Arrival in Tirana & City Exploration

Tirana - Arrival at Tirana International Airport
Welcome to Albania! Upon landing at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, you will be warmly welcomed in the arrivals hall by our company representative, who will be holding a sign with the name of the reservation holder.
You will receive the keys and documents for your rental vehicle, which will be used throughout your journey. After a brief introduction and travel instructions, you will embark on your self-drive journey to your hotel in Tirana.

-Hotel check-in & relaxation time
Arrive at your hotel in Tirana and proceed with check-in.

-Afternoon: Discovering Tirana
Spend the afternoon exploring Tirana at your leisure.

-During your visit, you may explore:
Skanderbeg Square Et’hem Bey Mosque
*Tirana Pyramid
Optional – Cable car ride to Dajti Mountain
Consider taking the cable car to Dajti Mountain, located within Dajti National Park. Enjoy a coffee while taking in the fresh mountain air.

-Overnight in Tirana.

Exploring the Charm of Shkodër and Shiroka

Shkoder - Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
Savor breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

-Departure for Shkodra
Begin your journey northward toward the historic city of Shkodra. Enjoy scenic views of the Albanian countryside as your guide shares insights into the region’s culture, history, and traditions.

-Arrival in Shkodra & hotel check-in
Arrive in Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Proceed with check-in at your selected hotel. Take approximately one hour to refresh, relax, and prepare for the day’s activities.

Rozafa Castle - Rozafa Castle Visit
After relaxing, start the journey with a visit to Rozafa Castle, an ancient Illyrian fortress perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the city and Lake Shkodër. Delve into the castle’s legendary tale of sacrifice and resilience while exploring its well-preserved ruins.

Next, immerse yourself in Albania’s visual history at the Marubi National Museum of Photography, home to one of the richest photographic archives in the Balkans. Discover a stunning collection that captures Albania’s transformation over the centuries.

Continue your exploration with a leisurely stroll along Gjuhadol Pedestrian Street, a charming avenue lined with Ottoman-era buildings, quaint cafés, and cultural landmarks, perfect for soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

Shkodra Lake - In the afternoon, visit Shiroka Village, a peaceful lakeside retreat near Shkodër. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring fresh fish while admiring the serene beauty of Lake Shkodër.

-Overnight in Shkoder: Conclude the day with an overnight stay in a boutique hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

From Skanderbeg’s City to the Capital

Kruje - Breakfast & hotel check-out
Savor breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Start the day with a morning transfer to Krujë, a historic city that played a pivotal role in Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire.

Begin your exploration at Krujë Castle, the former stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Within the castle walls, visit the Skanderbeg Museum, where you’ll learn about his legendary battles and enduring legacy.

Continue to the Ethnographic Museum, housed in a traditional Ottoman-style residence, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that offer insight into Albanian culture and daily life.

Afterward, take a stroll through the Old Bazaar, a charming marketplace with cobblestone streets lined with stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and unique souvenirs.

Tirana - In the afternoon, transfer to Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Begin your tour at Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central hub, surrounded by key landmarks, including the National History Museum. Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of Tirana’s oldest and most beautifully adorned mosques, known for its intricate frescoes.
End the day with a visit to Bunk’Art 2, an underground museum set in a former nuclear bunker. This immersive exhibit provides a deep dive into Albania’s communist-era history through compelling stories and artifacts.

-Overnight in Tirana. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at a centrally located hotel in Tirana, where you can unwind and reflect on the rich history and culture explored throughout the day.

From Coastal Durrës to Historic Berat

Durres - Breakfast & hotel check-out
Savor breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Start the day with a transfer from Tirana to Durrës, Albania’s main port city, rich in Roman and Byzantine history. Begin your exploration at the Durrës Amphitheater, the largest of its kind in the Balkans, dating back to the 2nd century.
Continue to the Venetian Tower, a medieval fortress that once played a key role in the city’s defense. Wrap up your visit at the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from the Illyrian, Greek, and Roman periods provide insight into the city’s long and fascinating past.

Berat - Berat transfer: In the afternoon, travel to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Visit the Berat Castle, a hilltop fortress offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Osum River. Within the castle walls, explore centuries-old churches and mosques, including the Onufri Museum, which houses the vibrant religious iconography of Albania’s most renowned medieval painter, Onufri.
End the day with a stroll through the Mangalem and Gorica Quarters, famous for their Ottoman-era houses and picturesque cobblestone streets.

-Overnight in Berat: Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional hotel in Berat, soaking in the charm and history of this remarkable city.

Ancient Apollonia & Historic Gjirokastër

Apollonia Archaeological Park - Breakfast & hotel check-out
Savor breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

-Depart from Berat in the morning and head to Apollonia, one of Albania’s most significant archaeological sites. Once a thriving center of learning and trade in antiquity, this ancient city offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Explore the Apollonia Archaeological Park, where highlights include the Odeon, the Temple of Artemis, and impressive Roman-era mosaics that showcase the artistry of the time.

Gjirokaster - In the afternoon, continue to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed city known for its distinctive stone architecture. Begin your visit at the Gjirokastër Castle, a hilltop fortress that houses a military museum and offers breathtaking views of the city and Drino Valley. Next, step into the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former home of Enver Hoxha, to gain insight into traditional Albanian life and customs.
Wrap up the day with a leisurely walk along Bazaar Street, where shops display handcrafted goods, antiques, and souvenirs reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

-Overnight in Gjirokaster: Settle in for an overnight stay at a traditional guesthouse, immersing yourself in the charm of this historic city.

Syri i Kaltër, Sarandë, Mesopotam Monastery and Butrint National Park

The Blue Eye - Breakfast & hotel check-out
Savor breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Begin the day with a scenic morning transfer to Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye), one of Albania’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This stunning spring, with its deep turquoise waters and lush surroundings, creates a mesmerizing sight. Take a leisurely walk along the trails, capture stunning photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Mesopotam - In the afternoon, continue to Sarandë, a vibrant coastal city along the Ionian Sea. Start by visiting the Monastery of Mesopotam, a remarkable Byzantine site known for its distinctive architectural design and ancient frescoes.

Butrint National Park - Then, explore the legendary Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases centuries of history through its Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. Wander through the ancient city, stopping at key landmarks such as the theater, baptistery, and the iconic Lion Gate, each telling a unique story of the past.

Saranda - Return to Saranda.
Later in the day, return to Saranda for the final evening of the tour.

Return

Tirana - Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Drive to Tirana International Airport where you will return your rental vehicle before your departure flight.

• A fully air-conditioned private car, for the entire duration of the tour
• Full CASCO insurance
• A professionally curated digital travel dossier (PDF)
• All entrance fees
• Breakfast
• 6 nights in hotels in different villages/cities in Albania (rooms upon request)
• Professional guide available 24/7 for online assistance
• Airport rental car pick-up and drop-off at Tirana International Airport

Embark on a captivating 6-day self-guided adventure through Albania, where beauty, culture, and diversity await. This journey leads you to Albania’s most historic and picturesque locations, seamlessly combining cultural heritage with natural splendor. Discover ancient castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming villages, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the lively streets of Tirana to the tranquil shores of Lake Shkodër, the archaeological wonders of Butrint, and the magnificent Blue Eye spring, this self-guided tour provides an ideal blend of history, excitement, and local traditions.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.