The Soul of Albania: From Stone Cities to Sapphire Seas

Your Albanian adventure begins upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, where your guide welcomes you for a private transfer to your hotel. We start exploring Tirana with a stroll through Mother Teresa Square, the lively heart of the city, and continue to the Palace of Congress and the Presidential Palace, admiring their architecture and history. We walk along the colorful streets, lined with cafés, shops, and the youthful energy that defines the capital. In the late afternoon we check in to your hotel, then enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure. Overnight in Tirana at Destiny Hotel & Spa (or similar). 

Note: The Tirana city tour on Day 1 is planned for arrivals before 12:00 PM. If flights arrive later, the tour will be rescheduled to the following day to ensure a complete and relaxed experience. The rest of the arrival day will be at leisure with overnight at the hotel. 

After breakfast, we leave Tirana and follow the scenic Belshi Road, enjoying rolling hills and picturesque countryside, with a short coffee stop along the way. We arrive in Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows,” and explore the impressive Berat Castle, wandering through historic courtyards and soaking in panoramic views over the city. We continue to the charming Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, where Ottoman-era architecture and cobblestone streets tell stories of centuries past. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, offering authentic Albanian flavors. The evening is free to relax or explore Berat at your own pace. Overnight in Berat at Portik Hotel (or similar). 

In the morning, we leave Berat and travel south toward Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its stone architecture and hilltop castle. Along the way, we pause in Tepelena at the renowned Uji i Ftohtë, where natural springs emerge from the mountains, and enjoy a coffee while admiring the peaceful surroundings and fresh mountain air. Upon arriving in Gjirokastra, we savor a traditional Albanian lunch in the charming old town before exploring Gjirokastra Castle, perched high above the city with panoramic views of the valley below. We then wander the historic stone streets, lined with distinctive stone-roofed Ottoman houses, and explore the bustling old bazaar, immersing ourselves in the vibrant local culture. The evening is at leisure to relax or take a peaceful stroll through the town. Overnight in Gjirokastra at Hotel Kalemi (or similar). 

This morning, we travel toward the coast, beginning with the Blue Eye, a natural spring where crystal-clear turquoise waters bubble from a deep cavern. This is a perfect spot to pause and soak in nature’s beauty. From there, we continue to Ksamil, where lunch is served at Guvat Bar Restaurant (or similar), offering fresh seafood beside the sparkling Ionian Sea and a chance to soak in the seaside atmosphere. In the afternoon, we explore Butrint National Archaeological Park, an ancient city layered with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history. We wander among the ruins, amphitheaters, and temples, while the peaceful wetlands and calm marshes surrounding the site create a serene backdrop. The day concludes in Saranda, where we enjoy dinner at Lekursi Castle Restaurant (or similar), with breathtaking panoramic views over the coastline. Overnight in Saranda at Demi Hotel (or similar). 

We depart after breakfast along the stunning Albanian Riviera, stopping at Porto Palermo to explore Ali Pasha Castle, perched dramatically on a small peninsula. We then continue through Llogara National Park, a natural wonder of rugged peaks, pine forests, and winding mountain roads. Here, we pause to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains, a perfect spot for photos and to breathe in the fresh air. Lunch is served at Restaurant Panorama (or similar), where we enjoy traditional dishes while soaking in incredible vistas of the Albanian Riviera. In the afternoon, we arrive in Vlore, a city rich in history and the birthplace of Albanian independence. We explore Flag Square, the central spot where the independence flag was first raised, and visit the Monument of Independence, a tribute to the leaders of this historic event. We stroll through the Muradie Quarter, admiring its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and the historic Muradie Mosque. The evening is free to enjoy Vlore’s coastal charm at your own pace. Overnight in Vlore at Valza Boutique Hotel (or similar).