Up Albania

Our journey begins with your arrival in the vibrant capital city, Tirana. After the accommodation in the hotel, we gather in the hall for a tour introduction meeting, a chance to meet your guide and fellow travelers. Our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism sets the tone for the entire adventure. We’ll be immersed in the Tirana’s rich history and culture during a guided city walk, exploring iconic sites as Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Bunk’Art. The day concludes with the Welcome Dinner-a perfect occasion to enjoy local cuisine and get to know your fellow travelers.

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

We begin the day with a morning stroll in Tirana, discovering cafes and experiencing the local vibes. Then, we drive to Shkodra, exploring on the route the Mrizi i Zanave agritourism, in Fishte village, a model of sustainable tourism and Albanian slow food, reviving villages through collaborative farming. After lunch, our journey continues to Shkodra, with the visit to the Marubi National Museum of Photography, a one-of-a-kind Albanian photographic collection. Next we visit the Mesi Bridge, a structure from 18th century celebrated for its unique architecture, providing a captivating panoramic view. Our day continues with the visit to the renowned Venice Art Masks Factory, where traditions meets craftsmanship. This hub of creativity shines with masks known worldwide, adorning events from Venice to Hollywood, including a spotlight in Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut”. The evening is yours to enjoy-choose a traditional restaurant for dinner or take a leisure stroll, soaking up the cool vibes of the nights in Shkodra.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Shkodra
Drive time: 2.5 hours

We leave Shkodra heading to Kruja to visit the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbeu. Known for uniting Albanians and defending the land against Ottoman forces for 25 years, Skanderbeg is also revered by the Pope Calixtus III as “Athleta Christi” (Champion of Christ) for his role in protecting Christian Europe. After the museum, we’ll explore the Old Bazaar, discovering local crafts, including the “qeleshe”, a wool skull cap traditionally worn by Albanian men. Having concluded our exploration in Kruja, our wheels are rolling towards Berat, a UNESCO gem famous for its unique architecture.

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

Unlock the secrets of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as you explore Berat Castle, ancient walls, and the iconic St. Mary Church. Dive into art at the Onufri Museum, showcasing religious icons, manuscripts, and craftsmanship spanning centuries. The day continues with a visit to Alpeta, in Roshnik village, a countryside winery that harmonizes with the landscape and culture. Wine tasting is on the menu, along with a delightful farm-to-table lunch. Your adventure takes you to the captivating archaeological site of Apollonia, offering glimpses of Albania’s rich history through its ancient ruins. Explore Apollonia’s rich history as trade center blending Illyrian, Greek and Roman cultures. Under Roman rule, it thrived, gaining praise from Cicero as “magna urbs ed gravis”. Declared a “free city”, Apollonia educated Julius Caesar’s nephew and future Emperor Augustus, along with General Agrippa. A drive transfer will take us to Llogara National Park for the overnight stay

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Llogara
Drive time: 3 hours

Begin the day with a nature exploration and walk. Allow the calming rustle leaves and the crisp morning air to envelop you. Post-breakfast, our Riviera adventure begins with a scenic drive to Llogara Pass, where mountains meet the Ionian Sea. The coastal landscape is a canvas of nature’s finest work. Our next stop will be the dramatic Ali Pasha Castle, perched on a scenic peninsula. Explore the unique triangular castle and learn about Ali Pasha Tepelena, an influential 18th-19th-century Albanian. Free an relaxing time on the beach, with the option to bathe and swim at your preference. Next, we’ll go to Upper Qeparo village, providing some of Albania’s most stunning vistas. Wandering through this village feels like stepping into a storybook, with every step echoing the authenticity or rural life. Lunch awaits at a local village restaurant. The day concludes with a free evening in Saranda, by the sea, walking along the promenade, and savoring fresh seafood.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Saranda
Drive time: 2.5 hours

The day starts with the journey to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Butrint (Buthrotum) was an ancient city which was inhabited as early as prehistoric times. This city was an important site with ancient artefacts found dating back to the iron and Middle Ages. Originally a settlement of the Illyrian tribe of the Chaonians, it later became part of the state of Epirus and later a Roman colony and a bishopric. Butrint’s exploration extends beyond the archaeological site, as we will further discover the ‘Queen’ of Butrint Lake—the mussel—through our Mussel Tours, a boat trip on the Lake of Butrint. Led by local guides, learn about mussel cultivation and gain hands-on experience. The tour concludes with a tasting lunch featuring mussels as the main ingredient. Afterward, sail to Kalivoi to prepare two mussel dishes, accompanied by fresh vegetables, homemade bread, and white wine. Our journey continues towards another UNESCO site, Gjirokaster. Before reaching our destination, we’ll pause for exploration at the Blue Eye—a stunning natural spring surrounded by lush greenery.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Gjirokastra
Drive time: 2.5 hours

On the seventh day, we will explore Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed city steeped in captivating stone architecture and cultural treasures, famously known as the “City of Stone” and the birthplace of renowned Albanian writer Ismail Kadare. His novels often depict the mystique and atmosphere of this city, capturing its essence and history in a way that has resonated globally. We begin with a guided tour of the Castle of Gjirokastra, the Balkans’ second-largest fortress, offering panoramic views from the 12th to 13th century to its transformation into a museum. Next, visit the restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House in Gjirokaster’s old town, offering insights into the traditions of its former inhabitants. You’ll have free time to wander through the Old Bazaar, an area that inspired many of Kadare’s vivid descriptions, followed by a traditional lunch. Continue the day with a visit to the village of Labova e Kryqit, focusing on the 6th-century Saint Mary church, showcasing 9th–11th century Byzantine frescoes and architecture. Historically significant, the church held a piece of the True Cross until 1967, when Albania’s atheistic policies interrupted religious practices. The day in Gjirokastra concludes with free time and relaxing moments in the Old Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Gjirokastra
Drive time: 1 hour

We will leave the Old Bazaar in Gjirokastra, to step into Dhoksat village for authentic Albanian experience. Visit a local family, engage in a cooking experience, and enjoy lunch. Before the lunch preparation, we will have a short tour in Dhoksat guided by our friendly local partner, to learn about the history of this interesting village. The journey from Gjirokastra to Tirana offers scenic views, concluding with a farewell dinner where we all can share our memories, photographs and many laughs.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 4 hours

Your adventure concludes with a sweet bonus—a morning of free time. Depending on your flight connection, you might have the chance for an extra scoop of Albanian vibes. As you prepare to board your flight home, carry the spirit of Albania with you, promising to return for more adventures, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for joining us on this incredible Albanian adventure! We hope you’ve had a fantastic time exploring the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of this unique country. Until we meet again in Albania!

Meals included: Breakfast,
Drive time: 40 min.