7 Days The Best of Albania: Eco & Traditions Discovery Tour

08:00 – 08:25: Meet and assist upon arrival at Mother Teresa Airport in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. After the airport transfer, check-in at your hotel and get settled.

Morning: Begin your exploration of Tirana, Albania’s bustling capital city. Take a leisurely walk around Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, and enjoy the view of important landmarks including:

Ethem Bey Mosque, built in 1789

Opera House, Town Hall, Government Buildings, and the International Cultural Center

Free time for Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in one of Tirana’s local restaurants.

Afternoon: Depart from Tirana and drive towards Tushemisht, with a stop in Elbasan. Explore the Elbasan Castle and stroll along the Ancient Egnatia Street, a historic Roman route.

Coffee Break: Stop for a relaxing coffee break before continuing to Pogradec, a charming town on the shore of Lake Ohrid.

Afternoon: Arrive at Tushemisht, a picturesque village on the edge of Lake Ohrid. Tushemisht is like a mini version of Venice, with canals of spring water flowing through the village. The natural springs that feed Lake Ohrid flow through the area, adding to its unique beauty.

Explore the canals that pass under and around the houses, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Late Afternoon: Depart for Korça, often called the "threshold of Albanian culture". Upon arrival, embark on a 1-hour walking tour of the city.

Visit Korça’s City Center and explore the Old Bazaar, a traditional marketplace with unique Albanian handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.

Evening: Check-in to your hotel in Korça. After some rest, you will have free time to explore the town at your leisure or enjoy a local dinner.

Overnight: Stay overnight in Korça.

Morning: Korça to Voskopoja Village

After breakfast at your hotel in Korça, depart for the charming village of Voskopoja. This picturesque village, recently restored, offers a unique blend of historical and natural beauty. The village is harmoniously integrated into its surroundings, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Exploration: Take a leisurely walk through Voskopoja’s serene landscape, perfect for walking and exploring. Visit some of the village’s most important churches, known for their remarkable frescoes and historical significance.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Albanian meal in a local restaurant, featuring fresh, regional dishes that showcase the flavors of the area.

Afternoon: Voskopoja to Permet

Depart from Voskopoja and embark on a scenic drive through the Albanian countryside, where you’ll pass through rolling hills, stunning mountain landscapes, and traditional villages. This route offers some of the most captivating views in Albania, providing an unforgettable experience.

Arrival in the Langarica Canyon: Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Langarica Canyon, an area known for its natural beauty and thermal springs. At Benja Village, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the river, walking barefoot on the smooth stones and experiencing the therapeutic benefits of the hot spring water.

Evening: Arrival in Permet

After a day filled with natural beauty and exploration, arrive in Permet, a small city nestled along the Vjosa River, renowned for its thermal baths and surrounding landscapes.

Free Time: You will have some time to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere before heading out for dinner. You can either explore the charming town or enjoy a relaxing meal at one of Permet’s local restaurants.

Overnight: Stay overnight in Permet, where you can unwind and prepare for the next day of your adventure.

• Morning:Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Përmet.
  Meet the Guide: After breakfast, meet your guide for the day's adventure.
  Depart for Gjirokastra: Begin your journey to the ancient town of Gjirokastra, a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Arrival in Gjirokastra:Upon arrival in Gjirokastra, immerse yourself in the rich history of Albania. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and stunning stone houses.
• Explore the Old Town:Visit the historic "Neck of the Bazaar," the heart of the Old Town, where traditional artisanal workshops have largely transitioned into quaint souvenir shops, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship. Keep an eye out for a few remaining stone carvers at the top end of the bazaar.
• Sightseeing Highlights:Gjirokastra Castle: Explore the iconic castle that dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.
  Skendulaj Museum House: Visit this museum, which has undergone transformation over the years. Part of it served as a political prison for dissidents during the regime. The weapons museum within offers insight into Albania's complex history.
  Traditional House of the Skendulaj Family: Tour this 300-year-old home, a testament to the craftsmanship of Gjirokastra's master builders.
• Afternoon Leisure:After exploring the town and its historical landmarks, enjoy some free time in the bazaar. Take the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts, enjoy a coffee at a quaint café, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
• Evening:Spend your evening at leisure, allowing time for relaxation and reflection on the day’s experiences.
• Overnight: Stay overnight in Gjirokastra.

After breakfast, meet the guide and depart for the next destination, To the city of Saranda, One of the most frequented summer cities in Albania with a beautiful coast line and beaches  Arrival in saranda (in about 1 houre and 30 minutes Driving Time) and start of the visit to the archaeological site of Butrint Archeological site which has a lot of history starting from the

• Morning:Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Gjirokastra.
  Meet the Guide: After breakfast, meet your guide and prepare for your next adventure.
  Depart for Saranda: Set off for Saranda, one of Albania's most popular summer destinations, known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. The drive will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Arrival in Saranda:Upon arrival in Saranda, begin your exploration with a visit to the Butrint Archaeological Site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in history, showcasing influences from Hellenistic and Greek tribes, as well as Roman and Byzantine eras.
  Explore the ruins of Butrint (known as Buthrotum in ancient times), which was inhabited since prehistoric times. Learn about its significance as a city of the Greek Chaonian tribe, later evolving into a Roman colony and a bishopric. The site experienced decline due to natural disasters, including a major earthquake that led to its abandonment in the Middle Ages. Enjoy an informative tour as you walk through the archaeological remains.
• Transfer to the Hotel:After the tour, depart for your hotel in Saranda.
• Afternoon:Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax by the seaside. Saranda, often referred to as the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, offers a vibrant beach scene and lively atmosphere along its crowded seaside promenade.
• Evening:Take the opportunity to explore the beach, swim in the beautiful waters, or stroll the promenade to experience the local nightlife.
  Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring local seafood dishes and other Albanian specialties.
• Overnight: Stay overnight in Saranda.

• Morning:Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
  Departure for Vlora: Set off for Vlora, driving along the breathtaking Albanian Riviera. Your journey will take you through the scenic Llogara Pass, a high mountain pass situated within the Ceraunian Mountains, connecting the Dukat Valley in the north with Himarë in the south.
• Llogara National Park:Along the way, make a brief stop to capture stunning photographs of the Albanian Riviera, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas converge.
  Entering Llogara National Park, you’ll be surrounded by lush pine and oak forests, which set the stage for this "mountain of panoramas." With its diverse flora and fauna, the park is a popular destination, especially in the summer for those seeking a refreshing retreat.
  You can enjoy a leisurely walk or a short hike to experience the park's natural beauty before continuing your journey.
• Arrival in Vlora:As you approach Vlora, take in the views along the waterfront.
  Visit the Monument of Independence, which commemorates the Albanian Declaration of Independence. This significant monument, created by renowned Albanian sculptors Muntaz Dhrami and Kristaq Rama, is located in Flag’s Plaza, near the site where the first Albanian government convened in 1913. Enjoy a brief 10-minute stop to appreciate this historical landmark.
• Visit Zvërnec Island:After your visit to the monument, head to Zvërnec Island, situated approximately 13 km from Vlora. This charming island sits 30 meters above sea level and is named after the nearby village.
  Take in the beauty of its lush pine forest, which stretches over nine hectares, and explore the well-preserved Byzantine Monastery of St. Mary, dating back to the 13th century. Despite its compact size—approximately 400 meters in length and 300 meters in width—Zvërnec Island offers a magical experience in nature and history.
• Evening:Return to Vlora for dinner, savoring local dishes that highlight the region’s culinary traditions.
• Overnight: Stay overnight in Vlora.

Morning: Breakfast and Departure

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation to energize yourself for the day ahead.
• Meet your local guides in the lobby for a brief overview of the day’s activities.

Transfer to Berat City

• Depart for Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and stunning natural landscapes.
• Enjoy the scenic drive as you approach this beautiful city.

Arrival in Berat and Visit to the Fortress

• Upon arrival, transfer to the Berat Fortress (Kalivo), a historical site that has stood for centuries.
• Explore the interior of the fortress, walking through its ancient walls and taking in the panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills.
• Visit the Onufri Museum, located within the former church of Sainte-Marie. Here, you can admire a collection of religious art from the 16th century, including works by the renowned Albanian icon painter, Onufri.

Lunch at the Fortress Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in a village side Restaurant famous for wine tasting and nice home made food Afternoon:

Afternoon: Free Time in the City Center

• After lunch, take some free time to explore the city center at your leisure. Stroll through the cobbled streets, visit the charming shops, or relax at a café.
• Make sure to admire the unique architecture, including the "White City" houses that are characterized by their distinctive balconies.

Evening: Discover the Magic of Berat at Night

• As night falls, experience the enchanting atmosphere of Berat. The city lights reflecting on the Osum River and the illuminated fortress create a magical ambiance.
• If you like, explore more of the city’s cultural spots or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Berat

• After a fulfilling day of exploration, return to your accommodation for the night, reflecting on the beauty and history of Berat.

Morning: Transfer to Kruja via Karavasta National Park

• Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, energized and ready for your final adventure.
• Transfer to the National Park of Karavasta with a scenic drive through Albania’s picturesque landscapes.
• Enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty as you travel towards the lagoon.

Visit to Karavasta Lagoon

• Arrive at Karavasta National Park, home to the largest lagoon in Albania and a vital habitat for wildlife, including the rare Dalmatian Pelican.
• Take some time to explore the park’s lush Mediterranean pine forests and observe the diverse fauna.
• You may take a short walk along the lagoon to appreciate its beauty and tranquility, or opt for an optional boat tour if available.
• Capture the stunning landscapes and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this Ramsar wetland.

Lunch

• After your explorations, enjoy lunch at a local eatery near the lagoon, sampling traditional Albanian dishes.

Afternoon: Transfer to the City of Kruja

• Depart from Karavasta for a scenic 2-hour drive to the historical city of Kruja.
• As you approach Kruja, take in its stunning views, dominated by the impressive fortress on a hilltop.

Kruja: Historical Exploration

• Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania's national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti (Scanderbeg), who famously defended Albania against Ottoman rule.
• Optionally, explore the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in the former home of Scanderbeg’s descendants, showcasing artifacts from the 18th century.
• Stroll through the famous Bazaar of Kruja, where you can find traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Enjoy some free time for shopping and personal exploration.

Evening: Return to Tirana

• After a fulfilling day in Kruja, return to Tirana, the capital city of Albania.
• Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of Tirana, taking in major attractions such as Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the colorful buildings of the city.

Farewell Coffee and Dinner

• Celebrate the end of your tour with a farewell coffee at a local café, reminiscing about the experiences and sights you’ve enjoyed.
• Enjoy your final dinner in Tirana, savoring traditional cuisine and reflecting on the memories made during your journey.

Overnight in Tirana

• After dinner, return to your hotel for your last night in Albania.

Departure: Thank You for Joining Us!

• In the morning, depending on your flight schedule, enjoy your breakfast and prepare for your transfer to "Mother Teresa" Airport for your departure.
• Thank you for being part of this tour, and we hope to see you again on future adventures!