Highlights
- HISTORIC CITIES · ANCIENT CASTLES · MUSEUMS & MONASTERIES · SCENIC VIEWS · WINE TASTING · LOCAL CRAFTS & CUISINE · CULTURAL HERITAGE
Discover the heart of Central Albania on this 5-day drive-yourself, partially guided tour, designed for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Tirana, where modern energy blends seamlessly with rich cultural heritage. Drive to the historic town of Kruja, home to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, and explore its medieval castle. Continue your adventure in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its unique architecture and historical significance. Experience the ancient ruins of Apollonia and find tranquility at the peaceful Ardenica Monastery. Enjoy the local wines and gastronomy at a charming rural vineyard. Each day offers a new destination, giving you the freedom to explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of Albania at your own speed.
Map
Itineraries Expand all
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Day 1: Arrival and Tirana vibes
Welcome to Albania!
This is your arrival day. After landing at Tirana International Airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to the city. Once you've checked into your hotel, we’ll have an introductory session. Our tour organizer will meet you for a kick-off meeting, where you'll receive your detailed itinerary, important contact numbers, a map of Albania, and, if requested, a mobile phone with a prepaid Albanian SIM card to stay connected throughout your trip.
Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Tirana's vibrant city center, exploring highlights like Bunk'Art, the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the lively Skanderbeg Square at your own pace. Alternatively, the city tour can also be arranged with a local guide for a more in-depth experience (optional).
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, followed by free time to explore areas like Tirana Castle, the vibrant Blloku district, and the city's lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and cafes.Meals included: No meals included
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 0.5 hours -
Day 2: Exploring Kruja – Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographic Delights, and the Old Bazaar
After breakfast, you'll pick up your rental car, complete a brief orientation, and start your self-drive adventure. Begin the day by heading north to the historic city of Kruja, a cornerstone of Albania’s cultural and historical heritage.
Upon arrival in Kruja, you’ll meet a local guide, our trusted partner, who will accompany you during the visit to ensure a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.
Your first stop is the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu. Known for uniting Albanians and defending the land against Ottoman forces for 25 years, Skanderbeg is celebrated as the "Athleta Christi" (Champion of Christ) for his role in protecting Christian Europe.
Next, visit the Ethnographic Museum with your guide, where you'll immerse yourself in Albania's rich cultural heritage by exploring traditional costumes, handcrafted artifacts, and exhibits that vividly depict the daily life and customs of the Albanian people.
After lunch in the castle area of Kruja, stroll through the Old Bazaar to explore traditional crafts, including a live demonstration by our partner artisan on making the qeleshe, Albania's iconic woolen cap.
In the afternoon, drive to the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, where you'll settle in for the evening and prepare for the next day’s adventure.Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Berat
Drive time: 2.5 hours -
Day 3: Berat: Discovering Historical Wonders, Local Flavors & Wines
Start your day by visiting Berat, the UNESCO-listed "City of a Thousand Windows." With a guided tour provided by our local collaborator, you'll explore the 2,400-year-old Berat Castle, perched on the eastern bank of the Osum River. Inside the castle, visit the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae and marvel at the works of the renowned 16th-century Albanian iconographer Onufri.
You’ll also visit a traditional house in Berat (our local partner), where you’ll learn about the stories and traditions of the local people.
Next, drive to the charming Roshnik village, nestled at the foot of Mount Tomorri. Here, you will visit Alpeta Agritourism and Winery, where you'll savor a farm-to-table lunch (included) featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a tasting of their finest wines and traditional raki, immersing yourself in the region’s rich culinary and winemaking traditions.
Enjoy a relaxing evening in Berat, with the option to explore the town, take a stroll along the Osum River, or relax in a cozy café.Optional: For those seeking adventure, consider adding a thrilling rafting experience on the Osumi River. This exciting activity offers breathtaking landscapes and will take approximately 4-5 hours, including the transfer from Berat to the rafting center, preparation, the rafting experience, and the return to Berat. The cost is 50-55 EUR per person. Please note that some of the planned activities may need to be adjusted to accommodate this option.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch+wine tasting
Overnight: Hotel in Berat
Drive time: 1 hour -
Day 4: Ancient Apollonia, Ardenica Monastery, and Back to Tirana
After breakfast, you will drive to Apollonia, an ancient Illyrian city founded in the 7th century BCE. You will explore the archaeological site, once a thriving trade center that blended Illyrian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Under Roman rule, Apollonia flourished, earning Cicero’s praise as a "magna urbs et gravis" and becoming an educational hub for notable figures, including Julius Caesar's nephew, the future Emperor Augustus, and General Agrippa.
Next, you will head to the Ardenica Monastery, a peaceful site renowned for its historical and cultural significance. You will admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its role in Albania's spiritual history. Enjoy lunch (not included) at a restaurant in Ardenica.
After visiting the monastery, you will drive back to Tirana. Upon arrival, you’ll finalize the return of your rental car, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free handover process.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Tirana, exploring the city or relaxing at Tirana Lake Park. In the evening, you can dine at your leisure or explore the vibrant bars and seafood restaurants Tirana is known for. Before the day ends, our tour manager will join you for a final drink and a farewell toast to reflect on your journey and cherished memories.Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 3 hours -
Day 5 Exploring Tirana’s Highlights & Departure
Before departing, enjoy a free morning to explore Tirana at your own pace. Depending on your departure time, you can either take a self-guided city walk to discover Tirana’s rich history and vibrant culture or ride the Dajti Express cable car for a refreshing escape into nature and panoramic views of the city.
Alternatively, visit the Tirana Castle, where you can relax at the cafes and bars, soaking in the local ambiance. If time allows, you may want to do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local products before heading to the airport.
Take the spirit of Albania with you, vowing to come back for more laughs, adventures, and treasured memories.
Meals included: Breakfast
Drive time: 40 min.
Trip Infos
- Language English/German/Italian
- Guiding method Self-Drive / Partially Guided
- Best season March to November
- Difficulty Level 2/5
- Duration 5 days · 4 nights
- Group size Private Group
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Visit in the traditional house in Berat
- Demonstration of artisan qeleshe handcrafting
- Meals: Breakfast daily. Lunch on Day 3.
- Standard Car Rental with GPS and Standard Package. Depending on the number of people, car options can range from sedans and SUVs to vans.
- Rental Car TPL Insurance (standard coverage) is included in the tour price. Full Casco Insurance is not included but can be added for an additional supplement, available upon request.
- A road map of Albania
- 24/7 support
- Tourist taxes
- International flights
- Drinks and snacks
- Meals not specified
- Travel insurance (participants must have their own)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, bar drinks)
- Tips for guides and drivers (optional)
- Other services not listed in the inclusions
Gallery
Availability
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Expand all
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour is rated as easy, but good health is recommended. The walks in Berat and Kruja castles, as well as in Apollonia, are manageable but require some effort, especially in the hot summer months.
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BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
This tour is best enjoyed between March and November. It can also be done during the winter months with some adjustments to the program, depending on weather conditions like rain or cold. July and August are also suitable, but it's important to note the possibility of high temperatures on some days.
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WHERE WE STAY
We’ve carefully chosen boutique hotels for your stay, ensuring comfort and a harmonious match with our tour experience. Our selections are conveniently located in city centers (Tirana and Berat, Saranda) and picturesque countryside settings (Llogara). Here are some of our preferred hotels, though the list varies seasonally: • Hotel Mangalemi: Nestled in the historic heart of Berat. • Art Hotel: Situated in the bustling city of Tirana.
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Private Tour: This is a private, self-drive tour, meaning you will not be mixed with other travelers. The minimum number of participants is two. • For groups larger than eight, you will need to be split into more cars. If you prefer to stay together as a group in one vehicle, a van or mini-bus a local driver can be added to accompany you. Please contact us for special arrangements. • Driving License: All participants intending to drive must possess a valid driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for non-EU citizens. • Car Rental Responsibility: Please note that the car rental is managed directly by the rental company (our partner), not by us. Any issues related to the rental, including the terms of the contract, damage, or insurance, should be addressed with the rental company. We are not responsible for any rental-related matters. • Car Selection: The type of car you select for the tour must match the driver's experience and comfort level. Our cars come with full insurance (Kasko), offering 100% coverage in the event of an accident, excluding abusive damage or loss of keys. • Please note that the car rental is managed directly by an our partner rental company, not by us. The payment for the rental is processed through us (and is included in the package price), but a deposit will need to be left with the rental company upon pick-up. • Driving Conditions: Albania has well-maintained roads in urban areas, but rural roads may be less developed. Please drive with caution, particularly in mountainous regions. • Fuel and Mileage: Fuel is not included in the tour price, and you will be responsible for fuel costs during your trip. The car comes with a full tank at the start of the tour. • Roadbook and Mobile Phone: You will receive a detailed electronic roadbook and a mobile phone with an Albanian SIM card for easy navigation and emergency contact. • Local Guides: Local guides will be available in Berat, Gjirokastra, and Tirana to enhance your cultural experience. • Parking and Traffic: Pay attention to local parking regulations and traffic rules, as violations may result in fines. • Road Assistance: 24-hour roadside assistance is available if needed during the tour. • Suitable for age 6+. • Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control. • If you arrive or depart from an airport other than Tirana, we can advise you on the best transportation options available. Airports in neighboring cities, such as those in Kosovo (Pristina), Montenegro (Podgorica), Greece (Corfu, Preveza, Ioannina, Thessaloniki), and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid), can also be considered for your travel. • On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs.
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PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY
PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY Payments: A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining 80% balance is due 45 days before the tour departure. For shorter trips (3 days or less), the balance is due 20 days before the tour departure. Cancellations & Refunds: 70 days or more before departure: 100% refund of the deposit amount paid. 69–45 days before departure: Loss of the 20% deposit. 30–44 days before departure: Loss of 30% of the total tour price. 15–29 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the total tour price. 8–14 days before departure: Loss of 75% of the total tour price. 7 days or less before departure: Loss of 100% of the total tour price (no refund). Postponements: If you wish to postpone instead of cancel, you can do so free of charge up to 45 days prior to departure, and all payments will be credited toward future travel. Note: Paying with a credit or debit card is not possible at the moment. We accept payments in Euros and the best payment method is via bank transfer or cash. This cancellation policy is valid for individual bookings and private groups of up to 8 travelers. For bigger groups please contact us and we will do our best to suit your wishes. We still recommend purchasing reliable travel insurance. If you have any doubts, questions, concerns, or need to soften our cancellation policy for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to contact us we will be glad to help and find a solution that suits everyone. Our first and most important concern is the safety and good vibes with our travelers. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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We added this tour in Albania to our Balkans trip, and it was a great choice! From Berat’s ancient charm to Tirana’s lively streets, every stop was unique. At first, we were unsure about driving in Albania, but everything went smoothly. Driving ourselves gave us the freedom to explore places we were most interested in. The visit to a family’s old house in Berat and the wine-tasting at the winery were amazing. Our guide, Keli was top!