Tirana 1N - Shkodër 1N - Berat 1N - Vlorë 1N - Sarandë 2N - Tirana 1N

Welcome to Tirana, the lively capital of Albania, where Ottoman heritage, Italian architecture, and modern culture blend seamlessly. Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, begin exploring the city's vibrant center with a visit to Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, surrounded by important landmarks including the Et'hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, National History Museum, and the elegant government buildings. Continue to Blloku District, once reserved for Albania's political elite and now a fashionable neighborhood filled with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. End the evening enjoying authentic Albanian cuisine before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay in Tirana.

After breakfast, depart for the historic mountain town of Krujë, the birthplace of Albania's national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Visit the impressive Krujë Castle, home to the Skanderbeg Museum, offering fascinating insights into Albania's resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Stroll through the charming Old Bazaar, where traditional handicrafts, carpets, antiques, and souvenirs create a unique shopping experience. Continue to Shkodër, one of Albania's oldest cities, and explore the magnificent Rozafa Castle, perched dramatically above the confluence of three rivers, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay in Shkodër.

Following breakfast, travel south through picturesque countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, famously known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Berat Castle, where people still live within its ancient stone walls. Explore the beautifully preserved Onufri National Iconographic Museum, admire centuries-old Byzantine churches, and wander through the charming cobbled streets. Continue to the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters, connected by the iconic Gorica Bridge, offering stunning views of the Osum River and traditional Ottoman-style houses. Overnight stay in Berat.

After breakfast, depart for the fascinating Ancient City of Apollonia, one of Albania's most important archaeological sites founded by Greek settlers in the 6th century BC. Explore the remarkably preserved ruins, ancient temples, amphitheatre, monastery, and archaeological museum before continuing to the beautiful coastal city of Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the lively Lungomare Promenade, lined with palm trees, cafés, and stunning sea views. Overnight stay in Vlorë.

After breakfast, begin one of Albania's most scenic drives along the spectacular Albanian Riviera. Cross the breathtaking Llogara Pass, offering panoramic views of dramatic mountains meeting the turquoise Ionian Sea. Continue through charming seaside villages including Dhërmi, Vuno, and Himarë, renowned for crystal-clear beaches and traditional stone houses. Enjoy photo stops at scenic viewpoints before arriving in the coastal resort town of Sarandë. Spend the evening strolling along the vibrant waterfront promenade overlooking the Ionian Sea. Overnight stay in Sarandë.

Following breakfast, visit the remarkable Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing over 2,500 years of history through ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. Explore the amphitheatre, temples, basilicas, city walls, and archaeological treasures surrounded by lush natural landscapes. Later, continue to the idyllic coastal village of Ksamil, famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Relax by the beach, swim in the Ionian Sea, or enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant before returning to Sarandë for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel inland to the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër, often called the "Stone City" because of its beautifully preserved Ottoman stone houses. Visit the magnificent Gjirokastër Castle, one of the Balkans' largest fortresses, offering panoramic views over the Drino Valley. Explore the historic Old Bazaar, traditional houses, cobbled streets, and the Ethnographic Museum, believed to be the birthplace of former Albanian leader Enver Hoxha. Later, continue to Tirana, check into your hotel, and enjoy your final evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Tirana.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping, café hopping, or a leisurely walk through Tirana before transferring to Tirana International Airport for your onward journey, taking home unforgettable memories of Albania's UNESCO heritage towns, spectacular coastline, ancient archaeological treasures, dramatic mountain scenery, and warm Balkan hospitality.