The Jewels of Albania (Classic Version)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationEurope / Albania
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AgeFrom 4 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions443.99 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Still untouched by mass tourism, Albania stands out as the discreet jewel of the Adriatic . A hidden gem, it appeals to travelers seeking authenticity and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
A strategic crossroads between East and West , the country bears the imprint of the great Mediterranean civilizations that have succeeded one another there since Antiquity. This historical richness is revealed through iconic monuments , ancient remains, and cities with remarkable heritage.
On a self-drive tour , you explore at your own pace a mosaic of contrasting landscapes: rugged mountains , verdant valleys, and a coastline with crystal-clear waters. Between cultural stops and seaside breaks, the trip offers a harmonious balance between exploration and relaxation.
Through encounters, Albanian culture , living traditions, and the genuine hospitality of its inhabitants give the experience its full human dimension. A comprehensive itinerary to discover a still relatively unknown country, encompassing historical heritage, unspoiled nature, and the Mediterranean way of life.
The highlights
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Rich natural diversity
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Local Gastronomy
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Cultural visits
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
Management
Program
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Tirana Airport > Tirana
- Transportation Car - 00h35 - 20km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Tirana airport, pick up your rental car and head towards Tirana city centre and drop off your luggage at your hotel.
Visit Tirana, the capital of Albania , 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.
Start a tour of the city and its historical monuments (Et'hem Bay Mosque, government buildings…).
Overnight stay in Tirana.
Day 1 -
Tirana
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, visit Tirana, the capital of Albania , a city in constant evolution. Once dull and grey, the city has experienced a post-communist international boom, becoming a vibrant, colourful and lively metropolis thanks to its unique atmosphere.
Fascinating, Tirana represents both the past and the future of Albania.
Start a tour of the city and its historical monuments (Et'hem Bay Mosque, government buildings…).
Overnight stay in Tirana.
Day 2 -
Tirana > Ohrid
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 130km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, set off for North Macedonia.
Then take the road towards Ohrid , the cradle of Orthodoxy.
A city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sublime city on the shores of the lake which, for many, represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience.
Take a guided tour and discover its well-preserved historical heritage, such as the Church of St. Jovan or the ancient theatre dating back to the Roman Empire. You will also have the opportunity to visit Ohrid Fortress, which overlooks the city and offers a magnificent view of the city and the lake.
Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Day 3 -
Ohrid
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, discover the wonders of Lake Ohrid.
On the way, a stop at the monastery of St. Naum, in the middle of lush greenery, built in the 10th century, is a haven of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macedonia.
Photo stop “Bay of Bones”, authentic reconstruction of part of a settlement, dating from 1200 to 700 BC. Visit the Saint Naum monastery.
Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Day 4 -
Ohrid
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Ohrid to relax on the city's beaches and stroll through the old town. You will have the opportunity to explore Ohrid.
Option :
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking on the lake
- ATV in Galicica
- Paragliding
Overnight stay in Ohrid.
Day 5 -
Ohrid > Berat
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 130km
- Activity Hiking
- 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 possibility of lunch in the fortress.
Begin your visit to 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 .
Possibility of organizing a cooking class.
Overnight stay in Berat.
Day 6 -
Berat
- 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
- Water hike in the Osumi canyon
- hiking on Mount Tomor
- An electric bike tour in Tomor
- Wine tasting
Overnight stay in Berat.
Day 7 -
Berat > Gjirokastra
- Transportation Car - 03h - 180km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, head towards Gjirokastra.
Lunch at an eco-restaurant "the Barrel" before entering the city.
Arrive in Gjirokastra and 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 with thousands of windows.
Visit the Citadel of Gjirokastra overlooking the city. You will also visit the Skenduli House, a typical Ottoman house dating from the 18th century.
Overnight stay in Gjirokastra.
Day 8 -
Gjirokastra > Përmet > Gjirokastra
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 125km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, travel to the town of Permët, crossed by the Vjosa River, located in the eastern part of Albania and known for its many tourist attractions, both cultural and natural, and especially for its thermal springs.
Head to the Langarica Canyon and the Permet hot springs, or "Benja". Relax in this stunning, picture-postcard landscape and explore the surrounding area.
Option: Rafting on the Vjosa River.
Overnight stay in Gjirokastra.
Day 9 -
Gjirokastra > Butrint > Himare
- Transportation Car - 02h45 - 125km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- 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.
- Visit to a farm near Ksamil.
Overnight stay in Himare.
Day 10 -
Himare
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, a free day to enjoy the beaches in Himare or its surroundings.
Possibility of going to Dhermi to spend time on its incredible beaches.
Option :
- 4-hour catamaran excursion to Himare
- Speedboat trip to Himare for 2 hours
- Kayak at Drymades
- Rappelling and paddle
Overnight stay in Himare
Days 11 to 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.
Head to the Ardenica Monastery. Built in the 13th century, it represents one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in Albania.
Head towards Kruje.
Leave your luggage at your hotel.
Visit to one of the oldest European cities.
Visit the city with its old bazaar and the medieval Skanderbeg fortress. Compared to Alexander the Great, Skanderbeg is a true hero in the Balkans for having resisted the invasion of the Ottoman Empire.
Enjoy the evening relaxing in the rooftop pool of your hotel, which offers a magnificent view of the region.
Overnight stay in Kruje.
Day 14 -
Kruje > Tirana Airport
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast and free time until departure for the airport for your return flight.
Day 15
Accommodation
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
- 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 (Dacia or similar) from day 1 to Tirana airport on day 15
- Overnight stays in guesthouses and 3* and 4* hotels in family rooms (local standards, subject to availability)
- Breakfasts
- Telephone support throughout the entire tour
- The travel journal with essential travel information (addresses, contacts, restaurants)
- Insurance for North Macedonia
The price does not include
- Full board (lunches and dinners)
- All additional expenses not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- The round-trip flight
- All activities listed in the program & entrance fees to monuments
Options
- 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.
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