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Southern Albania 3-Day Tour

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5.063 Google reviewsStarts in Tirana, ends in Tirana or Saranda

Most people try to see the south of Albania as a string of day trips from Tirana, and the south punishes that: every stop is three to five hours from the capital. Three days with two nights on the road turns it into a trip rather than a series of long drives.

Itinerary

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

  1. Day 1

    Tirana → Berat

    South through the olive country to Berat. Castle quarter, Onufri Museum, the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, and a family winery at sunset. Night in a restored Ottoman house.

  2. Day 2

    Berat → Gjirokastër

    Through the Drino valley to Gjirokastër. Castle, the Skenduli tower house, the old bazaar, and an evening in the stone town. Night in Gjirokastër.

  3. Day 3

    Blue Eye, Ksamil and the Riviera

    Morning at the Blue Eye, midday at Ksamil for a swim and lunch. Then either drop-off in Saranda, or north up the Riviera and over Llogara to Tirana by late evening.

Experience & Highlights

  • Nights in Berat and Gjirokastër, both UNESCO towns
  • Berat Castle and the Onufri icons
  • Gjirokastër Castle and a restored Ottoman tower house
  • The Blue Eye and Ksamil
  • The Riviera road and the Llogara Pass

Full Description

Berat and Gjirokastër are the two UNESCO towns and they make a good pair. Berat is white and soft, windows stacked up the hillside over the river. Gjirokastër is grey and severe, stone-roofed tower houses climbing to a castle big enough to hold a museum of artillery and a captured American spy plane. You sleep in both.

Day three is the coast: the Blue Eye, Butrint or Ksamil, and then the Riviera road north through Himarë and over the Llogara Pass. Or you can end in Saranda and stay on the coast, which a lot of people do.

What's included

  • All transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • 2 nights in boutique guesthouses (breakfast included)
  • English-speaking guide for all three days
  • Winery visit and tasting in Berat
  • Blue Eye park entry

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners (budget about €15 to €25 a day)
  • Castle and museum entries (about €12 in total)
  • Single room supplement (€70)
  • Travel insurance

Good to know

  • Departures every Monday and Thursday from April to October, and on request for groups of four or more.
  • Guesthouses are small, restored historic houses. Expect character rather than lifts.
  • Ending in Saranda is free. Tell us when you book so we can plan the return.
  • Both towns are steep and cobbled. Pack shoes with grip.

Good questions, honest answers

Is three days enough for southern Albania?

For the highlights, yes: Berat, Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye and one stretch of coast. It is not enough to also spend time on the beaches, and many people add two or three nights in Saranda or Himarë at the end.

Can I finish the tour in Saranda instead of Tirana?

Yes, at no extra cost. Many people do, and stay on the coast afterwards. Tell us when you book, and we can also arrange your onward transfer or the ferry to Corfu.

What is the difference between Berat and Gjirokastër?

Berat is white houses and soft light by a river, and feels open. Gjirokastër is grey stone roofs on a steep hillside under a massive castle, and feels fortified. Both are UNESCO listed together and most people end up with a favourite, split roughly evenly.

Plan the rest of your trip

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