Up Albania

Welcome to Albania!
This is the day of arrivals. Upon reaching Tirana International Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. Once the group is gathered, the tour guide will greet you and provide an introduction to the tour and our commitment to sustainable tourism. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Albanian restaurant, where you can meet your fellow travelers.

Meals included: Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 40 min

After breakfast, we embark on a drive from Tirana to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman houses, known as “the city of a thousand windows.” Strolling through Berat feels like walking through a living museum, with cobbled streets and traditional architecture. We visit the impressive Castle of Berat, where you can explore its churches and mosques while enjoying panoramic views of the old town and the Osum River valley. Next, we head to Zvernec Island in the Narta Lagoon, accessible by a long bridge. Here, you can visit the charming Zvernec Monastery and capture beautiful photos of the scenic surroundings. Finally, we arrive in Vlora, a vibrant beach city and gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Lungomare promenade, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.

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

Begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a boat trip from the port of Vlora to Sazan Karaburun National Park. We first disembark on Sazan Island, where our guide shares its rich history during a tour of the old town. Afterward, we have free time to relax on the island’s pristine beach, with drinks provided to cool off. We then board again for a 15-minute journey to Haxhi Ali Cave, where we snorkel and explore the cave. Continuing to the Karaburun Peninsula, we stop at a well-equipped beach with a small tavern for lunch, followed by a guided walk to a hidden virgin beach. After enjoying the crystal-clear waters and stunning views, we return to the Vlora Touristic Port. The evening is free to explore Vlora’s nightlife or relax at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Vlora
Sailing time: 2 hour

After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a relaxing day by the beach, surrounded by amazing turquoise waters, as we drive along the stunning coastal road to Dhermi, one of the most renowned beaches in Albania, known for its crystal-clear and turquoise waters. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure on the beach. Optional activities include a hike to Gjipe Beach (with the option for kayaking or a boat trip to Gjipe) or a visit to St. Mary’s Church, located on the hill of the old Dhermi village. We end our day with dinner at a beachfront restaurant and stay overnight in Dhermi.

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Dhermi
Drive time: 1 hour

Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the South, passing through charming small villages along the coast. Our first stop of the day is Porto Palermo Bay, where we visit Ali Pasha Castle, a fortress offering stunning views over the bay and a fascinating history. We explore the unique triangular castle and learn about Ali Pasha Tepelena, a significant Albanian ruler from the 18th to 19th centuries. Enjoy some free time on the beach, with the option to swim or have lunch at one of the local tavernas. Next, we continue our journey to Saranda, a bustling coastal city. Along the route, we will stop for an extra virgin olive oil tasting at a local factory, where oil is extracted from centuries-old olive trees. We spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the city, with recommended activities including a visit to Lekuresi Castle for panoramic views, a stroll along the promenade, or dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Saranda
Drive time: 2 hours

Today is a free day in Saranda, where you have several options to choose from based on your preferences and pace. You can relax on one of the beautiful beaches in Saranda or its surroundings, or explore the nearby Blue Eye Spring. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the stunning archaeological site of Butrint and the picturesque beaches of Ksamil, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty and rich history of the area. For those seeking adventure, there’s also the option for a 1-day visit to Corfu, Greece, with a 1-hour ferry transfer, where you can tour the Old City and its attractions or choose a guided tour with local operators. Enjoy a free evening and dinner in Saranda.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Saranda
Drive time: N/A

On the seventh day, we explore Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed city renowned for its captivating stone architecture and cultural treasures. Our journey begins with a guided tour of the Castle of Gjirokastra, the Balkans’ second-largest fortress, which has been transformed into a museum and offers panoramic views from the 12th to 13th century. Next, we visit the restored Ottoman-era Skenduli House in Gjirokastra’s old town, gaining insights into the traditions of its former inhabitants. Enjoying free time in the Old Bazaar, you can choose to have lunch at one of the traditional restaurants. After lunch, we depart for Tirana. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the end of a wonderful tour.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 4.5 hours

Before leaving, take advantage of a free morning. Take a guided city walk across Tirana and discover its rich history and culture, stopping at famous locations like Bunk’Art, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. Take the spirit of Albania with you, vowing to come back for more laughs, adventures, and treasured memories.

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