Together in Albania (10)days Private or Shared Tours with Dedicated Transport & Guides

Start point: Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel in Tirana, Albania, and you will begin the journey toward Krujë.

Krujë The tour starts with a visit to the historic Krujë Bazaar, one of Albania’s oldest traditional markets, dating back over 500 years. Built in classic Ottoman style, the bazaar connects the town center with Krujë Castle through a charming stone-paved street. Along the way, you will find small wooden shops offering handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local products.

Following the bazaar, you will enter Krujë Castle, a landmark that reflects more than 1,500 years of Albanian history. A guided walk inside the castle grounds reveals important sites such as:

• Skanderbeg’s tree

• The castle’s hidden passage

• Former residential buildings

• The Mosque of Sultan Mehmet

• The watchtower

• The highest viewpoints of the fortress and other historical corners

After exploring the castle, continue driving up Krujë Mountain to reach the Sari Salltik Cave. This sacred site is an important place of worship for the Bektashi community and offers breathtaking panoramic views, stretching across Tirana, Krujë, Durrës, and the Adriatic Sea.

Shkodër After lunch, continue north to Shkodër, one of Albania’s oldest and most cultural cities. Your first stop will be Rozafa Castle, where over 2,000 years of history are preserved within its ancient walls. Enjoy a guided walk through the castle and its museum while taking in stunning views of the surrounding rivers and lake.

Following the castle visit, head to the city center to relax with a coffee or beer along Shkodër’s well-known promenade. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Shkodër, often referred to as the cultural capital of northern Albania

Departing from Shkodra, the journey winds upward into the heart of the Albanian Alps, offering spectacular mountain views and opportunities for scenic photography. You will arrive in the village of Theth, a serene settlement cradled by a majestic amphitheater of limestone peaks. The visit includes the village’s historic stone church and the legendary Reconciliation Tower, where the unique cultural heritage of the highlands comes to life.

The adventure deepens with a hike through lush, verdant forest trails leading to the Blue Eye of Theth. This natural wonder, a pool of brilliant turquoise fed by a mountain waterfall, offers a tranquil escape for those wishing to swim or simply admire the raw beauty of the alpine landscape. The day concludes with a scenic return drive to Shkodra for a relaxing evening

Experience the untouched beauty of the Shala River in the Zgiboze area, a destination often called the “Thailand of Albania” for its striking emerald waters and towering cliffs. You will have five hours to immerse yourself in this wilderness, with ample time for swimming in some of the clearest waters in the country and exploring the serene river landscape.

The afternoon includes a traditional lunch at a local tavern, where you can enjoy authentic regional flavors in a rustic setting. Following the boat journey back to the port, you will return to Tirana. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and prepare for the next stage of your journey into Southern Albania.

Begin the day in Tirana with a stop at a local bakery to enjoy freshly made byrek, a beloved Albanian specialty and a true taste of everyday life. Continue to the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), the city’s culinary hub, where you’ll sample traditional flavors and enjoy a tasting of locally produced raki.

Afterwards, walk to Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, surrounded by the city’s most important landmarks and museums. Take time to explore the square and learn about its historical and cultural significance as the main meeting point of the capital.

Conclude the experience with a relaxing walk around Tirana’s Artificial Lake, a peaceful green escape loved by locals. The afternoon is left open for you to wander freely, admire Tirana’s colorful architecture, and explore its diverse neighborhoods at your own pace.

Leaving Tirana, the journey begins with a relaxing coffee break in Belsh, a picturesque town surrounded by a unique landscape of 84 karst lakes. The adventure continues to the UNESCO-protected city of Berat, where you will ascend to the ancient Berat Castle. Within its historic walls, you will wander through centuries-old churches, the ruins of the Red Mosque, and ancient water cisterns that tell the story of this “City of a Thousand Windows.”

The highlight of the day is an authentic cultural immersion: a traditional lunch hosted by a local family living inside the castle walls. You will enjoy homemade Albanian specialties, local desserts, and traditional spirits, all accompanied by the sounds of local music.

Afterward, you will descend into the beautifully preserved medieval neighborhood of Mangalemi and walk across the iconic Gorica Bridge. The afternoon concludes with a visit to a local winery for a guided tour and a tasting session, offering a refined look at the region’s long-standing winemaking traditions before returning to your hotel.

Departing from Berat, the journey heads toward the ancient archaeological park of Apollonia, one of the most significant sites of the Mediterranean. You will explore a landscape rich in history, from the striking facade of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient Odeon to the Roman-era structures that once hosted a young Augustus Caesar.

The route then winds south toward Gjirokastër, pausing in Tepelenë to experience the region’s famous natural cold-water springs. For lunch, you will enjoy a truly authentic experience at Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi, savoring home-cooked specialties, traditional desserts, and local spirits prepared according to long-standing Gjirokastër traditions.

Upon arriving in the “Stone City,” you will visit Zekate House, an exquisite example of Ottoman-style architecture, to discover the grand lifestyle of the city’s historic elite. Afterward, wander through the vibrant Gjirokastra Bazaar, where artisans continue to practice ancient crafts along the steep, cobblestone streets.

The day concludes with an ascent to the majestic Gjirokastra Castle. Here, you can explore its storied museum, the historic prison, and an impressive collection of weaponry before standing beneath the iconic Clock Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Drino Valley. As the sun sets over the valley, you will settle in to spend the night in Gjirokastër, fully immersing yourself in the quiet, magical atmosphere of the Stone City after dark.

Meet at the rafting center 10 minutes from Përmet at 09:30 to gear up for your adventure. After a 40-minute safety briefing and instruction, you’ll spend two hours rafting the Vjosa River—one of Europe’s last wild rivers—complete with stops for swimming and rock jumping.

Later, you’ll drive to Benja to explore hidden hot springs with 28°C sulfur waters rising through deep cracks in the earth, surrounded by stunning mountain views and the ancient Ottoman bridge. After this relaxing experience, you will return to the historic city of Gjirokastra, where you will settle in and enjoy your overnight stay, immersed in its unique stone architecture and rich cultural atmosphere.

Departing from Gjirokastër, the journey takes you deep into the verdant countryside to discover the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a breathtaking natural wonder hidden within a lush forest. You will have time to marvel at the crystal-clear, sapphire depths of this powerful freshwater spring, a site of rare geological beauty.

The adventure continues toward the coast, ascending to the historic Lëkurësi Castle. Perched atop a strategic hill, the fortress offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city of Saranda and the sparkling Ionian Sea.

The afternoon is dedicated to the vibrant energy of Saranda. You can spend your time enjoying the sun-drenched beaches or participating in a variety of water activities along the coast. As evening approaches, the city’s lively atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing night’s stay by the sea.

Begin the day in the coastal paradise of Ksamil, where you will have two hours to relax on its pristine white sands and admire the view of the three emerald islands just offshore. Following this, the journey takes you back in time to the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning over 2,500 years of history. You will explore its remarkably preserved Roman forum, the ancient theatre, and the intricate mosaics of the Baptistery, before ascending to the Venetian fortress for a view over the surrounding lagoon.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a spectacular drive along the Albanian Riviera, a route celebrated for its dramatic coastal views. You will travel north from Saranda, making stops at some of the most iconic beaches in the region, including the historic Porto Palermo, the picturesque village of Qeparo, and the hidden gems of Jalë and Dhërmi. The day concludes in the seaside village of Himarë, famous for its deep, crystal-clear waters and laid-back charm. You will spend the night here, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Ionian coast as the sun sets over the horizon.

Vlora: The journey back to Tirana begins in the lively port city of Vlora. Enjoy a morning stroll along the vibrant, palm-lined Lungomare Promenade, soaking in the fresh sea breeze and the energetic coastal atmosphere where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.

Karavasta Lagoon: Leaving the coast, travel north into the tranquil wetlands of Divjakë-Karavasta National Park. Here, you will immerse yourself in the untouched natural beauty of Karavasta Lagoon, Albania’s largest coastal reserve. Embark on a peaceful private boat ride through the calm, scenic waterways. Keep your eyes open for the rich wildlife that calls this enchanted sanctuary home, including elegant swans, vibrant flamingos, and the legendary, rare Dalmatian pelican.

Durres: The final stop brings you to the ancient city of Durrës for a deep dive into history. Explore the spectacular Durrës Amphitheater—the largest Roman amphitheater ever built in the Balkans, once capable of holding 20,000 spectators. Next, discover the striking, cliffside King’s Villa, the historic vacation residence of Albania’s iconic ruler, King Zogu. Conclude your visit with a relaxing walk along the elegant seaside boulevard.

End Point: In the late afternoon, your driver will transport you smoothly back to Tirana, where you will be dropped off directly at your hotel, concluding a magnificent 10-day journey of discovery.