Albania with all the senses, a unique journey for everyone

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Tirana, the colorful capital

  

  

  

  

  Arrival in Tirana, a vibrant capital known for its colorful buildings, café culture, and rich history. This first day offers a smooth and engaging introduction to Albania for the whole family. With a local guide, explore Skanderbeg Square, the playful Cloud installation, and the lively New Bazaar. Visit a former military base transformed into an agrotourism space ideal for families. Children can explore open areas, animals, caves, and small museums. The day continues with a relaxed lunch featuring local products. In the evening, enjoy an interactive Albanian evening with traditional music, typical costumes, and simple dances.

• day 2

  Legends of Kruja, agrotourism, and northern Albania

  

  

  

  We travel north to Kruja, one of the most important historic cities in Albania. With a local guide, we explore the old bazaar and Kruja Castle, discovering their stories. We continue with a panoramic drive to the sanctuary of Sari Salltik, where panoramic views of the Adriatic coast can be admired. At midday, we stop for lunch at a famous agrotourism destination offering a “farm-to-table” experience. Children can see farm animals and gardens, while adults enjoy local flavors. In the afternoon, we continue north to Shkodër, the cultural capital of Albania, where we spend the night.

• day 3

  Theth National Park and alpine nature

  

  

  

  Today, we dedicate the day to enjoying the spectacular landscapes of Theth National Park, deep in the Albanian Alps. We travel into the mountains to the village of Theth, where traditional stone houses sit beneath dramatic peaks. With a guide, we visit the historic Reconciliation Tower and learn about local mountain life. There is an optional hike through pristine nature to the Blue Eye of Theth and the Grunas Waterfall, offering rewarding views and fresh mountain air. In the late afternoon, we return to Shkodër to enjoy a quiet evening after a full day in nature.

• day 4

  Durres coast and Berat, the city of a thousand windows

  

  

  We travel south with a coastal stop in Durres. Continuing inland, we arrive in Berat, one of the country’s most important UNESCO World Heritage cities. Before entering the city, we stop for lunch at Alpeta Agrotourism in the nearby village of Roshnik, where local products and rural life create a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, we explore the Berat castle area at sunset, enjoying golden views over the old neighborhoods. The evening is calm and social, with a tasting of raki and meze for adults, and soft drinks for children.

• day 5

  Lakes, ancient villages, and peaceful landscapes

  

  

  

  A picturesque journey from Berat toward southeastern Albania, passing through gentle landscapes and small villages. We cross the Dumrea region, known for its many lakes around Belsh, before continuing to Lin, a beautiful stone village on the shores of Lake Ohrid and one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Along the way, we visit a small photography or art exhibition and a local family dedicated to beekeeping, to taste honey. The day continues to Pogradec, with a stop at the peaceful Drilon Park in Tushemisht, before settling by the lake for the night.

• day 6

  Korça and Voskopoja: Culture and Forgotten History

  

  Explore Korça, often called the “little Paris” of Albania, for its elegant architecture. With a local guide, walk along cobbled streets and visit the Resurrection Cathedral and the First Albanian School, learning about the city’s historical importance. Continue to the nearby mountain village of Voskopoja, once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers in the Balkans. Discover its history and beautifully preserved churches, set in a peaceful landscape. Back in Korça, the afternoon is free in the old bazaar. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the bazaar and perhaps taste honey raki.

• day 7

  Wild rivers and thermal waters of the southeast

  

  Today, we travel through the untouched landscapes of southeastern Albania, following the course of the Vjosa River, considered the last wild river in Europe. The journey offers panoramic views of high mountains, open valleys, and remote villages. Along the way, we stop at the Sarandapor thermal baths near the Greek border, where natural hot water pools provide a relaxing and enjoyable break for the whole family. Children can swim in the outdoor springs while adults relax in a peaceful setting. In the afternoon, we continue to the quiet town of Leskovik, surrounded by nature, where we stay overnight.

• day 8

  Traditions of Përmet and the stone city of Gjirokastër

  

  

  In Përmet, known as the “city of flowers,” we visit a local workshop to learn how gliko, a traditional fruit preserve, is made. There will be time to taste it and share stories. Families may also choose an optional rafting experience on calm sections of the Vjosa River, suitable for beginners and children. In the afternoon, we head to Gjirokastër, the UNESCO-listed “stone city.” We spend the night near the old bazaar, followed by a live performance of isopolyphonic singing—an ancient tradition recognized by UNESCO—before resting.

• day 9

  Castles, canyons, and Highland traditions

  

  

  A visit to Gjirokastër Castle offers wide views and insight into the city’s past. We then head to the nearby village of Lazarat, where a local workshop introduces us to rural traditions, followed by a hearty village lunch. In the afternoon, the landscape changes dramatically as we explore the wild scenery of the Kurvelesh region. Driving through the Nivica Canyon and remote villages such as Lekdush and Gusmar, we discover highland life in what is often called the ancient “Land of Sheep.” In the evening, we return to Gjirokastër for a relaxed night.

• day 10

  From the mountains to the Ionian Sea

  

  

  

  Today, we leave the mountain landscapes behind and head toward the Albanian Riviera. Our first stop is the Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. We then continue to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Greek, Roman, and Venetian ruins set amid lush nature. After exploring with a guide, we make a short stop in Ksamil to admire its islands and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, we arrive in Saranda and check into our hotel, with the rest of the day free to enjoy the sea.

• day 11

  Day trip to Corfu, Venetian heritage

  

  Today, we cross the Ionian Sea for a day trip to the Greek island of Corfu. A short ferry ride from Saranda brings us to an island shaped by centuries of Venetian influence. We explore Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through its narrow kantounia streets, elegant squares, and coastal viewpoints. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere, take in the sea views, and relax at your own pace. In the afternoon, we return by ferry to Saranda, where we spend the night back on the Albanian coast.

• day 12

  Crystal-clear waters and relaxed time on the Riviera

  

  

  Today is about enjoying the Ionian coast at a relaxed pace. For those who wish, there is an optional family-friendly boat trip departing from Saranda, exploring hidden bays and small sea caves accessible only by water. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful beach day in Ksamil or at nearby beaches, known for their crystal-clear waters and calm setting, ideal for families. The afternoon is free for swimming, relaxing, strolling along the promenade, or enjoying an ice cream by the sea. No fixed schedules—just time to relax and enjoy the Riviera your way.

• day 13

  The spectacular Albanian Riviera route

  

  

  

  Today, we travel along one of Albania’s most scenic roads, heading north along the Riviera from Saranda to Vlora. The route follows the coastline, with frequent stops to enjoy the views, including the Borsh waterfall, the traditional stone village of Qeparo, and the coastal fortress of Porto Palermo. We continue through the seaside towns of Himarë and Dhërmi before ascending the spectacular Llogara Pass, where the mountains meet the sea. In the afternoon, we descend toward Vlora and settle in for the night in this lively coastal city.

• day 14

  Farewell to the Land of Eagles

  

  The journey comes to an end today. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for a final stop at the Narta Lagoon, where a wooden bridge crosses the water to the peaceful Zvernec Monastery. Surrounded by lagoons and pine trees, it is a quiet place, perfect for a final reflection on Albania’s landscapes. We then continue to Tirana International Airport for departure, ending this family journey through Albania’s history, culture, and nature.