ESSENTIAL ALBANIA DISCOVERY – FROM THE ALPS TO THE RIVIERA

– 30 min) Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet your local host and transfer to your hotel in Tirana (approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your journey or begin exploring Albania’s lively capital at your own pace. Overnight in Tirana.

Exploring Northern Heritage & Medieval Traditions Overnight in Tirana.

National Park) Ancient Heritage by the Adriatic 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for Durrës, Albania’s main port city and one of the oldest settlements in the country. 10:00 – 11:30 Begin your guided visit of Durrës, a city with nearly 3,000 years of history. Founded in 627 BC by Corinthian settlers, it boasts an impressive array of ancient monuments. Highlights include the Roman Amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian, one of the largest in the Balkans, and remnants of the city’s once-grand defensive walls. Stroll along the lively seaside promenade and soak in the coastal charm of this historic port. Optional Tour – Divjakë–Karavasta National Park (RAMSAR Site) Travel to Divjakë–Karavasta National Park, a pristine wetland area along the Adriatic coast. The park is famed for its rich biodiversity, including rare bird species such as the Dalmatian pelican. Enjoy scenic views of the lagoon, pine forests, and salt marshes that make this area one of Albania’s most important ecological treasures. Overnight in Durrës.

Exploring Albania’s UNESCO City of a Thousand Windows 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for Berat, one of Albania’s most enchanting and well-preserved medieval towns. 10:30 – 12:00 Guided visit of Berat Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of the city. Perched high above the Osum River, the fortress offers breathtaking views over the city and surrounding valley. Within its ancient walls, discover cobblestone lanes, traditional stone houses, and the warm hospitality of the locals who still reside inside the citadel. 12:30 – 14:00 Free time for lunch at a local restaurant, with the opportunity to taste authentic Albanian cuisine. Afternoon Return drive to Durrës (approx. 1.5 hours). Overnight in Durrës.

Scenic Journey Along the Albanian Riviera After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the scenic drive to Saranda, Albania’s southern coastal gem. Enjoy multiple stops along the way for photos, refreshments, and stunning views of the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines. Travel through Llogara National Park, famed for its dense pine forests and dramatic mountain passes. Stop admiring the breathtaking panorama and, if you wish, sample a local specialty fresh sheep yogurt with honey and walnuts. Continue your journey along the Albanian Riviera, descending toward the turquoise shores of the Ionian Sea. Take in the spectacular scenery of rugged cliffs, charming seaside villages, and pristine beaches. En route, pass by Himara, a picturesque coastal town, and Porto Palermo Fortress, a striking historical landmark nestled by the sea. Arrive in Saranda and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Saranda.

Ancient Wonders and Coastal Paradise 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Butrint National Archaeological Park (approx. 20 km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and RAMSAR-protected area. Explore the ancient city of Butrint, a museum of history and archaeology surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters. Highlights include the Asclepius Temple, Roman theater, portico and baths, early Christian baptistery, Byzantine Basilica, and impressive defensive walls and gates that reveal the city’s layered past through centuries of civilization. 12:00 – 13:30 Free time for lunch or leisure in the beautiful coastal village of Ksamil, famous for its crystal-clear waters and small sandy islets — a true Albanian Riviera gem. Afternoon Return drive to Saranda and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure by the sea. Overnight in Saranda.

UNESCO Heritage and Ottoman Charm 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for Gjirokastra, a beautifully preserved Ottoman town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 10:30 – 12:30 Enjoy a guided walking tour of Gjirokastra Old Town, famed for its stone houses with characteristic wooden facades cascading down the hillside. Visit the Gjirokastra Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding valley, and explore the bustling bazaar where traditional crafts and local life come alive. This town is also the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, reflecting the layers of Albania’s rich and complex history. After lunch, continue the scenic drive back to Tirana, with stops en route for refreshments and photos. Check into your hotel in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana

Farewell to Albania 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Optional Tour – Tirana City & Dajti Mountain Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tirana, including the new promenade and the main Italian Boulevard. Highlights include the National Art Gallery, City Hall, Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, National Library, Opera House, and the famous mosaic “Albanians” above the entrance of the National History Museum. Take a moment to relax with a coffee or sweet at the nearby Kalaja e Tiranes (Tirana Castle). Continue to Dajti Mountain National Park, just 25 km east of Tirana. Board the Dajti Express Cable Car, an Austrian-made lift that ascends to nearly 1,200 m in 15 minutes. Enjoy panoramic views over Tirana, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding countryside from the scenic “Dajti Balcony. ” Afternoon; Free time until your transfer to Tirana International Airport (approx. 30 minutes) for your departure. End of Our Services.