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Ancient Cities & the Albanian Riviera

Albania in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

Up to £400 reward

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-40%

From

£ 1,509

£ 899

/person

Natalie, Travel Expert

Natalie
Travel crafter

Albania is an European enigma that defies easy categorisation. Spend a week exploring this ancient culture without sacrificing time to relax on the famed Albanian Riviera!

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Berat
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Blue Eye National Park
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Butrint
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Gjirokastër
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Ksamil
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Tirana

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until October 2024

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 320

  4. Add up to 4 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert for free:

+44 20 8068 3176

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April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From £ 899

Selected

  • Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 7 Nights

Itinerary

On landing in Albania, head for the historic city of Berat and learn about the diverse cultures of the area. Visit Gjirokastër to see well-preserved Ottoman architecture before stopping at the Blue Eye spring and Butrint ruins. Spend two incredible days by the beach in Ksamil before ending with a free day in the capital Tirana.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Berat
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Pack your bags and head to your departure airport, ready for a flight* to Tirana, Albania. Among the most enigmatic destinations in Europe, this Balkan country offers a totally unique culture along with stunning natural scenery combining mountains, forests, and Ionian beaches. Arrive at the Tirana International Airport and transfer by car to Berat. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, relaxing at the hotel or exploring on foot! Overnight stay in Berat.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Note: Estimated transfer distance 123 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Republika Berat or similar
tripadvisor rating

13 Reviews

See our full selection
2nd Day: Berat
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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off to spend the morning exploring Berat on a guided tour of this ancient city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Begin at the Castle of Berat, a mediaeval citadel that overlooks the city. The extensive complex contains multiple important sights, including Byzantine churches and the Onufri Museum, dedicated to one of Albania’s most famous religious painters. Make additional stops at the Mosque of Berat and the Bridge Gorica before having free time for the afternoon. Overnight stay in Berat.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Republika Berat or similar
tripadvisor rating

13 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)

Moderate

See more
3rd Day: Berat - Gjirokaster
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Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, say goodbye to Berat as you continue on towards Gjirokastër. This well-preserved city is an exceptional example of Ottoman architecture in Albania, though the city has been inhabited since the Byzantine era. Like Berat, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to explore the city independently, sampling local foods or checking out the Gjirokastër Fortress at the top of a hill. Overnight stay in Gjirokastër.

Note: Estimated transfer distance 181 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Argjiro Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

106 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)

Moderate

See more
4th Day: Gjirokaster - Blue Eye - Butrint - Ksamil
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Breakfast at the hotel. Head south towards Sarandë, a town often considered the centre of the Greek minority in Albania. Make a stop at the Mesopota Monastery on the way to the Blue Eye, a natural spring that descends more than 50 metres into the ground. Located just outside Sarandë, you’ll then visit the ruins of Butrint. This ancient Greek city later became a Roman outpost in Albania, and it is one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. See various buildings reflecting centuries of different influences, also including the Venetians and the Turks. End the afternoon by transferring to Ksamil and checking in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Ksamil.

Note: estimated transfer distance 76 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Monel Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

1 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Blue Eye National Park

Moderate

See more
included
Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)

Moderate

See more
5th Day: Ksamil
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Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your first of two free days in Ksamil, a seaside town known for its collection of islets located in the strait of Corfu. Emplematic of the Albanian Riviera, this region truly brings the beauty of nature to the fore with characteristic Mediterranean vegitation. This is your chance to rest and recharge after several long days of touring. Overnight stay in Ksamil.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Monel Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

1 Reviews

See our full selection
6th Day: Ksamil
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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day surrounded by Ksamil’s characteristic white sand and crystal-blue water. Try snorkelling at the beach, or just sample fresh local foods. You’ll have the entire day at your leisure to enjoy the relaxing amenities on offer. Overnight stay in Ksamil.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Monel Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

1 Reviews

See our full selection
7th Day: Ksamil - Tirana
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Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the tranquillity of Ksamil behind as you transfer back to the Albanian capital, Tirana. On arrival, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the city independently. Get to know Skanderbeg Square in the city centre, visit the National Art Gallery, or go for a walk in the Grand Park of Tirana. Whatever you decide, take full advantage of your final full day in this magical country. Overnight stay in Tirana.

Note: estimated transfer distance 275 km.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Freddy's Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

295 Reviews

See our full selection
8th Day: Tirana - UK/Ireland
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Breakfast* at the hotel. It’s time to bid farewell to the historical nation of Albania. At the indicated time, take your transfer to Tirana Airport for your departure and return to the UK/Ireland.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Included activities

Included

City Tour of Berat (UNESCO)

Included activity for day 2 in Berat

Visit the castle of Berat, the Onufri museum as well as other top attractions including the Mosque of Berat and old Bridge of Gorica.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit to Gjirokastër (UNESCO)

Included activity for day 3 in Gjirokastër

Explore this UNESCO listed site, one of the highlights of Albania with an imposing citadel and numerous typical houses.

Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included
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1,5 hrs walking.

Blue Eye National Park

Included activity for day 4 in Blue Eye National Park

It’s a very picturesque area, where crystal clear water gushes out from within the mountain Mali i Gjërë. This spring is the largest and a most interesting source among the other 18 springs.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit to Butrint (UNESCO)

Included activity for day 4 in Butrint

Visit to Butrint (UNESCO) the Albania's most important archaeological site. Explore numerous buildings including an acropolis, basilica and palace.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

The price includes

  • premium-care-icon
    Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Tirana - UK/Ireland.
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 7 breakfasts.
  • All transfers
  • Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • ATOL Protection.
  • English speaking guide during all tour itinerary, and local guides.
  • Escorted tour from day 2 to day 4.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes* and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

*The tourist tax in Albania must be paid in cash directly at the hotels. The amount will vary according to the city and the category of accommodation chosen:

  • Charm: 80 to 150 ALL (Albanian Lek), per room per night.
  • Superior: 300 to 400 ALL (Albanian Lek) per room per night.

Please keep in mind that some roads may be in poor condition. For this reason, we cannot predict the volume of traffic ahead of time.

• We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Albania. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.

• Hotel ratings in Albania are not governed by the same standards as those in the UK/Ireland.

• Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.

• For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity required.

  • Visa

    No visa is required to enter the country.

  • Currency

    Lek.

  • Language

    Albanian.

  • Electricity

    Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

  • Health

    There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 01:00.

  • Tourist Office website

    https://albania.al/

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardised across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Babies: 0-2 years.

Children: 3-11 years.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in installments according to your departure date.