Albania Immersion

Albania Immersion

Experience a unique journey through one of Europe's most unexplored regions. Set off on an adventure in Albania to discover its history, different cultures, gastronomy, renowned hospitality, and splendid mountain and seaside landscapes.

Duration: 8 days - 7 nights

Detailed Program

Day 1

Day 1 : Tirana Airport > Tirana (45 min - 20 km)

After your arrival at Tirana airport, take your private transfer and head to the capital of Albania - Tirana.

Upon arrival at the hotel, start exploring the city.

Set out to visit Tirana, a city in constant evolution. Once dull and gray, the city has experienced international post-communism growth, becoming a lively, colorful, and very vibrant metropolis thanks to its unique atmosphere. Fascinating, Tirana represents both the past and future of Albania.

Night stay in Tirana.

Hotel Metro 4*

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Airport - Hotel Transfer
Day 2

Day 2 : Tirana > Berat (2h - 130 km)

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and reach Berat, one of the few cities in Albania that has preserved its typically Ottoman architecture.

Visit Berat, a city characterized by the coexistence of various religious and cultural communities throughout the centuries.

Climb to the top of the city to visit its 'Kala' fortress, built in the 13th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

OPTION: Wine tasting in an Albanian cellar to discover Albania's wine heritage.

OPTION: Discover traditional local gastronomy during a cooking class and taste the dishes you will have prepared for dinner.

OPTION: Guided tour of the city of Berat.

Night stay in Berat.

Hotel Mangalemi 4*

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
  • Rental Car
Day 3

Day 3 : Berat > Gjirokastra (2h35 - 180 km)

After breakfast, head to Gjirokastër for a city walk.

Arrival in Gjirokastër. Admire the architecture of a series of two-story houses classified as 'remarkable,' dating from the 17th century, a site giving the impression of contemplating a painting from the past.

Visit the Gjirokastër Citadel, overlooking the city.

OPTION: Guided tour of Gjirokastër.

OPTION: Join the mountains of Gjirokastër and start a horseback ride in the region.

Night stay in Gjirokastër.

Rose Garden Hotel

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 4

Day 4 : Gjirokastra > Përmet > Gjirokastra (2h20 - 125 km)

After breakfast, head to Langarica Canyon and reach the thermal baths or 'Benja' of Permët. You can enjoy the baths and canyon or start a hike on the heights of the hot springs and head to the village of Bënjë Novoselë to admire its old buildings.

Possibility to cross the Bënjës Bridge and reach the 18th-century Orthodox Church of Saint Mary. (3h30 hike, 4.5 km, 370 meters positive elevation, 470 meters negative elevation)

Return to Gjirokastër in the late afternoon.

OPTION: Rafting on the Vjosa River.

OPTION: Cheese tasting in an old bunker.

OPTION: Electric bike ride near the Vjosa River.

OPTION: Hike to Sopoti Waterfall.

Night stay in Gjirokastër.

Rose Garden Hotel

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 5

Day 5 : Gjirokastra > Butrint > Himare (3h - 140 km)

After breakfast, head to Butrint and begin the visit of an archaeological site of an ancient city built by the Trojans after the fall of Troy. UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit this ancient city occupied by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. This archaeological site presents the ruins of ancient civilizations of this historical city.

Drive north along the Albanian coast and make a stop at Ali Pasha's Castle. Famous governor of the region on behalf of the Ottoman Empire, often compared to Napoleon for his military strategies and alliances.

Then reach Himare, a picturesque small Albanian seaside resort, and leave your luggage at your guesthouse.

OPTION: Guided tour of Butrint.

OPTION: Visit to a farm near Ksamil.

Night stay in Himare.

Aphrodite Garden

Included :

  • Night stay
  • Breakfast
Day 6

Day 6 : Himare

After breakfast, free day to enjoy the beaches in Himare or its surroundings.

Possibility to reach Dhermi to spend time on its incredible beaches.

OPTION: Boat excursion in Himare.

OPTION: Kayak in Drymades.

OPTION: Rappelling and paddle.

OPTION: Canyoning in Gjipe.

Night stay in Himare.

Aphrodite Garden

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 7

Day 7 : Himare > Vlora > Tirana (4h - 245 km)

After breakfast, you will reach the city of Vlora, where Albanian independence began. Visit the Zvërnec Monastery located on a small island, accessible only by a small wooden walkway.

Reach your accommodation located north of Tirana and relax in this beautiful peaceful environment.

OPTION: Kayak rental.

OPTION: Farm visit and hiking.

Night stay in an atypical accommodation near Tirana.

Funky Cabins

Included :

  • Breakfast
  • Night stay
Day 8

Day 8 : Tirana > Tirana Airport (45 min - 20 km)

Have your breakfast and enjoy your free time until your departure to Tirana airport for your return flight.

Included :

  • Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Transfer from Tirana airport to Tirana on day 1
  • Car rental from Tirana on day 2 until Tirana airport on day 8
  • Overnight stays with locals and in 3* and 4* hotels in double/twin room with breakfasts (local standards subject to availability)
  • Phone assistance throughout the circuit
  • Travel guide with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)

Not included

  • Full board (lunches and dinners)
  • All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
  • Tips
  • Insurance
  • Round-trip flight
  • All activities mentioned in the program and monument entries