Albania 8-Day Off-Season Discovery Tour

Points of Interest : Tirana

Arrive at Tirana’s “Nënë Tereza” International Airport. A representative from the local agency will welcome you in the arrivals hall and accompany you to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring the surroundings or simply rest after your journey.

• Meals included : None
• Accommodation : Hotel Comfort or similar in Tirana

Points of Interest : Vlora

Today you set off from Tirana towards the only active monastery in Albania, Ardenica Monastery, set on a hill with views over the surrounding countryside. You then continue towards Fier to reach the ancient city of Apollonia, home to the country’s largest archaeological park. Walk among the ruins of the Odeon, the Nymphaeum, the restored ancient theatre and the 13th-century Church of Saint Mary.

Afterwards, drive on to the coastal city of Vlora, where Albania’s independence was declared in 1912. You can learn more about this historic moment at the Independence Museum. Later, enjoy the afternoon at the beach and, if the weather allows, take a swim in the Adriatic Sea.

Approximate driving times: Tirana – Ardenica 1 h 43 min; Ardenica – Apollonia 20 min; Apollonia – Vlora 36 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Vlora International or similar in Vlora

Points of Interest : Saranda

Drive south along Albania’s Ionian coast, making several stops to admire breathtaking sea views and rugged cliffs. On the way, you pass small villages that gave this stretch of shoreline its name: the Albanian Riviera.

In the far south, close to the Greek border, you reach the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Its extensive archaeological park, set between lagoons and forest, is one of Albania’s most fascinating cultural highlights.

In the afternoon, continue to the seaside town of Saranda. Here you can relax by the beach and sample fresh local seafood in a waterfront restaurant.

Approximate driving times: Vlora – Butrint 2 h 41 min; Butrint – Saranda 33 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Iliria or similar in Saranda

Points of Interest : Gjirokastra

Leave the coast and head inland to one of Albania’s most remarkable cities, Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. The city is famous for its steep, narrow cobbled streets, slate-roofed stone houses and imposing hilltop castle, all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

You can visit Gjirokastër Castle, which dominates the town, and the Ethnographic Museum, offering a detailed insight into traditional Albanian life and the city’s rich history. The old town and its Ottoman-era architecture are exceptionally well preserved and make for a memorable walk.

Approximate driving time: Saranda – Gjirokastër 1 h 2 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Characterful Hotel Argjiro or similar in Gjirokastër

Points of Interest : Berat

Continue your journey to Berat, the second Albanian city, along with Gjirokastër, to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its outstanding architecture. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, Berat is famous for its white hillside houses packed with rows of windows, stone roofs and steep, narrow lanes.

On foot, you can explore the hilltop fortress, wander through the historic neighbourhoods and visit several mosques. You also have the option to discover the National Museum or the Ethnographic Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Berat’s cultural heritage.

Approximate driving time: Gjirokastër – Berat 2 h 45 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Tradita e Beratit or similar in Berat

Points of Interest : Kruja

Today you drive back towards the Adriatic coast to reach Durrës. In ancient times, Durrës was an important trading hub and the starting point of the Roman Via Egnatia. You can still see remains of the Roman amphitheatre and sections of the old city walls. Nowadays, Durrës is home to Albania’s largest and most significant port. Take time to stroll through the streets and characteristic alleyways, and visit the archaeological museum to learn more about this key maritime city.

You then continue to Kruja, a town that played a central role in the 15th-century battles between the Ottomans and Albanians. Kruja is known as the birthplace of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero who resisted the Ottoman army. At the Skanderbeg Museum, you can learn about his life and military campaigns. The Ethnographic Museum offers insight into local culture, daily life and regional traditions.

Finally, wander through the Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës) and the historic centre, an ideal place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts as a memory of your trip to Albania.

Approximate driving times: Berat – Durrës 1 h 24 min; Durrës – Kruja 1 h 11 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Panorama or similar in Kruja

Points of Interest : Tirana

Drive to Tirana, Albania’s capital, founded in 1614 and known for its tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence. Explore the city’s main sights, such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, which survived the communist era, the Opera, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, as well as the Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals.

You can also see the Pyramid of Tirana, a striking structure that once housed a museum dedicated to former dictator Enver Hoxha. In the evening, head to the lively Blloku district, packed with cafés, bars and restaurants, to experience the vibrant nightlife of modern, youthful Tirana.

Approximate driving time: Kruja – Tirana 1 h 9 min.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel Comfort or similar in Tirana

Points of Interest : Tirana Airport

According to your flight schedule, a representative from Ecotour will accompany you from your hotel to Tirana International Airport for your departure. If time permits, you may enjoy some final moments in the city before your transfer.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Last day : Transfer to Tirana International Airport