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Grand Albania Road Trip: 7 Days North to South

Tirana → Albanian Alps → Berat → Riviera → Saranda

This is our signature trip and the answer to the question we get most: 'We have one week, can we see it all?' Yes. Almost. This route threads the Albanian Alps, two UNESCO old towns, the country's best driving road and the entire Riviera into seven well-paced days.

Itinerary

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

  1. Day 1

    Tirana & Kruja

    Meet the group, walk Tirana's centre and Bunk'Art, then up to Kruja's bazaar and castle. Night in Tirana.

  2. Day 2

    Komani Lake & Shkodra

    The famous gorge ferry in the morning, Rozafa Castle at sunset. Night in Shkodra.

  3. Day 3

    Berat

    South through olive country to the city of a thousand windows. Castle quarter, Gorica bridge, family winery dinner. Night in Berat.

  4. Day 4

    Gjirokastër

    The stone city: fortress, bazaar, Skenduli House. Evening free in the old town. Night in Gjirokastër.

  5. Day 5

    Blue Eye & the Riviera

    Morning at the Blue Eye spring, then over to the coast. First swim at Ksamil. Night in Saranda.

  6. Day 6

    Riviera day: Himarë & Gjipe

    Beach-hopping north: Borsh, Gjipe (the walk in is worth it), sunset in Himarë. Night in Himarë.

  7. Day 7

    Llogara Pass & return

    The great hairpin climb over Llogara with the coast unrolling below, lunch in Vlora, back in Tirana by evening.

Experience & Highlights

  • Komani Lake ferry and the Albanian Alps
  • Kruja's old bazaar and Skanderbeg castle
  • Berat and Gjirokastër: both UNESCO old towns
  • The Llogara Pass descent to the Riviera
  • Swim stops at Gjipe, Jale and Ksamil
  • Six nights in handpicked family hotels, breakfast included

Full Description

You travel in a comfortable van with a guide-driver who grew up here, sleeping in small family-run hotels we've stayed in ourselves. Breakfasts are included, we'll recommend the best places for dinner, and the schedule keeps mornings active and afternoons unhurried.

Maximum eight guests, so the group stays small and easy.

What's included

  • 6 nights in family-run hotels with breakfast
  • Guide-driver and comfortable van for the full week
  • Komani Lake ferry tickets
  • All castle, museum and park entries on the route
  • Welcome dinner in Tirana and farewell lunch in Vlora

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners not listed (budget €15–25/day eating very well)
  • Travel insurance
  • Single room supplement (€140 if you'd like your own room)

Good to know

  • Departures every Saturday, April through October. Custom departures for groups of 4+.
  • Hotels are small and family-run rather than international chains.
  • Pack light: one medium bag per person keeps the van comfortable for everyone.

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