Up Albania

Welcome to Albania!
This is the day of arrival. After arriving at Tirana Airport, you will be transferred to the city. Once everyone has checked into the hotel, we will have an introductory tour session. Depending on your flight schedule, we can organize a walking tour of the city to explore its rich history and culture, with stops at notable locations such as Bunk’Art, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious food, get to know each other, and share experiences.

Meals included: Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 0.5 hours

After breakfast, we will leave Tirana and head south to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Stone City.” En route, we will stop at Apollonia, an ancient Illyrian city founded in the 7th century BCE. Here, we’ll explore its rich history as a major trade center blending Illyrian, Greek, and Roman cultures, praised by Cicero and notable for its educational role in the lives of Julius Caesar’s nephew and future Emperor Augustus. Upon arriving in Gjirokastra, you’ll have free time to explore the Old Bazaar and enjoy lunch. We will then tour the city, starting with the imposing Gjirokastra Castle, which houses the Museum of Weapons. This fortress, one of the largest in the Balkans, offers panoramic views of the city and Drino Valley. Next, we will visit the Skenduli House, a beautifully restored Ottoman home from the early 1700s. In the evening, you’ll have free time to further explore the surroundings, soak in the local atmosphere, and taste traditional food at a neighbourhood restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Gjirokastra
Drive time: 3.5 hours

Start your day by dressing up in traditional Albanian attire. Men can wear the fustanella, a classic skirt-like garment from medieval times, while women can enjoy the elegance of a beautifully embroidered dress and headscarf. Step into history and experience the charm of Albanian culture through these unique outfit. Next, we drive to Labova e Kryqit to visit the 10th-century Saint Mary Church, a Byzantine masterpiece from Emperor Justinian’s time. Once a pilgrimage site for its relic of the True Cross, the church features stunning 9th-11th century frescoes and architecture. After we head to Lazarat village for an authentic Albanian experience. Here, we’ll visit a rural family for a traditional cooking class, learning how to prepare classic Albanian dishes and enjoying a home-cooked lunch with the family. In the afternoon, we drive to Përmet, nestled by the pristine Vjosa River. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Vjosa canyons along the way. Upon arrival, unwind at your hotel or explore the city center before dining at a traditional restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Permet
Drive time: 2.5 hour

The day kicks off with a roughly two-kilometer walk to the village of Leusa to admire Saint Mary’s Church, renowned for its magnificent, colorful frescoes, often called the Albanian “Sistine Chapel.” After Leusa, we drive along the Vjosa River canyon to visit the healing Bënja thermal waters. We’ll explore the ancient Katiu Bridge, marvel at the Langarica Canyon, and discover the warm, mineral-rich thermal baths of Bënja. These baths are cherished by locals for their therapeutic qualities, attracting visitors seeking relief from ailments like rheumatism and skin conditions. Take a dip in the refreshing waters and enjoy the perfect blend of nature and wellness. After lunch at one of the restaurants in the Bënja area, we will head to the vibrant capital city of Tirana. Once in the city, you’ll have a free evening to explore and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 3 hours

Before leaving, take advantage of a free morning. Depending on your departure time take a guided city walk across Tirana. You can also visit the Tirana Castle, where you can relax at cafes and bars while enjoying the ambiance. If time permits, consider shopping at nearby centers for souvenirs and local products. Carry the vibrant Albania spirit with you, promising to return for more adventures and unforgettable memories.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: N/A
Drive time: 40 min.