Day 1: Visit Kruja and Shkodra
- Begin your exploration with a visit to the remarkable Kruja Bazaar, a 500-year-old market.
- Embark on a walking tour within the castle’s wall.
- Ascend to the summit of Kruja mountain, 1100 meters elevation, where Tirana, Durres, Kruja and the Adriatic sea will be in the palm of your hands.
- Continue your journey to Shkodra. You will first visit the castle of Rozafa, where the 2000 yea old history of the city is hidden in the walls of the castle.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch in Shiroka neighborhood by the lake of Shkodra.
- Explore the cities boulevard before heading to Theth. Overnight in Theth.
Hotel: (free time in the evening to enjoy the atmosphere of Theth)
Day 2: Explore Theth Village and the Albanian Alps
- Explore the Church of Theth and experience the captivating Reconciliation Tower.
- Find the beautiful Grunas waterfall, hidden in the mountains that surround the village.
- Follow the river and take a 45 minutes hike through the jungle to reach the Blue Eye of Theth.
- Enjoy your time by the river in the forest.
- During the road by the Alps, you will have a few stops in locations with excellent panoramic views. Return to Shkodra.
Hotel: (free time in the evening to enjoy the boulevard of Shkodra)
Day 3: Komani Lake and Shala River
- Embark on a 90 minutes breathtaking boat tour through the Albanian Fjords via Shala River.
- Explore the wild nature of the area in Zgiboze, referred also as the Thailand of Albania.
- Enjoy 5 hours exploring the wilderness of the region.
- Take a small coffee break by Vau Dejes and a walking tour of Tirana City Center
Hotel: (free time in the evening, Tirana)
Day 4: Pay a visit to Berat City
- Today your journey commences in Ohrid and you will continue towards Berat.
- Now we reach Berat. Ascend the castle hill for a visit to the castle itself. On the walking tour of the castle we will learn the history of this ancient city while visiting several sites.
- Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch with a local family residing within the castle.
- Descend to the city center and explore the renowned Mangalemi neighborhood.
- Explore significant landmarks such as: The city gate and former Pasha’s residence, The Sultan’s
- Mosque, Berat’s bustling boulevard, and more.
- Pass by the famous Gorica Bridge and explore the old Gorica neighborhood.
- Take some time to relax in the hotel to prepare for an exceptional Wine Tasting Tour at one of the local wineries in Berat.
Hotel: (free time in the evening, Berat)
Day 5: Explore the ancient city of Apollonia and the Thermal Baths of Benja
- Depart Berat for Apollonia, a vital center for education, philosophy, and arts in antiquity.
- Explore the ancient archeological park and visit several landmarks like: Temple of Apollonia, the
- Amphitheatre of Apollonia, Triumph Arch, the museum of Apollonia and much more.
- Take a short break in the wonder of Cold Water of Tepelena. Drink fresh water from the mountain.
- Explore the hidden hot springs of Benja.
- Enjoy the 28°C natural sulfur springs with water rising through deep tectonic cracks and the scenic views it offers. Pack sandwiches and relax by the site.
- Explore the hidden small town of Permet in the evening.
Hotel: (free time in the evening to enjoy the old village of Permet)
Day 6: Discover Gjirokastra City
- Your first stop upon arriving in Gjirokastra will be the bustling Gjirokastra Bazaar, a vibrant
- marketplace where local crafts, textiles, and traditional Albanian products beckon visitors.
- Ascend the winding road leading to the magnificent Gjirokastra Castle, a true architectural marvel.
- Within its walls, you’ll discover the castle’s museum and the castle’s notorious old prison.
- Continuing you journey within the castle, you’ll make our way to its highest point, where the iconic clock tower is located.
- Go for lunch in the traditional tavern of Kardhashi. The family that runs the tavern will offer traditional alcoholic drinks and deserts made in Gjirokastra. Home cooked food.
- A last stop is made in the Zekate House, a local fortress house where you can learn how the rich families used to live back in the day.
Hotel: (free time in the evening to enjoy Gjirokastra)
Day 7: Explore the Blue Eye of Saranda, Ksamil Islands and Butrinti Archeological park
- A mere 30 kilometers from Gjirokaster, a hidden gem awaits you within the heart of the forest.
- Explore the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Blue Eye.
- Ascend to the highest hill in Saranda and visit the Lekursi Castle, overlooking the city.
- Very close to Saranda you will come across Ksamil Village. Experience the breathtaking shoreline of the village, encompassing three islands situated just 100 meters from the coast.
- Enjoy your time by the sea.
- Discover the ancient Greek Colony and Roman city of Butrinti, a UNESCO protected site.
- Return to Saranda
Hotel: (free time in the evening to enjoy the boulevard of Saranda)
Day 8: Albanian Riviera
- Your route will take you through the enchanting Albanian Riviera. Revel in the awe-inspiring landscapes where hills meet the shoreline.
- Take a break at various beaches, including Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Jale, Qeparo, and more.
- Visit the beautiful village of Himare. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and the atmosphere of Himare.
Hotel: (free time in the evening, Himare)
Day 9: Return to Tirana. Exploring attractions by the road.
- As you return, stop by the port city of Vlora. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the famous Lungomare.
- Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Lagoon of Karavasta and observe the wild animals in this enchanting setting.
- Delight in a private boat ride, marveling at the diverse array of bird species such as swans, flamingos, and pelicans that call this lagoon home.
- Visit Durres City. Explore the Durres amphitheater, the largest Roman amphitheater ever build in the Balkans, having the capacity of 20000 people.
- Discover the abandoned King’s Villa, a vacation house of the first and last Albanian ruler, King Zogu.
- Enjoy a walk in the boulevard of Durres by the shore.
Hotel: (free time in the evening, Durres)
Day 10: Return to Tirana. Exploring attractions around Tirana.
- After returning in Tirana, we will drive towards our first destination, Bovilla Lake.
- Our initial destination is the Bovilla Dam, an impressive structure towering at a height of 91 meters. This dam serves as the primary source for Tirana’s electricity and water supply, drawing from the surrounding lake.
- To get a better view of this breathtaking site, we will drive up Gamti mountain.
- At an elevation of 850 meters, the road ends, and there is a 10-minute hike up the rocky slopes of the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, you will encounter one of the most amazing views in Albania.
- On our way back we will make our way to Dajti Cable Car.
- Enjoy the longest cable car ride in the Balkans and the most beautiful view point of Tirana.
- Explore the Dajti National Park and head on the other side of the mountain.
- Find the Shen Gjergji waterfall and relax by its fresh waters.
Return back to the hotel.