Summer in Albania

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

   

   Tirana Like a Local - Full Day Private Tour

   Discover Tirana's past on this tour. You'll visit the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, Skanderbeg Square, the New Bazaar, Martyrs' of the Nation Boulevard, Enver Hoxha's Pyramid and various government buildings. You'll also visit the Art Gallery and Socialism Museum, along with the former Communist Party elite’s residential area, Blokku, now a buzzing district packed with modern bars and restaurants This tour includes a visit to a unique collection of Albanian memorabilia, and visiting Bunk'Art, a bunker built to survive nuclear war, converted into an art and history exhibition. On this tour you will have the chance to visit the Dajti Mountain with a cable car, while enjoying amazing landscape sightseeings and delicious local cuisine. Finally you'll enjoy a coffee in the rotating Sky Tower and admire fantastic views of Tirana.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

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

   

   Today you will be traveling to the beautiful Albanian Riviera. We will arrange for a private driver to pick you up at your accommodations at your preferred departure time. The drive to Vlore takes about 2.5 hours, but we have added a stop en route at Berat. This town is UNESCO-protected thanks to its unique style of architecture, with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries. In Berat, you'll enjoy a tour with a local licensed guide.

   Vlore has a history as extensive as the beaches and sea caves that line the nearby coast. Founded by the Greeks, and expanded by the Romans and Byzantines, the concrete-heavy center of this city is unremarkable, but the surrounding national park, sea caves, monasteries, beaches, and birding opportunities are anything but.

   Upon arrival in Vlore, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Vlore

   

   Sazan Private Boat Tour

   Don't miss the opportunity to explore the island of Sazan. The adventure begins by boarding a boat in Rradhima, a village just south of Vlora. Upon reaching the island of Sazan, you'll head inland to visit its ghost town. Once home to a sizable garrison, this strategic island hosted quarters for officer's families, as well as a hospital, schools, cinema, and quite a few bunkers. After exploring the ruins, and the time spent snorkeling, you'll get to savor a delicious picnic lunch before heading back to the mainland.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

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

   

   Today a private driver will take you to Himare. This non-guided scenic drive will take about 2 hours.

   Himara has two parts, the lower town featuring a seaside promenade that runs between crystal blue water, and taverns and fish restaurants. Uphill lies the Old Town, built around the ruins of a massive, ancient castle. Up and down the coast, it's easy to find Albania's best beaches, amidst dramatic caves and headlands. Scattered inland lie Byzantine monasteries and churches.

   Upon arrival in Himare, your driver will take you to your accommodations.

   Laid-Back Summer Evening

   After a quiet afternoon siesta, during the evening, the locals go out to stroll down the promenade to cool down, breathe the fresh air, meet their friends, and go for a drink or dinner. Why not join them and get the locals' perspective of living and also snap some great sunset photos while enjoying your stroll with a breeze in your hair? After the stroll at your leisurely pace, find a restaurant with a view and enjoy a laid-back summer evening.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Himare

   

   Summer Chills

   Himare is predominantly a summer destination, vibrant but not too busy, where you'll see much of the Greek charm. Besides spending lazy days on lovely beaches, those who are a bit more active could go for a coastal hike to the famous Livadhi beach or take one of the boat rides and explore nearby beaches, among them Porto Palermo and its historic castle.

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Himare

   

   The Turquoise Riviera

   Known as the home to some of Albania's most beautiful beaches, Himare is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Unlike most of its counterparts up and down the Adriatic, this stretch of the Riviera is mostly sand, with crystal clear waters perfect for water activities or just lying around.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer / Arrival in Gjirokastra

   

   Today a private driver will take you to Gjirokastra. Before you reach Gjirokastra, you'll make a stop at Butrint, a fascinating ancient archeological site and nature reserve. After a bit over two hours of exploration, you'll continue on to Gjirokastra. Including the stop, this drive's duration is about 5.5 hours.

   Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

   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.

   

   Delve into Gjirokastra's Past

   There are several excellent museums in Gjirokastra, but the two we like best are the Ethnographic Museum and the Zekate House, otherwise known as the Ottoman Tower House. You’ll find the Ethnographic Museum in the Palorto Quarter, one of the most picturesque parts of Gjirokastra’s Old Town. This is the former home of the communist dictator of Albania, Enver Hoxha. The Zekate House is the best surviving example of the classic Albanian Ottoman tower house. Constructed in 1811, it features twin towers and a large double-arched facade. Each of the rooms is stunningly decorated, and the view of the town and the river below is incredible.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Traveling to Tirana by Private Car / Arrival in Tirana

   

   Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

   You'll get to know the best of Gjirokastra, also known as "Museum City," on this informative and fun four-hour tour. From the architecture of Old Town to the amazing views from the castle, you'll get to know the layout of the streets while hearing all about the city's unique history from your expert guide.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Today you'll be wowed by the impressive vistas along the Albania Riviera from Gjirokastra to Tirana, and you'll make a few stops along the way. It’s quite a journey, with breathtaking views and mountainous areas winding through national parks. The scenic drive offers potential stops in Vlore, Dhermi, Palermo Castle, Muzine Pass and Buret Mountain, or make a foodie day of it and stop for a seafood lunch close to Vlore. You can also enjoy some delicious organic goat milk yogurt with honey, walnuts and fabulous views in the Llogara National Park. Duration of the drive is about 6 hours.

   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.

   Once in Tirana, your private driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    We will arrange for a transfer to Tirana's Mother Teresa airport. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in central Tirana and get you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.