Albania Beaches and Peaks
Albania Beaches and Peaks
$1499
Albania Beaches and Peaks
8 Days Starting and ending in Tirana
Visiting: Tirana, Vlorë, Himarë, Porto Palermo Bay, Fishtë, Shkodër, Koman, Valbonë, Prizren
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBATA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
You’ve seen golden beaches, turquoise seas, and lush wooded mountains. But nothing compares to what you’ll witness here. Think: cable car rides & historical architecture in Tirana. Show-stopping beaches, vineyard dinners & cultural gems in the Albanian Riviera. Topped off with panoramic hiking in Valbonë. Come experience 8 epic days of discovering Albania’s incredible untouched beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
You ready? Welcome to Tirana! Tonight, you’ll have the chance to chat & eat with your brand new crew over a welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Day 2: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sun’s out, buns out. (No really, go get your breakfast…). Today’s all about epic views, history & some more epic views. First, we’ll take the cable car up to Dajti Mountain where jaw-dropping views of the city await us. Then, we’ll head back down where a local guide will show us around the city’s historical buildings - where you’ll get to try local olive oil. The rest of the day is all yours. And luckily, there’s plenty of stuff here to keep you entertained.
Day 3: Tirana > Vlorë
Location: Tirana, Vlorë
Accommodation Name: Hotel Partner (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to turn up the dial… coz we’re seeing the Albanian Riviera today! After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to Tirana and hop onto our coach for a short drive to our next stop. Turquoise waters, golden sand - that's how you know we’re in a coastal wonderland. You can choose to spend all day unwinding on the stunning beaches. Or take a boat tour to the National Marine Park with views of rugged coastlines & lush green hills. For dinner, maybe you’d like to join us at a traditional, family-owned restaurant (inside a literal vineyard) for a wholesome dine & wine experience.
Day 4: Vlorë > Himarë > Porto Palermo Bay > Vlorë
Location: Vlorë, Himarë, Porto Palermo Bay, Vlorë
Accommodation Name: Hotel Partner (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey, we’ve got some more beach destinations to tick off today. No, you’re not in the Maldives. This is the Albanian Riviera! You’ve got some time today to check out the beaches and streets of this beautiful hidden gem. Then, we’ll make our way to a stunning little bay. There’s a castle. There’s a sparkling blue bay. And there’s some time for you to explore ‘em. Then, on our way back to Vlorë - we’ll stop by to witness a unique performance of traditional Albanian singing. With our bodies all travel-tired, there’s only one thing on our minds: dinner. So we’ll walk about town and grab food. Next thing on the agenda? A good night’s sleep.
Day 5: Vlorë > Fishtë > Shkodër
Location: Vlorë, Fishtë, Shkodër
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tradita (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is all about recharging & relaxing by the sandy beach. After lunch, we’ll drive to another shiny new destination. Sprawling fields, rolling hills and tranquil panoramas - that’s how you’ll be greeted at Fishtë. This evening, we'll gorge on a delicious, homegrown dinner (with glorious vineyard views as the backdrop). Ahh, life’s good. Isn’t it? Equipped with a new sense of serenity, tonight we’ll rest in a wonderful traditional hotel here.
Day 6: Shkodër > Koman > Valbonë
Location: Shkodër, Koman, Valbonë
Accommodation Name: Hotel Margjeka (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise & shine travellers, we’ve got a long day ahead of us. Fill up on breakfast at the hotel and let’s get started… It’s ferry time! You’ll cruise along the breathtaking valleys and hills surrounding Lake Komani towards Feirya. Then, a short drive later, we’ll have arrived at Valbonë. If the boat cruise has impressed you already, just wait till you see what's next. After a short break at our guesthouse, we'll head off for an afternoon of hiking in Valbonë National Park - passing by tranquil rivers, jaw-dropping valleys and rocky cliffs along the way. Then, we’ll finish it all off with a hearty dinner back in our guesthouse.
Day 7: Valbonë > Prizren > Tirana
Location: Valbonë, Prizren, Tirana
Accommodation Name: Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to the mountains. A different adventure awaits us today. That’s right, this morning we’re going to Kosovo! This beautiful old town is studded with restaurants that are perfect if you wanna try the local cuisine. Then you’ve got some time to explore the cobblestone streets here, before we continue onto Tirana. Tirana, did ya miss us? You'll have the option to grab your pals and head to a restaurant in the city to enjoy some local eats (It's our last evening together sadly). Then, it’s back to the hotel for a well deserved snooze.
Day 8: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Oh, what a treat it has been… 8 days of beautiful beaches, perfect peaks and undisturbed exploration. Grab your final breakfast here. And grab your friends’ socials too. The only thing left to do now is plan your next trip together!
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, Hotel Partner, Hotel Tradita, and Hotel Margjeka (or similar).
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Guided Tours
A local guide will show you around Tirana, including the City Walls, bustling bazaars, and Skanderberg Square.
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Cable Car Ride
A cable car ride to Dajti Mountain is included, offering breathtaking views of Tirana.
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Boat Cruise
A boat cruise over Lake Komani is included, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
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Hiking
A 3-hour hike in Valbonë National Park is included, featuring breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
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Cultural Experiences
Witness a traditional Iso-Polyphony performance and learn about sustainable farming at Mrizi i Zanave.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Albania are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a boat tour to the National Marine Park and dining at a family-owned restaurant in a vineyard are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently by coach, ferry, and cable car, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey through Albania's stunning landscapes and coastal wonders.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, Hotel Partner, Hotel Tradita, and Hotel Margjeka, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Tirana: Kicking off with a bang, tonight we'll savour a traditional Albanian dinner with warm stews, pies and breads.
- Tirana: Buckle up! We're soaring in a cable car at 1050m. We'll explore the Enver Hoxha path (or 'the Promenade' as known locally) once we're at the summit - accompanied by breathtaking views of Tirana and its surroundings.
- Tirana: Join a local guide who'll show you around Albania's capital city. You'll see the City Walls (Kalaja Tiranes), bustling bazaars & Skanderberg Square. Then you'll get a rundown on how to buy, taste and store olive oil from the pros at a farm in the city.
- Himarë: It's a free beach day! Spend it away relaxing on the golden beaches. Take a dip in the sparkling sea. The local beach clubs here will defo pique your interest too...
- Porto Palermo Bay: Castles by the sea are always gorgeous. But Porto Palermo is a treasure box of natural beauty. You've got some to explore the island & see the fortress of Ali Pash Tepelena AKA Lio of Yannina.
- Himarë: Today’s your chance to witness a magical Iso-Polyphony performance - Albanian folk music that used to be sung in weddings, funerals & harvest festivals (and is included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage!). It’s a tradition that traces back to almost 2600 years, but is sadly disappearing with time. Every penny we spend here will help preserve this beautiful piece of culture.
- Fishtë: Welcome to Mrizi i Zanave. Here, you'll have the chance to learn about sustainable farming. Then, we'll top it off with a wholesome organic dinner where the waiters will tell you where each local ingredient comes from. Seriously. It's so good, even Dua Lipa has visited this place!
- Koman: You'll cruise over one of the most stunning lakes in Albania. We won't spoil the view for you, but keep your cameras rolling!
- Valbonë: Lace up your boots! We've got 3 hours of hiking and endless breathtaking views in this national park. Expect jaw-dropping natural beauty & plenty of spots for your photo ops.
- Prizren: See this beautiful town, studded with Ottoman architecture, flowing rivers, and intriguing artefacts. Cherry on top? The locals here are super hospitable too!
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Tirana?
In Tirana, you will enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner, take a cable car ride to Dajti Mountain for breathtaking views, and explore the city's historical buildings with a local guide. You'll also get to try local olive oil.
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Is there any hiking involved in this tour?
Yes, there is a 3-hour hike in Valbonë National Park, where you will pass by tranquil rivers, jaw-dropping valleys, and rocky cliffs.
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Will there be any opportunities to relax on the beach?
Yes, you will have free beach days in Himarë and Vlorë, where you can relax on the golden beaches and take a dip in the sparkling sea.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, you will witness a magical Iso-Polyphony performance in Himarë, which is a traditional Albanian folk music included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
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What kind of dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a traditional Albanian dinner in Tirana, a wholesome organic dinner at Mrizi i Zanave in Fishtë, and various opportunities to dine at local restaurants, including a family-owned restaurant in a vineyard in Vlorë.
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Will there be any boat trips during the tour?
Yes, you will take a ferry ride along Lake Komani, cruising through breathtaking valleys and hills.
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What can I expect to see in Prizren, Kosovo?
In Prizren, you will explore a beautiful old town with cobblestone streets, Ottoman architecture, flowing rivers, and intriguing artifacts. The locals are known for their hospitality.
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Is there any focus on sustainable practices during the tour?
Yes, in Fishtë, you will learn about sustainable farming and enjoy a dinner where the waiters will explain the origins of each local ingredient.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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