Albania Between Mountains and Beaches Tour Program

Day 1 : Tirana Airport > Tirana (20 km - 45 min)

After arriving at Tirana International Airport, take your private transfer and head to the capital of Albania - Tirana.

Upon arrival at your hotel, begin exploring the city.

Formerly dull and grey, the city has experienced an international boom post-communism, becoming a lively metropolis, colourful and very lively thanks to its unique atmosphere. Fascinating, Tirana represents both the past and the future of Albania. 

Overnight in Tirana.

Day 2 : Tirana > Miri i Zanave > Shkodra (2h10 - 115 km)

After breakfast, head to Albania's famous restaurant "Mrizi i Zanave." Nestled in a postcard-like landscape, you'll enjoy lunch at an eco-friendly restaurant where all the products consumed are sourced from the restaurant and local families in the vicinity.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Shkodra, stop at Rozafa Castle, built by the Illyrians and a witness to many sieges and occupations over the centuries.

Continue on to Shkodra and visit the largest city in Northern Albania and former cultural and economic center of the country, which has witnessed many acts of war due to its location.

Overnight stay in Shkodra.

Day 3 : Shkodra > Lepushe (1h50 - 90 km)

After breakfast, leave for the Albanian Alps and discover the small village of Lepushe.

Lepushë, Albania, is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Albanian Alps, offering an authentic and serene mountain escape. Nestled in the Kelmend region, this charming village is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, steeped in tradition, and ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and nature.

You will enjoy your time there to relax in a quiet environment.

OPTION: Wine tasting in Shkodra

Overnight in Lepushe

Day 4 : Maja e Vajushes

After breakfast, start a hike to join Maja e Vajushes.

Maja e Vajushes, standing at around 2 050 meters in the Albanian Alps, offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience. Known for its panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and serene alpine beauty, the trek takes adventurers through meadows, forests, and rocky paths. At the summit, you can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Distance: 9 km

Starting altitude: 1’279 m/alt

Highest altitude: 2’056 m/alt

Elevation gain: 878 m/alt

Day 5 : Lepushe > Rubik (3h - 150 km)

After breakfast, take the road to Rubik. 

Discover the Guest House Baven Toven, which offers an amazing view, allowing you to discover another part of Albania. 

You can take a small walk or simply enjoy the serene surroundings in peace.

Possibility to organize a hike with your host to a small and wild waterfall.

Traditional dinner in your guest house.

OPTION: Possibility to organize a hike with your host to a small and wild waterfall.

OPTION: Kayak tour on Shkopet Lake

Overnight in Rubik.

Day 6 : Rubik > Bulqize (1h50 - 80 km)

After breakfast, on the road again and reach the region of Diber.

The Dibër region, located in northeastern Albania, is still a relatively unknown tourist destination but rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Bordered by the mountains of the Korab massif, the region offers a spectacular setting for nature lovers and hikers. Mount Korab, the highest peak in Albania, attracts many hikers with its scenic trails and panoramic views of the Drin Valley.

There, you will have the possibility to sleep in a Kulla. "Kulla" in Albanian means "tower" or "fortified house," and the building retains this historic essence while being modernized for the comfort of guests. The thick stone walls, wooden beams, and architectural details reflect a bygone era, while the warm interior provides all the necessary comforts for a pleasant stay.

OPTION: Rafting in Diber

OPTION: Hiking in Korab

OPTION: Cooking class

OPTION: Horse-riding

Overnight in Bulqize

Day 7 : Bulqize > Ohrid (1h50 - 100 km)

After breakfast, set off for a day in North Macedonia to Ohrid.

Discover its well-preserved historical heritage such as the Church of St. Jovan or the ancient theater dating back to the Roman Empire.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Ohrid Fortress overlooking the city, offering a magnificent view of the city and the lake.

Head to the St. Naum Monastery, nestled in lush greenery, built in the 10th century, it is a haven of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macedonia.

OPTION: Sightseeing tour of Ohrid

Overnight stay in Ohrid.

Day 8 : Ohrid

After breakfast, explore the wonders of Lake Ohrid. 

Short photo stop at "Bay of bones", an authentic reconstruction of part of a settlement, dating from 1200 to 700 BC. J.-C. 

Visit the Saint Naum Monastery. Amidst lush greenery and built in the 10th century, the monastery is a haven of tranquility on the border between Albania and Macedonia. 

Go back to Ohrid, the cradle of Orthodoxy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and sublime lakeside city which for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience, a Kingdom of light and water as well as a reference to the ancient ruins of traditional kingdom of Macedonia. 

Discover its well-preserved historical heritage such as the church of St Jovan or the ancient theater dating from the Roman Empire. 

OPTION: Diving

OPTION: Kayaking on the lake

OPTION: Walk in Vevtchani

OPTION: ATV in Galicica

OPTION: Paragliding

Overnight in Ohrid.

Day 9 : Ohrid > Berat (3h30 - 160 km)

After breakfast, head to Berat. A rare example of a city with architectural style typical of the Ottoman period.

Arrival in Berat and lunch in the fortress.

Begin a panoramic tour of Berat, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fortress "Kala" located on the heights of the city, built in the 13th century. Enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city. Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum.

OPTION: Possibility to go to a family vineyard to discover the Albanian wine world.

OPTION: Sightseeing tour of Berat

Overnight stay in Berat.

Day 10 : River Hiking in Osumi Canyon

After breakfast, start an activity in the Osumi Canyon.

River hiking in the Osum Canyon in Albania is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Osum Canyon is located in southern Albania and stretches for over 25 km. River hiking in this canyon offers breathtaking views of steep cliffs, the crystal-clear waters of the Osum River, waterfalls, and narrow gorges.

The hike usually starts from the town of Çorovoda, where you can find local guides to accompany you. The excursion lasts about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the pace of each group. You'll walk in the water and on rocks, and you can swim in natural pools.

The Osum Canyon offers spectacular landscapes, with limestone cliffs over 200 meters high that create a narrow passage for the Osum River. During the hike, you'll pass through narrow gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools of crystal-clear water.

The difficulty level of the hike depends on weather conditions and water levels. It's advisable to wear comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes.

Overnight stay in Berat.

Day 11 : Berat > Gjirokastra (2h40 - 180 km)

After breakfast, head to Gjirokastra.

On your way, visit Apollonia d'Yllirie and Ardenica Monastery.

Possibility to have lunch in 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 to the Citadel of Gjirokastra overlooking the city. You will also visit the Skenduli house, a typical Ottoman house dating from the 18th century.

OPTION: Sightseeing tour of Gjirokastra

OPTION: Join the mountains of Gjirokastra and start a horse riding tour in the region.

Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 12 : Gjirokastra > Përmet > Gjirokastra (2h20 - 120 km)

After breakfast, head towards Langarica Canyon and reach the thermal baths or “Benja” of Permët. You can enjoy the baths and the canyon or start a hike on the heights of the hot springs and head to the village of Bënjë Novoselë to admire its old buildings. 

Possibility to cross the Bënjës bridge and reach the Orthodox Church of Saint Mary dating from the 18th century. (3h30 hike, 4.5km, elevation gain 370 meters, elevation gain down 470 m)

OPTION: Rafting on Vjosa river

OPTION: E-bike tour near the river

Return in Gjirokastra in the end of afternoon.

Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 13 : Gjirokastra > Butrint National Park > Himare (3h - 140 km)

After breakfast,  you can join Butrint and start the visit of an archaeological site of an ancient city built by the Trojans after the fall of Troy. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit this ancient city occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. This archaeological site presents ruins of the ancient civilizations of this historic city.

Drive North along the Albanian coastline and make a stop in Ali Pasha Castle. Famous governor of the region on behalf of the Ottoman Empire often compared to Napoleon for his strategies and military alliances.

Join afterward Himare, small and quaint Albanian seaside resort and drop off your luggage in your guesthouse.

OPTION: Sightseeing tour of Butrint

Overnight in Himare.

Day 14 : Himare

After the breakfast, free day to enjoy the beaches in Himare or around.

Possibility to join Dhermi to spend time in its incredible beach.

OPTION: Boat tour in Himare

OPTION: Kayak in Drymades

OPTION: Rapelling & Stand-up paddle

OPTION: Canyoning in Gjipe

Overnight in Himare.

Day 15 : Himare > Apollonia > Kruje (4h - 245 km)

After breakfast, drive to Apollonia of Illyria, the ruins of the largest ancient Greek city in Albania, founded in 625 BC.

Continue to Ardenica Monastery. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the most beautiful Orthodox monuments in Albania.

Head towards Kruje. Drop off your luggage at your hotel.

Visit one of the oldest European towns.

Tour the city with its old bazaar and the medieval fortress of Skanderbeg. Compared to Alexander the Great, Skanderbeg is a true hero in the Balkans for resisting the Ottoman Empire's invasion.

Enjoy the evening relaxing in the rooftop pool of your hotel, offering a magnificent view of the region.

Overnight stay in Kruje.