Tour Overview
Embark on the "Albania Discovery" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this Balkan gem. Begin your journey in Tirana with an orientation walk, then explore the ancient Roman remains of Durrës. Experience authentic Albanian life with a hike to a shepherd outpost and savor a traditional lunch. Drive along the stunning Albanian Riviera, visiting the Ali Pasha Castle and the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Archaeological Park. In Gjirokastër, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by traditional polyphonic singing. Discover the historic charm of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses and sprawling fortress. With private vehicle transport and comfortable hotel stays, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing your meals, allowing you to explore local culinary delights at your leisure. Join us for an unforgettable adventure through Albania's captivating landscapes and vibrant history. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Artistic Hotel Tirana
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Head off on a CEO-led orientation walk starting at the very centre of the city, the Skanderbeg square, a large open area surrounded by several important sights of Tirana. This interesting meeting point is one of the best places to start your journey through the city. Walk to old Tirana neighbourhoods (or what is left of them), a taste of communist architecture with many recently-built modern architecture and venues.
Day 2: Tirana/Vlorë
Location: Durrës, Vlorë
Accommodation Name: Hotel Noel Vlore
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlorë and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Explore Durrës with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durrës amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city’s ancient history.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlorë's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlorë. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlorë looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.
Day 3: Vlorë
Location: Vlorë
Accommodation Name: Hotel Noel Vlore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlorë. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlorë.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Vlorë/Gjirokastër
Location: Himarë, Ksamil, Butrint, Gjirokastër
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sarajet Gjirokaster
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokastër with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himarë and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokastër in the evening and check into the hotel.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Explore Himarë with your CEO. The Old City of Himarë and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Himarë has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the “Mohametan Bonaparte” was made famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron’s Child Harold’s Pilgrimage.
ACTIVITY: Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Gjirokastër
Location: Gjirokastër
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sarajet Gjirokaster
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokastër. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner, accompanied by traditional Albanian polyphonic singing, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel.
ACTIVITY: Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokastër and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.
ACTIVITY: This wine-tasting journey just 15 minutes driving from Gjirokaster, links the rich tradition of Albanian polyphonic singing, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the authentic charm of local winemaking. This exclusive experience will be hosted at a local vineyard, passionately run by a family deeply rooted in winemaking, traditional rural cuisine, and hospitality. Tour the vineyard with one of the local on-site experts who will share insights into local grape varieties and the meticulous care that goes into cultivating them. Continue with a tasting of both white and red wines, each paired with regionally sourced accompaniments and fresh farm fruits. To enhance the cultural immersion, the evening will be accompanied by traditional Albanian polyphonic music.
Day 6: Gjirokastër/Berat
Location: Berat
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mangalemi Berat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for a traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname “Town of a 1001 Windows.“)
Day 7: Berat/Tirana
Location: Berat, Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 11am.
Additional Information: Please do not book onward travel from Tirana before 2pm.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts). -
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group for a welcome moment.
-
Local Living Moment
Hike to a shepherd outpost with lunch in Tragjas.
-
Foodie Moment
Visit Gjirokastër Winery for a light dinner.
-
Evening Orientation Walk
Participate in an evening orientation walk of Tirana.
-
Durrës Archaeological Site Tour
Tour the Durrës archaeological site.
-
Vlorë Orientation Walk
Enjoy an orientation walk of Vlorë.
-
Visit Himarë
Visit the small beach town of Himarë.
-
Ali Pasha Castle
Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle.
-
Butrint National Archaeological Park
Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park.
-
Gjirokastër Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of Gjirokastër.
What's Not Included
-
Meals Not Included
Most meals are not included to give you flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat.
-
Single Supplement
Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, with no single supplement.
-
Onward Travel
Onward travel from Tirana should not be booked before 2pm on the last day.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 6 nights, offering a blend of local charm and modern amenities, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures.
Transport
Private vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with private vehicles and walking tours, allowing you to explore Albania's stunning landscapes and cultural sites with ease and flexibility.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
2. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. We highly recommend travelling with a backpack or duffel bag over any wheeled luggage options.
3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
...more ...less
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
...more ...less
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is used during the Albania Discovery tour?
The tour uses a private vehicle for transportation between destinations and for included activities, along with walking tours in various locations.
-
What type of accommodation is provided on the Albania Discovery tour?
The tour includes stays in hotels for 6 nights. These are typically small family-run hotels with traditional character, located in central areas to maximize exploration time.
-
Are meals included in the Albania Discovery tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. Most meals are not included to provide flexibility in choosing where and what to eat.
-
What is the minimum age requirement for the Albania Discovery tour?
The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
-
What activities are included in the Albania Discovery tour?
Included activities are a welcome moment with your CEO and group, a hike to a shepherd outpost with lunch, a winery visit with a light dinner, an evening orientation walk of Tirana, a tour of the Durrës archaeological site, an orientation walk of Vlorë, visits to Himarë, Ali Pasha Castle, Butrint National Archaeological Park, and walking tours of Gjirokastër and Berat. ...more ...less
-
Is there a single supplement for solo travelers on the Albania Discovery tour?
No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, with no single supplement.
-
What should I consider regarding luggage for the Albania Discovery tour?
It is recommended to pack light and use a backpack or duffel bag, as you will need to carry your luggage on and off transportation and possibly up several flights of stairs. The carrying of your luggage is your responsibility at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Albania Discovery
7 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Himarë, Ksamil, Butrint, Gjirokastër, Berat
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26259
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
