Get ready to soak in Albania's dazzling coastline and rugged mountains on this epic seven-day loop through the countryside. Start and finish in Tirana, where colourful Soviet-era architecture meets a vibrant city vibe. Head south to the mountains for a scenic hike, then cross the Adriatic to explore “the eternal city” and the legendary Castle of Ali Pasha — yes, the one from The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes that'll leave you craving even more adventures in the Balkans.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër. Evening orientation walk of Tirana. Tour of the Durrës archaeological site. Orientation walk of Vlorë. Visit Himare. Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle. Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park. Walking tour of Gjirokastër. Walking tour of Berat. Farewell Dinner. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the 3000 year old Roman remains of Durrës, Be immersed in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost, Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera and visit the Ali Pasha Castle, Have dinner at a local winery with traditional Albanian polyphonic singing, Explore the castle of Berat and see the typical white Ottoman houses
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts).
Itinerary
Tirana
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Tirana/Vlorë
Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlorë and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea.
Vlorë
Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlorë. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax.
Vlorë/Gjirokastër
Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokastër with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himarë and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokastër in the evening and check into the hotel.
Gjirokastër
Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokastër. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel.
Gjirokastër/Berat
Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for an optional traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner.
Berat/Tirana
Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 11am.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
