Albania - Europe's Hidden Gem Tour

Guided Tour | Albania

Featuring fascinating towns, landmarks and historical sites dating back to the Ottoman period, along with scenic forests, rivers and mountains, Albania is a hidden gem in Europe and one that continues to impress tourists who venture out to this part of the Balkan region.

Whether your priority is adventure, play or relaxation, there is plenty to see and do in Albania, such as explore the ancient city of Dürres – which has over 3,500 years of history, as evident by the Roman ampitheatre and public baths – and visit Berat Castle, where, upon reaching the top, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding houses and hillside scenery.

And to top it all off, you’ll enjoy exquisite, traditional Albanian cuisine, including dinner at the world famous Mrizi i Zanave restaurant, which sources fresh ingredients straight from its very own organic farm.

Tour Highlights:

  • Stay in Albania's historic capital, Tirana
  • Dürres' beautiful coast and ancient sites
  • Beautiful Berat, the 'town of a thousand windows'
  • Ancient Greek ruins of Apollonia
  • UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint
View Full Itinerary

  • Duration:

  • 10 Days, 9 Nights

  • Guide Price:

  • 4-Star Package from £1,749pp | 5-Star Package from £2,515pp

  • Price Based On: Based on departure from London Luton flying with Wizz Air, meal basis as per itinerary (2 adults sharing) including transfers. See More

  • Tour Type:

  • Shared Guided Tour (maximum number of 30 guests)

  • Star Rating:

  • Superior

  • Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Tour Package
  • 4 The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel
    4 Hotel Chic Boutique
    4 Buze Boutique Hotel
    4 The Fantasy Hotel
    4 Hani Pazarit Boutique Hotel
  • 4-Star hotels will be as specified above or alternatives of a similar standard.
  • 5-Star Tour Package See Hotels

  • Board Basis:

  • Bed & Breakfast

  • Departures:

  • First and third Thursday of every month throughout the year.

  • Start / Finish:

  • Tirana - Tirana

  • Extensions:

  • Contact us if you would like to extend your Albania Tour holiday.
Note: Overnight stays in Gjirokaster on 5-Star Tour Packages will be in 4-Star accommodation as there are no 5-Star hotels located near the town's historical centre
Note: Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old

What's Included:

  • Tour:
  • Albania - Europe's Hidden Gem View Full Itinerary
  • Flights:
  • Return flights from chosen UK airport
  • Transfers:
  • Private transfers to/from airport on arrival and departure. Our local representative will meet you at the airport.
  • Accommodation:
  • Accommodation in standard double occupancy rooms in 4* hotels as specified above or ones of a similar standard
  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfasts (excluding drinks) according to itinerary
  • Vehicle:
  • Transportation in modern, air-conditioned cars, buses and minibuses
  • Guide:
  • English-speaking tour guides where appropriate
  • ATOL:
  • ATOL Protection

What's Not Included:

  • Beverages:
  • Beverages are not included during meals
  • Entrance Fees:
  • Admission/entry fees to museums and other sites as per itinerary
  • Tips:
  • Tips for guide, driver and hotel staff
  • Taxes:
  • Local city/tourist taxes where applicable
  • Cancellations:
  • Trip and tour cancellations and no shows
  • Insurance:
  • Please purchase suitable travel insurance

Full Itinerary

Tirana

Day 1

Arrive in Tirana Airport and transfer to the city. Enjoy free leisure for the day. Then check in to your hotel. Spend four nights at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Lezha - Shkoder - Tirana

Day 2

After breakfast, make your way to Lezha, an exotic coastal city featuring vibrant beaches, fine dining restaurants, and the most famous landmark of all, the Castle of Lezha. During your visit, explore the castle and the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, which is dedicated to Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania who led the resistance against the Ottoman empire for 25 years. Have lunch at the Mrizi I Zanave restaurant. Following this, proceed to Shkodra. Go on a tour of the city, visiting the many local landmarks, including the Mosques, Churches, the Old Bazaar, and the Centrum, to name a few. Then explore the Castle of Rozafa, which was built during the Roman and Ottoman periods and whose structure is still intact to this day. Whilst inside, visit the museum and enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains. Return to Tirana.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Kruje - Dürres - Tirana

Day 3

Have breakfast and then make your way to Kruja. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum and castle, along with the local bazaar. Then, proceed to the port city of Durres, an important seaside region that features the Town Hall Square, the long pedestrian street of Shetitorja, and the Archaeological Museum of Durres, to name a few. Whilst here, you will visit the Roman ampitheatre, which is the largest of its kind in the Balkan region and – despite being damaged by two separate earthquakes, in the 6th and 10th centuries respectively – still stands to this day. Return to Tirana.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Berat

Day 4

After breakfast, head to Berat. A UNESCO Heritage Site, Berat retains much of its heritage during the Ottoman period, with many Ottoman houses residing on both sides of the river. Whilst here, you will visit the Castle of Berat, the Onufri Museum (which features over 200 murals and icons by the famous painter, Onufri), and various mosques and churches. Although many of these landmarks have aged with time, being able to explore the remnants of these once-lively sites is a unique experience. Return to Tirana.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Ardenica Monastery - Apollonia - Vlore

Day 5

In the morning, make your way to the Ardenica Monastery. This incredible structure was built in 282, and is probably most well-known for its impressive library, which contains thousands of volumes of books, making it one of the largest libraries in the Balkan region. From there, proceed to the Ruins of Apollonia, one of the most important archeological sites in Albania. Back in its heyday, the city contained over 60,000 inhabitants, and it is where Emperor Octavian – the first emperor of the Roman Empire – is said to have studied. The city is also a significant site for Christianity, with bishops (from around the world) coming here to attend the councils of Chlalkis and Ephesus. Whilst here, you will visit the museum, the Shen Meri Monastery, and the church. After lunch, depart for the coastal city of Vlore, the third-most populated city in Albania and home to incredible sights of the Ionian Sea. During your visit, explore the old town and independence square, where the Albanians officially declared independence from the Ottomans in 1912. Stay overnight at the Hotel Chic Boutique 4* or similar.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Himare - Sarande - Butrint

Day 6

After breakfast, head to the southern region of Albania. Along the way, stop by Llogara National Park, where you can admire the views of the mountainous forests and alpine meadows, where each forest costs of various coniferous and deciduous trees such as kermes oak, black pine and ash. Proceed to Arana, passing by various seaside villages along the way, and then make your way to the ruins of Butrint. Originally known as Buthrotum in Latin (derived from the word ‘buthrotos,’ meaning “wounded bull”), Butrint is one of the most important archeological sites in Albania. Excavations at the site are frequent and archeologists claim that only 15 percent of what lies beneath the site has been revealed so far. While visiting Butrint, you can explore the various buildings that reside here, including a palace, basilica and an acropolis. Return to Sarande. Stay overnight at the Buze Boutique Hotel 4* (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Mesopotam - Blue Eye - Gjirokaster

Day 7

In the morning, proceed to Gjirokaster, stopping by the Mesopotam Monastery and Blue Eye National Park along the way. Blue Eye is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a unique blue spring, where the waters have a vibrant blue colour tone that is unlike anything you have ever seen before. Depending on the current rules and regulations, you may be allowed to swim in the spring waters, but please keep in mind that there is no guarantee. After the Blue Eye, reach your destination at Gjirokaster. Gjirokaster is well-known for its lovingly preserved architecture, friendly locals, and old houses that lean against the hills. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Stay overnight at The Fantasy Hotel 4* or similar.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Permet - Voskopoje - Korce

Day 8

Have breakfast, and then make your way to Korca, visiting the Vjosa River Valley en route. Stretching for approximately 168 miles, the Vjosa River and surrounding region is a protected area, and a portion of the river was designated a Managed Nature Reserve by the Albanian Government. Enjoy lunch at a Sotira Farm (or similar) and then continue to Voskopoje. The region is home to 26 churches, all built between 1630 and 1780, which is largely due to the fact that the town was a significant site for Aromanian Christianity during the Ottoman period. Many of these churches are still intact and contain their original murals and artifacts. Return to Korca and explore the city. Stay overnight in the Hani Pazarit Boutique Hotel 4* (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Pogradec - Lin - Elbasan - Tirana

Day 9

Have breakfast and head to Pogradec. Located in south-east Albania, Pogradec is a popular tourist destination due to its pleasant atmosphere and climate, scenic alpine landscapes, and various water activities such as fishing, swimming, and general water sports. During your visit to Pogradec, you will see the remnants of an ancient Illyrian fortress called Encheleana, which was rebuilt in the Middle Ages but suffered significant damage during the First World War; that said, though, there are still plenty of buildings that are still standing to this day. After a short break, walk past the Ohrid Lake and continue to Elbasan, stopping by Lin village along the way. Upon arriving in Elbasan, learn about its history (particularly during the Illyrian period) and explore local landmarks like the Elbasan Castle, Ethnographic Museum, Old Mosque, and the Clock. Return to Tirana and enjoy free leisure for the rest of the day. Stay overnight at The Crown Boutique & SPA Hotel 4* (or similar).

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Tirana

Day 10

In the morning, check out of your hotel. Proceed to Tirana airport for your flight. Your journey ends here.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
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