Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 7 Day Albania Discovery. Get ready to soak in Albania's dazzling coastline and rugged mountains on this epic seven-day loop through the countryside. Start and finish in Tirana, where colourful Soviet-era architecture meets a vibrant city vibe. Head south to the mountains for a scenic hike, then cross the Adriatic to explore “the eternal city” and the legendary Castle of Ali Pasha — yes, the one from The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes that'll leave you craving even more adventures...read more in the Balkans.
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on an evening orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner. Stay: Hotel Metro Tirana
Drive east from Tirana this morning to the coast, and to the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, dating back more than 3000 years. Explore the fascinating site with your CEO and see the massive amphitheatre which could hold up to 20,000 people. In the afternoon, continue south to the city of Vlorë and set off on an exploration walk of the old town to see the Muradie Mosque and other striking historical landmarks. The rest of the evening is free to relax and find a spot to watch the sunset over the Adriatic sea. Stay: Hotel Semajo Vlore (B)
Be immersed in Albanian culture today on a hike to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Start walking from the community of Tragjas, heading up the mountain to meet the local shepherds who will share their time with us. Learn about their traditional life in the mountains and enjoy a delicious typical lunch before hiking back down to the bus for the trip back to Vlorë. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city or to relax. Stay: Hotel Semajo Vlore (B/L)
Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera today to Gjirokastër with a number of stops and highlights along the way. First, visit the small beach town of Himarë and have a bit of time for lunch. Continue to Ksamil and visit the beautiful and historic castle of Ali Pasha, dramatically perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Next visit the ruins of city of Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that was once an ancient Greek city. Arrive to Gjirokastër in the evening and check into the hotel. Stay: Hotel Number One (B)
Set off after breakfast with your CEO to explore the old city of Gjirokastër. Pass by some of the historic sites like the obelisk and the imposing Girokastra Castle then take some free time to continue exploring and to find some lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a local winery to tour the vineyard with one of the local experts and to taste their wines with a light dinner. The rest of the evening is free after returning to the hotel. Stay: Hotel Number One (B/D)
Drive north today to the riverside city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour with your CEO to explore. Visit the castle, the remains of a sprawling 13th century fortress as well as the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring before regrouping in the evening for a traditional Albanian meal and farewell dinner. Stay: Hotel Mangalemi Berat (B/D)
Leave Berat after breakfast for the drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 11am. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Explore the 3000 year old Roman remains of Durrës.
Be immersed in Albanian culture on a hike to a shepherd outpost.
Drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera and visit the Ali Pasha Castle.
Have dinner at a local winery with traditional Albanian polyphonic singing.
Explore the castle of Berat and see the typical white Ottoman houses.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër
Evening orientation walk of Tirana
Tour of the Durrës archaeological site
Orientation walk of Vlorë
Visit Himare
Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle
Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park
Walking tour of Gjirokastër
Walking tour of Berat
Farewell Dinner
Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations
Hotels (6 Nights)
It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Private vehicle, walking
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures Earth (2025)
Getting the most out of every single day — that’s living life to the fullest. It’s squeezing in as many moments as you can that make you laugh, make you feel, make you scream, that make you see the world a little differently. It’s trying something new just to prove you’ve got it in you. Then waking up, and doing it all over again.
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Our website uses cookies to enhance our site functionality, to analyse our traffic and to make it a better experience for you. If you require more information, please view our Cookie Policy.