Take the hassle out of your arrival with a private transfer to your hotel in Tirana and sink into comfort as you recover from your flight.
Tirana, Albania’s capital since 1920, reflects its diverse history with Ottoman, Italian, and communist traces along its boulevards. Your hotel, situated downtown, gives you easy access to the city’s highlights. In the evening, visit the famed “Blloku” district, formerly an exclusive enclave for Albania’s political elite. Today, it’s the liveliest part of the city, renowned for its trendy bars and vibrant nightlife.

Today, we will travel to Kruja, a city of ancient history and cultural significance. Known for its ties to Skanderbeg, Kruja boasts a stunning castle and a rich ethnographic heritage. After visiting the castle and browsing the historic handicrafts market, we will enter one of the workshops to witness a traditional way of wool processing.
Lunch in Kruja will be another experience, as we will enjoy traditional dishes in a special restaurant inside the castle.
In the afternoon, we head to Tirana for a guided tour starting at Skanderbeg Square, recently reconstructed with colourful stones from Albanian-speaking regions. The tour concludes with a walk to the ruins of the Castle of Tirana, originally built during the Byzantine era and later rebuilt by the Ottomans. Today, the castle walls house lively bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular gathering spot, especially for young people.

After breakfast, transfer to Pogradec. There, some time is planned for a short coffee, or just to relax by the shores of the Ohrid Lake. Then the journey continues towards Korça, where a hearty traditional lunch is planned.
Korça is a city steeped in history, known for its artisan and trading roots. The city became a key cultural centre in the 19th century. We will visit the National Museum of Medieval Art to admire thousands of ancient artifacts, and explore the vibrant traditional market, a resilient symbol of the city’s trading heritage. The day ends at the impressive Cathedral of “Christ Resurrection,” a striking symbol of modern Albanian religious architecture. Accommodation in Korça.

We will begin our day with a drive toward Përmet, stopping en route in Leskovik, a quaint town with stone houses and cobblestone streets framed by the stunning Melesin and Pindus mountain ranges. The road continues to the Vjosa valley. As we travel alongside the Vjosa, Europe’s last wild river, you’ll be captivated by its untamed beauty, with its rushing waters carving through lush valleys and creating an ever-changing symphony of colours. The unspoiled landscapes evoke a sense of freedom and connection to nature.
After lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Vjosa River, the journey continues to the natural thermal baths of Bënjë. You will have time to relax in the thermal pools by the Langarica River, surrounded by the dramatic canyon and the historic Ottoman Bridge of Katiu. The day concludes in Përmet, where accommodation awaits.

After breakfast, we will board the vehicle for the transfer to Gjirokastra. There, you’ll immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition: preparing coffee on a rock. Witness and participate in every step, from roasting over an oak wood fire to grinding on carved limestone rock, boiling in a copper pot, and serving with jam and raki.
In Gjirokastra, you’ll wander through cobblestone streets lined with stone-roofed houses, feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time. The city’s layered history comes alive as you explore its majestic hilltop castle, offering breathtaking views of the Drino Valley, and the beautifully preserved museum houses that tell stories of the past urban life of the city.

Today, we will delve into the Lunxhëria region, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Gjirokastra. This area is renowned for its well-preserved cultural and culinary traditions and celebrated for the enduring harmony between its diverse religious communities throughout history.
Particularly interesting is Labova of the Cross, home to one of the Balkans’ most significant Byzantine churches. Known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history, the church once housed a silver cross believed to contain a piece of wood from the True Cross. Afterward, we will continue to a farmhouse in Libohova to enjoy a warm, farm-to-table lunch featuring regional specialties. You are welcome to participate in the cooking process, discovering the techniques and traditions behind these cherished recipes. Here you’ll feel right at home while savouring the meal and sharing stories with your hosts. End the day with accommodation in Gjirokastër.

After breakfast, we will travel to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city of Epirus tied to the myth of the Trojan prince Aeneas. Here, you’ll feel a profound connection to the ancient world as you wander through its evocative ruins, where layers of history whisper tales of mythology, conquest, and civilization amidst a breathtaking natural setting. Following the exploration of this archaeological marvel, transfer to Ksamil, a seaside retreat known as “The Maldives of Europe,” boasting warm waters and plenty of sunshine. The journey continues to Saranda, where your accommodation awaits. In the evening, we can drive to the Lëkurës fortress, to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the bay of Saranda.

Today, we will discover the wonders of the Albanian Ionian Coast, a stretch of turquoise waters, hidden bays and villages steeped in history. The first stop is planned at the Porto Palermo Bay, known for the Cold War submarine tunnels and Ali Pasha’s fortress, which offers rare panoramic views. Then, we will visit Himara, an old village perched on a hill above the sea, before continuing to Dhërmi. This picturesque mountain village, with its stone houses and historic monuments, promises a memorable evening. Accommodation in a coastal village.

After breakfast starts the drive to Berat, a city with a 2,400-year-old history and a unique blend of eastern and western traditions. Originally an Illyrian settlement, Berat became the fortified city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century B.C.. Berat, is a living testament to Albania’s rich history and cultural heritage, where ancient traditions and architectural marvels tell stories of resilience and harmony. As you explore its timeless streets and gaze upon its iconic castle, you’ll feel a profound connection to the soul of Albania. Today, its UNESCO-listed castle remains home to churches adorned with precious frescoes. In the afternoon, we will visit the Onufri Museum, where you can marvel at the vibrant works of Albania’s most celebrated icon painter, known for his masterful use of a distinctive, luminous red that has become his artistic signature.

We will start the day with a drive to Tirana, heading straight to Bunk’Art, a moving museum built within a nuclear bunker that offers a profound glimpse into Albania’s communist past through immersive displays. Escape the urban pace with a trip to Dajti National Park via cable car, where breathtaking views of central Albania stretch to the Adriatic. After a farewell lunch surrounded by nature, we will return to Tirana, where you can spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the city on your own.

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to Albania. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.