Albania – 12 Day Tour

Arrival at Tirana International Airport. Meet with your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight in Tirana.

Tirana sightseeing starts from Skanderbeg Square. Visit the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the iconic Clock Tower. The walking tour continues to the main boulevard, the Pyramid building, and the trendy Block area.

Afternoon visit to BunkArt 1 – a Cold War bunker turned museum covering 3,000 square meters. Built in the 1970s for the political elite, it perfectly shows the paranoia of communist-era Albania. Overnight in Tirana.

Travel to Karavasta Lagoon – Albania’s largest lagoon covering 4,300 hectares. This is the only habitat in Albania for the nesting Dalmatian Pelican. Enjoy a boat trip and visit the Watch Tower.

Continue to the coastal city of Vlora. Visit Independence Square where Albania declared independence in 1912. Overnight in Vlora.

Begin a breathtaking drive along the Albanian Riviera. Cross the stunning Llogara National Park (1,000m elevation) with optional short hike. Pass charming coastal villages with spectacular Ionian Sea views.

Stop at Old Dhermi – a picturesque village on the mountain slope. Walk the cobbled streets and visit St. Mary’s Church for panoramic views. Evening arrival in Saranda. Overnight in Saranda.

Visit Butrint – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous ancient cities in the Balkans. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre, Temple of Aesculapius, stunning Baptistery mosaics, and ancient city walls.

Free time at Ksamil beaches – Albania’s most beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. Optional boat tour to see mussel cultivation. Overnight in Saranda.

Stop at the magical Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – a mesmerizing water spring surrounded by lush greenery with impossibly blue water.

Continue to Gjirokastra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of Stone.” Visit the massive hilltop castle, explore the Skenduli House museum, and wander the Ottoman-era cobbled streets. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Hike to Leusa village (2 hours) to visit the stunning 18th-century St. Mary’s Church with beautiful frescoes.

Relax at Benja Thermal Springs – natural sulphur pools with healing properties, famous among locals. Free afternoon to explore Permet, known for its roses and raki. Overnight in Permet.

Travel through unexplored natural landscapes to Korça – known as Albania’s cultural capital. Visit the First Albanian School and the impressive Orthodox Cathedral.

Explore the beautifully restored Old Bazaar – the heart of the city with narrow streets, cafes, and boutiques. Try the famous Korça beer at a local brewery. Overnight in Korça.

Morning visit to Voskopoja – once a major cultural and economic center. Walk through the village and visit St. Nicholas Church. Optional: Cooking class to learn traditional “lakror” pie.

Cross the border to Ohrid, North Macedonia – a UNESCO city known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” with 365 churches. Overnight in Ohrid.

City tour of Ohrid – the City of 365 Churches. Visit St. Sophia Church, the stunning Church of St. John at Kaneo, and the medieval old town.

Visit Sveti Naum Monastery – a peaceful 10th-century monastery on the lake. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ohrid and dinner at a panoramic restaurant. Overnight in Ohrid.

Return to Albania and drive to Berat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Visit the hilltop castle and Onufri Museum in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Walk across the 18th-century Gorica Bridge connecting the Christian and Muslim quarters. Afternoon hike to Gorica Hill (1.5 hours) for stunning panoramic views of the entire city. Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Tirana International Airport (120 km, approximately 2 hours) for your flight home. Faleminderit – Thank you for traveling with Inside Balkan!

✅ Included

• ✓ Accommodation: 11 nights in 3★ & 4★ hotels
• ✓ Guide: English-speaking expert guide throughout
• ✓ Meals: 11 breakfasts (vegetarian/vegan/halal available)
• ✓ Transport: Air-conditioned minibus/bus
• ✓ Entrance fees: All sites as per program
• ✓ Airport transfers: Pickup and drop-off included

❌ Not Included

• ✗ International flights
• ✗ Travel insurance
• ✗ Lunches and dinners
• ✗ Tips for guide and driver
• ✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs