Across Albania, from North to South Details

Welcome to Albania! Transfer to Durres and settle into your hotel. For those of you not too tired, there is a guided walking tour of the city center. Welcome Dinner, where you will enjoy Albanian local food from this region.

Overnight in Durres.

Leave Durres and head toward the north of Albania to stop at the Castle of Rozafa. Learn about the castle's role in Albanian history, dating from antiquity and the Illyrian-Roman wars, and see the castle, built over the top of a hill. Enjoy its amazing views and the fortress’s fascinating history. Head for a local lunch by Shkodra Lake. Travel out of Shkoder in the afternoon to head north toward Theth to stay overnight. Have a relaxing afternoon and a walking guide of the village, where a four-century-old tower used as a reconciliation tower and the 100-year-old, well-preserved church are the highlights. Get to meet locals and taste with them a glass of Raki. Overnight in Theth Village.

Theth is one of the most isolated areas and pristine villages in Albania. During this day we visit the Grunas Waterfall and Canyon and the special part is that you'll have to do it by foot, yes all of it.  It takes 1 h from Theth-Grunas and 1h other of return. The whole day will be spent via walking, hiking, swimming , in itself it isn't a difficult trail to follow.  Most rewarding part is  the picnic, with packed food from guesthouse. Overnight in Theth Village.

We will leave for one of the most important towns. You will visit Kruje and the castle, which has an amazing panoramic view. And you will enter the Skanderbeg Museum and learn how the national hero was able to fight against the Ottoman Empire. Then, you have the chance to shop for some souvenirs and handicrafts at the Old Bazaar Market. In the afternoon, the guide will show you Tirana’s city center during a walking tour. You will see highlights like Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower, the Pyramid of Tirana, and the Presidential Office, etc. Overnight in Tirana.

Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover the city of “a thousand steps”, driving through small villages. It will take approx 4h of driving to Gjirokaster and 1h 30 driving to Saranda. Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family. Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above.Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses and visit Gjirokaster Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokaster and enjoy the 360º view from there. Head out for lunch in a small, local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. Visit the and marvel at the spring’s shades of blue and nature around it. Travel to Saranda in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saranda!

In the morning we Transfer to Butrint for a guided tour of the UNESCO recognized archaeological site where a local guided explains 2500 years of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the Castle, the Churches and the Lion’s Gate. Set off for a beach day at Ksamil Islands where you will have them to explore, swim, sunbathe and enjoy food and drinks at small cafés and restaurants on the Islands. Overnight in Saranda.

While driving to Durres along the Albanian Riviera, we will pass some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania: Qeparo, Himare, Palasa, and Dhermi. We will proceed with a visit to Porto Palermo Castle and a stop at Llogara Pass, 1100 m above sea level. Lunch in Vlore, one of the biggest coastal towns in Albania, known as the City of Independence Albanian patriots declared the independence of Albania in 1912 from Vlore. With a stop on the way if you would like to have a drink or a coffee. Drop-off Durres. Overnight in Durres.

Depart for your home country after breakfast, or make your own arrangements to stay longer in beautiful Albania. You may want to consider staying an extra night and find that the extra time will make your week even more relaxing and enjoyable.