Welcome to Tirana, Albania’s bustling capital, where Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences are etched into its architecture. Your downtown hotel offers easy access to the city’s best attractions and a vibrant social scene. As night falls, head to “Blloku,” a once-restricted area for government elites, now a buzzing hotspot filled with trendy bars and cafes, perfect for an evening drink and people-watching.

Begin your day with a journey to Berat, a city with over 2,400 years of history. Known for blending eastern and western influences, Berat started as an Illyrian settlement and later became the fortified city of Antipatrea. Inside the castle, you’ll find remarkable frescoes, icons, and a living community. Don’t miss the Onufri Museum, showcasing works by Albania’s most renowned icon painter. Accommodation in Berat.

After breakfast drive to Korça, a city nestled at 896 meters on the slopes of Morava Mountain. Originally a small Illyrian settlement, Korça became a thriving artisan and trade hub in the 15th century and evolved into a major cultural and economic centre by the 19th century. Visit the National Museum of Medieval Art, home to 7,500 artifacts, including 6,000 icons from the 13th and 14th centuries. Explore the reconstructed traditional market and conclude your day at the Cathedral of “Christ Resurrection,” the largest Orthodox church in Albania. Accommodation in Korça.

Begin your journey to Meteora, a breathtaking region in Thessaly where monasteries crown sandstone pillars over 600 meters high, blending seamlessly with the natural rock formations. Established centuries ago, this monastic community remains one of Greece’s most significant spiritual sites. Only six monasteries remain active today, inhabited by a few monks and nuns. In the afternoon, explore these UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries and delve into their rich history. Stay overnight in Kalabaka Village.

In the morning drive to Ioannina, a city with human habitation dating back 38,000 years to the Paleolithic period. You can visit the Fortress, once the heart of the Despotate of Epirus and later an Ottoman stronghold, and explore the Fethiye Mosque and Municipal Ethnographic Museum, rich with historical artifacts. Wander through the Historic Centre, lined with traditional shops and charming houses. In the late afternoon, continue to Gjirokastra, Albania, where your accommodation awaits. Spend the night immersed in the charm of Gjirokastra.

Today, you will discover Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved architecture. Visit the imposing castle for breathtaking views and delve into the region’s history at the Skënduli House, a prime example of urban life from a bygone era. In the afternoon, you can meander through the picturesque alleys of the old town and explore the artisan workshops of the Old Bazaar.
In the evening drive to Saranda, where accommodation is provided.

Start your day with a visit to Butrint, Albania’s premier archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage. Known since the 7th century B.C. as a key city of Epirus, its origins are tied to the legend of the Trojan prince Aeneas. From there, embark on a scenic drive along the Ionian Coast, renowned for its bays, pebbly beaches, and crystal-clear waters. You can stop at Porto Palermo Bay to see Ali Pasha’s fortress and Cold War-era submarine tunnels. Continue to Himara for breathtaking coastal views and end the day at your hotel in a coastal village.

Today you can choose between a peaceful morning at the beach or an early drive to Tirana, Albania’s colourful and dynamic capital. In just two decades, Tirana has transformed into a lively and fascinating city. Explore its attractions in the afternoon, from landmarks to bustling streets, and end your day in style with a drink at a trendy bar or lively cafe.

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to Albania, knowing the memories you’ve made here will stay with you forever. Until next time!