Exploring Undiscovered Albania
Discover the captivating beauty and rich history of Albania, one of Europe’s last undiscovered gems, on this escorted tour through its most iconic destinations. Begin in vibrant Tirana, the nation’s lively capital, before exploring the medieval charm of Krujë and the coastal allure of Durrës. Journey south along the breathtaking Ionian coast to Sarandë, gateway to the ancient ruins of Butrint, and on to the UNESCO-listed stone city of Gjirokastër. Continue to Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, blending stunning scenery with a deep sense of Albanian heritage, before returning to Tirana for a memorable final night in this dynamic city.
Please note that while this is our planned itinerary, we may have to make slight changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Regardless, we’ll pack in as much beauty and adventure as possible on this holiday of a lifetime!
Please note that this holiday involves a good level of walking, including exploring the steep and hilly town of Gjirokastër, and visiting locations where paths are uneven, cobbled, or include numerous steps. As such, this tour is not suitable for individuals with walking difficulties or limited mobility.
Albania is a fascinating and fast-developing destination; however, as an emerging tourist country, some aspects of service, infrastructure, and transport may differ from the standards you’re used to in Western Europe. This is part of the adventure and charm of discovering a country still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
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Please note that while this is our planned itinerary, we may have to make slight changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Regardless, we’ll pack in as much beauty and adventure as possible on this holiday of a lifetime!
What's Included
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Direct return flight from Dublin to Tirana
- All airport taxes
- 10kg carry on bag + Prebooked Seat per person
- 2 nights on BB in a 4-star Hotel in Tirana
- 2 nights on BB in a 4-star Hotel in Sarande
- 2 nights on BB in a 4-star Hotel in Vlore
- 1 night on BB in a 4-star Hotel in Tirana
- 2 traditional dinners
- Day Excursion to Kruje
- Day Excursion to Durress & Sarande
- Day Excursion to to Gjirokaster & Vlore
- City Tour of Tirana
- Services of our local tour guide
- Services of our tour leader
Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin to Tirana
Your journey begins with a direct flight from Dublin to Tirana. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your tour leader and local guide, who will accompany you throughout your adventure. A comfortable coach will transfer you to your 4-star hotel in Tirana, where you’ll check in for a two-night stay.
Day 2: Historic Krujë & Welcome Dinner
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to the historic town of Krujë. Here, we’ll explore the impressive Krujë Castle, home to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. We’ll also immerse ourselves in local culture at the charming Old Bazaar. You’ll have free time for lunch before we return to Tirana in the late afternoon. Tonight, we gather for a delightful welcome dinner.
Day 3: Durrës Amphitheatre & onto Sarandë
This morning, we depart for the ancient coastal city of Durrës. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of its fascinating heritage, including the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre (entrance included) and the Venetian Tower. After free time for lunch, we journey south along the stunning coastline toward the picturesque riviera town of Sarandë, our base for the next two nights.
Day 4: Free Day in Sarandë
Today is a full day at your leisure in Sarandë. This is your opportunity to discover the ‘capital’ of the Albanian Riviera exactly as you wish. You might choose to relax on its beautiful beaches, explore the town’s winding streets, or sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant by the sea.
Day 5: Gjirokastër (UNESCO) to Vlorë
After breakfast, we head to the historic city of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. Our guided tour will take us to Gjirokastër Castle and the Ethnographic Museum (entrances included). Following our visit, we continue our journey to Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, checking into our hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 6: Free Day in Vlorë
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in the coastal city of Vlorë. Relax by the Adriatic, stroll along the town’s promenade, or discover local cafés and markets at your own pace.
Day 7: Vibrant Tirana & Farewell Dinner
We depart for Tirana this morning, Albania’s vibrant capital. A guided tour will show you the key sights, including the central Skanderbeg Square and the lively Blloku district. After some free time to explore, we conclude our journey with a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the culture and history you’ve discovered.
Day 8: Depart Tirana
After a final breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to Tirana airport for our direct flight back to Dublin, filled with memories of undiscovered Albania.
To be part of this great tour or for more information, call us on Dublin (01) 294 1000 Or
Email: Click here to email us about the Exploring Undiscovered Albania Tour
Agent
Booking Remarks
Booking deposit €300Prices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement applies
A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
Balance due 16 weeks before departure
Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply)
Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change
Booking terms & conditions apply
Travel Insurance is not included
SW
Good to Know
All of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. They are not suitable for people with walking difficulties and/or limited mobility.Itinerary
Tirana, Albania
Travel to Tirana
We depart Dublin on our direct flight to Tirana, Albania. On arrival we will be greeted by our tour leader and your local tour guide, who will accompany us throughout our journey. We then transfer by coach tour our 4* Hotel in Tirana, where we’ll settle in and enjoy a two-night stay.
Tirana – Kruje – Tirana
Today begins with breakfast at our hotel before we embark on a scenic drive to the historic town of Krujë. Here, we’ll explore the impressive Krujë Castle, home to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. You may also wish to immerse yourself in local culture at the Ethnographic Museum and stroll through the charming Old Bazaar. Enjoy some free time in Krujë to have lunch at a local restaurant or café, soak up the atmosphere, and browse the shops at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we return to Tirana for a delightful welcome dinner and overnight stay.
Traditional Dinner included tonight
Sarande, Albania
Tirana – Durres – Sarandë
After breakfast, depart for the historic coastal city of Durres. We’ll enjoy a guided tour exploring the city’s fascinating heritage, including the ancient Durres Amphitheatre (entrance included), the Venetian Tower, and the lively seafront promenade lined with cafés and shops. Take some free time to stroll through the charming streets or savour a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we journey south toward the picturesque town of Sarandë. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel and take the evening to relax and unwind by the coast.
Free Day in Sarandë
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Sarandë. Explore the town’s winding streets, relax on its beautiful beaches, or sample local cuisine at your own pace. This is your opportunity to discover Sarandë exactly the way you want.
Vlorë, Albania
Sarande – Gjirokaster – Vlore
After breakfast, depart Sarandë and head to the historic city of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture and charming cobblestone streets. We will enjoy a guided tour, discovering highlights such as Gjirokastër Castle, the Ethnographic Museum, (entrances included) and the picturesque old town with its traditional stone houses.
Following our visit, we continue our journey toward Vlorë, passing through the scenic landscapes of southern Albania. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind, enjoying a relaxing evening by the Adriatic coast.
Free Day in Vlore
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Vlorë. Relax on the Adriatic coast, walk the town’s promenade, or discover local cafés and markets at your own pace.
Tirana, Albania
Vlore – Tirana
After breakfast, we depart for Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, known for its colourful painted houses and rich history. Enjoy a guided tour with our local guide of key sights, including Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the lively Blloku district.
In the afternoon, you can explore at your leisure before we conclude our journey with a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the culture, history, and landscapes you’ve discovered.
Traditional Farewell Dinner
Tirana, Albania
Day at Leisure then return flight home
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our return flight to Dublin.
Please note that this is our planned itinerary but can sometimes change due to situations outside our control.
Please note that this holiday involves a good level of walking, including exploring the steep and hilly town of Gjirokastër, and visiting locations where paths are uneven, cobbled, or include numerous steps. As such, this tour is not suitable for individuals with walking difficulties or limited mobility.
Albania is a fascinating and fast-developing destination; however, as an emerging tourist country, some aspects of service, infrastructure, and transport may differ from the standards you’re used to in Western Europe. This is part of the adventure and charm of discovering a country still relatively untouched by mass tourism.