Highlights of Albania

Name: Highlights of Albania
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.4 (71 reviews)

71 reviews

Activity

Culture

Overview

Discover the Land of Eagles before everyone else

Albania has a history to rival its better-known (and busier) neighbours and an equally impressive wild landscape. Past civilisations have left their mark here, mainly the Romans and Byzantines, which we see throughout the tour, including at the ancient Greek colony of Butrint and the 13^th-century Berat Castle, both UNESCO listed. We also discover modern Albania, visiting the cities of Tirana, Korçë, Durrës and foodie-favourite Përmet. Expect a warm welcome wherever we go.

Key Information

Trip Code: AVL
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Albania
Carbon Footprint: 22kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 8 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Visit Unesco World Heritage sites: Pogradec, Butrint, Berat and Gjirokaster
Journey through the beautiful Albanian Riviera
Discover historic monuments, including Durres Amphitheatre and Korce Museum of Medieval Arts
Explore Llogora National Park

Itinerary

First Destination: Tirana
Next Destination: Kruje

Accommodation:Hotel La Favorita/Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Pogradeci (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Christi Borova/Hotel Kocibelli (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Alvero (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Argjiro Hotel/Hotel Bineri (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Llogora Tourist Village Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Tirana
Next Destination: Kruje

Begin your adventure in Tirana, the capital of Albania.

At 4.30pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at our hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. That’s followed by an orientation tour of the renovated New Bazaar, located near our hotel.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want to explore Tirana further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hotel La Favorita/Sky 2 Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

After an early breakfast, we take a walking tour of Tirana, which was made the capital of Albania in 1920, visiting the remains of an old castle; the modern Pyramid of Tirana, which was opened as a museum and served as a NATO base during the Kosovo War; and the Prime Minister’s Office. We will also visit Bunk Art 2 or 1 (depending on seasonality), which is an Albanian history museum inside a preserved, Communist-era nuclear pit bunker.

Afterwards we reach the Blloku neighbourhood, where villas were once occupied by members of the Politburo, a former leading group of the Albanian Labour party. It is now the nightlife hub of Tirana, home to trendy bars, cafes and clubs.

We then drive to Pogradec (approximately 2hr 30min), making a short stop at the 15^th-century fortress of Elbasan. Pogradec is one of the most charming resort cities in Albania, next to beautiful Lake Ohrid and surrounded by mountains. On the way we will stop in Lin to walk through the village and have a coffee in one of their bars.

Accommodation:Hotel Pogradeci (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

This morning, we drive for about an hour to Voskopojë Village (formerly known as Moscopole), an important and well-known centre for the arts, where many talented Albanian icon painters worked. The village has suffered over the years, with many treasures stolen during the second half of the 18th century and this continued during the world wars. We take a 40-minute walk to visit one of the oldest churches representing Voskopoja religious art.

Another drive (approximately 30 minutes) takes us to Korçë, the largest city in southeast Albania, which sits at the foot of Moravia Mountain, 2,625ft (800m) above sea level. This city became an important trading and handicraft centre in the 18th century and has also been referred to as the City of Museums. Make sure to try the renowned local beer.

*Please note during March, April, October and November, the visits to the Medieval Arts Museum in Korcë and the visit to Voskopoja will be done in reverse order due to opening times of the museum.

Accommodation:Hotel Christi Borova/Hotel Kocibelli (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Our drive through the mountains today is truly spectacular, with sweeping views across the Gramos and Nemercka mountains. Along the winding route, we enjoy a short stop in Ersekë, which at 3,445ft (1,050m) is the highest town in Albania. This 17th-century town is surrounded by the beautiful green pastures of the Gramos Mountains. Continuing to beautiful Përmet, we make a stop at the hot springs, where we have time to relax and swim. After quite a long day (approximately five hours’ drive in total), we arrive in Përmet, in the heart of the white mountains on the Vjosë River. This evening you’re in for a treat: Përmet is celebrated for its food and wine, including gliko sweets and raki.

Accommodation:Hotel Alvero (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

We drive (approximately two hours) to the beautiful town of Gjirokastër, pausing at the traditional village of Dhoksat for a homecooked lunch. For this, we visit the home of a local family, who cook our meal using produce from their land. They’ll also share their culture and customs with you, providing a valuable insight into their life and traditions.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided visit around mountainside Gjirokastër, where cobbled streets wind between old houses with interesting architectural features including medieval towers. The castle is the standout landmark here, with panoramic views of the landscape. We also visit Skenduli House, a centuries-old building and magnificent example of the local architectural style.

Please note: Lunch with the local family can sometimes be changed to dinner dependent on their availability.

Accommodation:Argjiro Hotel/Hotel Bineri (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, we travel to Unesco-listed Butrint National Park, an area that rose to fame in the fourth century BCE when it became home to a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine. The sanctuary was located on the south slope of the acropolis (hill) and was visited by worshippers to be healed. The city developed during the Roman period, but fell into decline after an earthquake and was abandoned towards the end of the Middle Ages. After our visit, we drive to Llogora National Park stopping along the coast on the way.

Accommodation:Llogora Tourist Village Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Head into Llogora National Park to follow in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, enjoying a 2.5mi (4km) round-trip hike along Caesar’s Path, possibly to Caesar’s Field – the Roman general is said to have marched through this area during his campaign against Pompey in 48 BCE. Along the way, there may be the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea,.

Next, we stop at the wonderful ruins of Apollonia (approximately 1hr 30min to two hours’ drive). Originally occupied by Illyrian tribes and then colonists from Corfu and Corinth around 600 BCE, Apollonia flourished in the Roman period and was home to a renowned school of philosophy (emperor Augustus studied here) but began to decline in the third century CE when its harbour started silting up as a result of an earthquake. After Apollonia, we transfer for just over an hour further inland to the Unesco-listed town of Berat, where we spend the night.

Accommodation:Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Today is dedicated to Berat, the gem of Albania. This morning, we enjoy a guided tour around the old district, with pretty white buildings perched on the hill amid pine forests. We walk through the narrow cobbled streets and reach Berat Castle on the slopes of Mount Tomorr, where we are rewarded with breath-taking views (and we find out why Berat is known to Albanians as the City of a Thousand Windows). Within the castle walls are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum (Museum of Iconography), which we have time to visit. On the way back to the hotel, we also visit the House of Cac Dollani. The rest of the day is free to explore the town.

Accommodation:Hotel Onufri/Berati Castel Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

From Berat, we drive to the port of Durrës (approximately two hours), the second-largest city in Albania and home to the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. The amphitheatre dates to the second century CE, seats 15,000 people and contains an early Christian crypt with rare wall mosaics. The city was colonised by people from Corinth and Korkyra in 627 BCE and was named Epidamnus, but later became Dyrrachium.

We then drive to the medieval citadel of Krujë (approximately 45 minutes), where the national hero, Skanderbeg, led the resistance against the Ottomans. He kept them from crossing into western Europe for 25 years, earning the title Champion of Christ.

We check in at the hotel and in the afternoon visit the Skanderbeg Museum, from which you can enjoy inspirational views to the Adriatic Coast. We also have time to wander through the medieval bazaar of Krujë, which is stocked full of souvenirs and handicrafts.

Accommodation:Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

You’ve seen the beauty of the Albanian Riviera, walked in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, and witnessed magnificent monuments from civilisations past, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

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Accommodation

Hotels

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate).For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Travelling: There will be some long drives (maximum: five hours). The road surfaces in Albania have improved drastically in the last decade; however, many stretches (especially in the south) are winding and have poor signage, making for slower travelling times. Prepare for some bumpy journeys where roads have not been resurfaced.

Tourism: Albania is an emerging tourist destination, one of the many reasons to visit now. However, that does mean service can be a little slow, while transactions are still mainly done in cash.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel La Favorita or Sky 2 Hotel
Recommended arrival time: There’s a welcome briefing at 4.30pm, followed by the orientation tour
Airport: Tirana Airport (TIA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Albania

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Albania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

The following establishments provide visa advice for citizens of the named country,

Australia: Smartraveller
Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories, Government of Canada
United Kingdom:  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
USA:  Bureau of Consular Affairs

Food in Albania is quite varied thanks to the many influences on the country, particularly from Turkey, Greece and Italy. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt, are present in almost every meal, usually locally sourced.

Under dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania was isolated from the world and therefore became a self-sustaining country. The fertile valleys, fresh mountain springs and Mediterranean climate means it is still very much a subsistence culture and shows very little sign of changing. In the countryside, expect your food to be very locally sourced. Breakfasts are typically eggs, fresh bread, jam, honey and coffee. For lunch and dinner, meat dishes are often goat or lamb, with fish dishes such as trout and whitebait. Courses often come in meze form, complimented with a variety of vegetables and salad, freshly baked bread, homemade cheeses, local wines and, of course, raki. In the coastal cities, there are several restaurants with an array of Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood available.

We recommend you always drink bottled water. The most environmentally friendly method is to share the larger reusable glass bottles served in most restaurants.

Albania generally experiences a Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures at 25C-30C (77F-86F) on average in the day. The warmest months are July and August, when temperatures can rise to 35C (95F) or above.

It’s cooler further inland towards Pogradec and Korçë during these months, especially in the evenings, with high temperatures around 25C (77F).

There is always a small chance of rain in the mountains; however, we do not to travel in the coldest, wettest months, November to January. Berat also experiences a Mediterranean climate but thanks to its location in the shadow of Mount Tomorr, summers are much warmer than expected for the Mediterranean.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Join a family in their Dhoksat home for a special meal created from produce grown on their land, in which we learn firsthand about their customs and traditions

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the most amazing place was Kruje. Sitting on the terrace looking at the views of the castle and the Skanderberg museum was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Edjon was the best. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. He kept us informed and amused all day. Medi our driver was very professional and a lot of fun. He's also a good driver so you feel safe with him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the your but ask for Medi and Edjon.

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