Highlights
- MELIÃ DURRËS: LUXURY RESORT & SPA ∙ RELAX & WELLNESS ∙ ART & HISTORY ∙ UNESCO ∙ WINE TASTING ∙ AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES ∙ SCENIC DRIVES ∙ LOCAL GASTRONOMY
Enjoy a relaxing and exciting 4-day self-drive trip while staying at MELIÃ Durrës, one of Albania’s most beautiful resorts. Surrounded by nature in Lalzi Bay, this luxurious retreat is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the coast.
Explore at your own pace while also joining guided experiences to learn more about Albania’s rich history and culture. Visit the medieval town of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll through the lively streets of Tirana, and discover the historic town of Kruja. Along the way, enjoy traditional Albanian food, taste local wines, and experience authentic local life—all while relaxing in a peaceful seaside setting.
Itineraries Expand all
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Day 1: Arrival, Rental Car Pickup & Relaxation at Meliã Durrës
Welcome to Albania!
Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet our tour manager, who will assist you with the rental car pickup and other instructions needed. This car will be yours for the entire trip, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Once everything is set, begin your journey with a scenic drive to Meliã Durrës, a luxurious resort surrounded by lush greenery in Gjiri i Lalzit, overlooking the Adriatic.After check-in, take time to relax and have fun at the wellness center, enjoy the pool, or treat yourself to exclusive spa services. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at the Meliã restaurant, in a peaceful and elegant setting.
A perfect way to start your journey!
Meals included: Dinner
Driving time: 45 min -
Day 2: Berat: Ancient Ruins, Art, and Wine
Today, enjoy a scenic drive to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its stunning architecture and rich history.
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, take a short 20-minute drive to a local winery, renowned for its wines made from unique, autochthonous grape varieties. Enjoy a tour of the winery, followed by a wine tasting and a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
In the late afternoon, return to the comfort of Meliã Durrës for a relaxing evening. Enjoy spa treatments, unwind with some yoga, play games, or enjoy live music at the resort—whatever helps you recharge after a fulfilling day.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (+ wine tasting), and Dinner
Driving time: 4h (round trip) -
Day 3: History and Tradition in Tirana and Kruja
In the morning, drive to Tirana (40 minutes) to explore the capital city with a local guide.
Visit iconic landmarks like Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Bunk'Art 2, a museum housed in a former communist bunker.
After lunch in the city, head to Kruja to visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania's national hero, and the Ethnographic Museum.After touring the castle, wander through the Old Bazaar, known for its local crafts and souvenirs.
In the evening, return to Meliã Durrës to relax before a farewell dinner at a renowned agriturismo, where you'll enjoy traditional local dishes and fine Albanian wines.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Driving time: 3.5 hours -
Day 4: Visit to Durrës and Departure
On your final day, enjoy a visit to Durrës, known for its rich history and stunning beaches, if your flight time allows. After exploring the city, head to the airport for your departure. Before checking in, you'll meet our tour manager to return the rental car and finalize your travel preparations.
Meals included: Breakfast
Driving time: 45 minutes
Trip Infos
- Language English/German/Italian
- Guiding method Self-Drive / Partially Guided
- Best season November to March
- Meals Plan Half board
- Duration 4 days - 3 nights
- Group size Private
Trip Includes & Excludes
- 3 nights at Meliã Durrës Albania (double room). A supplement applies for a single room.
- Meal included: lunch on Day 2, and all the dinners. Day 2 lunch includes wine tasting (or a non-alcoholic drink). The farewell dinner includes a glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink.
- Access to the pool and spa
- Guided tours of Berat, Tirana, and Kruja
- Wine tasting in Berat
- Standard Car Rental for four days 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
- A mobile phone with an Albanian SIM card (optional)
- 24/7 support
- Tourist taxes
- International flights
- Meals not specified
- Drinks (except water), unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Fuel/Petrol for the rental car
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Other services not specified in the inclusions
Gallery
Availability
FAQ's Expand all
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour is suitable for all activity levels, featuring itineraries that include easily manageable cultural and historical visits. The walks are short and at a relaxed pace, making it perfect for those who wish to explore without excessive effort, balancing moments of discovery with the comfort of breaks and relaxation in luxurious accommodations. For those who prefer, there are sports activities available at the resort, such as tennis, football, and basketball, as well as yoga and meditation sessions to rejuvenate both body and mind.
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WHEN TO TAKE THIS TOUR
This tour is available exclusively between November 2024 and March 2025. Winter in Albania is generally milder compared to other European regions, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The days can be sunny, providing a pleasant climate for exploring the country's beauty. However, it is important to consider that on some days, especially in January, temperatures may drop, and there could be rain, so it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing.
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WHERE WE STAY
The Meliã Durrës, part of the prestigious global group Meliá Hotels & Resorts, is a luxurious resort overlooking the beautiful Adriatic coast, ideal for a getaway focused on relaxation and wellness. Guests can enjoy elegant and spacious rooms equipped with all modern comforts. The resort features a fantastic indoor pool and a high-quality wellness center, where you can indulge in rejuvenating massages and spa treatments, perfect for recharging after a day of exploration. During your stay, guests can enjoy live concerts and musical evenings that enhance the resort's atmosphere. For those who wish to stay active, there are numerous opportunities for sports, yoga, and meditation, ensuring a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• This is a private drive-yourself tour, meaning you will not be mixed with other travelers. • This is a partially guided tour, meaning you will not have a guide accompanying you for the entire trip. However, local guides, our partners will lead and assist you in exploring the main historical cities and attractions. • 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 Selection: The type of car you select for the tour must match the driver's experience and comfort level. • Our cars come with Rental Car Insurance: 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, offering 100% coverage in the event of an accident, excluding abusive damage or loss of keys. • 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. • 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. • 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, Kruja, 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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The perfect winter escape!
We had this incredible long weekend tour in Albania. Left the grey skies of the Netherlands for the sunny days of Albania. The stay at Melia Durres was incredibly relaxing with swimming and spa treatments. Exploring Berat, Tirana, and Kruja offered a great mix of history, culture, and sights. The wine tasting and food were amazing. Local guides, especially Erijon in Berat, really helped us dive deeper into the culture. Everything organized well, from the car rental to the smaller details. Thank you Up Albania team!
Abbiamo trovato questo pacchetto online e abbiamo deciso di provarlo! Alla fine, è stata un’esperienza rilassante e bellissima. Il resort è fantastico, situato vicino al mare e immerso nel verde. Un consigli, per i pasti è meglio esplorare Tirana, Durres e i dintorni per assaporare la cucina locale.
Una settimana in Albania, soggiornando in questo bellissimo resort Melia a Lalzi. Il relax e la spa ottimi, con poca gente, quindi abbiamo davvero potuto godere del posto. Ci siamo avventurati nell’esplorazione di Tirana e dei suoi dintorni, scoprendo la storia, la cultura e la cucina locale. Un’esperienza unica e rigenerante!
Tutto bello e ben organizzato. Il resort, i viaggi guidati a Berat, Kruja e Tirana: tutto perfetto! Consigliato per una fuga invernale!