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Best of Albania Explorer – Red Route
| Cultural Tours | Albania
This guided journey through Albania reveals a land rich in history, untouched natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From the Ottoman stronghold of Kruja to the Venetian heritage of Shkodra, each stop brings the past to life. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, stroll through the ancient ruins of Apollonia and Butrint, and discover Albania's significance in the early civilisations of Europe. The landscapes are equally captivating, featuring the majestic peaks of the Albanian Alps, the stunning turquoise waters of the Ionian Riviera, and the enchanting Blue Eye spring. Enhanced by authentic cuisine and traditional hospitality, this tour offers a profound and rewarding insight into Albania's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
What We Love
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Diverse Landscapes
- Cultural Immersion
- Historic Cities and Castles
- Authentic Albanian cuisine
Holiday Types ByDesign
Leanne
Reservations Manager
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
Rachael
Reservations
We love creating perfect holidays for our clients. Start planning your dream trip today by talking to one of our Destination Specialists.
At a Glance
Duration:
7 Nights
Tour Type:
Escorted Coach Tour
Star Rating:
4*
Board Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Departures:
2026
January 12
February 25
March 16, 23
April 20, 27
May 04, 11, 18
June 01, 29
August 03, 17
September 02, 07, 09, 14
October 19
Start / Finish:
Tirana – Tirana
Excursions Included:
- Skanderbeg Museum, Kruja
- Skanderbeg Mausoleum, Lezha
- Tophill Fortress, Lezha
- Rozafa Castle, Shkodra
- Amphitheatre, Durres
- Onufri Museum & St. Mary Church, Berat
- Ardenica Monastery
- Apollonia Archaeological Park
- Butrint Antic City
- Mesopotam Monastery
- Blue Eye National Park
- Gjirokaster Castle
Optional Excursions:
- Albanian Night with Folk Show
- Dinner with Seafood Experience in Vlore
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More Information
What's Included
Exclusions
Other
Why we like it
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Tirana
Pickup from Tirana International Airport and transfer to the city. Day at leisure to relax or explore independently. Overnight in Tirana.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 2 | Kruja & Tirana
After breakfast, travel to Kruja, one of Albania’s most historic towns and a symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, Kruja Castle, and the Old Bazaar, renowned for traditional crafts. Return to Tirana for a city tour, exploring the capital’s main landmarks and lively squares. Overnight in Tirana.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3 | Lezha & Shkodra
Following breakfast, travel to the city of Lezha, known in antiquity as Lis (Lissus during the Roman period). Visit the hilltop castle for panoramic views over the Adriatic Riviera and the ancient city walls, along with the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. Lunch is arranged at the renowned agritourism estate Mrizi i Zanave.
Continue to Shkodra, set against a striking backdrop of the Albanian Alps to the north. The city tour includes the Old Bazaar, the cathedral, the mosque, and Rozafa Castle. From the castle ramparts, admire spectacular views of Lake Shkodra (the largest in the Balkans), the Drini, Buna, and Kir rivers, and the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Shkodra.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4 | Durrës & Berat
Depart after breakfast for Durres, once one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean world and Albania’s capital until 1920. Known for its long history of more than 3,500 years, Durres is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as Taulantia. Highlights include the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans (capacity of 20,000), sections of the ancient city walls, the Byzantine forum and bazaar, and Roman baths.
Continue to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Albania’s oldest continuously inhabited regions. Visits include the Berat Castle, the Onufri Museum with its outstanding collection of 16th-century icons, several churches and mosques, and the Gorica Bridge. Overnight in Berat.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5 | Ardenica - Apollonia - Vlorë
Today begins with a visit to Ardenica Monastery, a 13th-century Byzantine site famously hosting the wedding of Skanderbeg. Continue to Apollonia, once a major city of antiquity and now an atmospheric archaeological site, featuring Roman ruins set on a remote hillside.
Proceed to the coastal city of Vlora, where Albanian independence from the Ottomans was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. Visits include the old town, Independence Square, and the Independence Monument. Overnight in Vlorë.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6 | Himara – Ksamil – Butrint – Saranda
Depart along the dramatic Ionian Riviera, passing through scenic mountain and coastal landscapes en route to Ksamil. Pause for a lunch break and the opportunity to enjoy the beach and turquoise waters before continuing to Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the ruins of this ancient settlement, founded in the 7th century BC and later flourishing under Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman rule. Highlights include the acropolis, basilica, palace, and the enchanting natural setting of the site itself. Overnight in Saranda.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7 | Mesopotam – Blue Eye – Gjirokastër – Tirana
This morning includes a visit to Mesopotam Monastery, built over an ancient temple within the fortress walls. Continue to the Blue Eye National Park, famed for its crystal-clear spring waters, before reaching Gjirokastër.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Gjirokastër is known as “the Stone City” for its fortress-like stone houses and cobblestone streets. Visits include the castle, the Weapons Museum, the bazaar, and the Mosque of the Bazaar (1557). The citadel offers commanding views over the Drino Valley. In the afternoon, return to Tirana for leisure time in the capital. Overnight in Tirana.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8 | Depart Tirana
In the morning, check out of your hotel. Proceed to Tirana airport for your flight.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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