8-Days Adventure Across Albania

Explore Best of Albania From Central to North and South of Albania

Day 1 – Arrival and Exploring the Colors of Tirana

  • Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, your private driver will transfer you to the capital city.
  • Check-in and unwind at your hotel, located in the heart of the city.
  • In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour through Tirana’s vibrant streets.
    • Visit Skanderbeg Square, dominated by the impressive statue of Albania’s national hero and surrounded by key landmarks like the National History Museum and Et’hem Bey Mosque.
    • Explore the Clock Tower, climb up for a panoramic view over the colorful city.
    • Walk to Bunk’Art 2, an underground museum built inside a Cold War-era nuclear bunker, telling the story of Albania’s communist isolation and the brutal secret police (Sigurimi). A gripping, atmospheric visit into the country’s recent past.
    • Continue to the Pyramid of Tirana, once a museum dedicated to dictator Enver Hoxha and now one of the city’s most famous (and controversial) landmarks, recently renovated into a hub of culture and youth innovation.
    • Wander through the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), a lively open-air market filled with local produce, handicrafts, and street art.
  • In the evening, savor a traditional Albanian dinner, tasting local specialties such as “tave kosi” or “fërgesë.”
  • Accommodation in Tirana for a restful night.

Day 2 – Into the Wild Beauty of Thethi

  • After breakfast, depart around 08:00 AM heading north towards the untouched village of Theth in the Albanian Alps.
    • On the way, stop at Boga village, a quaint alpine community surrounded by high cliffs and dense forests — the perfect place for photos and a breath of fresh mountain air.
    • A panoramic stop at Thore Pass (1,800m) will offer breathtaking views over the rugged landscapes of Thethi National Park.
  • Arrival in Theth around midday: Warm welcome and check-in at a traditional guesthouse with stunning mountain views.
  • Lunch featuring hearty local dishes made with organic ingredients.
  • In the afternoon, visits include:
    • The iconic Church of Theth, its simple stone structure standing proud against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps; an emblem of the village’s deep-rooted Catholic faith.
    • The Lock-in Tower, or “Kulla e Ngujimit,” a centuries-old defensive stone tower where families once took refuge during blood feuds, a living testimony to Albania’s Kanun traditions.
    • A short hike to Grunas Waterfall, an enchanting 25-meter-high cascade hidden among steep rocky cliffs, roaring down into a crystal-clear basin.
  • Evening: Gather around for a traditional dinner, bonfire gathering.
  • Stay in a charming guesthouse in Theth.

Day 3 – Blue Eye Hike and Discovering Shkodra’s Legends

  • Breakfast at the guesthouse.
  • Around 08:00 AM, embark on a hiking adventure to Nderlysaj Natural Pools, pristine blue waters formed by the Black River, perfect for a swim or simply relaxing by the shore.
    • Continue hiking toward the legendary Blue Eye of Theth, a dazzling deep-blue pool fed by icy mountain springs. The contrast between the lush green surroundings and the blue water makes this one of Albania’s natural wonders.
  • Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Nderlysaj village.
  • Depart for Shkodra, the cultural capital of northern Albania.
  • En route, another short stop at Boga village for coffee and a last view of the Alps.
  • Arrival in Shkodra:
    • Visit Rozafa Castle, standing atop a rocky hill at the confluence of three rivers, and hear the tragic legend of Rozafa’s sacrifice for the castle’s walls to stand strong.
    • Stroll through *Shiroka village, a peaceful lakeside town where Mount Tarabosh reflects into *Lake Shkodra.
  • Dinner with traditional food.
  • Relax and stay in Shkodra’s cozy hotel.

Day 4 – A Fairytale Boat Journey and Southern Escape

  • Early breakfast at 06:30 AM and transfer to Komani Lake.
  • At 10:00 AM, board the boat and sail through what many call the “Albanian fjords,” where towering mountains plunge dramatically into emerald waters.
    • Arrival at the Shala River, often called the “hidden paradise” of Albania. Relax on its white river beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or hike to scenic viewpoints.
    • Traditional lunch by the riverside, surrounded by untouched nature.
    • Return to Komani Harbour and head south towards Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.
    • Arrival in Vlora:
    • Visit the Narta Lagoon, an important habitat for flamingos and migratory birds.
    • Explore the charming Zvernec Island and its 13th-century Byzantine Monastery, accessible via a wooden bridge.
  • Evening stay by the seaside in Vlora.
  • Dinner and leisurely walk along the new seaside promenade, Lungo Mare.

Day 5 – Mystical Islands and the Breathtaking Riviera

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • 10:00 AM: Embark on a boat tour exploring:
    • Sazan Island, once a top-secret military base, now a place of mystery and history.
    • The rugged Karaburun Peninsula, with hidden coves and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
    • The hauntingly beautiful Haxhi Ali Cave, once used by pirates and merchants.
    • Idyllic bays such as Shën Jani and Shën Vasili, where time stands still.
    • Lunch by the sea with freshly caught seafood.
    • Continue along the Albanian Riviera, visiting:
    • Llogara National Park, where pine forests meet sweeping sea views.
    • Dhermi village, famous for its stone houses and centuries-old Orthodox churches.
    • Porto Palermo Castle, a triangle-shaped fortress built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina.
    • Himara old town with its hilltop castle ruins.
    • Borsh Waterfall, a hidden gem amidst olive groves.
  • Arrival in Saranda, Albania’s most lively seaside city.
  • Enjoy a comfortable seaside stay in Saranda.

Day 6 – Secret Beaches and Sunset Magic

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Morning boat excursion to Saranda’s secret coves:
    • Swim in the turquoise waters of Secret Bay.
    • Explore the intriguing Turtle Cave.
    • Relax on the golden sands of Kakome Bay and Kroreza Bay, where wild nature and crystal waters create a postcard-perfect setting.
    • Discover Soldier Bay, one of the Riviera’s untouched jewels.
    • Lunch with local seafood at a remote beach tavern.
    • Return to Saranda for an afternoon leisure.
    • In the evening, climb to *Lëkurësi Castle, an old fortress overlooking the city, for an unforgettable *sunset dinner with panoramic views stretching to Corfu Island.
  • Optional: Nightlife exploration in Saranda’s lively bars and seaside cafés.

Day 7 – Ksamil, the Blue Eye, and Gjirokastra’s Timeless Stone Streets

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Morning spent at the stunning Ksamil Islands — a tropical paradise with powdery white beaches and bright blue waters.
    • Mid-morning, visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) in Delvina, a mesmerizing natural spring with a vivid deep-blue color and mythic allure.
    • Continue to Gjirokastra, the UNESCO-listed “City of Stone”:
    • Visit the majestic Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans, housing old weapons and offering panoramic views of the Drino valley.
    • Wander through the Ottoman-style Old Bazaar, lined with artisan shops, cafés, and cobblestone streets.
    • Traditional lunch in Gjirokastra City.
  • Late afternoon drive to Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows.”
  • Charming stay in the heart of Berat’s old town.

Day 8 – Berat’s Timeless Beauty and Departure

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Morning guided tour of Berat:
    • Visit the monumental Berat Castle, where families still live within the fortress walls.
    • Admire Orthodox art masterpieces at the Onufri Museum, inside the 18th-century cathedral.
    • Walk across the iconic Gorica Bridge, one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania.
  • Early afternoon: Private transfer back to Tirana International Airport for your return flight.

End of a magical journey through Albania — full of history, nature, and unforgettable memories!

Tour Price: €870 per person

(Minimum 10–15 participants per group)

Included:

  • Private Transportation
  • 7 Nights Accommodation (high-quality hotels/guesthouses)
  • Breakfasts
  • All Boat Tickets
  • Entrance Fees
  • Personal English-speaking Tour Guide
  • City Tours and Site Visits
  • 24/7 Assistance

Not Included:

  • Lunches and Dinners
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Contact & Booking:

  • WhatsApp / Viber / SMS / Call: +355 69 723 6304
  • Email: eltoni1979@gmail.com
  • Website: www.guidaalbania.com
  • Instagram: @guidaalbania
  • Address: Avni Rustemi Square, Pazari i Ri, Tirana, Albania

Guida Albania