A journey to the heart of authentic Albania
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration15 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationEurope / Albania
-
AgeFrom 4 - 80 years
-
CO₂-Emissions515.12 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 15-day self-drive tour of Albania , between the Adriatic Sea and the Alpine peaks, discovering a still relatively undiscovered country. From Tirana , the vibrant capital, to the majestic Albanian Alps , this itinerary traverses contrasting and unspoiled landscapes.
Designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, the cities of Berat and Gjirokastër reveal their Ottoman architecture and cobbled streets steeped in history. Further south, the Albanian Riviera captivates with its turquoise waters and sun-drenched coastal villages. The route also leads you past shimmering lakes , verdant valleys, traditional villages, and fascinating archaeological sites , all testaments to a rich ancient past.
The freedom of a car allows you to explore at your own pace, make numerous scenic stops, and connect with locals. Between vibrant culture , spectacular nature, and delicious cuisine, this self-drive tour offers a complete immersion in authentic Albania, where traditions and hospitality set the rhythm of every step.
A balanced journey between cultural discoveries and wide open spaces, ideal for exploration in complete freedom.
The highlights
-
Immersion in Albanian culture
-
Local cuisine
-
Cultural visits
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Program
-
Tirana Airport > Tirana
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 20km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After your arrival at Tirana airport , pick up your car and head towards the capital of Albania - Tirana.
As soon as you arrive at the hotel, start exploring the city.
Embark on a journey to Tirana , a city in constant evolution. Once drab and grey, the city has experienced a post-communist international boom, becoming a vibrant, colorful, and lively metropolis thanks to its unique atmosphere. Fascinating, Tirana represents both the past and the future of Albania.
Day 1 -
Tirana > Shkodra
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head towards Shkodra .
Upon arriving at the entrance to Shkodra, stop at Rozafa Castle, built by the Illyrians and witness to many sieges and occupations throughout the centuries.
Head to Shiroka and Lake Skadar for a swim.
Option :
- Visit a factory that makes Venetian masks , which are exported from Venice to New York.
- Paddleboarding and birdwatching excursion on Lake Skadar with an ornithologist.
Day 2 -
Shkodra > Lepushe
- Transportation Car - 01h50 - 90km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, head to Kiri Canyon , a hidden gem in northern Albania. Explore this pristine location and enjoy a swim in its natural pools.
Head to the Albanian Alps and discover the small village of Lepushë .
Lepushë is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps, offering an authentic and serene mountain escape. Located in the Kelmend region , this charming village is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, steeped in tradition, and ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and nature.
You will be able to enjoy your time there relaxing in a peaceful environment.
Day 3 -
Maja e Vajushes
- Activity Hiking
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, begin a hike to reach Maja e Vajushes.
Maja e Vajushes, culminating at approximately 2,050 meters in the Albanian Alps, offers a hiking experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
Known for its panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and serene alpine beauty, this hike takes adventurers through meadows, forests, and rocky trails. At the summit, you can admire breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Day 4 -
Lepushe > Rubik
- Transportation Car - 03h - 150km
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head towards an eco-camp in Rubik located in the heights of a magnificent valley for a unique experience.
Drop your luggage in your bungalows and set off for a walk in unspoiled and relaxing nature .
Dinner made with local produce from the region.
Option: Possibility of arranging a hike with your host to a small, secluded waterfall.
Day 5 -
Rubik's Cube > Lin
- Transportation Car - 03h - 170km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head to the small fishing village of Lin on the shores of Lake Ohrid.
On the way, make a stop in Elbasan , the largest city in central Albania.
Drop your luggage in your guest room and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a sublime landscape.
Day 6 -
Linen
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, free day in Lin.
Enjoy a swim in the lake or start a walk to reach the heights of Lin and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view.
Possibility of discussing with your hosts the possibility of going fishing on the lake (subject to availability).
Day 7 -
Lin > Berat
- Transportation Car - 03h - 130km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, depart for Berat . A rare example of a city with an architectural style typical of the Ottoman period .
Arrival in Berat and lunch in the fortress.
Begin a panoramic tour of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and its Kala fortress, perched on the city's heights and built in the 13th century . Enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city. Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum .
Option :
- Guided tour of Berat
Day 8 -
Berat
- Activity Water hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, free day in Berat or optional activities.
Option :
- Cooking classes to discover local gastronomy (€60 / person).
- Water hike in the Osumi canyon (€75 / person).
- Hiking on Mount Tomor (€95 / person).
- An electric bike excursion (€105 per person)
- Wine tasting in a local vineyard (€35 / person).
Day 9 -
Berat > Gjirokastra
- Transportation Car - 02h35 - 180km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we headed Gjirokastra for a stroll around town.
Arrive in Gjirokastra. Admire the architecture of a series of two-story houses classified as "remarkable", dating from the 17th century , a site giving the impression of contemplating a painting from yesteryear.
Visit the Citadel of Gjirokastra , overlooking the city.
Option :
- Guided tour of Gjirokastra.
- Head to the mountains of Gjirokastër and start a horseback ride in the region.
Day 10 -
Gjirokastra > Përmet > Gjirokastra
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 125km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head towards the Langarica canyon and reach the Permët thermal baths, or "Benja" . You can enjoy the baths and the canyon, or begin a hike up to the hot springs and make your way to the village of Bënjë Novoselë to admire its old buildings.
It's possible to cross the Bënjës bridge and reach the 18th-century Orthodox Church of Saint Mary . (3.5-hour hike, 4.5 km, 370 meters ascent, 470 meters descent)
Return to Gjirokastra in the late afternoon.
Option :
- Rafting on the Vjosa River.
- Cheese tasting in an old bunker.
- Electric bike ride near the Vjosa river.
- Hike to the Sopoti waterfall.
Day 11 -
Gjirokastra > Butrint > Himare
- Transportation Car - 03h - 140km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head to Butrint and begin your visit to the archaeological site of an ancient city built by the Trojans after the fall of Troy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city was occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. The archaeological site showcases the ruins of the ancient civilizations of this historic city.
Drive north along the Albanian coast and stop at Ali Pasha's castle . A famous governor of the region on behalf of the Ottoman Empire, he was often compared to Napoleon for his military strategies and alliances.
Next, head to Himare , a small, picturesque Albanian seaside resort, and drop off your luggage at your guesthouse.
Option: Guided tour of Butrint.
Day 12 -
Himare
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, a free day to enjoy the beaches in Himare or its surroundings.
Possibility of taking walks along the coast to reach coves like Gjiri i Akuariumit.
Option :
- Boat trip to Himare.
- Kayak à Drymades.
- Rappelling and paddleboarding.
- Canyoning in Gjipe.
Day 13 -
Himare > Apollonia > Kruje
- Transportation Car - 04h - 245km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, take the road to Apollonia d'Yllirie , ruins of the former largest ancient Greek city in Albania, founded in 625 BC.
Next, head to the Ardenica Monastery . Built in the 13th century, it represents one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in Albania.
Finally, take the road towards Kruje , one of the oldest European cities .
Visit the city, its old bazaar and the medieval fortress of Skanderbeg . Often compared to Alexander the Great, Skanderbeg is considered a major hero in the Balkans for resisting the expansion of the Ottoman Empire.
Enjoy the evening relaxing in the rooftop pool of your hotel, which offers a magnificent view of the region.
Day 14 -
Kruje > Tirana Airport
- Transportation Car - 00h35 - 20km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, enjoy your free time before heading to Tirana airport for your return flight.
Day 15
Accommodation
This charming 3-star boutique hotel, located in the heart of Shkodër, occupies a restored stone building dating back to 1694, offering an immersion in Albanian culture. The comfortable rooms are decorated in a traditional style, while the on-site restaurant serves authentic local cuisine.
The property also features a large courtyard terrace, ideal for enjoying the views and the historical atmosphere. Located near the Ebu Beker Mosque and the city's main attractions, it is a perfect address for an authentic cultural stay in northern Albania.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
Nestled in the stunning Razëm and Lëpushë mountains, this accommodation offers warm, traditionally styled villas with wooden accents and breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps. Ideal for nature lovers and hikers seeking tranquility, these villas provide a peaceful and comfortable setting.
The villas have one or two bedrooms, often on two levels, with private entrances, balconies, and mountain views. Built of stone and wood, they combine rustic charm with modern comfort, sometimes featuring fireplaces, free Wi-Fi, and soundproof windows.
Amenities include a jacuzzi, garden, outdoor dining area, barbecue, and free parking. The hotel is known for its warm welcome, including breakfast, assistance with excursions, and laundry service.
The hiking trails are easily accessible, and from Lëpushë, it's possible to visit Prokletije National Park and Lake Plav. Note: some establishments require cash payments.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
This accommodation offers an elegant farm stay surrounded by nature, with a swimming pool, sun terrace, and lush garden. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a bar, and an outdoor fireplace for relaxing moments.
The rooms are comfortable and offer modern amenities such as air conditioning, balconies with mountain views, and common areas including a lounge, a shared kitchen, and family rooms. Private check-in and check-out are available, and on-site parking is free.
Every morning, an Italian breakfast is served featuring local specialties, cheeses, and fresh fruit. The on-site restaurant also offers a poolside bar, a café, and an outdoor dining area.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
This highly-rated family-run guesthouse is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid in the historic village of Lin. The renovated, eco-friendly, and tranquil villa offers a comfortable and picturesque setting with six modern, air-conditioned bedrooms.
Amenities include a private beach, a garden, a sun terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have balconies with lake or mountain views, and all are equipped with heating and flat-screen TVs.
The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring traditional Albanian specialties, including fresh fish from the lake. Activities offered include cycling, hiking, and canoeing.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
This is a traditional 4-star hotel located in the heart of the historic Mangalem district in Berat. Founded in 1991, it features authentic stone and wood architecture, typical of the region, and offers an immersion in the city's historical atmosphere.
The rooms are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping. The hotel also has a pleasant garden for relaxation.
The restaurant serves local and international cuisine, and the bar is perfect for a relaxed atmosphere. The breakfast buffet is particularly popular with guests.
The location is ideal, just 300 meters from the city center and close to the old road leading to the castle, allowing easy access to the main historical sites.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
Located in a renovated Ottoman house in the hills above Gjirokastër , it offers an authentic experience in a unique historical setting. The rooms are air-conditioned, have private bathrooms, and are equipped with all modern comforts.
The hotel offers an unheated swimming pool and a small terrace with panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Highly regarded for its historic atmosphere and the warm welcome of its staff , it is an ideal choice for travelers wishing to combine comfort, authenticity, and cultural exploration in the museum-city of Gjirokastër.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
Located approximately 2 km from Livadhi Beach, this is a peaceful, family-run hotel offering a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are spacious, clean, and non-smoking, with balconies and views of the sea or mountains.
The hotel features a lush garden , a sun terrace , an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean, Greek, and local cuisine (with vegetarian and vegan options), a bar, barbecue facilities, and free parking. A buffet breakfast is included and highly rated by guests.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
Located in the heart of Krujë , it offers exceptional panoramic views of Krujë Castle , the old town, and the Adriatic Sea. The hotel features 75 modern, air-conditioned, and soundproofed rooms , each with a balcony, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi.
On the dining side, four restaurants serve traditional Albanian and international cuisine, with options suitable for events. Guests can enjoy a seasonal rooftop pool and sun terrace.
The location is ideal for visiting the historic bazaar , the Scanderbeg Museum , and Kruja Castle. The hotel also offers 24-hour reception, laundry service, free parking, and an airport shuttle upon request.
Praised for its cleanliness, the warm welcome from the staff and especially for its spectacular views from the balconies , it is a perfect choice for a stay combining modern comfort and cultural immersion.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Car rental from Tirana on day 1 to Tirana airport on day 15
- Overnight stays in private homes and 3* and 4* hotels in double/twin rooms with breakfast (local standards, subject to availability)
- Telephone support throughout the entire duration of the tour
- The travel journal with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
The price does not include
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- The round-trip flight
- All optional activities mentioned in the program and entrance fees to monuments
Options
- Boat trip to Himare : CHF45.74 / person
- Kayak at Drymades : CHF50.31 / person
- Rappelling and paddleboarding : CHF77.76 / person
- Canyoning in Gjipe : CHF73.18 / person
- Guided tour of Butrint : CHF59.46 / reservation
- Rafting on the Vjosa River : CHF45.74 / person
- Cheese tasting in an old bunker : CHF19.21 / person
- Guided tour of Gjirokastra : CHF59.46 / reservation
- Head to the mountains of Gjirokastër and start a horseback ride in the region : CHF54.89 / person
- Cooking classes to discover local cuisine : CHF45.74 / person
- Water hiking in the Osumi canyon : CHF51.23 / person
- Hiking on Mount Tomor : CHF45.74 / person
- An electric bike excursion : CHF58.55 / person
- Wine tasting at a local vineyard : CHF32.02 / person
- Guided tour of Berat : CHF59.46 / reservation
- Paddleboarding and birdwatching excursion on Lake Skadar with an ornithologist : CHF59.46 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Backpack
Water bottle (minimum 1.5L of water)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Hiking poles (recommended)
Small energy snack
Clothing to bring
Suitable hiking boots (previously worn, with grippy soles)
Technical socks
Hiking pants or shorts
breathable t-shirt
Fleece or warm layer
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Cap or hat
Sunglasses
Our partner team
We are sorry to hear that.
Help us improve this page. Tell us what information you would have liked to see.
Have a question about this trip?
Select the type of request, and we will get back to you shortly.
- Valid for a first booking on our site, with no minimum purchase required.
- Can be combined with any other current promotion.
- Not valid on air transport, carbon offsetting and insurance.
- All you need to do is subscribe to our newsletter.
- You will receive your promo code by email immediately after registering.
- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.