Albania Tours

Pick-up in Tirana
Berat is one of the oldest towns in Albania. The historical town centre of Berat is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will be picked-up in Tirana at 8:30 and we will drive for around 2.5 hours to reach Berat.

Berat Castle
The first stop of the tour is the Castle of Berat. The Kala fortress is an enormous castle on the top of the hill in Berat. From the castle, you will have amazing views in all directions and see the historical town and river below.

Within the castle walls, you will see a village-like neighbourhood, called Kala. Until this day, some people are still living within the castle walls. The castle dates back to the 13th century and there are many Byzantine churches within the walls and one Ottoman mosque.

Holy Trinity Church in Berat
The Holy Trinity Church is one of the best preserved churches inside the Berat castle. It will be one of the first buildings you see, as you walk up the hill towards the upper castle. The church is very beautiful and quite an eye-catcher. It was build in the 14th-century and still remains beautiful until this day.

Museum of Iconography “Onufri”
The Museum of Iconography is a museum with religious painting from several Albanian monasteries. The museum is located within the castle walls in the largest church on the premises, called “the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary”. The museum is named “Onufri” after the Albanian fresco and icon-painter.

National Ethnographic Museum of Berat
Just down the hill from the Berat castle, we will visit the National Ethnographic Museum of Berat. The museum is inside a beautiful 18th century Ottoman house. On the ground floor, you can see a traditional medieval bazaar with embroidery, woodcarving and metalworking shops. On the second floor, you can visit a traditional house with a guest room, a kitchen and a work room.

Mangalem Quarter & Gorica Quarter
Then in the afternoon, we will visit the Mangalem & Gorica Quarters. These are the traditional neighbourhoods build on the side of the hill. You will see hundreds of little white Ottoman-style houses. From the bottom of the hill, it looks like the little houses are stacked on top of each other. Therefore, Berat is called “the city of a thousand windows”. In short, Berat is a very romantic city with an Italian atmosphere.

Free time to explore Berat
In the late afternoon, you will have some free time to stroll through the old neighbourhoods of Berat. You can buy souvenirs, sit down on one of the many terraces, take stunning pictures on the bridge and try some local food. Berat has many beautiful architecture and traditional houses, which have been turned into restaurants, shops and hotels. After seeing this beautiful city, you will no doubt understand why it is a museum city and a UNESCO Heritage Site.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fees to the Museum of Iconography ‘Onufri’, the Ethnographic Museum, and Castle of Berat.

• Meals and drinks

To check the pricing and available dates for the Berat Full-Day Tour from Tirana, please click on the Book Now button above.

Pick-up in Tirana
You will be picked up in Tirana at 8:30 and we will drive for around 1 hour to reach Kruje. The city of Kruje is famous in Albania, because it was the home of the National hero Skanderbeg. During the trip, we will visit the Castle of Kruje, the Skanderbeg Museum, the Ethnographic museum and the Old Bazaar. And at the end of the afternoon, we will hike up Mount Sarisalltik for an amazing view.

Kruje Castle
The castle of Kruje is an impressive hillside castle, which is located above the city of Kruje. The castle has breathtaking views of the surrounding area and Tirana city in the distance.

The small medieval castle is famous in Albania, because it was the headquarters of the national hero Skanderbeg.
In the 15th century, the powerful Turkish Ottoman empire was conquering the Balkans. However, the Ottoman Turks were not able to break the defences of the Kruje Castle. The rebellion against the Ottomans was lead by Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg. He had serious military skills, and therefore, he was compared to Alexander the Great.

Skanderbeg Museum
The Skanderbeg Museum is one of the most visited & most important museums in Albania. It is named after Skanderbeg, who is Albania’s national hero. Skanderbeg was a warrior and battle commander. He reunited the different Albanian families and tribes. And he created an army that fought against the Ottoman Turks for 25 years.

In the museum, you can experience the story of Skanderbeg’s life and military battles in chronological order. You get to know the story of Albania’s most celebrated national hero!

Ethnographic Museum of Kruja
The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja is a traditional home, where you can get a unique, insight into the traditional Albanian household customs. The house was originally build in the 19th century by the affluent Toptani family. Inside the museum, you will see how self-sufficient the family was. The family produced its own food, honey, leather, weapons and olive oil. It even has a mini hammam and a little watermill. The house’s wall displays beautiful fresco paintings.

Old Bazaar Market
The Old Bazaar is one of the oldest Ottoman-style markets in Albania. The market place was build over 400 years ago and it was recently restored in 2015. In the bazaar, you can buy souvenirs and traditional handicraft items from Albania. Popular products in the market are traditional Albanian clothing, rugs, copper pots, silver jewelry and embroidered tablecloths. It is a lovely market to stroll around or you can enjoy a coffee at one of the cafe’s along the market.

The Cave of Sarisalltik
In the afternoon, we will hike to Mount Sarisalltik. The mountain cave of Sarisalltik is a religious location in Albania. Pilgrims hike up to the cave, because the journey has a sacred meaning for them.

The cave of Sarisalltik is at a height of 1176 meters and it has the most amazing view of the surrounding landscape. Inside the cave, you can visit the fountain of holy water, the first Albanian mosque and the grave of Sarisalltik, who was a religious leader. You will have a stunning view.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fees to Kruje Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and Mount Sarisalltik

• Food and drinks

To check the pricing and available dates for the Kruje & Mount Sarisalltik Full-Day Tour, please click on the Book Now button above.

Apollonia Archaeological Park
Apollonia is an archaeological park in center of Albania. In the ancient times, Apollonia was an important Greek city. The city was founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth. However, it was during the Roman period that the city of Apollonia really flourished.

In the 4th century AD, Apollonia was an important economic city and trade center. The city was known for its famous school of philosophy. Cicero, a famous Roman public speaker, called Apollonia “a great and important city”. And the city was also one of the most important gateways to the Via Egnatia, which was a Roman trade route through the Balkans.

The ruins of Apollonia were re-discovered in the beginning of the 19th century. The park is set of a hilly plateau and it is surrounded by calming nature.

Berat Castle
The Berat Castle is an enormous fortress called “Kala” on the top of the hill in Berat. From the castle, you will have amazing views in all directions and see the historical town and river below.

Within the castle walls, you will see a village-like neighbourhood, called Kala. Until this day, some people are still living within the castle walls. The castle dates back to the 13th century and there are many Byzantine churches within the walls and one Ottoman mosque.

Museum of Iconography “Onufri”
The Museum of Iconography is a museum with religious painting from several Albanian monasteries. The museum is located within the castle walls in the largest church on the premises, called “the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary”. The museum is named “Onufri” after the Albanian fresco and icon-painter.

Mangalem Quarter & Gorica Quarter
Then in the afternoon, we will visit the Mangalem & Gorica Quarters. These are the traditional neighbourhoods build on the side of the hill. You will see hundreds of little white Ottoman-style houses. From the bottom of the hill, it looks like the little houses are stacked on top of each other. Therefore, Berat is called “the city of a thousand windows”. In short, Berat is a very romantic city with an Italian atmosphere.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fee to Apollonia
• Entrance fees to the Museum of Iconography ‘Onufri’
• Entrance fee to the Castle of Berat

• Meals and drinks

To check the pricing and available dates for the Apollonia and Berat UNESCO tour from Tirana, please click on the Book Now button above.

Rozafa Castle
Rozafa castle is a large castle on the top of a hill near Shkoder city. The castle has a spectacular, panoramic view over Shkoder city and the Lake of Shkodra. The Illyrians originally founded the castle in antiquity, but it was later rebuild by the Venetians and the Turkish Ottomans.

There is a famous legend about the castle. Alledgedly, three brothers build the castle during the day, however, during the night the walls would fall down. The brothers were told by an old man, that a human sacrifice was needed to ensure the walls would stand. The brothers made a deal and decided that the wife, who brought lunch the next day, would be sacrificed.

The two older brothers cheated and told their wifes. Therefore, the wife of the youngest brother, Rozafa, was sacrificed. She agreed under the condition that her foot, her hand and her breast would be exposed, so that she could take care of her infant child. You can see a statue of Rozafa at the entrance of the castle’s museum.

Venice Art Mask Factory
The Venice Art Mask Factory is a factory and exhibition of Venetian Masks. The factory was started in 1997 by Edmond Angoni, who is originally from Albania, but spend a long period of time in Venice. Back in Albania, he began creating Venetian masks and turned it into a worldwide factory. The factory has eight shops in Venice and one in Las Vegas, and it sells masks in luxury shops in Dubai and Australia as well.

In the Venice Art Mask Factory, you can see a display of 1700 unique art masks. Each mask is produced by 12 or 13 professionals, who work on the molding, papier-mache, painting and decorations.

The factory produces more than 30.000 masks per year. It is very enjoyable to browse through the beautiful collection of masks. Each mask is a unique work of art. The masks vary in price point, so you might even find a unique souvenir to take home.

Marubi National Photography Museum
The Marubi National Photography Museum is a collection of photos taken by three generations of photographers. In 1850, Pietro Marubbi, an Italian painter and photographer, emigrated from Italy to Shkoder for political reasons. Whilst in Shkoder, he founded a photo business called Foto Marubi. He trained Kel Kodheli, who took over the family business after Pietro’s death and changed his name to Kel Marubi. And later Kel’s son, Gege Marubi followed in his footsteps.

In the Marubi National Photography Museum you can see a collection of photographs that tell Albania’s history. The Marubi family photographed significant national events and daily life in Albania. There are portraits of tribal leaders, highland uprisings and influential persons, like Edith Durham.

Mesi Bridge
The Mesi Bridge is a cultural monument to the northeast of Shkoder city. It is a historical bridge that was build in the 18th century, when Albania was ruled by the Turkish Ottoman empire.

Today, it is the largest remaining bridge from the Ottoman period in Albania. The bridge is a touristic attraction and it was voted the top bridge to visit in Albania by Tripadvisor. The bridge is 108 meters long and it has a total of 13 little arches. It is surrounded by the beautiful mountains in the background.

Rruga Kole Idromeno
The Kole Idromeno Street is a famous pedestrian street in the center of Shkoder city. It is a very pretty boulevard with many terraces. The pedestrian street was designed by a local architect and painter called Kole Idromeno. The architect was schooled in Venice and therefore, the boulevard has a very Italian feel.

It has many decorative details like beautiful stones and romantic lighting. The boulevard is a lovely place for strolling, shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the terrace.

Shkoder
In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the city centre of Shkoder. 

Shkodra Lake
If you enjoy spending time in nature, we can bring you to Shkodra Lake in the afternoon. The Lake of Shkodra is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. It is located on the border between Albania and Montenegro. It is a calming and refreshing area. The little Shiroke village on the shore of Lake Shkodra offers beautiful views of the lake and a lovely boulevard with restaurants on the shore.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fee to Venice Art Mask Factory
• Entrance fee to Marubi National Museum of Photography
• Entrance fee to Rozafa Castle

• Meals and drinks

To check the pricing and available dates for the Shkodra Full Day Tour from Tirana, please click on the Book Now button above.

Bunk’Art 1 Museum
Bunk Art 1 is the best and most innovative museum in Tirana. The museum is located inside a massive communist bunker.

From 1945 to 1992, Albania was ruled by a communist dictator called Enver Hoxha. He constructed 750.000 bunkers in Albania, because he was paranoid and afraid of a foreign nuclear attack on the country. The foreign attack never happened, and the communism regime ended in 1992.

But Albania still has thousands of unused bunkers.

The massive bunker, which accommodates Bunk Art 1, was intended to accommodate the communist dictator and his government if a foreign attack took place. It is a five-story underground bunker complex with over 100 rooms and a multitude of hallways. But it was never used.

Nowadays, the bunker has been converted into a very interesting museum about Albania’s history. You can listen to Enver Hoxha on the phone, see old TV footage, learn about nuclear weapons and see the dictator’s room. You get a unique insight into the dark year under the communist rule in Albania. Simply said, Bunk Art 1 is the most impressive museum in Albania, but it is also a little creepy…

Dajti Express Cable Car
The Dajti Express is an Austrian built cable car in the outskirts of Tirana. You board the cable car at the lower station. The journey to the upper station of the Dajti Express takes around 15 minutes and it is breathtaking.

You fly accross the tree tops, by the mountain cliffs and you can see the little farm houses below. Once you get closer to the top, you will see a view of Tirana city in the distance and the Adriatic Sea at the horizon.

Dajti Mountain
The upper station of the Dajti Cable Car is 1613 metres above sealevel. The view from the upper balcony is impressive. You can see the entire city of Tirana, the Adriatic Sea and the Port of Durres. Albania is a very mountainous country, so you will see various hills and valleys in the distance.

At the top of the cliff, there is the Balcony Restaurant which has floor to ceiling windows and it is the perfect spot for lunch. You can also go on top of the Dajti Tower Hotel and step out on the viewing terrace or go to the the rotating bar.

At the upper station, you can try your hand at various outdoor activities. There is a little shooting range, mini golf, an outdoor fitness area, horse riding, various playgrounds and a children’s adventure park.

The Dajti Mini Golf and Adventure park has a high robes course and ziplining facilities, this is optional and the fees are not included. 

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fees to Bunk Art 1 and Dajti Express Cable Car

• Meals and drinks
• Optional entry to: Dajti Mini Golf and Adventure park

To check the pricing and available dates for the Bunk Art 1 Museum & Cable Car Dajti Mountain, please click on the Book Now button above.

Cape of Rodon
The Cape of Rodon is a natural wonder and it is a hidden gem in Albania. The Cape of Rodon is a rocky peninsula that points into the Adriatic Sea. The cape of Rodon is also known as the Cape of Skanderbeg or “Kepi i Rodonit”.

The cape is completely overgrown by nature and untouched by humans. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Tirana. However, from the parking space, the cape can only be reached by hiking along a trail for about 45 minutes. At the end of the trail, you will see the Cape of Rodon.

From the hill, you will have beautiful views of the lush green cape, which points into the wild sea. From the hill, you can descent to the Cape to visit the Rodoni Castle.

During the communist period, the Cape of Rodon was a restricted area. Since, it served as a military base by the coast. Along the walking trail, you will see numerous bunkers and tunnels, which remind the Albanian people of the strict communist regime of Enver Hoxha.

Rodoni Castle
On the Cape of Rodon, you can visit the Rodoni Castle. The castle is also called Skanderbeg Castle, since it was build by Albanian’s national hero Skanderbeg. Skanderbeg was a military commander, who united the Albanian tribes and led the defence against the invasion of the Ottoman Turks.

Skanderbeg completed the castle around 1452 with the intention to have access to the Adriatic Sea. However, in 1467, the Ottoman Turks destroyed the castle. The castle was later rebuilt by the Venetians after 1500.

Church of St Anthony
The Church of St Anthony is one of the first sights you see, when you arrive to the Cape of Rodon. The church is a beautiful sight, as it has the sea and the beach in the background.

The church was originally built in the 12th century, but it was rebuilt in the 15th century. It has a Romanesque-Gothic style and it was a part of the Franciscan monastery. During the communist regime, the church was used as a military depot, but after the fall of the communism it was restored. There are several beautiful frescoes inside the church.

Bay of Lalzi
The Bay of Lalzi is one of the most natural beaches close to Tirana. Whereas Durres or Shengjin are big coastal towns, Lalzi beach is filled pine trees and white sand.

The Bay of Lalzi is located along the same road to the Cape of Rodon, so it is perfect spot for a stop on the way back to Tirana. You will have 2 hours of free time to walk along the white beach and swim. The beach is enclosed by cliffs in the distance and it is usually quiet in the summer months.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fees to the Cape of Rodon and Rodoni Castle

• Meals and drinks

To check the pricing and available dates for the Cape of Rodon Full-Day Tour from Tirana, please click on the Book Now button above.

Day 1: Blue Eye & Saranda

Blue Eye
The Blue Eye of Albania is one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. The Blue Eye is a natural fresh water spring. The natural spring pumps bright blue water to the surface of the river.

The Blue Eye has become a touristic attraction, since the water of the spring is a magical blue colour. The water is so bright, that you won’t believe it is all natural.

Moreover, the spring resembles a human eye. The dark underwater cave looks like the black pupil of a human eye. And the bright blue water looks like the iris of a human eye.

If you dare, you can jump into the Blue Eye spring, which is more than 50 metres deep. But bare in mind that the water is ice cold all year long.

Saranda
Saranda is a vibrant coastal city in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city is often called “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera”. The large coastal city has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. In the evening, the entire city lights up and you can walk along the promenade by the water. You will have some free time in the evening to explore Saranda.

Day 2: Butrint UNESCO sight and Ksamil beach

Butrint
Butrint is the most impressive UNESCO Heritage site in Albania. Throughout history, Butrint was a Greek city, a Roman city and a Biscopic.

What makes Butrint special is the unique combinatation of archaeological ruins, which are surounded by water and nature. The nature has integrated itself in the historical sight, which makes it a beautiful place to visit.

Butrint is an archaeological park, where you can see ruins and historical buildings from all the different periods throughout history.

Butrint was initially a prehistoric site, with its first occupation dating back to 50 000 BC. Then from 800 BC, it became a Greek colony. In 44 BC, it was taken over by the Romans, who built an aqueduct accross the Vivari channel to the main land. Then in the 5th century AD, Butrint was ruled by the Church and its Bishop.

In the 9th century, after briefly being abandoned, it was reconstructed by the Byzantine empire. In the 14th century, the Venentians controlled the site and strenthened the defensive works.

And finally, Ali Pasha, an Albanian governer during the Ottoman empire, ruled the city. In the late middle ages, Butrint was abandoned.

Ksamil
Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach in the South of Albania. Therefore, the Albanian people describe Ksamil beach as “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera”.

Without a doubt, Ksamil beach is the prettiest beach in the country. The beach is set on a little peninsula with perfect white sand. And the water in the bay is a bright green colour and the clearest water you have ever seen.

At Ksamil beach, there are four little islands in the sea close to the beach. The most famous are the twin islands, which are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land.

If you have always wanted to visit an uninhibited island, this is your chance. From the beach, you can swim to the nearest island. Or you can rent a boat or kayak to visit the islands, which are further away.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fee to Butrint UNESCO sight and the Blue Eye spring

• Meals and drinks
• Accommodation is your own expense – Please book a 1-night stay in either Saranda or Ksamil

To check the pricing and available dates for the Butrint, Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Two Day Tour from Tirana, please click on the Book Now button above.

Gjirokaster city
Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobble stone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also knows as the “stone city”.

The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a “museum city”, because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.

Gjirokaster Castle
The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it therefore dominates the city.

The castle was originally build in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Byzantine rule, the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From the 1930 onwards, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant against the government.

Inside the castle, you can visit the Museum of Arms, which displays arms used against the Italian occupaction, the German occupacion and the Albanian Independence.

Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster
The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the traditional market place in Gjirokaster. The bazaar was originally build in the Middle Ages. There are a variety of craftsmen, souvenir shops and coffee houses along the Bazaar. You can buy handmade wooden pieces, handwoven rugs and delicate lace items. The street of the Bazaar is made of cobblestones and it set on a steep hillside.

Skenduli House
Skenduli House is a highlight for visitors to Gjirokaster. It is an original family house, which is more than 300 years old. During your visit, you will get a unique insight into what life was like for a rich family during the Ottoman period. The house has 9 fireplaces, 6 bathrooms, 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows and 4 hamam turkish baths.

The house has been owned by the same family for generations. The family will show you around the house and tell you stories about it’s history. One of the highlights is the room used for wedding ceremonies, with beautiful stained glass windows, carved wooden ceilings and a fireplace decorated with pomegranates, which symbolize fertility.

Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra
The Cold War Tunnel is a giantic bunker underneath the castle of Gjirokaster. It was build by the former communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The dictator was paranoid about a foreign invasion or a nuclear attack.

In fact, he was so convinced an attack was eminent he constructed 750.000 bunkers all over Albania. The Cold War Tunnel bunker was constructed in secret in the 1960s, and it remained a secret for the locals until the 1990s.

The Cold War Tunnel is 800 m long and it has 59 rooms, therefore, it could hold up to 300 people if needed. The bunker is empty, but the use of the rooms have been displayed on the doors. There were rooms for government ministries, interrogators, party elites, power generation, water storage, sleeping, de-contamination and air filtration.

Museum of Weapons Gjirokastra
Inside the castle walls of Gjirokastra’s castle, you can visit the Museum of Weapons. The museum site was originally a prison. Albania’s King Zog constructed the prison in 1932. During the second world war, the prison was used by the Italian and German forces. After the war, the communist regime, used the prison to hold political prisoners.

The Museum of Weapons displays arms used by from the Albanian Independence struggle in 1912 and from the struggle agains the Italiean and German occupactions from 1939 to 1944.

Zekate House
Zekate House is a historical town house in Gjirokaster city. It is a beautiful example of a traditional tower house. The house was build in 1812, and it said to be “one of the greatest examples of Gjirokaster architecture in the Ottoman style”. Impressive houses like Zekate House, used to only belong to the wealthy people, like government officials and merchants.

Inside the house you can see the original interior and imagine what it was like to live there during the Ottoman period. There are beautiful stained-glass windows, wooden ceilings and wall frescoes.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fees to the museums described in the itinerary

• Meals and drinks

To check the pricing and available dates for the Gjirokaster Full-Day Tour from Tirana, please click on the Book Now button above.

Day 1: Durres, Vlore beach, Zvernec Island

Durres
After departing Tirana, we stop for a short coffee break in Durres. Durres is one of the most famous seaside cities in Albania, because it is only 45 minutes from the capital city Tirana. We will have a coffee in a cafe with seaside view towards the Adriatic Sea. And we will pass by the Roman Amphitheathre of Durres and the Venetian Tower for about 30 minutes.

Roman Amphitheatre of Durres
The Roman Amphitheatre of Durres was build in the 2nd century AD. At the time, Durres was called “Dyrrachium” and it was a part of the Roman empire. The Roman Emperor Trajan was leading the empire and Rome was flourishing.

The Roman Amphitheatre of Durres used to host gladiator spectacles and other events. It was an attraction for the citizens, travelers and merchants. The theatre could seat approximately 15000 to 18000 spectators. The theatre was re-discovered only recently in 1966. We will walk along the pathway above the theatre, from where you can look down onto the arena.

The Venetian Tower of Durres
The Venetian Tower of Durres is a large round tower which remains of the former Durres Castle. The castle was initially build in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. The Venetians extended the castle in the first half of the fiftheenth century, when Durres was ruled by the Republic of Venice. Today, few structures of the castle remain, only the tower and one ancient wall can be seen.

Vlore Beach
After visiting Durres, we drive south towards the large coastal city Vlore. Vlore is a very popular and large beachside city. It is also the starting point of the Albanian Riviera, which leads from Vlore southwards to Saranda. The city is built around a large horseshoe bay in the sea. Along the bay, there is a popular beachside promenade called Lungomare. Along this promenade, you can find many shops, restaurants, clubs, coffee houses and bars.

Sightseeing at Zvernec Island
After spending some time at Vlore beach, we will make a 30 minute stop at Zvernec Island. Zvernec Island is a little island in the Narta Lagoon. A long bridge leads you from the mainland to Zvernec Island. On the island, you can visit the little Zvernec monastery. The island is a beautiful location to make pictures.

Day 2: Driving along the Albanian Riviera, including Llogara Pass, Dhermi beach, Jale beach, Borsh beach, Porto Palermo, Saranda and Ksamil beach

Llogara Pass
From Vlore, we will start our drive along the coastal road in the direction of Saranda and make a stop at the Llogara Pass. The Llogara Pass is a mountain pass on the coastal road. It is the highest point on the coastal road, at a height of 1027 meters. It has a beautiful viewpoint, where you can make a stop to take pictures. From the pass, you will have a spectacular view of Palase beach, the Dhermi village and the Ionian Sea.

After visting the Llogara Pass, we will drive down the winding road towards the most beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The riviera has Mediterraenean villages, historical castles, Orthodox churches, white beaches, hidden caves and hundreds of olive threes.

Dhermi beach
Dhermi beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi is a lovely little village with hillside houses and a long stretch of beach. During the summer months, it attracts young people and it has a vibrant atmosphere. We will stop to relax and swim in the sea, before continuing our journey.

Jala beach
Jale beach is a little beach village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. The beach of Jale is known for its incredibly clear water. The beach is surrounded by hills on both sides and it is usually one of the quieter spots in the Albanian Riviera. You will have some free time to explore the beach.

Himare beach
We transfer to the village of Himare. Himare is a larger village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. There is a traditional village on the hillside, from where you can look down onto the beach and sea. There is a small walking tour of the old village, which is on the hill. You can see some of the traditional houses, which are on the hillside. Moreover, since the village is on the hill it offers a beautiful view towards the Ionian Sea.

Porto Palermo and the Castle of Ali Pasha
Porto Palermo is a large blue bay in the Albanian Riviera. In the middle of the Bay of Porto Palermo, you can visit the Castle of Ali Pasha.

The castle of Ali Pasha is a triangular-shaped fortress on a little island in the Bay of Porto Palermo. The castle is very picturesque and from the rooftop, you have a stunning view of the sea.

Although, many guidebooks state that the castle was build by Ali Pasha, the Albanian governor during the Ottoman empire. It is actually not true, and the castle was build by the Venetians. Because it gave the Venetians easy acccess by sea and it has the same triangular design as the Venetian castle in Butrint.

It is very likely that the written history was changed during the communist period. The communists wanted to believe that the Albanian Ali Pasha constructed the castle. Because it is more in line with the communist nationalist ideas. During the communism, the castle was used as a Soviet submarine base.

Borsh Beach
The beach of Borsh is an impressive sight, because the beach is extremely long. You can choose to stay amongst other people, close to the restaurants. Or you can walk along the beach to be by yourself. The beach has perfect clear blue water and there is a good restaurant at the beach as well.

Saranda
Saranda is a vibrant coastal city in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city is often called “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera”. The large coastal city has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. In the evening, the entire city lights up and you can walk along the promenade by the water.

Ksamil
Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach in the South of Albania. Therefore, the Albanian people describe Ksamil beach as “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera”. Without a doubt, Ksamil beach is the prettiest beach in the country. The beach is set on a little peninsula with perfect white sand. And the water in the bay is a bright green colour and the clearest water you have ever seen.

At Ksamil beach, there are four little islands in the sea close to the beach. The most famous are the twin islands, which are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land. If you have always wanted to visit an uninhibited island, this is your chance. From the beach, you can swim to the nearest island. Or you can rent a boat or kayak to visit the islands, which are further away.

Day 3: The Blue Eye of Albania & Gjirokaster UNESCO sight

Blue Eye of Albania
The Blue Eye of Albania is one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. The Blue Eye is a natural fresh water spring. The natural spring pumps bright blue water to the surface of the river. The Blue Eye has become a touristic attraction, since the water of the spring is a magical blue colour. The water is so bright, that you won’t believe it is all natural.

Moreover, the spring resembles a human eye. The dark underwater cave looks like the black pupil of a human eye. And the bright blue water looks like the iris of a human eye. If you dare, you can jump into the Blue Eye spring, which is more than 50 metres deep. But bare in mind that the water is ice cold all year long.

Gjirokaster city
Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobble stone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also knows as the “stone city”.

The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a “museum city”, because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.

Gjirokaster Castle
The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it therefore dominates the city.

The castle was originally build in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Byzantine rule, the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From the 1930 onwards, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant against the government.

Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster
The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the traditional market place in Gjirokaster. The bazaar was originally build in the Middle Ages. There are a variety of craftsmen, souvenir shops and coffee houses along the Bazaar. You can buy handmade wooden pieces, handwoven rugs and delicate lace items. The street of the Bazaar is made of cobblestones and it set on a steep hillside.

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• Entrance fees 

• Food & drinks
• Accommodation is own expense

To check the pricing and available dates for the 3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach, please click on the Book Now button above.