a city closely connected with Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg.

Enjoy a walking tour through the castle, its historic walls and the traditional Ottoman bazaar, known for its cobbled streets, wooden shops and locally produced handicrafts. Visit the National Museum Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, located inside the castle complex.

Free time for lunch in Kruja, not included. In the afternoon, transfer to Berat.

Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast, visit Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”

Explore its historic districts of Mangalem, Gorica and Kalaja, as well as the ancient fortress, gates, towers, Orthodox churches, mosques and traditional residential architecture.

Free time for lunch in Berat, not included.

In the afternoon, continue to Zvernec Monastery, located on a pine-covered island within the Vjosa-Narta protected area. Cross the picturesque 270-metre wooden bridge and visit the well-preserved Byzantine monastery dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Optional activity: traditional lunch at an agritourism restaurant.

Overnight in Vlora.

After breakfast, travel towards Saranda along one of the most scenic roads in southern Albania. The journey follows the Albanian Riviera, passing traditional villages located along the Ionian coast.

Stop in Porto Palermo for lunch, not included, before continuing to Saranda.

Optional activities: stop at Llogara National Park to admire the views and taste sheep’s yoghurt with honey and walnuts; traditional Albanian iso-polyphonic performance, recognised by UNESCO.

Overnight in Saranda.

After breakfast, depart for Butrint Archaeological Park.

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where archaeological remains from different historical periods are surrounded by freshwater lakes, wetlands and rich natural biodiversity.

Free time for lunch in Ksamil, not included. Return to Saranda in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening.

Overnight in Saranda.

After breakfast, depart for Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Visit the city and Gjirokastra Castle, an impressive fortress overlooking the Drino Valley and the surrounding mountains. The castle contains several towers, a church, a cistern, a clock tower and the stage of Albania’s National Folk Festival.

Free time for lunch in Gjirokastra, not included. In the afternoon, transfer to Tirana.

Optional activity: cooking class and lunch, preparing two traditional dishes under the guidance of local hosts.

Overnight Tirana.

After breakfast, explore Tirana and discover its transformation from a small trading centre into Albania’s vibrant modern capital.

The walking tour begins at Skanderbeg Square and includes Tirana City Hall, the Skanderbeg Statue, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, National Library, Opera House, the exterior of the National Historical Museum and the main Italian-style boulevard, with views of the Art Gallery and historic Italian buildings.

Optional activity: wine tasting at a winery in the surroundings of Tirana.

Overnight in Tirana.

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we'll check out and prepare for our departure to the airport