Albania
7 nights 31 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookUnspoilt, uncrowded, and unique in its culture, Albania is a treasure chest of ancient cities, mystical mountains, museums, castles and coastline, its feast of Ottoman architecture the jewel in its crown. This tour lifts the lid on its riches, of heritage and of nature
Layer upon layer of eras and civilisations have created the culture, character, and language of Albania, from its 6th century BC Illyrian origins, to Greek and Roman, Turkic and Slav settlement. Travelling through its past and present, amid splendidly scenic landscapes, the route covers every facet of this fascinating country, from ancient citadels to an astonishing anti-nuclear bunker, from medieval tower-houses to water’s edge cafés in coastal villages, from fortresses to rock hewn tombs. The tour takes in atmospheric Berat, with its Byzantine churches and medieval citadel; Gjirokastra’s stone-paved streets and 600 examples of Ottoman architecture; the mountainous forests and alpine meadows of Llogara National Park, and the nearby forest ruins of ancient Butrint. With the fortresses of Porto Palermo and of Kruja, home of the 15thcentury nobleman and national hero Skanderbeg; it spends time too in the Illyrian sites of Apollonia and Bylis; and in the capital, Tirana’s broad boulevards, brightly painted buildings, utilitarian architecture and modernist museum.
Fly to Tirana and transfer to Kruja, the former capital when Skanderbeg led the resistance movement against the Turks, keeping them at bay for 25 years. Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the Skanderbeg Museum, within Kruja castle. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Panorama.
Travel to Tirana to visit the National Archaeological Museum and Bunk'Art, a massive anti-nuclear bunker built for the communist dictator Enver Hoxha, now converted into a museum followed by a walking tour in Tirana focusses on the Bllok area, a former exclusive enclave of villas for the communist elite. Continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage town, renowned for its 16th-century mosques and tiers of multi-windowed Ottoman houses. Two nights at the 3-star Hotel Mangalemi or the Hotel Plaza.
(B, D)
Visit Berat’s citadel castle, crowning the hill, and the Onufri Museum – a celebrated 16th century artist, Onufri’s work includes the interiors of many of Albania’s Orthodox churches. Enjoy a visit to a local home for Turkish coffee and raki.
(B)
Travel to the ancient ruins of Roman Appolonia, where the Emperor Augustus Octavian studied, and visit the site’s old Orthodox monastery, now the museum. Continue along the superbly scenic Albanian Riviera to Llogara National Park. We will do a short hike to Ceasar’s Pass, named after Julius Caesar who marched down near the area in pursuit of Pompei. Overnight at 4-star Llogara Tourist Village, within the national park.
(B)
Continue crossing the Llogara Pass enroute to Porto Palermo’s Ali Pasha fort, for a short stop. Travel past Saranda to visit UNESCO listed Butrint, the ancient city nestled amid luxuriant greenery on its beautiful peninsula. First settled by Greek colonists, its ruins are evidence of many centuries of continuous inhabitation. Drive to the medieval ‘Museum City’ of Gjirokastra, its characterful tower-houses clinging to the mountain slope beneath its crowning castle. Spend two nights at the 4-star Hotel Fantasy or the 4-star Bineri Hotel (4 - Star City Street Hotel 19 May, 02, 16 June, 7 July Departures).
(B)
Visit the Castle and Ethnographic Museum, which is the house where the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha was born. Lunch at a village home in Dhoksat. Afternoon is free to explore the town with its characteristic houses, streets and shops.
(B, L)
Drive to the ancient site of Bylis, overlooking the timeless landscape from its hillside setting; and continue to the capital, Tirana. Visit the World Headquarters of the Bektashi liberal sect of Islam and enjoy a drink at Komiteti Communist Museum Bar. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Opera (4 -Star Oxford Hotel 7 July 29 September , 13 October, 10 November ) Enjoy dinner at an organic farm.
(B, D)
Transfer to the airport for return flight.
(B)
Fly to Tirana and transfer to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage town, renowned for its 16th-century mosques and tiers of multi-windowed Ottoman houses. Two nights at the 3-star Hotel Mangalemi or similar.
(D)
Visit Berat’s citadel castle, crowning the hill, and the Onufri Museum – a celebrated 16th century artist, Onufri’s work includes the interiors of many of Albania’s Orthodox churches. Enjoy a visit to a local home for Turkish coffee and raki.
(B)
Travel to the ancient ruins of Roman Appolonia, where the Emperor Augustus Octavian studied, and visit the site’s old Orthodox monastery, now the museum. Continue along the superbly scenic Albanian Riviera to Llogara National Park. We will do a short hike to Ceasar’s Pass, named after Julius Caesar who marched down near the area in pursuit of Pompei. Overnight at 4-star Llogara Tourist Village, within the national park.
(B)
Continue crossing the Llogara Pass enroute to Porto Palermo’s Ali Pasha fort, for a short stop. Travel past Saranda to visit UNESCO listed Butrint, the ancient city nestled amid luxuriant greenery on its beautiful peninsula. First settled by Greek colonists, its ruins are evidence of many centuries of continuous inhabitation. Drive to the medieval ‘Museum City’ of Gjirokastra, its characterful tower-houses clinging to the mountain slope beneath its crowning castle. Spend two nights at the 3-star Hotel Fantasy or similar.
(B)
Visit the Castle and Ethnographic Museum, which is the house where the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha was born. Lunch at a village home in Dhoksat. Afternoon is free to explore the town with its characteristic houses, streets and shops.
(B, L)
Drive to the ancient site of Bylis, overlooking the timeless landscape from its hillside setting; and continue to the capital, Tirana. Visit the World Headquarters of the Bektashi liberal sect of Islam and enjoy a drink at Komiteti Communist Museum Bar. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Opera. Enjoy dinner at an organic farm.
(B, D)
Visit to the National Archaeological Museum and Bunk'Art, a massive anti-nuclear bunker built for the communist dictator Enver Hoxha, now converted into a museum followed by a walking tour in Tirana focusses on the Bllok area, a former exclusive enclave of villas for the communist elite. Travel to Kruja, the former capital when Skanderbeg led the resistance movement against the Turks, keeping them at bay for 25 years. Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the Skanderbeg Museum, within Kruja castle. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Panorama.
(B)
Transfer to the airport for return flight.
(B)
Fly to Tirana and transfer to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage town, renowned for its 16th-century mosques and tiers of multi-windowed Ottoman houses. Two nights at the 3-star Hotel Plaza. (D)
Visit Berat’s citadel castle, crowning the hill, and the Onufri Museum – a celebrated 16th century artist, Onufri’s work includes the interiors of many of Albania’s Orthodox churches. Enjoy a visit to a local home for Turkish coffee and raki. (B)
Travel to the ancient ruins of Roman Appolonia, where the Emperor Augustus Octavian studied, and visit the site’s old Orthodox monastery, now the museum. Continue along the superbly scenic Albanian Riviera to Llogara National Park. We will do a short hike to Ceasar’s Pass, named after Julius Caesar who marched down near the area in pursuit of Pompei. Overnight at 4-star Llogara Tourist Village, within the national park. (B)
Continue crossing the Llogara Pass enroute to Porto Palermo’s Ali Pasha fort, for a short stop. Travel past Saranda to visit UNESCO listed Butrint, the ancient city nestled amid luxuriant greenery on its beautiful peninsula. First settled by Greek colonists, its ruins are evidence of many centuries of continuous inhabitation. Drive to the medieval ‘Museum City’ of Gjirokastra, its characterful towerhouses clinging to the mountain slope beneath its crowning castle. Spend two nights at the 3-star Hotel Bineri. (B)
Visit the Castle and Ethnographic Museum, which is the house where the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha was born. Lunch at a village home in Dhoksat. Afternoon is free to explore the town with its characteristic houses, streets and shops. (B, L)
Drive to the ancient site of Bylis, overlooking the timeless landscape from its hillside setting; and continue to the capital, Tirana. Visit the World Headquarters of the Bektashi liberal sect of Islam and enjoy a drink at Komiteti Communist Museum Bar. Overnight at the 4-star Oxford Hotel. Enjoy dinner at an organic farm. (B, D)
Visit to the National Archaeological Museum and Bunk'Art, a massive anti-nuclear bunker built for the communist dictator Enver Hoxha, now converted into a museum followed by a walking tour in Tirana focusses on the Bllok area, a former exclusive enclave of villas for the communist elite. Travel to
Kruja, the former capital when Skanderbeg led the resistance movement against the Turks, keeping them at bay for 25 years. Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the Skanderbeg Museum, within Kruja castle. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Panorama. (B)
Transfer to the airport for return flight.
(B)
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Most of the travelling is along a well-established road network but some minor roads may be in poor repair.
The order of sightseeing might change depending on flight schedule.
Visit an Albanian family in Dhoksat village and learn about their life and history followed by a home cooked lunch. Dhoksat is an authentic village in the region of Lunxhëri, close to Gjirokastra. The village has preserved its original cobblestone roads and traditional houses. You will be warmly welcomed.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A traditional 3-star hotel in the centre of Kruja, with great views to the castle. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 75 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge and satellite TV.
A comfortable, modern 3-star hotel in the centre of Berat. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 36 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel built on the ruins of Turkish mansions in the historic centre of Mangalem Quarter, close to the town centre. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 19 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel in the heart of the national Park, in a beautiful forest setting. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 34 rooms with mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony.
A traditional 4-star hotel in the centre of Gjirokastra. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 19 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge and satellite TV.
A small, traditional 4-star hotel in Gjirokastra. Breakfast room, bar and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A boutique-style 4-star hotel in the heart of Tirana, close to the National Museum. Breakfast room, bar and WiFi (free). 28 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
An elegant 4-star hotel close to Skanderbeg Square. Breakfast room, WiFi (free) and 52 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Stay in the seaside town of Durrës along the Albanian coast, 30 minutes from Tirana. Stay at the AMH Hotel. Breakfast daily. (Available May-13th October 2025)
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Highlights of Albania
12 May 25,22 Sep 25 and 7 more
A four-night tour, to four fascinating cities, this short break shows you ancient, medieval, and modern Albania. From a well-placed base in Durrës, on the shore of the Adriatic, included excursions take you to characterful Kruja, the capital, Tirana, and beguiling Berat
From £925 pp
incl Flight
Balkan Explorer
14 May 25,4 Jun 25 and 7 more
Touring a trio of intriguing countries, Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, this journey highlights historic sites, spectacular scenery, and the cities whose heritage monuments and museums tell the tales of their ancient, Ottoman, medieval, and modern eras
From £1675 pp
incl Flight
The Balkans Revealed
22 May 25,12 Jun 25 and 1 more
Covering three countries’ capitals and a kaleidoscope of colours and cultures, this bountiful tour of the Balkans crosses borders and beautiful landscapes, to reveal the ancient sites, artistic treasures, and medieval monuments of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania
From £2395 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Mar 25 ( 7 nights) | £1145pp | £1350pp | Book now | |
| 21 Apr 25 ( 7 nights) | £1275pp | £1480pp | Book now | |
| 05 May 25 ( 7 nights) | £1275pp | £1490pp | Book now | |
| 19 May 25 ( 7 nights) | £1445pp | £1660pp | Book now | |
| 02 Jun 25 ( 7 nights) | £1345pp | £1560pp | Book now | |
| 16 Jun 25 ( 7 nights) | £1365pp | £1580pp | Book now | |
| 07 Jul 25 ( 7 nights) | £1325pp | £1540pp | Book now | |
| 01 Sep 25 ( 7 nights) | £1525pp | £1740pp | Book now | |
| 15 Sep 25 ( 7 nights) | £1395pp | £1610pp | Book now | |
| 29 Sep 25 ( 7 nights) | £1335pp | £1550pp | Book now | |
| 06 Oct 25 ( 7 nights) | Solo Group Departure | £1425pp | £1425pp | Book now |
| 13 Oct 25 ( 7 nights) | £1295pp | £1510pp | Book now | |
| 27 Oct 25 ( 7 nights) | £1445pp | £1660pp | Book now | |
| 03 Nov 25 ( 7 nights) | £1195pp | £1400pp | Book now | |
| 10 Nov 25 ( 7 nights) | £1175pp | £1380pp | Book now | |
| 16 Mar 26 ( 7 nights) | No Single Supplement (1 Room Remaining) | £1225pp | £1450pp | Book now |
| 23 Mar 26 ( 7 nights) | £1245pp | £1470pp | Book now | |
| 13 Apr 26 ( 7 nights) | £1275pp | £1500pp | Book now | |
| 20 Apr 26 ( 7 nights) | £1275pp | £1500pp | Book now | |
| 04 May 26 ( 7 nights) | £1395pp | £1630pp | Book now | |
| 11 May 26 ( 7 nights) | £1395pp | £1630pp | Book now | |
| 18 May 26 ( 7 nights) | £1425pp | £1660pp | Book now | |
| 08 Jun 26 ( 7 nights) | £1425pp | £1660pp | Book now | |
| 15 Jun 26 ( 7 nights) | £1425pp | £1660pp | Book now | |
| 07 Sep 26 ( 7 nights) | £1395pp | £1630pp | Book now | |
| 14 Sep 26 ( 7 nights) | £1325pp | £1560pp | Book now | |
| 28 Sep 26 ( 7 nights) | £1325pp | £1560pp | Book now | |
| 05 Oct 26 ( 7 nights) | £1325pp | £1560pp | Book now | |
| 19 Oct 26 ( 7 nights) | £1325pp | £1560pp | Book now | |
| 02 Nov 26 ( 7 nights) | £1245pp | £1470pp | Book now | |
| 09 Nov 26 ( 7 nights) | No Single Supplement (3 Rooms Remaining) | £1245pp | £1470pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Stay in the seaside town of Durrës along the Albanian coast, 30 minutes from Tirana. Stay at the AMH Hotel. Breakfast daily. (Available May-13th October 2025)
Albania
3 nights
Transfer to the AMH Hotel for a three-night stay.
(B)
At leisure.
(B)
At leisure.
(B)
Return flight.
(B)
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Panorama Hotel - Kruja
(per night) £35
Single supplement £25
Arrival transfer add £33
Opera Hotel - Tirana
(per night) £45 (2025/2026 £50)
Single supplement £30 (2025/2026 £35)
Departure transfer add £25