Tour Highlights

• Tirana’s vibrant capital city and cultural landmarks

• Authentic village visit and local tastings in Pëllumbas

• Lake Ohrid (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and lakeside villages

• Voskopoja and Korça, Albania’s cultural heartland

• Scenic mountain drives and Benja thermal baths

• UNESCO Gjirokastër and historic stone architecture

• The Blue Eye natural spring and Butrint Archaeological Park (UNESCO)

• The Albanian Riviera, Himarë, and Ali Pasha Fortress

• Llogora National Park with panoramic Ionian Sea views

• Ancient Apollonia and UNESCO-listed Berat

• Durrës Roman Amphitheatre and historic Kruja

11 Days | Cultural & Scenic Discovery Tour | Tirana – Lake Ohrid – Korça – Gjirokastër – Albanian Riviera – Berat – Kruja

DAY 1 – Arrival in Tirana: Albania’s Vibrant Capital

Arrive in Tirana, Albania’s colourful and fast-evolving capital, where Ottoman heritage, communist architecture, and contemporary design meet against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Depending on arrival time, optional visits include the Bunk’Art Museum, a vast Cold War bunker transformed into a unique museum of history and contemporary art.

Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy Albania’s rich culinary traditions, blending Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman influences—from byrek and grilled mountain lamb to fresh seafood along the coast, complemented by local wines and the renowned Birra Korça.

Optional pre-night in Tirana recommended for deeper city exploration.

DAY 2 – Rural Encounters & Tirana Highlights

A short drive takes us to Pëllumbas Village, where the Duqi family welcomes us into their guesthouse-museum for an authentic introduction to rural Albanian life, with tastings of homemade cheeses, jams, fruits, and olive oils.

We continue to Petrela Fortress, a 5th-century castle with panoramic views over central Albania, stopping at the Bektashi World Centre, an important spiritual hub showcasing Albania’s religious harmony.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Tirana’s highlights: Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Old Bazaar, and government buildings.

DAY 3 – Elbasan & Lake Ohrid (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

Depart Tirana for Elbasan Fortress, then continue to the lakeside village of Lin, famous for its stone houses and mosaics.

Arrive in Pogradec on Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes and a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve, renowned for crystal-clear waters, endemic species, and tranquil village life framed by mountains.

DAY 4 – Voskopoja & Korça: Cultural Heart of Southeast Albania

Travel through mountain landscapes to Voskopoja, once a thriving 18th-century Balkan metropolis, known for its frescoed Orthodox churches and monastic heritage.

Continue to Korça, Albania’s cultural capital, for a city tour including the Resurrection Cathedral and the Medieval Museum, rich in iconography, wood carvings, and textiles.

DAY 5 – Scenic Highlands & Benja Thermal Baths

A spectacular drive through the Barmash Pass offers sweeping views of the Nemerçka Mountains.

Stop at Benja Thermal Baths, with the iconic Ottoman stone bridge, for an opportunity to enjoy the natural hot springs.

Arrive in Përmet, a charming riverside town on the pristine Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river system.

DAY 6 – Këlcyrë Gorge & UNESCO Gjirokastër

Drive through the dramatic Këlcyrë Gorge and White Mountains, stopping in Dhokësat village for a traditional homemade lunch.

Arrive in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage city, for a guided tour of the castle, historic stone houses, and Ethnographic Museum, offering insights into Albanian urban heritage and history.

DAY 7 – The Blue Eye & Butrint Archaeological Park (UNESCO)

En route to Saranda, visit the spectacular Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural karst spring with turquoise waters.

Explore Butrint, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans, showcasing Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian layers, set in a stunning lagoon landscape.
Overnight in Saranda, Albania’s Ionian seaside resort.

DAY 8 – The Albanian Riviera & Llogora National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera, stopping at Ali Pasha Fortress in Palermo Bay and the beaches of Himarë.

Cross the dramatic Llogora Pass (1,000 m) to Llogora National Park, with an optional moderate mountain hike through pine forests and panoramic viewpoints over the Ionian Sea.
Overnight in a mountain lodge surrounded by nature.

DAY 9 – Apollonia & Journey to Berat

Stop in Vlorë, Albania’s Independence City, to visit Flag Square and Muradie Mosque.

Continue to Apollonia, a major ancient city founded in 585 BC, later an important Roman centre and alma mater of Emperor Augustus.

Drive onward to Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of a Thousand Windows.”

DAY 10 – Berat, Durrës & Kruja

Explore Berat Fortress, the Onufri Icon Museum, churches, and mosques in this unique living UNESCO citadel.

Drive to Durrës, Albania’s ancient port city, visiting the Roman Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum.

Continue to Kruja, historic stronghold of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, for an overnight stay.

DAY 11 – Departure from Kruja

Trip ends after breakfast. Optional time to explore Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg Museum, and the Ottoman Bazaar before departure to Tirana International Airport.

This itinerary is fully customizable and can be extended, shortened, or tailored to specific interests and requirements.