Culture & Coasts of Southern Balkans

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Tirana

   Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

   Welcome to Albania! You will be met at Tirana's Mother Teresa Airport by our driver and taken directly to your accommodations in the city center. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Tirana by Night

   Tirana is a lovely city, night and day, as it's filled with countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can spend time in Grand Park or experience the busy bars and restaurants of the Blloku area, inside Tirana Castle, or behind the Pyramid situated on the main Boulevard. The Sky Tower offers a panoramic view of Tirana, especially at night when the city is illuminated. The revolving bar and restaurant on the top floor provide a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy drinks while taking in the city lights. The city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at reasonable rates.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Tirana

   

   Agri-Bunkers and Cape of Rodon Beach Private Tour

   This one-of-a-kind tour is designed for those who want to learn the history of Albania's nearly unique isolation from the rest of the world, while also delving into its lifestyle and food traditions. Steeped in authentic Albanian culture, with bunkers as a starting point followed by natural landscapes, you can expect to learn about the local people, history, and geography on the way. You'll visit bunkers that now host goats and are used for producing wine and raki, surrounding by scenic views. After lunch, you'll head to to Kepi i Rodonit, the Cape of Rodon, where you'll have time to enjoy and swim at a warm, natural beach. Here, you'll also be able to visit the ancient church of St. Anthony and hike to a castle belonging to Albania's greatest hero, Skanderbeg.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer / Arrival in Gjirokastra

   

   Today you're off to the mountains town of Gjirokastra. Your driver will meet you at the accommodations and take you for a scenic ride. On the way, you'll make a stop in the historic town of Berat, where you'll enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, you'll enjoy some free time before continuing your journal. The total duration of this drive, with the stop, will be eight hours.

   Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

   After the journey, your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the historic heart of Gjirokastra.

   

   Sunset, Views, and Bazaar

   If you are looking for a great viewpoint for sunset and one of the best photo spots in the city, Gjirokaster Obelisk is a great place to be. Do not miss an opportunity to pay a visit to the almost centrally located Gjirokaster Obelisk around sunset so you can enjoy amazing panoramic (almost 360 degrees) views of the city. After sunset, walk around the alleys of the Old Bazaar, which gets especially lively at night. Once you are ready for your well-deserved dinner, you'll easily find quite a few great places to dine in that area.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Gjirokastra

   

   Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour with a Woodshop Visit

   At first glance, Gjirokastra is a small, harmonious town known unique vernacular architecture that helped bring about the place's UNESCO listing. Once you've spent a night there, though, you'll realize there's much more behind the scenes, thanks to the city's turbulent and rich history. With this extended, five hour walking tour, you will enjoy some of the best views of Gjirokastra, learn about local lifestyles, and will visit one of the area's best woodcarvers. We are sure the whole experience will not only be informative, but enjoyable as well!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Southern Highlights

   One of our favorite day trips from Gjirokastra is a visit to the vibrant seaside town of Ksamil, combined with a stop in the UNESCO-listed ancient Greek and Roman settlement of Butrint. Ksamil has some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, so it’s an ideal place for a leisurely lunch and a quick dip. Parts of Butrint date back to the 7th century BC. There, you can visit the theater complex, Roman baths, a portico, and a temple devoted to Asclepius, the god of healing. If you opt for this day trip, you’ll enjoy a magnificent day of ancient history and modern leisure.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Traveling to Corfu by Private Transfer / Arrival in Corfu

   

   Your journey begins with a private transfer from your accommodation in Gjirokastra to the Albanian coastal town of Saranda (approximately 1.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through southern Albania’s beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival in Saranda, you will board a ferry for a 1-hour ride to the stunning Greek island of Corfu. Ferry tickets are included, ensuring a smooth and seamless crossing over the Ionian Sea. Your local English-speaking driver will assist you throughout the transfer to your accommodation on Corfu Island. Please note this is a non-guided service.

   The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.

   Upon arrival at Corfu's Port, your driver will meet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   For Your Eyes Only

   After you arrive in Corfu, we recommend heading to one of the main town's must-sees: Palaio Frourio, a 15th-century Venetian fortress. Separated from the town by a moat, the fortress boasts two small peaks, or korypha, that are the source of Corfu's name. While the fort tends to draw visitors for its history, some come for its breathtaking views or because it was one of the locations in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only."

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Corfu

   

   Paleokastritsa Private Boat Trip

   Escape the crowds and embark on a unique private boat trip in Paleokastritsa, the most exhilarating highlight of your holiday. A high-speed motor boat, navigated by an expert skipper intimately acquainted with Corfu's west coast, offers an exclusive exploration of secluded beaches, mesmerizing caves, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Palaiokastritsa. With crystal-clear blue waters and stunning landscapes, let this trip redefine your Corfu experience.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Unusual Flavor Combinations

   Corfu's cosmopolitan past is reflected in its cuisine, which blends Greek and Venetian flavors. One popular local dish is pastitsada, a traditional veal casserole. We would recommend that you seek out sofrito, another veal-based dish made with vinegar, parsley, and garlic, as well as bourdeto, a spicy fish stew. For something more unique, try some of the island's exclusive spoon sweets and kumquat liqueur! Another unique taste is traditional "loukoumades", which are little bite-sized fluffy sweet honey balls (the Greek version of donuts).
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Corfu

   

   Mingle with Locals in Picturesque Villages

   Corfu is stuffed with humble hamlets, so don't spend all your time on the beach! If you're interested in history or just want to immerse yourself in the island's traditional culture, head to Old Perithia. As the name implies, this is Corfu's oldest village, although most of its traditional homes have been abandoned. Located at the base of Mt. Pantokrator, this village is located in a secure location, with views of the sea, but invisible from the coast. Corfu's second largest town, picturesque Lefkimmi, boasts astonishing architecture, with tall Venetian-style houses, quiet squares, hidden churches, and a canal linking the town to the sea.
   

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Sightseeing Private Bike Tour

   This 25-kilometer biking tour is carefully designed so that you get to see all the major sights of Corfu's old and new town, as well as its famous suburbs. Say "no" to the common, boring bus tour. An experienced local guide will show you the many known and unknown corners of the city and reveal to you many points from which to enjoy excellent views. The route is specially planned to link you with the history, art, culture, and some jaw-dropping landscapes that this island has to offer. In the middle of the route, you will stop to have coffee in one of the most beautiful places on the island.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Traveling to Athens by Airplane / Arrival in Athens

   

   Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Corfu's airport, with plenty of time to catch your flight to Athens.

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

   

   Love at First Sight

   Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Athens Highlights Mythology Group Tour

   Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Indulge in Local Cuisine

   Savor the essence of Greek cuisine with key ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and feta, crafting the distinctive flavors that define this culinary tradition. Infused with fresh vegetables, honey, fish, lamb, and cheese, the vibrant tapestry of Greek flavors comes to life. Indulge in iconic dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki, gyros, dolmathakia, spanakopita, loukoumades, authentic Greek yogurt, and amygdalota at local cafes and restaurants. Elevate your culinary experience by exploring our carefully curated food tours, each offering a delectable journey into the heart of Greece's gastronomic delights.
   

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

   Are you looking for an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow our foodie-expert guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk, taste authentic Greek olive oil, and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? Wine tasting of indigenous Greek varieties!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Delicious Athens Food Group Tour

   Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   The Great Eats and Streets Private Tour

   Athens came together through a mixture of cultures across the centuries, and there’s still a lot of that history around, in the food as well as in the city's neighborhoods. This tour explores the city's complex heritage, and its effects on contemporary Greek culture and cuisine. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Athens' airport, which is generally a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.